Balmoral is the largest of our four cruise ships but still retains the warm, intimate and friendly atmosphere found across our fleet. Balmoral takes her name from the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family and features 710 well-appointed rooms and suites.

Despite her size, Balmoral is still small enough to navigate narrow waterways, such as the Kiel Canal, providing guests with some fantastic scenic cruising opportunities missed when sailing on larger vessels.

The Scottish theme runs throughout the ship with the names of all fine-dining restaurants being influenced by the Highlands; the Ballindalloch, Avon and Spey. Whichever you dine in, you'll be in for a treat as our Chef's produce tantalising menus ensuring no two days are the same.

And there is plenty of time and space to relax on board with a whole host of lounges and bars providing ample room - another advantage of sharing your experience with hundreds and not thousands of other guests. And as expected, there is always a fine array of entertainment on throughout the day, ensuring you can do as much or as little with your time on board - the choice is yours!

Neptune Bar & Lounge

Benefitting from stylish décor and plenty of comfortable seating, the Neptune Lounge offers guests a chance to enjoy a feast of music, dance, comedy and costume in ample space, comfort and style. 

As the main entertainment venue on board Balmoral, the Neptune Lounge hosts the live after dinner shows every evening. Take a seat alongside your friends, loved ones and fellow guests and experience all the 'glitz and glam' as our friendly waiters bring you drinks straight from the bar.  

Lido Lounge & Bar

The Lido Lounge & Bar is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring ashore, or while away some time at sea. Take a seat at the bar and chat with the friendly staff and your fellow guests, or perhaps grab a table and appreciate the talent of the resident musicians with a glass of your favourite drink in hand. A newly installed, 75 inch widescreen TV - complete with immersive Bose surround sound system - shows various channels, keeping you up to date with news, sports and maybe a few of your favourite programmes, too. 

Located on Lido Deck 8, the Lido Bar overlooks the aft pool on Lounge Deck 7 and offers superb, unspoilt views from the stern of the ship whether you’re at sea or docked alongside in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

Morning Light Pub

Decorated to resemble a British pub or inn, the Morning Light Pub has a welcoming atmosphere and charming traditional style. Open throughout the day and the evening, it’s the ideal place to relax and socialise with friends both old and new.

You could enjoy a quick pint or a glass of wine at lunch before spending the afternoon ashore; stop by for a pre-dinner drink; or settle into a comfortable seat and relax long into the night while enjoying performances from live bands and comedians.

Observatory Lounge

Located on Marquee Deck at the very top of Balmoral, the Observatory Lounge boasts the most spectacular panoramic views and is a wonderful place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink. Sit by the bar, or perhaps take a seat in one of the new, comfortable chairs by the lounge's large windows and lose yourself in the stunning sights while listening to the twinkling sounds of a grand piano.

The Observatory Lounge is also the venue for our premium Traditional Afternoon Tea service, which offers guests a selection of delicious sandwiches, cakes, pastries and scones accompanied by premium teas and unforgettable views. 

The Bookmark Cafe

Life on the ocean waves doesn’t mean having to sacrifice the regular ‘caffeine fix’ at your favourite coffee shop. The Bookmark Café serves a selection of delicious speciality coffees – espresso, cappuccino, mocha, iced lattes and more – along with quality tea blends.

Enjoy a quiet moment with a book or share the experience with good conversation. You’re sure to be tempted by our heavenly fresh chocolates too. From pralines to Champagne truffles, these melt-in-the-mouth treats are too good to miss. Alternatively, the friendly Barista will be happy to fill your reusable cup with the beverage of your choice, to enjoy on a stroll around deck or as you explore ashore. 

The popular Bookmark Bestseller, which includes seven quality beverages and a bag of luxurious truffles for £15.95 per person, can be booked before you cruise.

Marquee Bar
With it's large windows, spectacular glass roof and beautiful new decor and furnishings, fitted as part of Balmoral's extensive refurbishment in late 2017, the resplendent Marquee Bar provides guests with the perfect place to take a break from sunbathing on Marquee Deck.

Grab a quick bite to eat, or perhaps a refreshing glass of your favourite drink. Along with a great selection of beers, wines and expertly-created exotic cocktails, the Marquee Bar also offers you a chance to enjoy tempting tipples from our premium gin menu.

The Oriental Room brings a touch of style and opulence to the Main Deck on board Balmoral, with its exotic décor, elegant furnishings and menu of quality teas and herbal infusions providing an authentic taste of the Far East.

