Fred Olsen Balmoral

Former name: Crown Odyssey

Fred Olsen Balmoral current position

Fred Olsen Balmoral current location is at North Sea (coordinates 54.99353 N / -1.44823 W) cruising en route to Newcastle upon Tyne. The AIS position was reported 4 minutes ago.

All Itineraries Current Position

Current itinerary of Fred Olsen Balmoral

Fred Olsen Balmoral current cruise is 9 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights in Nine, themed as "Northern Lights". Prices start from USD 1615 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 19 Mar, 2024 and ends on 28 Mar, 2024.

Date / TimePort
19 Mar    Departing from Newcastle upon Tyne, England hotels
22 Mar    Bodo, Norway
23 Mar    Narvik, Norway
24 Mar    Tromso, Norway
26 Mar    Alesund, Norway
28 Mar    Arriving in Newcastle upon Tyne, England hotels

Specifications of Fred Olsen Balmoral

Year of build1988  /  Age: 36
Flag state Bahamas
BuilderMeyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany)
Building costUSD 180 million
Engines (power)MAK-Caterpillar (21.3 MW / 28564 hp)
Speed23 kn / 43 km/h / 26 mph
Length (LOA)218 m / 715 ft
Beam (width)32 m / 105 ft
Gross Tonnage43537 gt
Passengers1350 - 1420
Crew510
Passengers-to-space ratio29
Decks11
Cabins710
Decks with cabins7
Last Refurbishment2019
Former namesCrown Odyssey
OwnerBalmoral Cruise Ltd
OperatorFred Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd

