River Cities of France & Portugal

15 nights sailing from Newcastle on cruise ship Balmoral

Itinerary: Sailing from Newcastle, visiting Rouen (France), Rouen (France), Bordeaux (France), Bordeaux (France), Porto (Portugal), Lisbon, Honfleur (France), ending in Newcastle.
from £1,799 Price per person based on double occupancy

Cruise River Cities of France & Portugal

15 nights sailing from Newcastle on cruise ship Balmoral

from £1,799 Price per person

Sailing dates and fares. Get your cruise quote

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Inside

Interior Room I

Interior Room H

Superior Interior G

Ocean View

Ocean View Room F

Ocean View Room E

Ocean View Room D

Superior Ocean View C

Superior Ocean View B

Superior Oceanview Fully Obstructed CO

Superior Ocean View A

Balcony

Superior Balcony BA

Suite

Balcony Junior Suite BJ

Superior Suite SS

Marquee Suite MS

Premier Suite PS

Owner´s Suite OW

Which stateroom suits you better?

Which cruise cabin is the best to book? If you are wondering what type of stateroom to book, don't worry, with our quick cabin guide we'll try to help you book the cabin that best suits you. Our cruise specialised agents are also here to help you book the perfect cabin for you.

Do you want to book more than one cabin?

You need to make as many bookings as staterooms needed. If you prefer you can call us and speak to our cruise specialised agents. 020 3636 9656

Cruise Itinerary

Full Itinerary
Day 1 Newcastle
Day 2 at sea
Cruising River Seine Onboard Experience
Day 3 Rouen (France)
Day 4 Rouen (France)
Day 5-6 at sea
Day 7 Bordeaux (France)
Day 8 Bordeaux (France)
Cruising Gironde & Garonne Rivers Onboard Experience
Day 9 at sea
Day 10 Porto (Portugal)
Cruise by Cristo Rei & Abril 25 Bridge Onboard Experience
Day 11 Lisbon
Cruise Mouth of River Tagus Onboard Experience
Day 12-13 at sea
Day 14 Honfleur (France)
Day 15 at sea
Day 16 Newcastle
River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen

River Cities of France & Portugal

15 nights Cruise on Balmoral. Sailing from Newcastle, visiting Rouen (France), Rouen (France), Bordeaux (France), Bordeaux (France), Porto (Portugal), Lisbon, Honfleur (France), ending in Newcastle.

River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen
River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen

Newcastle

Newcastle is a port city in the North East of England. Its a lively and diverse city, known for its nightlife, art, music and sports. The Port of Tyne is a deep river port and lies on the North Bank of the Tyne River some 10 miles east of the centre of Newcastle. The Port of Tyne offers secure car parking facilities to passengers. Port Address: Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal. Coble Dene. North Shields. Tyne & Wear. NE29 6EE

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River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen
Onboard Experience

Cruising River Seine

River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen

Rouen (France)

Known as the city of the hundred belltowers, it is located in the northeast of France. You cannot miss the Notre Dame Cathedral, inspiration for Claude Monet, or the monuments risen in honor to Joan of Arc, and the Donjon, castle where she was prisioner during all of her prosecution.

See cruises to Rouen (France)
River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen

Rouen (France)

Known as the city of the hundred belltowers, it is located in the northeast of France. You cannot miss the Notre Dame Cathedral, inspiration for Claude Monet, or the monuments risen in honor to Joan of Arc, and the Donjon, castle where she was prisioner during all of her prosecution.

See cruises to Rouen (France)
River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen

Bordeaux (France)

Bordeaux is a portuary city on the south west of France, it is the capital of the Aquitaine region. The city is know worldwide fot it's vineyards, specialy since the XVIII century. The port is accesible for grand ships although actually most stop downstream towards the mouth of the river.

See cruises to Bordeaux (France)
River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen

Bordeaux (France)

Bordeaux is a portuary city on the south west of France, it is the capital of the Aquitaine region. The city is know worldwide fot it's vineyards, specialy since the XVIII century. The port is accesible for grand ships although actually most stop downstream towards the mouth of the river.

