SAILING ON BALMORAL with FRED. OLSEN and GREATDAYS HOLIDAYS
Named after the Scottish home of the Royal Family, Balmoral is a classically styled ship exuding a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and a warming, home-from-home feel. Capable of carrying up to 1350 guests in pure comfort, Balmoral is the largest and newest ship in the Fred. Olsen fleet but never feels overcrowded, ensuring those on board always enjoy ample space and receive Fred’s renowned personal, attentive service.
A range of dining options are available on Balmoral, with mouth-watering menus to suit all tastes on offer in the elegant restaurants; and the fantastic selection of bars and lounges are perfect for enjoying a pre-dinner drink, sumptuous afternoon tea and superb entertainment. The Marquee Bar has its very own Gin Menu, including a variety of premium gins; while the Observatory lounge offers spectacular panoramic views from the bow of the ship, and also features a glass dance floor designed for late night entertainment. The broad spiral staircase at the heart of the ship is one of Balmoral’s key features, as is the stunning walkways towards the beautiful Ballindalloch Restaurant, which features photographs and paintings from Fred’s private collection.
There’s also a comfy pub with occasional live music or comedy, cabaret and shows in the Neptune Lounge, and the serene Atlantis Spa and Salon, where guests can treat themselves to a range of treatments from manicures to massages – the perfect holiday indulgence. Balmoral also features two swimming pools and bubbling Jacuzzis, ideal for keeping fit and for relaxing in the sunshine.
Coach transfer to Newcastle for afternoon departure
Cruising
Golden age canals lined with elegant merchant homes is the familiar backdrop for the Netherlands’ historic capital, Amsterdam. This celebrated port offers everything from treasure-packed museums and antiquarian bookshops to chic boutiques and convivial cafes.
Cruising Western Scheldt River, Belgium
Belgium’s charming, medieval city of Antwerp is the country’s biggest port and often recognised as its capital of cool. It has proved an alluring city for centuries, attracting lovers of art, fashion and, of course, diamonds – over 80% of the world’s rough diamonds pass through the city’s famous diamond disrict at some point or other.
Cruising River Seine
The City of a Hundred bells’, Rouen, is capital of the French region of Normandy. This 2,000-year-old port city on the River Seine, important in Roman times and the Middle ages, is a unique city rich with monuments and museums.
Slicing through the gorgeous lush-green countryside of Normandy’s Parc naturel regional des Boucles de la Seine. Simply sit back, relax and take in stunning scenes of rolling valleys, floral fields and charming communes dotted with historic churches and traditional houses that have inspired many famous artists over the years, including Claude Monet and Henri Matisse.
Historic Honfleur in Northern France’s Lower Normandy region is a quaint little port with a rich cultural and artistic heritage. One of France’s most visited towns, Honfleur – with its beautiful 15th and 16th century architecture and distinctive harbour – was the inspiration for the Impressionist painters and poets.
From beautiful coastlines to a fascinating industrial heritage, Northern Ireland’s capital, Belfast, is a modern, vibrant and stylish city. Famous for being the birthplace of the RMS Titanic, Belfast offers visitors the chance to visit the Harland and Wolff shipyard and the fascinating Titanic Experience.
After disembarking the ship, travel home.