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Home › Cruise Lines › Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines › Balmoral

Balmoral

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
78 upcoming departures  ·  78 itineraries

Balmoral is a 1,275-guest Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines cruise ship, in service since 1988. This page lists 78 upcoming departures across 78 itineraries in Mediterranean, day by day and port by port. Its live AIS position is plotted on the map below and refreshed through the day.

✓ Travellers who prefer smaller ships and intimate public spaces ✓ Scenic-cruising enthusiasts seeking broad open decks ✓ Guests who enjoy traditional dining and live entertainment
78 itineraries ● Where is it now?
Built / Refurb 1988 / 2024
Gross Tonnage 43,537
Guests 1,275
Crew 590
Length 218.9 m
Beam 32.3 m
Cabins 710
Max speed 22.0 kn
Flag Bahamas
Guests per crew 2.2
Space ratio 34

Balmoral at a glance

Ship size

Bigger than 57%

A small ship at 43,537 gross tons — #238 of 566 ships we track. 34 tons of ship per guest.

Best for

  • Travellers who prefer smaller ships and intimate public spaces
  • Scenic-cruising enthusiasts seeking broad open decks
  • Guests who enjoy traditional dining and live entertainment
  • Solo travellers wanting single cabins and single suites
  • Adults who value lectures, art activities and relaxed lounges

Think twice if you want

  • Travellers seeking large waterparks or extensive children’s facilities
  • Guests wanting many included specialty restaurants
  • Passengers who prefer a modern mega-ship atmosphere
  • Travellers needing abundant nightlife and late-night attractions

Live Position ● 2 hours ago

Heading to: Thessaloniki

Currently on: Scenic Greek Islands with Turkey & Egypt (21 nights) — En route to Thessaloniki — last stop Ermoupoli

Heraklion → Ermoupoli → Thessaloniki → Kos → Rhodes → Limassol → Alexandria → Marmaris → Istanbul → Piraeus (for Athens)
Coming up
  1. Thessaloniki
  2. Mytilene
  3. Kos
8.0 knots

Position via AIS — updated periodically, not real-time.

About Balmoral

Balmoral is Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ smallest ocean-going ship, offering an intimate alternative to today’s mega-ships. Built in 1988 as Crown Odyssey and lengthened before joining Fred. Olsen, she carries 1,275 guests at standard occupancy in 710 cabins. Her compact size allows scenic cruising through waterways such as the Kiel Canal and River Seine, while wide open decks, classic public rooms and attentive service suit travelers who prefer a traditional cruise atmosphere.

Ship at a Glance

Operator
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Builder / shipyard
Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany
Registry / flag
Bahamas (confirmed by the ship’s AIS identity)
Call sign
C6II4
IMO number
8506294
MMSI
308785000
Draft
7.1 m
Previous names
Crown Odyssey; Norwegian Crown; Crown Odyssey; Norwegian Crown

Onboard Experience

Signature highlights

Balmoral is designed for scenic cruising and can navigate the Kiel Canal, parts of the River Seine and selected Norwegian fjords. Her smaller scale also allows closer docking at some destinations than larger cruise ships.

For families

Balmoral offers pools, outdoor spaces, sports facilities, a golf net and a range of activities suitable for multigenerational travelers. It is oriented more toward relaxed traditional cruising than large-scale family resort entertainment.

Pools, spa & wellness

Facilities include the Atlantis Spa, fitness centre, two swimming pools and four outdoor whirlpools. Spa and wellness services are available alongside open-deck spaces for relaxation.

Accessibility

The current operator page does not provide a complete accessibility specification. Passengers with mobility, medical or cabin-access requirements should confirm suitability directly with Fred. Olsen before booking.

Environmental features

A December 2024 dry-dock programme included hull maintenance, silicone antifouling paint, new propellers and bow-thruster work intended to improve fuel efficiency. The programme also upgraded onboard Wi-Fi and refreshed selected public areas and cabins.

Deck plans

367891011

Venues Cabins only Both · Tap a deck to see what's on it

Deck 7

Thistle Restaurant Bookmark Café Morning Light Pub Neptune Lounge Neptune Bar Swimming Pool Earth Room Botanical Room Card Room Scoop's Ice Cream Boutiques Future Cruise Information Tea & Coffee Stations Jacuzzis

Full deck-by-deck guide →

View the official Balmoral deck plans from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines →

Cabins & suites

CategoryTypeSizeDecks
Owner's SuiteCode OW. Suite 1,181 sq ft 10
Premier SuiteCode PS. Suite 601 sq ft 10
Marquee SuiteCode MS. Suite 400-472 sq ft 10
Superior SuiteCode SS. Suite 341 sq ft 9, 10

Compare all 15 cabin categories →

Dining, bars & venues

14 included 5 extra cost in the fare, by the line's own published policy.