You can enjoy a selection of oolong, black, green and white teas from China, Japan and Taiwan, as well as a few favourite blends from back home, such as Earl Grey and English Chamomile. If you prefer something cold and refreshing, the choice of tea cocktails and delicious bottled beer, including Tiger and Tsingtao, are sure to tempt too.

Cruising with Fred. Olsen is about being able to rest, relax and leave all the cares and stresses of life at home behind, and on board Balmoral it's easy to take your mind off it all. You'll find there's plenty of ways to unwind, from simply talking a sunrise stroll along the promenade to visiting the Atlantis Spa for an indulgent treatment accompanied by beautiful scenic views. With fantastic fitness facilities on board too, you don't have to stray too far from your healthy lifestyle while on holiday either.

Feel energised

Whether you start your day with a relaxing stroll in the sea breeze, catch some sunshine on an afternoon meander, or end the night under the stars, there's nothing quite like enjoying an invigorating walk around the open promenade. Relaxing by the large, heated pools or in the bubbling jacuzzis on Balmoral's Lounge and Marquee decks is the perfect way to make the most of your lazy days at sea too.

To help guests work-off some energy and their holiday indulgences, or simply stay in shape as they explore the world, Balmoral's Fitness Centre is fully equipped with all the modern facilities and equipment you expect to find in your gym back home. We also offer a variety of fitness classes run by our fully qualified Fitness Instructors, including yoga, aerobics and Pilates, that cater to all levels of fitness and experience.

Pamper yourself at the Atlantis Spa

Refresh the mind and revive the body at the Balmoral's haven of relaxation. The soothing surroundings of the Atlantis Spa is where you can really treat yourself.

Situated on Highland Deck toward the bow of the ship, this luxurious spa offers a wide range of beauty and relaxation treatments, including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and hairdressing, accompanied by stunning views provided by large picture windows. Perhaps try out a new style for your holiday; get set for a formal evening or special occasion; or simply unwind after a busy day of exploring ashore. The Atlantis Spa is open daily from 8am to 8pm.

Atlantis Spa Treatments

• Facial Treatments
• Body Treatments
• Massage Treatments
• Manicure & Pedicure
• Waxing & Tinting
• Hair Styling & Colouring
• Fitness
• Packages

While you won't find gimmicks such as climbing walls and wave machines on board Balmoral, the largest ship in the Fred. Olsen fleet offers plenty to keep guests entertained as they discover the world in style. Insightful talks and lectures, as well as interactive hobby classes take place during the day, and fantastic live performances – including cabaret, stand-up comedy and intimate shows from resident bands and singers – bring the ship to life in the evenings. 

Cruising with Fred. Olsen is about being able to rest, relax and leave all the cares and stresses of life at home behind, and on board Balmoral it's easy to take your mind off it all. You'll find there's plenty of ways to unwind, from simply talking a sunrise stroll along the promenade to visiting the Atlantis Spa for an indulgent treatment accompanied by beautiful scenic views. With fantastic fitness facilities on board too, you don't have to stray too far from your healthy lifestyle while on holiday either. 

Atlantis Spa & Salon

Refresh the mind and revive the body at the Balmoral's haven of relaxation. The soothing surroundings of the Atlantis Spa is where you can really treat yourself.

Situated on Highland Deck toward the bow of the ship, this luxurious spa offers a wide range of beauty and relaxation treatments, including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and hairdressing, accompanied by stunning views provided by large picture windows. Perhaps try out a new style for your holiday; get set for a formal evening or special occasion; or simply unwind after a busy day of exploring ashore. The Atlantis Spa is open daily from 8am to 8pm.

Fitness Centre

Whether you start your day with a relaxing stroll in the sea breeze, catch some sunshine on an afternoon meander, or end the night under the stars, there's nothing quite like enjoying an invigorating walk around the open promenade. Relaxing by the large, heated pools or in the bubbling jacuzzis on Balmoral's Lounge and Marquee decks is the perfect way to make the most of your lazy days at sea too. 

To help guests work-off some energy and their holiday indulgences, or simply stay in shape as they explore the world, Balmoral's Fitness Centre is fully equipped with all the modern facilities and equipment you expect to find in your gym back home. We also offer a variety of fitness classes run by our fully qualified Fitness Instructors, including yoga, aerobics and Pilates, that cater to all levels of fitness and experience. 

