French Rivers with Normandy & Bordeaux

Ballindalloch Restaurant

The stylish Ballindalloch is Balmoral’s main restaurant and offers a fantastic selection of expertly prepared delicious dishes to enjoy. Located towards the stern of the ship on Main Deck 6, the Ballindalloch features large picture windows providing stunning views and elegant décor which has been refreshed with new soft, comfortable furnishings and lighting.

Dining in the Ballindalloch is a lavish affair from beginning to end, from admiring the fine art on display in the grand corridor leading to the restaurant, to devouring every last morsel of your five-course a la carte meal. And the choice on offer every single night will ensure there is always something to suit your taste.

Spey & Avon Restaurants

Newly refurbished with comfortable new seating and tasteful furnishings, the Spey and Avon restaurants – located port side and starboard toward Balmoral’s stern on Highland Deck – have been carefully designed to make the most of large windows providing soothing natural light and ever-changing views.

Combining the same, five-course á la carte menus on offer at the main Ballindalloch restaurant with incredible scenery and the intimate feel of a smaller venue, dining at the Spey and Avon makes for a unique, memorable experience.

Palms Café

Refreshed and improved with new soft furnishings, carpets and décor, the Palms Café will provide guests with an inviting space in which to enjoy a slightly less formal style of dining for years to come.

The Palms Café offers a relaxed buffet style of service, perfect for guests who prefer not to dine at a set time in the Ballindalloch, Spey and Avon restaurants, or those looking to indulge in a late night snack. While the style of the Palms Café is a lot more relaxed, you can still expect to find an abundance of indulgent dishes, expertly prepared to Fred. Olsen’s renowned high standards.

The Grill

Located portside aft on Lido Deck, featuring large picture windows, elegant décor, comfortable seating and premium dinner menus, Balmoral’s brand new and exclusive The Grill restaurant offers a very special dining option on board.

At The Grill, guests can enjoy a romantic evening in the company of a loved one on an intimate table for two; or perhaps celebrate in style in a group of new-found friends. Whatever the occasion, enjoying the finest cooked-to-order steaks, seafood and much more while taking in tranquil ocean views is always an experience to remember.

The Poolside

Making the most of the stylish interior space and inviting deck area aft of the Palms Café, Balmoral’s newly installed The Poolside is an exclusive venue for very special indoor and al fresco dining.

Opt for an intimate dinner indoors, or perhaps dine outside in the evening sea breeze at The Poolside and you’re in for an unforgettable experience, with a sublime, themed menu of expertly crafted dishes, all inspired by flavours from your cruising region, to enjoy.

Room Service

All rooms and Suites have tea and coffee making facilities as standard, so you can enjoy a pick-me-up first thing, and a relaxing drink at the end of the day. For those times when you’d like something more while you’re in your home-from-home at sea you can also order room service up until 11pm every day.

Continental breakfast can be ordered in advance for delivery at your preferred time, while snacks are available from 10am onwards. Should you prefer not to head to the restaurants, short lunch and dinner menus are also available. Whatever the time of day, you’ll never be hungry on a Fred. Olsen cruise.

Afternoon Tea

Each day complimentary afternoon tea is served, with sandwiches, scones and cakes, along with fresh tea and coffee, always a popular choice.

On some days guests can book a very select experience: Traditional Premium Afternoon Tea. Enjoy beautiful views from the stylish Observatory Lounge, with musical accompaniment from our on board pianist and the careful attention of white-gloved waiters.

Your choice from a selection of premium teas by Taylors of Harrogate is served in porcelain teapots, along with elegant finger sandwiches, pastries and warm scones with jam and clotted cream. Such civilised indulgence – and all for only £8.95 per person*.

Evening entertainment

When the lights go down on board Balmoral, we’ll treat you to a selection of live shows ranging from music and cabaret to quick-fire stand-up comedy. Just relax, sit back and enjoy the fabulous performances with your favourite tipple or cocktail in our grand Neptune Bar & Lounge. After the main show, there’s usually a chance to catch a set from our Ship’s Orchestra and show-off your dance moves. With our talented Dance Hosts on hand, no-one goes too long without a dance partner. As well as enjoying the evening show, you can join new-found friends in the welcoming Morning Light Pub for a sociable drink; dance the night away to tunes performed by your ship’s resident band in the Lido Lounge; or even take a moonlight stroll out on the open decks. For a magical end to your evening, head to the Observatory to enjoy a late-night drink accompanied by the sounds of a twinkling grand piano.