Fred Olsen Balmoral Itineraries

DateItineraryDeparture PortPrice from
2024 Mar 01 9 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights Newcastle upon Tyne $2237
2024 Mar 10 9 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights Newcastle upon Tyne $1989
2024 Mar 19 9 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights in Nine Newcastle upon Tyne $1615
2024 Mar 28 5 days, round-trip Scandinavian Easter City Break Newcastle upon Tyne $1118
2024 Apr 02 15 days, round-trip Springtime Canary Islands and Portugal Newcastle upon Tyne $2611
2024 Apr 17 9 days, round-trip Natural Wonders of Iceland Newcastle upon Tyne $1367
2024 Apr 26 7 days, round-trip Mighty Waterfalls Norwegian Fjords Newcastle upon Tyne $1864
2024 May 03 5 days, round-trip Springtime Norwegian Fjords in Five Newcastle upon Tyne $1118
2024 May 08 15 days, round-trip River Cities of France Portugal Newcastle upon Tyne $2237
2024 May 23 5 days, round-trip Springtime Norwegian Fjords in Five Newcastle upon Tyne $1118
2024 May 28 8 days, round-trip The Life Nature of Scotlands Scenic Isles Newcastle upon Tyne $1491
2024 Jun 05 7 days, round-trip Spring Falls, Glaciers Norwegian Fjords Newcastle upon Tyne $1615
2024 Jun 12 14 days, round-trip Rugged Remote Spitsbergen with the Midnight Sun Newcastle upon Tyne $2486
2024 Jun 26 1 day, one-way from Newcastle upon Tyne to Leith-Edinburgh Newcastle upon Tyne $222
2024 Jun 27 7 days, round-trip Summertime Norwegian Fjords, Landscapes Vikings Leith-Edinburgh $1864
2024 Jul 04 8 days, round-trip Wildlife Traditions of the Scottish Isles Leith-Edinburgh $1864
2024 Jul 12 10 days, round-trip Discovering the Cities of the Baltic Leith-Edinburgh $2486
2024 Jul 22 11 days, round-trip The Life Landscapes of Iceland Leith-Edinburgh $2113
2024 Aug 02 5 days, round-trip Summertime Norwegian Fjords in Five Leith-Edinburgh $1242
2024 Aug 07 15 days, round-trip Portugals Islands in Search of the Meteor Shower Leith-Edinburgh $2486
2024 Aug 22 1 day, one-way from Leith-Edinburgh to Newcastle upon Tyne Leith-Edinburgh $222
2024 Aug 23 6 days, round-trip Summertime Norwegian Fjords Folklore Newcastle upon Tyne $1242
2024 Aug 29 9 days, round-trip Icelands Whales, Waterfalls Way of Life Newcastle upon Tyne $1615
2024 Sep 07 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords Autumn Fruit Harvest Newcastle upon Tyne $1367
2024 Sep 14 19 days, round-trip Exploring the Islands of the Mediterranean Newcastle upon Tyne $3357
2024 Oct 03 7 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords Autumn Fruit Harvest Newcastle upon Tyne $1180
2024 Oct 10 10 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights Newcastle upon Tyne $1740
2024 Oct 20 10 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights Newcastle upon Tyne $1740
2024 Oct 30 10 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights Newcastle upon Tyne $1740
2024 Nov 09 10 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights Newcastle upon Tyne $1615
2024 Nov 19 10 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights Newcastle upon Tyne $1740
2024 Dec 16 6 days, round-trip European River Cities Christmas Markets Southampton $993
2024 Dec 22 14 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights at Christmas Southampton $3108
2025 Jan 05 13 days, round-trip Discovering Spain and North Africa Southampton $1989
2025 Jan 18 15 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights Southampton $2611
2025 Feb 02 13 days, round-trip Winter warmth in the Canary Islands Southampton $2113
2025 Feb 15 45 days, round-trip Tropical Islands Verdant Rainforests Of The Caribbean Central America Southampton $6218
2025 Apr 01 9 days, round-trip Springtime Norwegian Fjords Southampton $1491
2025 Apr 10 14 days, round-trip Easter Escape to Portugals Unspoilt Islands Southampton $2486
2025 Apr 24 7 days, round-trip European River Cities with Dutch Tulips Southampton $1242
2025 May 01 5 days, round-trip The South Coast of Britain in Five Southampton $993
2025 May 06 10 days, round-trip France Spain with the River Seine Southampton $1864
2025 May 16 7 days, round-trip Wildlife Culture of the Scenic Scottish Isles Southampton $1242
2025 May 23 5 days, round-trip France the River Seine Bank Holiday Southampton $993
2025 May 28 8 days, round-trip Scenic Waterways Cities of Scandinavia Southampton $1491
2025 Jun 07 10 days, round-trip Scenic Scottish Isles the West Country Leith-Edinburgh $2051
2025 Jun 17 10 days, round-trip Norways Arctic Islands Mountainous Vistas Leith-Edinburgh $1989