Swimming pool & Jacuzzis

Keep fit by swimming a few lengths, or cool down after relaxing in the sunshine on deck in either of Balmoral’s large, heated saltwater pools. Located in the centre of Marquee Deck and at the stern of the ship on Lounge Deck, both pools have bubbling Jacuzzis close by, perfect for whiling away some time on sea days, or unwinding after an exciting exploration ashore. 

Promenade

As well as offering a fantastic range of facilities, lounges, bars and restaurants, Balmoral also benefits from extensive outside deck space which guests are free to explore at their leisure. The Promenade - which extends all the way around Lounge Deck 7 - is perfect for starting your day with a relaxing stroll in the sea breeze, catching some sunshine on an afternoon meander, and enjoying romantic after-dinner strolls under moonlight.

There are often games of shuffleboard or deck quoits taking place on the Promenade too, which you're always welcome to join. Just don't forget to look up from time to time, as you never know what stunning sights are coming up on the horizon.

With spacious open areas on Marquee Deck and Lounge Deck featuring pools, jacuzzis and plenty of sunloungers, you might prefer to spend your sea days outdoors, relaxing and enjoying views of the ever-changing scenery. Alternatively, you could opt to take a seat at the welcoming Morning Light Pub and socialise with fellow guests and new-found friends; or even stop-by the large Card Room for a challenging game of Bridge. Balmoral offers something for everyone; what you choose to do during your time on board is completely up to you.

Daytime activities

Whilst on board Balmoral you'll be treated to guest speakers and performers, art and craft lessons and fun quizzes, along with yoga, Pilates and other fitness activities to suit your needs and interests. Most daytime activities will be held either out on deck in the sea air, or within our large Neptune Bar & Lounge, sociable Lido Lounge or comfortable Morning Light Pub.

On sea days, it's our pleasure to inspire you with the chance to learn new hobbies or skills. You could choose from photography talks, ballroom dancing lessons, singing and language classes, theatre workshops or even watercolour tutorials. Activities vary from cruise to cruise and are highlighted each day in your copy of the Daily Times.

Guest Speakers

Our range of fascinating lectures from leading experts are always popular on board. Previous subjects have included wine tasting, the sky at night, maritime history and piloting Concorde.

Equally, guests value an insight into the destination they're heading to our knowledgeable port lecturers share all the information you'll need for venturing ashore, so you can be confident of making the most of your time in each port of call.

On board Balmoral, comfortable and spacious Neptune Lounge and Lido Lounge are ideal venues for these talks, with plenty of seating available and friendly staff on hand to serve you with your favourite tipple as you enrich your cruise experience.

Evening entertainment

When the lights go down on board Balmoral, we'll treat you to a selection of live shows ranging from music and cabaret to quick-fire stand-up comedy. Just relax, sit back and enjoy the fabulous performances with your favourite tipple or cocktail in our grand Neptune Bar & Lounge. After the main show, there's usually a chance to catch a set from our Ship's Orchestra and show-off your dance moves. With our talented Dance Hosts on hand, no-one goes too long without a dance partner.

As well as enjoying the evening show, you can join new-found friends in the welcoming Morning Light Pub for a sociable drink; dance the night away to tunes performed by your ship's resident band in the Lido Lounge; or even take a moonlight stroll out on the open decks. For a magical end to your evening, head to the Observatory to enjoy a late-night drink accompanied by the sounds of a twinkling grand piano.

Boutique Shopping

Port Shop
Forgot to pack a few of your holiday essentials? Don't worry; Balmoral has a handy Port Shop which stocks everything you could possibly need during your time on board, from sun cream, shampoo and toothpaste to books and tasty snacks.

Boutique Shop
The on board Boutique is the perfect place to pick-up a holiday bargain. Treat yourself or loved ones to a designer handbag, bottle of perfume and much more - and all at fantastic Duty Free prices.

There's a selection of fine fragrances and cosmetics from brands such as Dior, Clinique, Marc Jacobs and Estee Lauder. If you're in need of a new outfit, the Boutique also offers a range of casual clothing, eveningwear and logo merchandise.

Jewellery Shop
Bring home something special for you or a loved one from your Fred Olsen cruise. Balmoral's fine jewellery shop offers a beautiful collection of jewellery pieces including; Clogau Welsh Gold, Swarovski Crystal and Pearls, as well as a wide selection of designer and fashion Watches from Citizen, Sekonda, DKNY and Guess.

Facilities and Amenities

• Pools & Jacuzzis
• Library
• Gaming Talbles
• Card Room
• Laundry Room

Laundry Room

One of the treats of being on board your cruise ship is to leave behind the routine chores. And of course, there is a comprehensive on board laundry service which your stewardess will be pleased to arrange for you. Full details and prices for this service can be found in your Welcome Pack waiting in your room.