Dining

Ballindalloch Restaurant Included
Deck 6
The main restaurant serves changing five-course à la carte menus.
Spey Restaurant Included
Deck 10
A main dining room serving the ship's five-course à la carte menu.
Avon Restaurant Included
Deck 10
A main dining room serving the ship's five-course à la carte menu.
Thistle Restaurant Included
Deck 7
The buffet restaurant offers buffet dining and drinks stations.
Colours & Tastes Restaurant Extra cost
Deck 8
A speciality restaurant serving rotating Asian, grill and Italian menus.

Bars & lounges

Oriental Tea Room Extra cost
Deck 6
A themed tea venue offering tea service and related drinks.
Bookmark Café Extra cost
Deck 7
A café serving coffee, tea and hot chocolate.
Morning Light Pub Varies
Deck 7
A British-style pub serving beer, cider and other drinks.
Neptune Bar Varies
Deck 7
A bar serving drinks beside the Neptune Lounge.
Lido Bar Varies
Deck 8
A bar serving drinks beside the Lido Lounge.
Marquee Bar Varies
Deck 11
A bar serving beers, wines and cocktails beneath the glass-roofed public area.
Observatory Varies
Deck 11
A forward lounge with panoramic windows, drinks and live music.

All 26 venues, including pools, spa and entertainment →

History & sister ships

  1. 1988Entered service, built by Meyer Werft, Papenburg, Germany.
  2. 2007The ship was lengthened by about 30 metres before entering Fred. Olsen service, adding cabins and public areas.
  3. 2014A dry-dock programme included engineering work, interior and exterior painting, a redesigned library and a new patisserie.
  4. 2019A major dry-dock refurbishment renovated public areas and cabins, added the Oriental Tea Room and refreshed the photo gallery.
  5. 2024A two-week dry-dock project refurbished the Neptune Lounge theatre, selected cabins and bathrooms, and converted Palms Café into Thistle Restaurant while also upgrading Wi-Fi and ship systems.

Where Balmoral sails, month by month

Nov
26		 Dec
26		 Jan
27		 Feb
27		 Mar
27		 Apr
27		 May
27		 Jun
27		 Jul
27		 Aug
27		 Sep
27		 Oct
27
Mediterranean 6 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 3 0 4 9
Northern Europe 0 2 0 1 1 2 2 3 1 3 2 0

Departures per month over the next 12 months, from the cruise line's published schedule.

Ports it visits most

Piraeus28× Southampton27× Valletta19× Gibraltar16× Cartagena15× Funchal15× Leixões 15× Santa Cruz de Tenerife15× Málaga14× Las Palmas de Gran Canaria13× Edinburgh13× Alexandria11×

Explore This Ship

Jump from Balmoral sailings into the broader destination network with cruise line and region hub pages.

All Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines port guides Mediterranean cruises Northern Europe cruises Caribbean cruises

Itineraries & Sailings

11 Nights

A Taste of Spain & Portugal

Mediterranean
Ports of Call
Southampton, Vigo, Cádiz, Lisbon +1 more
Next: Mar 14, 2027
1 upcoming departure
View ItineraryBook Cruise
12 Nights

Adriatic Coastlines & Cultures

Mediterranean
Ports of Call
Piraeus (for Athens), Sarandë, Koper, Ancona +3 more
Next: Nov 2, 2027
1 upcoming departure
View ItineraryBook Cruise
21 Nights

Adriatic, Greek Islands & Turkish Riviera

Mediterranean
Ports of Call
Piraeus (for Athens), Taranto, Sarandë, Koper +7 more
Next: Nov 2, 2027
1 upcoming departure
View ItineraryBook Cruise
12 Nights

Ancient Wonders of Turkey, Greece & Egypt

Mediterranean
Ports of Call
Piraeus (for Athens), Istanbul, Kusadasi, Alexandria +1 more
Next: Nov 23, 2027
1 upcoming departure
View ItineraryBook Cruise
9 Nights

Autumn Fjords of Norway

Northern Europe
Ports of Call
Southampton, Leirvik, Skjolden, Olden +1 more
Next: Sep 21, 2027
1 upcoming departure
View ItineraryBook Cruise
7 Nights

Belgium & France with the River Seine

Northern Europe
Ports of Call
Portsmouth, Antwerp, Rouen, Honfleur
Next: Feb 6, 2028
1 upcoming departure
View ItineraryBook Cruise
15 Nights

Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks

Mediterranean
Ports of Call
Southampton, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santa Cruz de La Palma, Las Palmas +2 more
Next: Dec 22, 2026
1 upcoming departure
View ItineraryBook Cruise
33 Nights

