Balmoral - Entertainment

With its large windows, spectacular glass roof and beautiful décor and furnishings, the Marquee Bar provides guests with the perfect place to relax or meet up with new found friends. With a selection of beers, wines and expertly-created cocktails available, it's the perfect venue for a pre or post-dinner drink, or for joining your fellow guests after enjoying a day ashore.

The Observatory has spectacular panoramic views and is a wonderful lounge to enjoy a drink in as you take a seat in one of the comfortable chairs by the lounge's large windows - ideal for our scenic cruising of points of interest, tiny islands and iconic sights that you'll observe from this perfect viewpoint. As we head into the evening, the Observatory comes to life with music and singing from our resident live bands, and you'll have the choice of a selection of champagnes, sparkling cocktails or mocktails to add an extra touch of glamour to your on board experience.

Our spacious and sociable Lido Lounge & Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing drink and chat with our friendly staff and your fellow guests. Popular both before and after dinner, the bar has large panoramic windows overlooking the aft pool, allowing natural light to flow through; while the lounge is perfect for enjoying music from our resident musicians.

Named after one of the largest sailing ships owned by the Olsen family in 1892 and decorated to resemble a British pub, the Morning Light Pub has a welcoming atmosphere and traditional style. Open throughout the day and the evening, it’s the ideal place to relax and socialise with friends both old and new. Featuring a well-stocked bar with a collection of beer and cider, including both British and international classics, and a selection from independent breweries close to our office in Ipswich, sip a drink and listen to our resident singers and guitarists, or take part in the popular (and competitive!) Fred. Olsen quiz.

The Serenity Tea Room has been designed with quiet beauty and gentle elegance in mind. The colours are pale and powder-soft, and the furnishings are inspired by Chinese silks and rare orchids. During the day, we serve a refreshing menu of unusual loose-leaf teas and herbal infusions from the East, or a rare tea-tasting experience where you can learn about each tea’s story and origin. Join us for a relaxing tea-inspired cocktail, such as the refreshing Lemongrass Mojito or Lime & Mint Mar-tea-ni, or a selection of cold beers including specialities from Japan, Singapore and Thailand. We also offer a non-alcoholic cocktail or two, based on Sri Lankan and Chinese teas.

Join us in the Neptune Lounge as we put on memorable shows for you, along with guest comedians, singers and magicians who’ll delight and entertain you; and come along to our popular Captain’s Welcome and Farewell parties. During the day, the Neptune Lounge is used for our guest speakers who will share their knowledge with you, delivering fascinating talks and activities, designed to give you a deeper understanding of the destinations you’ll be visiting. It's also the perfect place to attend our 'Audience with...'sessions, where you can learn about how much work goes into our shows or hear about life as a ship's Captain or officer.

Designed in shades of lush greens and vibrant yellows, the Botanical Room aboard Balmoral offers a warm and inviting space for guests to unwind. Here, you can delve into a collection of magazines and books celebrating gardening, flowers, plant care, and the incredible diversity of flora around the world, in peaceful surroundings adorned with plush seating.

Our serene Earth Room is designed for those inspired by and curious about our remarkable planet. Featuring a unique collection of books individually picked by Fred. Olsen, covering topics like evolution, climate change, recycling, carbon footprints, and fossil fuels, along with tips on how we can all live more sustainably. There are also videos to view and digital literature to read, all of which are intended to be thought-provoking and conversation starters, making the Earth Room ideal for small groups to discuss relevant issues or simply learn more about our extraordinary world.

Featuring plenty of card tables and comfortable chairs, the Card Room on board Balmoral provides guests with a quiet, relaxing space to enjoy a competitive hand or two, or simply a bit of fun. Bridge is always a popular pursuit on board, so you're sure to find players up for a challenge. On some cruises, Bridge tuition is on offer to help you develop your skills.

The shops on board Balmoral offer everything you may want or need during your time on board, whether you're treating yourself or a loved one to a holiday gift or simply needing some essentials. Visit the Boutique Shop for perfumes, colognes and much more at Duty Free prices, or select from our superb range of Fred. Olsen branded merchandise, including casual tshirts, jackets and gilets, tote bags and rucksacks, travel mugs for taking your coffee from the Bookmark Café ashore, or lanyards for your all-important cabin card, all at our dedicated Sea Cove shop. If you need essentials, you'll find everything from sun cream, shampoo and toothpaste to books and snacks too, and you could also bring home something special from the Jewellery Shop.