Medical Centre
Rest assured that on each of our cruise ships, we have a doctor and/or nurse on call. Our Medical Centre offers primary care, whenever you might need it.

We hope you won't be in need of health care during your cruise holiday, but our medical staffs are there for you if you do.

Guest Services
Once on board Balmoral, you will find that the Guest Services Desk and our wonderful staff are on hand to advise and answer your queries 24 hours a day. With their breadth of knowledge, they are sure to be able to help make your cruise holiday as enjoyable as possible.

Whether you're visiting far-flung destinations on an epic Grand Voyage or taking a relaxing short trip to European cities, dining on board Balmoral is always a highlight of any cruise. With six fantastic dining venues to choose from, you'll always find there's a tempting selection of dishes, all perfectly prepared by our expert chefs. 

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Take a seat in the beautiful Ballindalloch, Spey and Avon restaurants to start the day with a breakfast cooked just the way you like it, or indulge with a mouthwatering five-course á la carte dinner every evening; and help yourself to the tempting buffet at the Palms Café. For an extra special treat, The Grill offers cooked-to-order steaks; while al fresco dining at its finest can be enjoyed at the newly installed The Poolside.

Ballindalloch Restaurant

The stylish Ballindalloch is Balmoral's main restaurant and offers a fantastic selection of expertly prepared delicious dishes to enjoy. Located towards the stern of the ship on Main Deck 6 and featuring large windows along either side, the Ballindalloch boasts stunning sea views which perfectly compliment the elegant decor.

Dining in the Ballindalloch is a lavish affair from beginning to end, from admiring the fine art on display in the grand corridor leading to the restaurant, to devouring every last morsel of your five-course a la carte meal. And the choice on offer every single night will ensure there is always something to suit your taste.

The Spey & Avon

Newly refurbished with comfortable new seating and tasteful furnishings, the Spey and Avon restaurants - located port side and starboard toward Balmoral's stern on Highland Deck - have been carefully designed to make the most of large windows providing soothing natural light and ever-changing views. 

Combining the same, five-course á la carte menus on offer at the main Ballindalloch restaurant with incredible scenery and the intimate feel of a smaller venue, dining at the Spey and Avon makes for a unique, memorable experience.

Palms Cafe

Open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and a late night buffet - The Palms Cafe offers guests a more informal dining experience.

The relaxed buffet style service is perfect for those who prefer not to dine at a set time in the Ballindalloch, Spey and Avon restaurants, or those looking to indulge in a late night snack. While the style of the Palms Café is a lot more relaxed, you can still expect to find an abundance of indulgent dishes, expertly prepared to Fred. Olsen's renowned high standards.

The Grill

Located portside aft on Lido Deck, featuring large picture windows, elegant décor, comfortable seating and premium dinner menus, Balmoral's exclusive The Grill restaurant offers a very special dining option on board. 

At The Grill, guests can enjoy a romantic evening in the company of a loved one on an intimate table for two; or perhaps celebrate in style in a group of new-found friends. Whatever the occasion, enjoying the finest cooked-to-order steaks and much more while taking in tranquil ocean views is always an experience to remember. 

The Poolside

Making the most of the stylish interior space and inviting deck area aft of the Palms Café, Balmoral's newly installed The Poolside is an exclusive venue for very special indoor and al fresco dining. 

Opt for an intimate dinner indoors, or perhaps dine outside in the evening sea breeze at The Poolside and you're in for an unforgettable experience, with a sublime, themed menu of expertly crafted dishes, all inspired by flavours from your cruising region, to enjoy. 

Room Service

All rooms and Suites have tea and coffee making facilities as standard, so you can enjoy a pick-me-up first thing, and a relaxing drink at the end of the day. For those times when you’d like something more while you’re in your home-from-home at sea you can also order room service up until 11pm every day.

Continental breakfast can be ordered in advance for delivery at your preferred time, while snacks are available from 10am onwards. Should you prefer not to head to the restaurants, short lunch and dinner menus are also available. Whatever the time of day, you’ll never be hungry on a Fred. Olsen cruise.

Afternoon Tea

Each day complimentary afternoon tea is served, with sandwiches, scones and cakes, along with fresh tea and coffee, always a popular choice.

On some days guests can book a very select experience: Traditional Premium Afternoon Tea. Enjoy beautiful views from the stylish Observatory Lounge, with musical accompaniment f