Balmoral Cruise Reviews

Item: Balmoral
Author: Cruiseline.com

4.5

(19 Reviews)

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Balmoral ship stats

Price:

$$$$
Size:

M
Total Passengers:

1,350
Total Crew:

510
Passenger to Crew Ratio:

2.65
Built:

May 1988
Number of Decks:

9
Total Cabins:

0
Cabin Categories:

21
Gross Tonnage:

43,537
Length:

715
Beam:

92

Balmoral overview

The Balmoral is the grandest vessel in the Fred Olsen Cruise line but still offers guests an intimate home-away-from-home atmosphere. Enjoy Scottish themed public rooms such as the Ballindalloch restaurant with its traditional dining and mouth watering cuisine. Guests can also dine casually at the Palms Cafe or enjoy a festive beverage at the Morning Light Pub. Work on your tan poolside while reading a good novel that you found at the onboard library, relax in the Jacuzzi or splurge on a luxurious spa treatment. At night catch the main show and dancing in the Neptune and Lido Lounges. Along with comfortable and inviting accommodations and friendly staff the Balmoral is the perfect way to explore the world.

Balmoral ratings:

Cabin / Stateroom 4.5
Destinations and Excursions 5.0
Embarkation and Disembarkation 5.0
Entertainment 3.9
Food and Dining 4.9
Onboard Activities 3.7
Service and Staff 4.9
Ship Quality 4.5

Balmoral cabins

21 cabin categories.

Inside

Avg. Cost: $114/night

Oceanview

Avg. Cost: $140/night

Balcony

Avg. Cost: $247/night

Suite

Avg. Cost: $274/night

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Balmoral dining

Avon Restaurant

Spey Restaurant

Palms Cafe

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Balmoral onboard activities

Gaming Tables

Observatory Lounge

Card Rooms

Marquee Bar

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Balmoral deck plans

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19 Balmoral Reviews

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3.5

Not a great cruise by JFeat

Sail date: Dec 22, 2019 / Traveled as: Couple

This ship seems to have a bit of a cult following, popular with the older generation. Deserted after the last show finishes

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3.5

Simple, small & subtle by neiltravels2

Sail date: Dec 20, 2019 / Traveled as: Singles/Friends

This was a Fred Olsen taster cruise for me, plus a few people onboard were using it as an office Christmas party/outing or seasonal treat. FOCL do tend to attract the older British cruiser and so the ship is tailored towards that clientel but you can still have a relaxed cruise if of a younger outlook. I think it was an adult only cruise as don't recall seeing any kids onboard plus very little for them to do even if they were. Extra charge food plus the drinks are very reasonably priced onboard so you'd have to carefully weigh up the merits of a drinks package. Gratuities are lower too.

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3 Comments

4.0

Fantastic Fred Olsen by Anngillon

Sail date: Oct 06, 2019 / Traveled as: Singles/Friends

As a solo traveller I felt very comfortable aboard the Balmoral. Would go with Fred Olsen again.

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2 Comments

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10 Balmoral tips

tedhebden1

Aug 30, 2017

Go for it.

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Endymion69

Dec 22, 2017

Check the daily bulletin issued early evening as the following day's restaurant opening times may have changed.

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nadinepole007

Jan 02, 2017

Stay away

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