Canaries Christmas & Mediterranean Cities

Mediterranean
Ports of Call
Málaga, Gibraltar, Funchal, Santa Cruz de La Palma +10 more
Next: Dec 22, 2027
1 upcoming departure
View ItineraryBook Cruise
10 Nights

Canaries Escape with the Fleet Fiesta

Mediterranean
Ports of Call
Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas, Arrecife, Funchal +3 more
Next: Nov 30, 2026
1 upcoming departure
View ItineraryBook Cruise
All 78 itineraries and their departure dates

All Upcoming Departures

Departure Return Itinerary Nights Region Book
Nov 9, 2026Nov 30, 2026Wonders of the Mediterranean21MediterraneanBook →
Nov 9, 2026Nov 19, 2026Cyprus, Turkey & Egypt Escape10MediterraneanBook →
Nov 9, 2026Dec 10, 2026Mediterranean Icons31MediterraneanBook →
Nov 19, 2026Nov 30, 2026Country-Hopping from Greece to Tenerife11MediterraneanBook →
Nov 19, 2026Dec 10, 2026Mediterranean & Canary Islands Warmth21MediterraneanBook →
Nov 30, 2026Dec 10, 2026Canaries Escape with the Fleet Fiesta10MediterraneanBook →
Dec 10, 2026Dec 16, 2026Festive France & Belgium6Northern EuropeBook →
Dec 16, 2026Dec 22, 2026German Christmas Markets6Northern EuropeBook →
Dec 22, 2026Jan 6, 2027Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks15MediterraneanBook →
Jan 6, 2027Jan 20, 2027Canary Islands & Madeira Winter Warmth14MediterraneanBook →
Jan 20, 2027Feb 2, 2027Southern Spain & Portugal Winter Warmth13MediterraneanBook →
Feb 2, 2027Feb 16, 2027Canary Islands & Madeira Winter Warmth14MediterraneanBook →
Feb 16, 2027Feb 28, 2027Colours & Cultures of Morocco12MediterraneanBook →
Feb 28, 2027Mar 14, 2027In Search of the Northern Lights14Northern EuropeBook →
Mar 14, 2027Mar 25, 2027A Taste of Spain & Portugal11MediterraneanBook →
Mar 25, 2027Apr 2, 2027France & Belgium Easter Break8Northern EuropeBook →
Apr 2, 2027Apr 20, 2027Culture & Coastline of Italy18MediterraneanBook →
Apr 22, 2027Apr 29, 2027Capitals & Cultures of Scandinavia7Northern EuropeBook →
Apr 29, 2027May 4, 2027Norwegian Fjords Bank Holiday Break5Northern EuropeBook →
May 4, 2027May 18, 2027Sunlit Shores of Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar14MediterraneanBook →
May 18, 2027May 28, 2027Discovering the Islands of Arctic Norway10Northern EuropeBook →
May 28, 2027Jun 2, 2027Norwegian Fjords Bank Holiday Break5Northern EuropeBook →
Jun 2, 2027Jun 11, 2027Coastal Gems & Culture of Ireland9Northern EuropeBook →
Jun 11, 2027Jun 18, 2027Scenic Fjords of Norway7Northern EuropeBook →

Showing the next 24 of 78 departures. Every itinerary and its dates are listed under All itineraries above.

Balmoral FAQ

What flag does Balmoral sail under?

Balmoral is registered in Bahamas.

How many passengers does Balmoral hold?

Balmoral carries about 1,275 guests with roughly 590 crew.

How old is Balmoral?

Balmoral entered service in 1988 and was last refurbished in 2024.

How big is Balmoral?

At 43,537 gross tons and 219 m long, Balmoral is a small ship — larger than 57% of the 566 cruise ships cruises.to tracks.

What is the dress code on Balmoral?

Daywear is casual. Evenings are generally smart casual, with optional formal nights on longer cruises; swimwear, gym clothes and beachwear are not permitted in restaurants or indoor venues.

Which dining is included on Balmoral?

Ballindalloch, Spey, Avon and Thistle Restaurant are included in the standard fare. Colours & Tastes, the Oriental Tea Room, Bookmark Café and some drinks carry additional charges.

Are gratuities included on Balmoral?

Fred. Olsen includes gratuities in the cruise fare, with no expectation to tip beyond the included amount.

Is Wi-Fi available on Balmoral?

Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, but internet packages are charged separately and streaming is not included in the standard service.

What accessibility facilities are available on Balmoral?

The ship has adapted cabins, lifts and accessible features in selected cabins. Guests requiring a wheelchair or mobility scooter must book an adapted cabin and should disclose accessibility needs when booking.

Can children sail on Balmoral?

Balmoral accepts guests aged 12 months to 17 years, but Fred. Olsen no longer offers the Little Skippers children’s activity programme.