As you would expect, sailing to the isolated lands of Svalbard with Fred. Olsen offers many scenic cruising opportunities.
We will make diversions to show you sights like the Nordenskiöldbreen Glacier, Tempelfjorden’s Temple Mountain, and Svartisen (the Black Glacier). Balmoral is also small enough to cruise the likes of the Nærøysundet strait, Nordfjord (Meløy) and the ultra-narrow Trollfjord.
In Spitsbergen, you will have the chance to explore the community of Longyearbyen and the abandoned town of Pyramiden, seemingly frozen in time. We have timed this itinerary to allow you to witness the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun as Balmoral crosses the Arctic Circle.
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
Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon
Åndalsnes is often referred to as the 'Alp town by the fjord'. Located at the mouth of the Rauma River, and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the town is in one of the most scenic areas of Norway, and a natural starting point for forest walks and hikes to magnificent viewpoints. The Rauma Railway is considered to be one of the best railway routes in Europe, since it was constructed 100 years ago.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - early morning
Part of the shipping lane that follows the country's coast, Nærøysundet is an important part of Norway's maritime industry. However, as busy as this strait is, it is beautiful too, and sailing its glassy waters offer outstanding scenic views. Take in scenes of forested valleys and rugged, rocky shores, dotted with little villages and thriving towns, and see the impressive Nærøysund Suspension Bridge, linking the islands of Vikna to the mainland.
Arrival - late morning
Departure - late morning
Located on the island of Torget, Torghatten Mountain is one of Norway's most astonishing natural wonders. Known affectionately as 'the mountain with the hole', Torghatten is famous for the huge hole which strikes right through the middle of it. Formed during the Scandinavian Ice Age, looser sediment and rock were eroded, but the harder rock at the top of the mountain remained, creating the distinctive hole. There are also one or two folklore tales about how the hole was formed!
Arrival - early afternoon
Departure - late afternoon
Forming a majestic chain of peaks overlooking the shipping channel, the Seven Sister mountain range is an awe-inspring backdrop to the myriad of islands and Norwegian landscapes. Standing 1,000 feet above the shoreline, these beautiful women are perhaps best observed in all their glory from your ship. It is possible to climb them, and to learn the legend of the trolls who were turned to stone!
Arrival - early morning
Departure - early morning
Located in Northern Norway, north of the Arctic Circle, the Trollfjord is a spectacular 2 kilometre long branch of the Raftsund straight that divides Norway's Lofoten and Vesterålen archipelagos, only accessible by boat as there are no villages on its banks. One of the most popular sight-seeing destinations in Nordland county, the Trollfjord is a short and narrow fjord that's lined with steep mountains and vast rocky cliffs, and is home to flocks of native Sea Eagles.
Arrival - early afternoon
Departure - early afternoon
Slicing through the rugged landscapes of Troms og Finnmark, separating the islands of Hinnøya and Tjeldøya from the mainland, the Tjeldsundet Strait has long been one of Norway’s most important waterways, serving as vital route between the country’s northern and southern regions. The beauty and peace of Tjeldsundet is surrounded by mountains and dramatic rock faces; and the impressive Tjeldsund Suspension Bridge connects the islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen with the mainland.
Arrival - early evening
Departure - late evening
Found on the North West coast of Norway, in one of the country’s most impressively dramatic areas of scenery, is a mountain range that has become sinisterly known as the Devil’s Jaw or, the Devil’s Row of Teeth. A series of craggy, vertical, mysteriously dark in colour peaks that fall severely into the icy depths of the Atlantic, the jagged mountain range reflects mystifyingly clearly in the water, giving the illusion of a mouth full of sharp teeth.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - early evening
Situated 350 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle and the largest city in northern Norway, Tromsø is known as the ‘Gateway to the Arctic’ as it was used a starting point for Arctic expeditions in the early 1900’s. It is famed for its viewing potential of the Aurora Borealis, and features the recognisable Arctic Cathedral as its centrepiece. Designed as an iceberg shape in 1965, and inspired by local landscapes, it has a striking stained glass window. The seas around Tromsø are also a popular hunting ground for whales.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon
Located on Norway’s North Cape, Honningsvåg is framed by rugged mountains and the beautiful remote landscapes of the Arctic Ocean. Gateway to the North Cape, where, in the summer months, the sun never sets; this region is home to many species of birdlife. The town is also one of the largest exporters of the prehistoric looking live king crabs, one of the largest crustaceans in the world.
