Balmoral will take you on a scenic journey along the Gironde, Garonne and size-restricted Seine rivers, passing quaint villages and countryside. The romantic French capital, Paris, and Marais Poitevin (Green Venice) can be visited on tours from Rouen and La Pallice respectively, while Honfleur is well located for trying authentic camembert and calvados.
Balmoral will dock just footsteps away from Bordeaux’s centre, so you can explore the city with ease. There is also a chance to visit a local vineyard, where the owners will guide you through a tasting session.
On cruises with a little bridge there is a BMB host on board but no team. Bridge is for days at sea only.
Departure - late afternoon
Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon
Slicing through the gorgeous lush-green countryside of Normandy's Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine, the route Fred. Olsen's smaller cruise ships sail along the River Seine - connecting the historic cities of Honfleur and Rouen - presents guests with simply unforgettable views to enjoy in comfort on board. 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.
Arrival - late afternoon
Departure - late afternoon
The beautiful city of Rouen – known as the ‘City of a Hundred Bells’ is a hugely significant and historical destination, particularly prominent in both the Roman times and Middle Ages. Home to the imposing Cathédrale Notre-Dame, painted by Claude Monet, who grew up in Normandy; Rouen is also gateway to the French capital of Paris and its plethora of well-known cultural sights
Arrival - late night
Departure - late evening
Originally occupied in the 9th century by the Vikings, the charming town of Honfleur has attracted artists for many years, with masterpieces housed in its museums and art galleries. Under the guidance of Eugène Boudin, a young Claude Monet and his friend Alfred Sisley began studying light effects and painting landscapes outdoors, rather than from memory, trailblazing for artists of the future.
Join our expert Sommelier for a special wine tasting session and sample some of the finest French tipples, learn about the fascinating art of salt production with guest speakers Ian and Cathy Gunn, and try local delicacy Paris-Brest in our on board restaurants.
Arrival - late morning
Departure - late evening
La Pallice is the commercial port for La Rochelle, the popular coastal city in south-western France, and capital of the Charente-Maritime region, featuring a long legacy of maritime significance. Due to its strategic position on the Atlantic coast, the heritage stretches back almost five centuries, and was a sought-after naval base. La Rochelle is known as La Ville Blanche – The White City, so named for its limestone buildings which shine brightly in the warm Atlantic sun.
Arrival - late morning
Departure - late morning
Renowned as the world’s wine capital, the beautiful city of Bordeaux is located on the banks of the Garonne River in France. The climate in Bordeaux makes it perfect for winemaking, and many of the wines produced here are highly collectable. Along the waterfront is the spectacular Miroir d’Eaux, creating a mirror effect and misting effect, with the outstanding backdrop of the historic Place de la Bourse, and close to the contemporary Pont Jacques Chaban-Delmas vertical bridge.
Arrival - late morning
Departure - late afternoon
The River Garonne is quite possibly south-west France's most important river, and arguably one of the region's most picturesque too. Serving a number of important towns and cities, including the historic and magnificent city of Bordeaux; the River Garonne flows through unspoilt French countryside. Just upstream from Bordeaux, the Garonne meets the Dore River and forms Western Europe's largest estuary, the Gironde – best known for the Côte d'Argent beach, and birthplace of Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
As we sail back towards the UK, head out on deck to take in the sunrise whilst walking mile round the ship with your fellow guests, and join Captain Steffan Ravneng for a special Q&A session to discover what it takes to be the Captain of a cruise ship such as the beautiful Balmoral.
Arrival - early morning
What's included?
Chargeable extras
Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours. *Premium Traditional Afternoon Tea not included. Upgrade to All Inclusive Drinks Package is available as a chargeable optional extra and can be added to your booking up to six days prior to your cruise departing.
Great value offers
Great value offers on selected fares and cabin grades available on this cruise. Please contact our Reservations team for further details.
Please note, rooms 8057 and 8059 on Lido deck are equipped for use by disabled passengers.
*Rooms 8073, 8075, 8084 and 8086 on the Lido Deck are wheelchair accessible and have a fully restricted view.
*Please note, rooms 9048, 9056 and 9095 on Bridge Deck have been adapted for use by disabled passengers.
