1250
Passengers
537
Crew
1987
Launched
2024
Last refit
43537t
Tonnage
218m
Length
32m
Width
18kts
Speed
10
Decks
GBP
Currency
About Balmoral
Balmoral is a medium-sized ocean classic ship operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, which launched in 1987 and was last refitted in 2024. It has capacity for 1,250 guests across 710 cabins with 537 crew members on hand to help.
Ships of this size combine a good range of facilities with a comfortable, less busy onboard environment. Balmoral welcomes children on board.
Compare & book Balmoral(78)
Destinations
Rivers
Countries
Free flight & transfers included
Balmoralfrom
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Eight-night full-board cruise, Cruise118.com Exclusive includes £80 FREE to spend on board per cabin
Balmoralfrom
Southampton
Balmoralfrom
Southampton
Balmoralfrom
Southampton
Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights
Balmoralfrom
Newcastle upon Tyne
Balmoralfrom
Southampton
Balmoralfrom
Limassol
Scottish Bank Holiday sailing from Rosyth.
Restaurants, Bars & Cafés
On board, you can eat at six restaurants and eating venues, with four complimentary venues and two available for a supplement. You can also grab a drink at eight bars and lounges.
Explore Restaurants, Bars & Cafés
Entertainment
There's always something happening aboard Balmoral, from a card room to boutique shopping and plenty more besides.
Explore Entertainment
Shore excursions and activities
Balmoral offers seven enrichment activities and programmes at sea.
Explore Shore excursions and activities
Accommodation
With 21 accommodation categories to choose from, Balmoral provides no shortage of choice. That includes inside and outside options, so you can prioritise the amenities and facilities that matter most to you.
Explore Accommodation
Ship Interior & Deck Plans
Balmoral spans ten decks. Explore the ship's deck plans to see every level.
Explore Ship Interior & Deck Plans
Reviews
![Fred at its best]()
Lovely cruise, staff amazing, food superb ship clean and tidy, staff always smiling .
Can’t wait for our next cruise
Reviews
![Cruise of a lifetime!]()
Absolutely wonderful cruise. Have always wanted to visit the Azores. Cruise ship and destination lived up to my expectations.
Reviews
![Excellent round Britain cruise]()
Excellent cruise, excellent ship (Balmoral). Had on-board spend! Good trips and weather was kind to us, especially around the north of Scotland. 10 days - great time. Great staff all round.
Reviews
![Ten out of ten]()
Reviews
![Very good]()
It was A very good experience. I enjoyed it very much.. dispite being a bit sick. Had lots of fun. Met loads of nice people. Sad when it ended
Reviews
![Most Relaxing holiday we've ever had]()
As first time cruisers this was perfect our 16 yr old has Adhd/Autism so the smaller ships perfect as mostly an older crowd she doesn't cope will with loud screaming so this was better suited for us felt nothing for younger ones on board that's my only negative thing she usually just chilled in cabin after show. But we had a fantastic time and looking to book another cruise in 2027.
Reviews
![River cruising at its best]()
River cruising: holidaying the slow way, the best way.
Reviews
![River cruising at its best.]()
Cruising the Garonne and the Seine was a fantastic experience.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Balmoral sail?
Balmoral departs from Newcastle, Southampton, Rosyth, Valencia, Rhodes, Cartagena, and Alicante, sailing to Arctic, North America, South America, Caribbean, Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
How much does it cost to cruise on Balmoral and when should I book?
A 7-night cruise on Balmoral costs from £701 per person in June, rising to £1,612 per person in the peak month of October.
What do passengers think of Balmoral?
Balmoral has an overall rating of 4.4/5 from 66 reviews.
What cruise line operates Balmoral and when was it built?
Balmoral is operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. She was launched in 1987 and refurbished in 2024.
How big is Balmoral?
Balmoral has a gross tonnage of 43,537 GT, measures 218m long by 32m wide, cruises at 18 knots, and has 10 passenger decks.
How many passengers and cabins does Balmoral have?
Balmoral accommodates up to 1,250 passengers with a crew of 537 across 710 cabins including 3 wheelchair-accessible staterooms.
What facilities and entertainment are on Balmoral?
Balmoral features 7+ dining venues, shows and entertainment, and spa and fitness centre. This is an adults-only ship (no passengers under 18).
What type of cruising is Balmoral best for?
Balmoral is ideal for cruises from the UK, ocean cruises, and mini cruises. The onboard currency is GBP.
What is the average price of a cruise on Balmoral?
The average price of a cruise on Balmoral is £1,428 per person.
Is smoking allowed on Balmoral?
Smoking is permitted on board Balmoral in designated areas only.
Does Balmoral have a swimming pool?
Balmoral has 2 swimming pools on board.
What electrical sockets does Balmoral have?
There are EU 2 Pin 220v sockets on board. Adapters are not provided.
Articles about Balmoral
News On Offers & Deals
Revealed: all the Cruise Week 2025 special offers
Sep 15, 2025
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7 min read
Advice
Want to see the Northern Lights? Try a Fred. Olsen cruise
Jul 8, 2025
•
4 min read
News
Fred Olsen’s Balmoral sets sail following multi-million-pound dry dock project
Dec 24, 2024
•
2 min read
Advice
Life aboard a Fred. Olsen cruise adventure
Oct 26, 2024
•
3 min read
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