See cruises to Bordeaux (France)
River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen
Onboard Experience

Cruising Gironde & Garonne Rivers

River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen

Porto (Portugal)

Porto is the second most important city in Portugal, after Lisbon. Porto is an old city that has many historical heritage sites, although during the last decades is has been modernized. It has the longest underground line in Portugal, that covers not only the centre of the city, but also the metropolitan outskirts such as Senhora da Hora or maja. The old town is included in the UNESCO world heritage site. Some of it's most important monuments are: Mercado do Bolhao, teh Cathedral, the Clerigos Church and Tower, the Crystal Palace, the town hall and the bridges over the Duero river. it is also known for the grandeur, innovation and beauty of it's bridges, dated in diferent seasons and of different architectural styles.

See cruises to Porto (Portugal)
River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen
Onboard Experience

Cruise by Cristo Rei & Abril 25 Bridge

River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen

Lisbon

The city of Lisbon is rich in architecture; Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Modern and Postmodern constructions can be found all over Lisbon. The city is also crossed by historical boulevards and monuments along the main thoroughfares, particularly in the upper districts. There are several substantial museums one can visit in the city. In addition, the mosaic Portuguese Pavement was born in Lisbon, in the mid-1800s. The art has since spread to the rest of the Portuguese Speaking world. The city remains one of the most expansive examples of the technique, nearly all walkways and even many streets being created and maintained in this style.

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River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen
Onboard Experience

Cruise Mouth of River Tagus

River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen

Honfleur (France)

The privileged position of Honfleur on the banks of the Senna river and very near the Pont de Normandie, that joins the city with le Havre, during the whole year, a place to stay. the smal maritim city invites you to discover it's picturesque streets and antique houses in the heart of a protected zone of 37 acres, created in 1974. The city has known how to conserve and exhibit a rich patrimony historic and artistic, like the church of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, built just after the hundred year War

See cruises to Honfleur (France)
River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise itinerary  - Fred Olsen

Newcastle

Newcastle is a port city in the North East of England. Its a lively and diverse city, known for its nightlife, art, music and sports. The Port of Tyne is a deep river port and lies on the North Bank of the Tyne River some 10 miles east of the centre of Newcastle. The Port of Tyne offers secure car parking facilities to passengers. Port Address: Port of Tyne International Passenger Terminal. Coble Dene. North Shields. Tyne & Wear. NE29 6EE

See cruises from Newcastle

The ship: Balmoral

Atrium
Pool
Restaurant
Restaurant

Balmoral is the largest of Fred Olsen's ships but still has the warm, intimate and friendly atmosphere of the other ships and features 710 well-appointed rooms and suites  

Balmoral takes her name from the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family. The size of Balmoral is still small enough to navigate narrow waterways, such as the Kiel Canal, providing guests with some fantastic scenic cruising. There is plenty of space to relax on board Balmoral with a whole host of lounges and bars providing ample room and there is always a fine array of entertainment on throughout the day. The Scottish theme runs throughout the ship with the names of Balmoral's estaurants being influenced by the Highlands; the Ballindalloch, Avon and Spey. Whichever you dine in, you’ll be in for a treat as the Chef’s produce tantalising menus ensuring no two days are the same.  

Year renovated 2008
Beam 28.2 m.
Length 218.18 m.
Tonnage 43,537 tn.
Occupancy 1350
Number of staterooms 710
See Balmoral technical details

What's included onboard?

Comfortable rooms and suites with tv, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and individually controlled air conditioning

Tempting cuisine every day throughout your cruise - with five course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets and late-night snacks.

Self-service tea and coffee at selected venues, morning coffee with biscuits, and afternoon sandwiches and cakes.

Self-service tea and coffee at selected venues, morning coffee with biscuits, and afternoon sandwiches and cakes.

In-room sandwiches and snacks.

All evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, live music and dancing.

Captain's Drinks Party and Gala Buffet.

Use of leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym.

A wide choice of on board activities and lectures throughout the day.

All UK port taxes (where collectable in advance).

Luggage porterage between your room and the drop-off/pick-up point.

What's not included?

Travel to/from your port or airports.

All drinks on board (optional 'All Inclusive Upgrade' available on selected cruises).