2025 Jun 27 13 days, round-trip Fairytale Castles Old Towns of the Baltic Leith-Edinburgh $2611
2025 Jul 10 10 days, round-trip Exploring the Land of Fire Ice Leith-Edinburgh $2051
2025 Jul 20 13 days, round-trip French Rivers with Normandy Bordeaux Leith-Edinburgh $2362
2025 Aug 02 5 days, round-trip Scenic Norwegian Fjords in Five Leith-Edinburgh $1118
2025 Aug 07 7 days, round-trip Mountains Fjords of Norway Leith-Edinburgh $1491
2025 Aug 14 1 day, one-way from Leith-Edinburgh to Newcastle upon Tyne Leith-Edinburgh $247
2025 Aug 15 8 days, round-trip Scenic Isles Lochs of Scotland Newcastle upon Tyne $1678
2025 Aug 23 5 days, round-trip Scenic Norwegian Fjords in Five Newcastle upon Tyne $1118
2025 Aug 28 11 days, round-trip French Rivers with Normandy Bordeaux Newcastle upon Tyne $2113
2025 Sep 08 7 days, round-trip Mountainous Landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords Newcastle upon Tyne $1491
2025 Sep 15 59 days, one-way from Newcastle upon Tyne to Southampton Newcastle upon Tyne $8830
2025 Sep 17 57 days, round-trip Mediterranean Grand Voyage Southampton $8706
2025 Sep 17 50 days, one-way from Southampton to Malaga Southampton $8706
2025 Sep 17 38 days, one-way from Southampton to Rhodes Island Southampton $6902
2025 Sep 17 30 days, one-way from Southampton to Dubrovnik Southampton $5472
2025 Sep 17 20 days, one-way from Southampton to Civitavecchia-Rome Southampton $3668
2025 Sep 17 10 days, one-way from Southampton to Valencia Southampton $1989
2025 Sep 27 47 days, one-way from Valencia to Southampton Valencia $8519
2025 Sep 27 40 days, one-way from Valencia to Malaga Valencia $7338
2025 Sep 27 28 days, one-way from Valencia to Rhodes Island Valencia $5410
2025 Sep 27 20 days, one-way from Valencia to Dubrovnik Valencia $3979
2025 Sep 27 9 days, one-way from Valencia to Civitavecchia-Rome Valencia $2237
2025 Oct 07 37 days, one-way from Civitavecchia-Rome to Southampton Civitavecchia-Rome $6467
2025 Oct 07 30 days, one-way from Civitavecchia-Rome to Malaga Civitavecchia-Rome $5534
2025 Oct 07 18 days, one-way from Civitavecchia-Rome to Rhodes Island Civitavecchia-Rome $3606
2025 Oct 07 10 days, one-way from Civitavecchia-Rome to Dubrovnik Civitavecchia-Rome $2237
2025 Oct 17 27 days, one-way from Dubrovnik to Southampton Dubrovnik $4788
2025 Oct 17 20 days, one-way from Dubrovnik to Malaga Dubrovnik $3855
2025 Oct 17 9 days, one-way from Dubrovnik to Rhodes Island Dubrovnik $1989
2025 Oct 25 19 days, one-way from Rhodes Island to Southampton Rhodes Island $3357
2025 Oct 25 12 days, one-way from Rhodes Island to Malaga Rhodes Island $2486
2025 Nov 06 7 days, round-trip Mountain Landscapes of Spain, Portugal Gibraltar Malaga $1180
2025 Nov 13 14 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights Southampton $2485
2025 Nov 27 5 days, round-trip Hamburg Christmas Markets in Five Southampton $869
2025 Dec 02 14 days, round-trip Sub-Tropical Landscapes of the Canary Islands Southampton $2112
2025 Dec 16 6 days, round-trip River Cities of France Belgium Southampton $993
2025 Dec 22 15 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights at Christmas Southampton $3233
2026 Jan 06 14 days, round-trip Winter Warmth in the Canary Islands Southampton $2113
2026 Jan 20 10 days, round-trip Wintertime Landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords Southampton $1615
2026 Jan 30 15 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights Southampton $2735
2026 Feb 14 5 days, round-trip River Cities of France Belgium Southampton $869
2026 Feb 21 10 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights with Lofoten Newcastle upon Tyne $1989
2026 Mar 03 10 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights Newcastle upon Tyne $1864
2026 Mar 13 10 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights Newcastle upon Tyne $1864
2026 Mar 23 10 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights Newcastle upon Tyne $1864
2026 Apr 02 14 days, round-trip River Cities of France Portugal Newcastle upon Tyne $2486
2026 Apr 16 7 days, round-trip Mountains Fjords of Norway Newcastle upon Tyne $1491
2026 Apr 23 7 days, round-trip Springtime Gardens of Europe Newcastle upon Tyne $1242
2026 Apr 30 5 days, round-trip Scenic Norwegian Fjords in Five Newcastle upon Tyne $1056
2026 May 05 9 days, round-trip Exploring the Land of Fire Ice in Nine Newcastle upon Tyne $1864
2026 May 14 9 days, round-trip Scenic Waterways Cities of Scandinavia Newcastle upon Tyne $1740
2026 May 23 5 days, round-trip Fjords Falls of Norway in Five Newcastle upon Tyne $1118