Neptune Bar & Lounge

Benefitting from refreshed carpets, curtains, décor and new, more comfortable seating, thanks to a thorough refurbishment in late 2017, the Neptune Lounge offers guests a chance to enjoy a feast of music, dance, comedy and costume in ample space, comfort and style. As the main entertainment venue on board Balmoral, the Neptune Lounge hosts the live after dinner shows every evening. Take a seat alongside your friends, loved ones and fellow guests and experience all the ‘glitz and glam’ as our friendly waiters bring you drinks straight from the bar.

Lido Bar & Lounge

The Lido Lounge & Bar is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring ashore, or while away some time at sea. Take a seat at the bar and chat with the friendly staff and your fellow guests, or perhaps grab a table and appreciate the talent of the resident musicians with a glass of your favourite drink in hand. A newly installed, 75 inch widescreen TV – complete with immersive Bose surround sound system – shows various channels, keeping you up to date with news, sports and maybe a few of your favourite programmes, too. Located on Lido Deck 8, the Lido Bar overlooks the aft pool on Lounge Deck 7 and offers superb, unspoilt views from the stern of the ship whether you’re at sea or docked alongside in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

Morning Light Pub

Decorated to resemble a British pub or inn, the Morning Light Pub has a welcoming atmosphere and charming traditional style. Open throughout the day and the evening, it’s the ideal place to relax and socialise with friends both old and new. You could enjoy a quick pint or a glass of wine at lunch before spending the afternoon ashore; stop by for a pre-dinner drink; or settle into a comfortable seat and relax long into the night while enjoying performances from live bands and comedians.

Observatory Lounge

Located on Marquee Deck at the very top of Balmoral, the Observatory Lounge boasts the most spectacular panoramic views and is a wonderful place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink. Sit by the bar, or perhaps take a seat in one of the new, comfortable chairs by the lounge’s large windows and lose yourself in the stunning sights while listening to the twinkling sounds of a grand piano. The Observatory Lounge is also the venue for our premium Traditional Afternoon Tea service, which offers guests a selection of delicious sandwiches, cakes, pastries and scones accompanied by premium teas and unforgettable views.

The Bookmark Café

Life on the ocean waves doesn’t mean having to sacrifice the regular ‘caffeine fix’ at your favourite coffee shop. The Bookmark Café serves a selection of delicious speciality coffees – espresso, cappuccino, mocha, iced lattes and more – along with quality tea blends. Enjoy a quiet moment with a good book or share the experience with good conversation. You’re sure to be tempted by our heavenly fresh chocolates too. From pralines to Champagne truffles, these melt-in-the-mouth treats are too good to miss. The popular Bookmark Bestseller, which includes seven quality beverages and a bag of luxurious truffles for £15.95 per person, can be booked before you cruise.

Marquee Bar

With it’s large windows, spectacular glass roof and beautiful new décor and furnishings, fitted as part of Balmoral’s extensive refurbishment in late 2017, the resplendent Marquee Bar provides guests with the perfect place to take a break from sunbathing on Marquee Deck. Grab a quick bite to eat, or perhaps a refreshing glass of your favourite drink. Along with a great selection of beers, wines and expertly-created exotic cocktails, the Marquee Bar also offers you a chance to enjoy tempting tipples from our premium gin menu.

Port Shop

Forgot to pack a few of your holiday essentials? Don’t worry; Balmoral has a handy Port Shop which stocks everything you could possibly need during your time on board, from sun cream, shampoo and toothpaste to books and tasty snacks.

Boutique Shop

The on board Boutique is the perfect place to pick-up a holiday bargain. Treat yourself or loved ones to a designer handbag, bottle of perfume and much more – and all at fantastic Duty Free prices. There’s a selection of fine fragrances and cosmetics from brands such as Dior, Clinique, Marc Jacobs and Estee Lauder. If you’re in need of a new outfit, the Boutique also offers a range of casual clothing, eveningwear and logo merchandise.

Jewellery Shop

Bring home something special for you or a loved one from your Fred Olsen cruise. Balmoral’s fine jewellery shop offers a beautiful collection of jewellery pieces including; Clogau Welsh Gold, Swarovski Crystal and Pearls, as well as a wide selection of designer and fashion Watches from Citizen, Sekonda, DKNY and Guess.

