From the moment Balmoral slips out of Rosyth, the stage is set for 7 unforgettable nights with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in Northern Europe and Norwegian Fjords. Your journey takes in 3 ports of call, including Ålesund, Olden, and Skjolden, with 2 days at sea to enjoy the ship's world-class facilities. The pacing of this itinerary is spot on: enough ports to feel adventurous, enough sea days to truly unwind. Prices for this cruise start from £2,349 per person.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
With more than 175 years of know-how behind it, this heritage brand has the expertise to deliver quality cruising with strong, customer-friendly value. It's known for its ideally sized ships and caters to a broad range of guests, including couples, solo travellers and families. It also offers a wide selection of carefully curated itineraries, from no-fly mini cruises from the UK to mystery cruises in the Mediterranean.
Perched on Norway's rugged coastline, Ålesund beckons with its captivating blend of history and natural beauty. This charming town rose from the ashes of a devastating fire in 1904, resulting in its unique Art Nouveau architecture, a testament to rebirth and resilience. Blessed with a temperate maritime climate, Ålesund offers a refreshing escape from the sweltering heat, inviting cruisegoers to explore its picturesque streets and waterfront promenades. For those seeking an authentic experience, Ålesund's proximity to the majestic Sunnmøre Alps provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, from scenic hikes to exhilarating fjord cruises. Don't miss the chance to savor locally caught seafood delicacies, a true taste of Norwegian coastal cuisine.
Day 4
Åndalsnes
Day 5
Olden
In the heart of Norway's majestic fjord country lies Olden, where nature's grandeur meets the echoes of a storied past. Surrounded by towering peaks and cascading waterfalls, this idyllic village offers a glimpse into Norway's rugged soul. The climate, with its crisp mountain air and crystal-clear waters, beckons adventurers seeking solace in untamed landscapes. Away from bustling cityscapes, Olden provides a serene retreat, where authenticity thrives amid unspoiled beauty. As cruise ships dock against a backdrop of emerald hills, visitors are greeted by the sight of the Briksdal Glacier, a breathtaking marvel of nature slowly carving its path through time.
Perched on Norway's rugged coastline, Ålesund beckons with its captivating blend of history and natural beauty. This charming town rose from the ashes of a devastating fire in 1904, resulting in its unique Art Nouveau architecture, a testament to rebirth and resilience. Blessed with a temperate maritime climate, Ålesund offers a refreshing escape from the sweltering heat, inviting cruisegoers to explore its picturesque streets and waterfront promenades. For those seeking an authentic experience, Ålesund's proximity to the majestic Sunnmøre Alps provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, from scenic hikes to exhilarating fjord cruises. Don't miss the chance to savor locally caught seafood delicacies, a true taste of Norwegian coastal cuisine.
In the heart of Norway's majestic fjord country lies Olden, where nature's grandeur meets the echoes of a storied past. Surrounded by towering peaks and cascading waterfalls, this idyllic village offers a glimpse into Norway's rugged soul. The climate, with its crisp mountain air and crystal-clear waters, beckons adventurers seeking solace in untamed landscapes. Away from bustling cityscapes, Olden provides a serene retreat, where authenticity thrives amid unspoiled beauty. As cruise ships dock against a backdrop of emerald hills, visitors are greeted by the sight of the Briksdal Glacier, a breathtaking marvel of nature slowly carving its path through time.
Our smallest ship, Balmoral, is a classic gem, offering an intimate cruising experience. She has wonderful facilities - five beautiful restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools and lovely wide open decks which are perfect for when Balmoral is scenic cruising.
I recently went on a 5 day cruise, with Fred Olsen on the Borealis. We went to Rotterdam and Amsterdam. The whole experience was great. Loved the sea days. Especially the 10am craft classes. The lady leading the class really knew her stuff. I did my own thing in Rotterdam and a Fred Olsen excursion in Amsterdam. Again very well organised and a knowledgeable guide.
Fabulous, only slightly spoiled by a faulty mooring line capstan winch that had inadequate maintenance resulting in horrid noises late at night when the sea conditions got rough, also the Portuguese dock workers strikes at the time that meant we had a day at Queta instead, which was a fabulous alternative.
The cruise was a little pricey compared to our usual Ambassador Cruise Line, and missed out on offers from FOCL of £200 per cabin free OBC by just a week when they started extra promotions to sell remaining cabins.
Our next cruise will be back with ACL as they are better in Customer considerations of the need for my wife to take a small mobility scooter on board, to enable getting about easier at the ports of call.
Most aspects of the FOCL cruise were absolutely superb, however both ACL and FOCL could improve significantly if they really looked at each others operations with little or no extra input.
Lucky we were on this ship, the weather wasn’t brilliant on this cruise to the Canaries but we were well looked after, food good (especially Colours & Tastes Asian Fusion), good shows. Fireworks in Lisbon worked better than the previous year on a different ship.
As with all cruise lines the staff were mainly very friendly. Food ok though often lukewarm. All inclusive drinks very limited although that will have changed with FO's new policy. Cabin was frankly shabby but functional. Be prepared for a very senior demographic.
I Visited the fjords with my children, 7, 16, 18 and 22, we saw some some breathtaking views, shared lots of laughter, and memories to cherish forever.
The landscape's scale and beauty was captivating .
We cannot wait for our next adventure! which is in 2 days time on Fred Olsen's Balmoral 5night Christmas Markets cruise