Shore Tours

Hairdressing, health, beauty treatments, and selected fitness classes.

Personal laundry and dry cleaning.

Passports and visa costs. Holiday Insurance

Government levies or taxes introduced after publication of this brochure.

Discretionary gratuities to the crew, drivers, guides, etc. on board and ashore.

Evening dining in our premium restaurants; The Grill, The Black Watch Room & The Poolside

What you need to know

FARE TYPES IMPORTANT INFO.

Terms and Conditions are different between Saver Fares which are more economic and Freedom Fares which include extra benefits. You can also book an ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE that will include a selection of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks from just £24.99 per person, per night* (£35 per person, per night on cruises of five nights or less and Speciality Sailings). By upgrading to All Inclusive, you can also treat yourself to premium drinks and cocktails at half price. YOu will be able to enjoy drinks in the bars, in the restaurants and the buffet areas. Call 020 3499 5846 to get advice to book your ideal fare type.

Saver Fares - Full payment is required at the time of booking. 100% cancellation charges apply - no refunds are permitted. Non-transferrable to any other cruise once booked. Room grade and, or room Nr. will be automatically assigned and cannot be changed once assigned. Room number will be confirmed on your cruise ticket. Oceans Cruise Club discounts are not combinable with Saver Fares - Oceans points will be earned however. Additional charges may apply for shuttle bus or transfers to local amenities. Dining sitting will be allocated at the cruise line's discretion (advised on the cruise ticket). Dining sitting cannot be changed once allocated unless a supplement is paid. Other booking changes are permitted subject to the standard Terms & Conditions. ///////// Freedom Fares Benefits and flexibility. You are able to choose your room Nr. and room grade at the time of booking. Your choice of restaurant and dining time is confirmed at time of booking (subject to availability). Your table size at dinner can be requested (but not guaranteed). 15% deposit on bookings before 90 days of departure. Standard cancellation fee, Oceans Discount - as applicable, based on membership level. Booking transferable to another cruise (once only per booking). Priority booking for pre-booked Shore Tours (subject to availability), oceans benefits on board (subject to availability). Priority for room upgrades (complimentary or charged, subject to availability). Free shuttle bus to local centre (where operating). Priority embarkation in UK departure ports. Priority debarkation at end of cruise (available on request, but not guaranteed). Room upgrades are subject to availability and may be complimentary or payable. Free shuttle bus is to the local centre and is not offered where the local centre is within walking distance.a

Mandatory Insurance

Having suitable insurance cover is a mandatory requirement for your cruise.Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is also pleased to work in association with specialist cruise insurance provider Holiday Extras.They can provide full Coronavirus cover. This can include cover for guests who contract Covid-19 prior to their cruise and therefore have to cancel their holiday, as well as cover for up to £15m if a guest contracts Covid-19 while travelling. This covers medical assistance, repatriation and accommodation costs for a guest and their travelling companion.

*Top Tip: Be properly insured for you and your Fred. Olsen cruise holiday. If you haven’t declared all your pre-existing medical conditions to your insurer or have not taken out an insurance policy that covers a holiday at sea, the financial consequences could be significant to you. Don’t risk a large financial bill. Tip Two: Avoid potential loopholes. It is tempting to save money and opt for the cheapest holiday insurance. However, many of these policies have loopholes that will not provide cover for the exact circumstance in the claim. Be sure to thoroughly investigate what’s covered in the policy. Tip Three: Consider annual cover. For travellers lucky enough to be embarking on several trips a year, annual policies may work out to be the best value. For multiple holidays, an annual insurance policy provides cover for the year ahead. What is the difference between cruise insurance and general travel insurance? General travel insurance is mostly designed for those planning to relax on a land-based holiday, by the pool, on the beach, or with a little sightseeing, for example. A cruise holiday has very different elements, requiring a more specialist cover. It’s unlikely that a standard holiday insurance policy would provide cover in the unfortunate event of having to be medically evacuated by helicopter or launch whilst at sea. This, for instance, is the type of scenario that specialist cruise insurance would take into account, giving you reassurance that you’re suitably covered throughout your trip should the unexpected occur.

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