Atlantis Spa & Salon

Refresh the mind and revive the body at the Balmoral’s haven of relaxation. The soothing surroundings of the Atlantis Spa is where you can really treat yourself. Situated on Highland Deck toward the bow of the ship, this luxurious spa offers a wide range of beauty and relaxation treatments, including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and hairdressing, accompanied by stunning views provided by large picture windows. Perhaps try out a new style for your holiday; get set for a formal evening or special occasion; or simply unwind after a busy day of exploring ashore. The Atlantis Spa is open daily from 8am to 8pm

Fitness Centre

With fantastic fitness facilities on board too, you don’t have to stray too far from your healthy lifestyle while on holiday either.

Swimming Pools & Jacuzzi

Keep fit by swimming a few lengths, or cool down after relaxing in the sunshine on deck in either of Balmoral’s large, heated saltwater pools. Located in the centre of Marquee Deck and at the stern of the ship on Lounge Deck, both pools have bubbling Jacuzzis close by, perfect for whiling away some time on sea days, or unwinding after an exciting exploration ashore. By each pool you’ll find plenty of comfortable sun loungers and ample open deck space too, providing somewhere to simply relax and enjoy the scenery and sea air as the friendly, attentive staff bring you your choice of refreshment throughout the day.

Little Skippers Club

Fun, friendly and engaging club activities for children aged Club hosts are Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked. Arts, Deck Games, quizzes and cooking classes. We welcome children under 5 but parents must provide supervision at all time.

Library

Located in the Bookmark Café on Lounge Deck, Balmoral’s well-appointed library provides a wide variety of books and publications, including some large print books, to delve into, accompanied by speciality coffees, teas and tempting chocolates served at this quiet, comfortable space. As well as losing themselves in a good book as the world drifts by, guests can stop-by the Library for a traditional board games such as chess and drafts, or have a go at large, challenging jigsaw puzzles available too.

Gaming Tables

Try your hand at Blackjack or Roulette at Balmoral’s Gaming Tables, located starboard aft on Lido Deck. Perhaps attend one of our daytime teaching sessions to improve your game and learn how to win big, then put your skills into practice in the evenings against our friendly croupiers, your new-found friends and fellow guests. Please note: games of chance may not be charged back to your on board account.

Card Room

Featuring plenty of card tables and comfortable chairs, the Card Room on board Balmoral provides guests with a quiet, relaxing space to enjoy a competitive hand or two, or simply a bit of fun. Bridge is always a popular pursuit on board, so you’re sure to find players up for a challenge. On some cruises, Bridge tuition is on offer to help you develop your skills. If you prefer, asides from playing cards, there are jigsaws and board games for you to have a go at too.

Laundry Room

One of the treats of being on board your cruise ship is to leave behind the routine chores. And of course, there is a comprehensive on board laundry service which your stewardess will be pleased to arrange for you. Full details and prices for this service can be found in your Welcome Pack waiting in your room. However, we do appreciate that occasionally there may be items you wish to deal with yourself, and the self-service Laundry Rooms, located on Bridge Deck and Marina Deck, are fully equipped with washing machines, tumble dryers and ironing facilities. A particularly useful facility for those guests enjoying a longer cruise holiday.

Special Diets

We will do our best to accommodate most dietary requests onboard. WE currently cater for vegetarian, low fat, dairy free, gluten and wheat free diets. All special requests must be specified on the booking form and we will endeavour to source the products required, but cannot guarantee specific brands (some special requests may not be possible due to location of the vessel and availability at locals ports). Please give us as much notice as possible.

Medical Assistance

All passengers must ensure that they have travel insurance that provided adequate cover taking in their personal circumstances; that all known medical conditions have been declared to their insurers; and where necessary, special provision has been made for any medical condition they have to ensure that they are not left in a position were significant uninsured medical expenses might be incurred.

Mobility Assistance

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines warmly welcomes guests dependent on the use of a wheelchair/scooter for mobility on all vessels within our fleet. However, with the very different nature of a holiday at sea when compared to one on land we very strongly recommend you are accompanied by an able-bodied companion who is responsible for providing any assistance that you may require both on board and ashore. On board we are unable to offer any sustained or long-term assistance. If you opt to travel alone but it transpires that you are unable to cope on board you will be required to meet with a senior officer to discuss the situation, and in extreme circumstances asked to disembark the vessel at your own expense. If in any doubt prior to departure as to whether we can safely accept the guest for passage, we do reserve the right to insist a guest is accompanied by an able-bodied companion.