Fred Olsen Balmoral Review

Review of Fred Olsen Balmoral

The 1988-built (as "Crown Odyssey") cruise ship MS Balmoral is currently the oldest in the Fred Olsen fleet, with fleetmates Bolette and Borealis. The shipbuilding cost was USD 180 million. The vessel was last refurbished in 2019 December.

The vessel (IMO number 8506294) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 308785000) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd is a Norwegian-owned and UK-based cruise shipping company, part of the Fred Olsen Group (Fred Olsen & Co/shipowner, headquartered in Oslo, Norway). The company is headquartered in Ipswich (Suffolk England) and is owned by Bonheur and Ganger Rolf. The company was founded in 1848 (in Hvitsten, Norway) by the three Olsen brothers (Petter, Andras, Fredrik Christian) who bought their first ships and established an international shipping company. Today, Fred Olsen Group is in its 5th family generation and operates subsidiary companies specializing in cruise passenger shipping, trade, shipbuilding, aviation, offshore industries.

MS Balmoral cruise ship (Fred Olsen)

Fred Olsen Group wholly owns the companies Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd, Fred Olsen Travel Ltd (worldwide tours and vacations via independent operators), Fred Olsen Marine Services AS (shipowner and vessel management), First Olsen Ltd (tanker ships), Dolphin Drilling Holdings Ltd (offshore drilling rigs), Fred Olsen Express (Canary Islands-based fast ferries / catamarans), Fred Olsen Freight Ltd (cargo shipping and air freight), Fred Olsen Windcarrier AS (transport and installation of offshore wind turbines), Fred Olsen Production AS (offshore petroleum production), Fred Olsen Renewables AS, SeaRoc Group Ltd (offshore and marine consultancy and contracting services), ZephIR Lidar UK (wind measurement devices), Ganger Rolf ASA (energy and shipping). Also part of Fred Olsen Group, the company Bonheur ASA manages several fully-owned companies, among which are NHST Media Group AS (newspapers and online media) and the real estate companies Stavenes Byggeselskap, Koksa Eiendom, Fred Olsens gate 2. Part of Fred Olsen Group is also Timex Group BV - parent of several watchmaking companies, including the subsidiaries in the USA, India and Philippines).

The 1340-passenger ship Balmoral offers a mix of old and new that is fresh and satisfying. If cruisers seek for a well-run vessel which provides peace and coziness while also featuring a nice range of amusement, friendly service, solid cuisine, interesting routes, and competitive rates, Balmoral is a good choice.

The ship debuted in 1988 as Crown Odyssey, built for Royal Cruise Line. Since then, Balmoral has changed her name to Norwegian Crown (for NCL) and Crown Odyssey (for Orient Lines). MS Balmoral debuted for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines after a major refit and refurbishment in 2007-2008 which added a 30-meter midsection. The inaugural cruise of the ship started on February 13, 2008.

In November-October 2007, MV Balmoral (under Fred Olsen's ownership) was stretched by inserting a 99 ft / 30 m long prefabricated middle section. The refit resulted in an increased gross tonnage (from 34,242 to 43,537) and passenger capacity (from 1230 to 1780). During the ship's stretching (reconstruction was done in Germany, Blohm+Voss Shipyard in Hamburg) were built new cruise cabins (186, including 60 balconies), restaurants, bars, and lounges.

The list of other stretched (elongated) cruise ships includes the fleet mates Balmoral, Boudicca, and Braemar, also the MSC Cruises ships Armonia, Lirica, Opera, the Phoenix Reisen's Albatros and the Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of The Seas.

Decks and Cabins

MS Balmoral staterooms (710 total, in 21 grades) include 68x Suites, 94x Balcony cabins, 340x Outside and 123x Inside cabins. Most staterooms are sized 165-200 ft2 Oceanviews. The wheelchair-accessible cabins are 9. The largest accommodation is the Premier Suite (430 ft2).

The Fred Olsen ship Balmoral has a total of 64 Studios (single-occupancy cabins for solo travellers).

The boat has 11 decks, of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 7 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Dining on Balmoral is resolutely classic. The vessel's one main dining venue and two satellites all offer set-seating, set-tablemates evening scenarios.

MS Balmoral cruise ship (Fred Olsen)

Follows the complete list of Balmoral restaurants and food bars.

  • Ballindalloch Restaurant (main dining room; hosts the formal Gala Dinner; dining times are the same in all 3 dining rooms - with 2 fixed dinner seatings at 6:15 pm and 8:30 pm, open-seating buffet-style Breakfast 8:00 - 10:00 am and Lunch 12:00 - 2:30 pm)
  • Spey Restaurant (ship's 2nd largest dining room, with the same menu as the Ballindalloch's; features floor-ceiling windows and intimate design)
  • Avon Restaurant (ship's 3rd dining room with floor-ceiling windows; offers the same menu as the other two restaurants)
  • Palms Cafe (alternative buffet-style restaurant, open-seating; offers Breakfast 7:00 - 9:30 am, Brunch 10:30 - 11:30 am, Lunch 12:30 - 2:30 pm, Afternoon Tea 3:30 - 4:30 pm, Dinner 6:30 - 9 pm and Supper Club 11:30 pm - 12:30 am; also features a 24-hour open tea-coffee station)
  • Marquee Bar (casual restaurant for lunch; al-fresco dining, with large, floor-ceiling panoramic windows; serves the pool area with alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

MS Balmoral offers a variety of amenities while also presenting a cozy ambiance. There are lots of places to sit, relax, read and nap without feeling pressure to buy drinks or merchandise. Some aspects of the cruise ship, such as the inflexible bed setups (that offer either a double or 2 twins that can not be converted into the reverse), found in older rooms, might feel a bit dated. Balmoral also features a high-tech, in-cabin interactive TV, and Spa and fitness amenities with state-of-the-art equipment and services.

