Balmoral Cruise Reviews

Item: Balmoral
Author: Cruiseline.com

4.5

(20 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
Children's Programs 1.0
Destinations and Excursions 5.0
Embarkation and Disembarkation 5.0
Entertainment 3.8
Food and Dining 4.7
Onboard Activities 3.5
Service and Staff 4.8
Ship Quality 4.5

Balmoral cabins

21 cabin categories.

Inside

Oceanview

Balcony

Suite

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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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20 Balmoral Reviews

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3.5

Simple, small & subtle by neiltravels2

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

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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4 Comments

4.0

Fantastic Fred Olsen by Anngillon

Sail date: Oct 06, 2019 / Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Ship: Balmoral / Destination: Baltic

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

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2 Comments

4.6

Iberian peninsula with Fred. O by Wombatwills

Sail date: Aug 28, 2019 / Traveled as: Couple
Ship: Balmoral / Destination: Iberian Peninsula

We did not know what to expect having sailed on 6* and 5* ships. We were totally bowled over by the ship and it’s crew, difficult to fault anything other than unable to reconfigure twin to a double and the cabin needed a lick of paint. Would definitely sail with them again especially from Port of Tyne. Ports were very good with enough time in each of them to get a good feel for them. Crew were amazing made us feel valued and welcome.

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Balmoral photos

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10 Balmoral tips

tedhebden1

Aug 30, 2017

Go for it.

Thumbs up 1

Endymion69

Dec 22, 2017

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

Thumbs up 1

nadinepole007

Jan 02, 2017

Stay away

Thumbs up 0

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