Arrival - early evening
Departure - early evening
Cruising by the North Cape in the farthest reaches of northern mainland Norway between mid-May and the end of July, will offer the opportunity of seeing the midnight sun; while in winter this fascinating region is one of the best places on earth to catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights. The North Cape plateau, with its craggy cliff face jutting out into the sea and rising to about 1,000 feet above sea level, is a mesmerising sight.
Arrival - late morning
Departure - late morning
Bjørnøya, also known as Bear Island, is located at the southernmost island of the Svalbard archipelago. The coastline has towering, near-vertical cliffs, which reach their highest at the southern tip of the island. The island is also home to the famous Perleporten, a cave which featured in Alistair MacLean’s Bear Island from 1971. The steep coastal cliffs are also home to enormous seabird colonies which nest here.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - early evening
Located far above the Arctic Circle at the foot of the Billefjord in Spitsbergen, Pyramiden is a former coal mining town, and was one of the Svalbard Archipelago’s most important settlements. Today, it is home to a handful of people who dedicate their time to conserving the natural environment in which the town is situated. Pyramiden’s highlight is the ‘bottle shop’, a house made entirely from white and green glass bottles, whose beauty and delicacy is in stark contrast to the harsh climate.
Arrival - early evening
Departure - early evening
Located in Spitsbergen, the awe-inspiring Nordenskiöldbreen is one of Norway’s largest glaciers, a 16-mile-long, 6.8-mile-wide crumbling wall of glistening Arctic ice that dominates the landscape of the spectacular Isfjord and Billefjord. Named after the Finnish geologist Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld, it has retreated somewhat in recent years due to global warming, and small rocky islets can be seen when the ice melts; these rocks are among the oldest in Spitsbergen.
Arrival - late evening
Departure - late evening
Tempelfjorden is a fjord branch at the inner end of Sassenfjorden, a part of Isfjorden at Spitsbergen, Svalbard. Located between Sabine Land and Bünsow Land, the fjord is named after the mountain Templet, which resembles a temple. Tunabreen Glacier is a breath-taking shade of blue, and is constantly moving and creaking, creating a powerful, natural experience. Every winter, the sailing vessel Noorderlicht is intentionally frozen into Tempelfjorden, and is used as an expedition vessel sailing to remote Arctic locations.
Arrival - late night
Departure - late afternoon
Located deep within the Arctic Circle, Longyearbyen is seen as the world’s most northernmost town, and is surrounded by incredible Norwegian Arctic wilderness. The sun doesn’t set here in the summer months, and is the gateway to many Arctic adventures in Svalbard. Home to reindeer, arctic fox, and a range of cetaceans, Longyearbyen is the perfect place for observing wildlife in its natural habitat.
Arrival - early afternoon
Departure - early evening
Known as ‘Blue Town’, the unique town of Sortland was given its nickname due to its buildings being almost entirely painted in varying shades of blue, chosen by local artist Bjorn Elvenes, to represent Sortland's maritime and fishing heritage. The surrounding waters of the town are teeming with various species of fish, seabirds, seals and whales; and in the winter months it may also be possible to see the Northern Lights.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - early morning
Svartisen is Norway’s second largest glacier after the Jostedal Glacier. Found in the county of Nordland in Northern Norway, south of the coastal city of Bodø, Svartisen means ‘black ice’ and it is the appearance of parts of this mighty and sprawling glacier that gave it this name - the darkness of this ice compared to the fresh ice sitting on top offers a stark contrast. Remarkably Svartisen covers an area larger than Oslo and Bergen combined.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - late morning
Nordfjorden is a fjord located in the heart of Norway’s Meloy Municipality, and has glassy waters flanked by magnificent, snow-capped mountains and glacial peaks. The rugged terrain here remains unspoiled, where the blue of the fjord blends perfectly with - in some parts - white sand beaches, and green fields. The coastal culture is hugely important and there are many fishing communities located close to the fjord's edge, offering local delicacies that are unique to the heritage of this area of Norway.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon
Often referred to as the Atlantic City, due to its close proximity to one of the world's most scenic roadways, the Atlantic Road, Kristiansund is home to much of Norway’s most iconic modern architecture. The Atlantic Road is a true feat of engineering, offering breath-taking scenery and culture at every point, as it snakes over a series of small islands, spanned by a total of eight bridges.
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.