MS Balmoral cruise ship (Fred Olsen)

Follows the complete list of Balmoral lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

  • Arts & Crafts Room; Art Gallery
  • Atrium (2-deck high, with glass and chrome design elements; has a spacious seating area)
  • Port Shop (duty-paid, sells essentials, hats, swimwear, toiletries, beachwear, sweets, books, snacks)
  • Photo Gallery & Shop (offers digital images printing/transferring; personal video making; sells photo and video equipment at duty-free prices)
  • Neptune Lounge (ship's theater lounge/main entertainment venue for grand-style show productions in the evenings at 8:45 pm and 10:45 pm; during the day serves the Fred Olsen enrichment program, with various lectures and seminars, multimedia presentations, dance classes, workshops, bridge lectures, cards playing tournaments)
  • Boutique Shops (duty-free luxury gifts, perfumes, cosmetics, fashion clothing, watches, fine jewelry, Fred Olsen logo merchandise)
  • Card Room; Library; Internet Room
  • Bookmark Cafe (a la carte priced patisserie; offers luxury chocolates, specialty coffees, hand-made chocolates); Cafe Venus
  • Braemar Lounge (relaxation place with large windows)
  • Morning Light Pub (features stand-up comedy acts, live music performances)
  • Deck 7 pool area (swimming pool, 2 whirlpools, sunbathing area)
  • Lido Lounge (hosts daily bingo games and trivia quizzes; evening entertainment includes cabarets, resident music trio, and Big Band Show)
  • Lido Bar (live-music program)
  • Casino corner
  • The Wellness Centre (Atlantis Spa & Fitness; has treatment rooms for massages, Sauna, gym; the Fitness Centre hosts exercise classes Yoga/Pilates/aerobics/meditation/dancing classes)
  • Beauty Salon (part of the Wellness Centre; offers hairdresser/barber services, facial/body treatments, manicure/pedicure, massages)
  • Observatory Lounge (indoor observation lounge with piano, glass dancefloor, panoramic windows for 270-degree views; serves Afternoon Tea and transforms into a disco in the late hours)
  • Sun Deck's pool area (with one heated swimming pool, 2 whirlpools, sunbathing area)
  • Golf Net; Deck Games area (shuffleboard, quoits).

Itineraries

Fred Olsen Balmoral itinerary program is based on World Cruise deals out of the UK and regular round-trip voyages from Southampton to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Scandinavia, Russia, and the Norwegian Fjords.

Due to the Coronavirus crisis, the ship was passed for 2+ years (March 2020 through May 2022), restarting on May 2nd (16-night roundtrip from Newcastle England to the Canaries and Madeira).

In 2023, Fred Olsen with Balmoral offers the "North American Waterways and Canadian Fall" itinerary (UK roundtrip) that includes the company's maiden cruise on Hudson River (USA's New York state). The 34-night / 35-day voyage (booking code L2323 ) starts from Southampton on September 26, 2023. Prices start from GBP 5300 (EUR 5860 / USD 6940) per person, double occupancy cabin rates. Bookings made by September 30, 2020, received up to GBP 300 pp in OBC (onboard credit).

The special itinerary's call ports include St John's Newfoundland (overnight), Sydney NS, Halifax NS (overnight), Saint John NB, Portland ME, Boston MA, Cape Cod Canal, passing by NYC's Statue of Liberty, NYC New York (2-night stay), Hudson River, Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, Baltimore MD (overnight), Transatlantic crossing, Hamilton Bermuda, Ponta Delgada Azores, La Coruna Spain.

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Launched as "Crown Odyssey" in 1988, MS Balmoral was constructed originally for the Royal Cruise Line and operated by NCL Norwegian Cruise Lines and Orient Lines before being bought (2007) by Fred Olsen. After a major drydock refit (during which a 30 m / 99 ft long midship section was added to the vessel's center) in January 2008 mv Balmoral joined Boudicca, Braemar and Black Watch as the fleet's largest ship. The inaugural cruise started on Feb 13, 2008. Currently, Balmoral is the largest ship operated by Fred Olsen.

The vessel (Meyer Neptun yard/hull number 616) is powered by MAK marine diesel engines (model 8M601/AK6M35) with total power output 21,3 MW.

An interesting fact about MS Balmoral is that in 2012 "Miles Morgan Travel" chartered the cruise ship to follow the RMS Titanic original route honoring the 100th anniversary of Titanic's sinking. Balmoral stated her "Titanic Cruise" on April 8 departing Southampton with last stop - the site of the wreck of the famous (infamous) ocean liner.

MS Balmoral attracts a loyal base of mature customers (almost all British), who prefer to travel only with the Fred Olsen company. The ship has some single-occupancy cabins and offers regular meetings for solo travelers. Dance hosts are available. This is the ideal ex-UK boat for people who travel alone. Throughout the voyage, guests will find ballroom dance classes and a program of exercise, plus the first jazz dance classes at sea.

Fred Olsen offers an all-inclusive cruise package upgrade (additional fixed price PP per day) and UK fly-cruise deals to the Canary Islands (year-round discounted airfare from Southampton, England).

In 2018-2019, MS Balmoral offers roundtrip departures out of Edinburgh (Rosyth) Scotland for the first time ever. There were a total of 9 cruises scheduled (May through July), including 5-night Norwegian Fjords, 14-night Scandinavia and Russia (St Petersburg), 9-night "German Waterways".

Grand Voyage 2025 (Discovering Asia with the Holi Festival)

In March 2023 was announced Balmoral's 82-night Grand Voyage 2025 themed "Discovering Asia with the Holi Festival".

Departing roundtrip from Southampton (on January 18th), Grand Voyage 2025 visits Gibraltar UK, Malta (Valletta), Egypt (Alexandria, Sharm el-Sheikh, Safaga), Saudi Arabia (Jeddah), Sri Lanka (Colombo, Hambantota), Malaysia (Klang/Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu), Brunei (Muara), Vietnam (Saigon), Cambodia (Sihanoukville), Singapore, Burma (Yangon), India (Chennai, Cochin, Mumbai), Oman (Muscat, Salalah), Jordan (Aqaba/Petra), Israel (Asdod, Haifa), Crete Greece (Heraklion), Sicily Italy (Catania), Spain (Cartagena), and Portugal (Lisbon).

The itinerary's pinnacle was the call at Port Mumbai. The visit (on March 14th) was scheduled to coincide with India's Holi Festival (aka Festival of Colours/Spring/Love) which is one of the most popular and significant Hindu festivals celebrating the eternal love of the goddess Radha/Radhika and god Krishna. Holi is an annual festival celebrated on the last full-moon day of the luni-solar calendar month marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The Holi's date varies with the lunar cycle but typically falls in March (sometimes in late February).

Date / TimePort
18 JanDeparting from Southampton
22 JanGibraltar UK
25 JanValletta, Malta
28 Jan - 29 Jan (overnight)Alexandria, Egypt
29 JanSuez Canal, Egypt
31 JanSharm El Sheikh, Egypt
01 FebSafaga-Luxor, Egypt
03 FebJeddah, Saudi Arabia
11 FebColombo, Sri Lanka
12 FebHambantota, Sri Lanka
16 FebKlang-Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Selangor
19 FebKota Kinabalu, Borneo Malaysia Sabah
20 FebBandar Seri Begawan-Muara, Brunei
22 FebSaigon, Vietnam
24 FebSihanoukville, Cambodia
26 FebSingapore
03 Mar - 04 Mar (overnight)Yangon, Myanmar
08 MarChennai-Madras, India
11 MarCochin, India
13 MarMumbai, India
17 MarMuscat, Oman
19 MarSalalah, Oman
25 MarAqaba-Petra, Jordan
26 MarSuez Canal transit
28 MarAshdod-Jerusalem, Israel
29 MarHaifa, Tel Aviv-Nazareth, Israel
31 MarHeraklion, Crete Greece
02 AprCatania, Sicily Italy
05 AprCartagena, Spain
07 AprLisbon, Portugal
10 AprArriving in Southampton

Prices started from GBP 9000 (EUR 10120 / USD 10680) per person with double occupancy.

Early bookings received up to GBP 500 per person in OBC/onboard credit, free door-to-door transfers (within 250 mi/UK mainland) to Southampton.

South America and the Antarctic Cruise (2023)

Next table shows Fred Olsen's 78-night "Exploration of South America and the Antarctic Cruise" (booking code L2301) on MS Balmoral. The UK roundtrip visited signature/once-in-a-lifetime destinations like the Antarctic Peninsula (from Ushuaia), Chile's Patagonian Fjords, and Cape Horn on Hornos Island (South America's southern tip, in Tierra del Fuego Chile).

Date / TimePort
05 JanDeparting from Portsmouth UK, England
09 JanPonta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island, Azores Portugal
10 JanHorta, Faial Island, Azores Portugal
15 JanKings Wharf, Bermuda
18 JanNassau, Bahamas
22 JanColon, Panama
23 JanPanama Canal
26 JanGuayaquil, Ecuador
29 Jan - 30 Jan (overnight)Callao-Lima, Peru
01 FebMatarani, Peru
02 FebArica, Chile
06 FebValparaiso-Santiago, Chile
09 FebCastro, Chiloe Island, Chile
10 FebPuerto Chacabuco, Chile
13 FebPunta Arenas, Chile Antarctica
15 FebUshuaia, Argentina
22 FebPort Stanley, East Falkland Island
26 FebMontevideo, Uruguay
27 Feb - 28 Feb (overnight)Buenos Aires, Argentina
03 MarItajai, Brazil
04 MarIlhabela, Brazil
05 Mar - 06 Mar (overnight)Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
09 MarSalvador de Bahia, Brazil
11 MarRecife, Brazil
16 MarMindelo, Sao Vicente Island, Cape Verde
19 MarSanta Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
24 MarArriving in Southampton, England

Prices started from GBP 7625 / USD 9220 per person.

Mardi Gras Cruise (2018)

In 2017, Fred Olsen (for the first time ever) scheduled "Mardi Gras Cruise" combining the Caribbean with North and Central America. Leaving roundtrip from the UK (Southampton), the Balmoral's voyage was adults-only and visited 18 ports. The highlight were the 3 full days plus 2 overnights in New Orleans (Louisiana USA) for the fun and festivities at the annual Mardi Gras Carnival. This unique themed voyage (46-night itinerary, booking code L1703, theme "Central America and the Mardi Gras") left Southampton on February 4, 2017.

Prices started from GBP 3450 pp (based on double occupancy/twin-bed Superior Interior cabin). Pricing included accommodation, all onboard meals, and entertainment, plus port taxes.

The itinerary's call ports included: Southampton, Funchal Madeira, Bridgetown Barbados, Castries St Lucia, St John’s Antigua, Road Town (Tortola BVI), Falmouth Jamaica, Trujillo Honduras, Belize City, Cozumel Mexico, NOLA/New Orleans LA (2-nights), Florida USA (Tampa, Key West, Miami, Port Canaveral/Orlando, Jacksonville, Charleston SC USA, Hamilton Bermuda, Ponta Delgada Azores, Southampton.

The 2-night stay in Port NOLA allowed Fred Olsen's cruise tourists to enjoy the festivities at this extravagant festival. Passengers were also provided with the opportunity to attend the "Orpheuscapade Black Tie Ball" in New Orleans - something rarely experienced by tourists. This formal event was held in the city's Convention Centre, featuring live music, dancing and the chance to get up close to the gigantic carnival floats, as a local celebrity leads the parade directly through downtown.

Fred Olsen Balmoral refurbishments review

On December 9, 2014, the ship underwent a 10-day drydock refurbishment for engineering works, interior and exterior painting works. The Library area was redesigned, a new patisserie (Cafe Venus) was added on Lounge Deck (deck 7).

Balmoral ship's drydock 2019 (December 10-19 at Blohm+Voss Shipyard in Hamburg Germany) was for general maintenance and engineering works, interior renovations (public areas) and cabin refurbishments. The USD 18 million drydocking project also included adding the new Tea Room (China-themed lounge) and Photo Gallery.

The next video shows the cruise ship's refit (time-lapse of the vessel's extension/lengthening) done at Blohm+Voss Shipyard (Hamburg).