Imagine ……. just over a year from now, being picked up by a luxury coach at one of just four local pick-up point, enjoying a glass of bubbly & canapés en route and then boarding your cruise ship ‘just down the road’ at Southampton!
Solent Events on Tour has the opportunity to offer you a relaxing late summer cruise with the magical sights and sounds of beautiful cities, meandering rivers, idyllic countryside vineyards and bustling harbours of France …. and NO flying!
CRUISE DETAILS:
Cruise: L2727 • Rivers, Harbours & Vineyards of France • Departs Southampton • Sunday 12 September 2027 • 9 nights • Balmoral • Luxury return coach to Southampton from home area PLUS £45 per person onboard spend • Complimentary Private Drinks & Canapes Party for Solent Events clients!
2027 isn’t looking too bad after all, is it?!
Akin to all Fred. Olsen’s cosy, friendly small ships, Balmoral it is a really lovely traditional cruise ship and if you joined us on the Balmoral in 2025 European Cities & Rivers Cruise, you will remember what a delightful cruise ship Balmoral is!
With more and more of the ‘modern, Butlin’s on Water’ ships being introduced year on year, we still say ‘SMALL IS BEST!’ and as Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways you can enjoy hours of scenic, flat cruising where larger ships cannot go, plus ocean cruises in home-from-home comfort – and no Apps!
Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants with plenty of open-deck space.
Balmoral is the smallest ship in the Fred Olsen fleet and is well-loved by everyone, especially by long-standing guests. She has wonderful facilities – 6 tastefully decorated restaurants, 7 bars & lounges, 2 pools and wide open decks which are perfect for taking in the scenery. Her smaller size is a huge asset when it comes to creating itineraries that go off the beaten track and into less visited ports and waterways. Balmoral journeys along rivers and right into the heart of cities such as Bordeaux, or transits through spectacular waterways like the Kiel Canal.
Balmoral‘s crest proudly replicates the British royal family’s Scottish residence Balmoral Castle, with a nod to Fred. Olsen’s historic links with Scotland and where the family still have an estate today.
You’ll have the chance to unwind on board with 2-days at sea (one southbound & one northbound). To make your experience even more special, Fred. Olsen’s ‘Journey Planners’ have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting (La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Rouen & Honfleur) arriving in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.
Shore Tours at each port of call will be available to book around 8-13 weeks prior to departure from the brochure sent directly to your door. The Signature Experience team have carefully researched and hand-selected some wonderful tour options for you, designed to help you see the real destination and not just the tourist hotspots.
Take advantage of Fred. Olsen’s popular, great value pre-bookable DRINKS PACKAGE, saving you £’s on your cruise.
So if you are interested in a fantastic cruise on a SMALL ship with only 710 cabins (max 1,250 passengers & 537 Crew and a cosy home-from-home atmosphere, please contact us as soon as possible, especially as our maximum group size will be 25/30 pax.
The itinerary, cabin details and deck plans can be found below.
SOLOS SPECIAL OFFERS: For solo travellers, a 25% & 35% reduced sole occupancy supplement, based on a CO grade (Superior Oceanview Twin cabin, with fully restricted view on Lido Deck 8), is currently on offer for £1,999 and a G grade (Interior cabin) at £1,799 . PRICES ON
SEE OTHER CABIN PRICES by clicking appropriate button at top of page.
A ‘virtual’ tour of Balmoral can be found at: www.fredolsencruises.com/ourships/balmoral
TO SUMMARISE:
All prices include: *Solent Events SPECIAL £45pp ON BOARD SPEND
*LUXURY TRANSPORT to and from the port of Southampton; *PERSONAL TRAVEL TREATS
* PRIVATE DRINKS PARTY!
Daily on board you will enjoy:
Breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, 5-course à la carte dinner, late night buffet & self-service 24hr tea & coffee • Varied daytime activities when at sea • Lectures & talks • Swimming pools, Jacuzzi & gym • Choice of live evening entertainment • 2 formal nights
Your cruise also includes:
CHOOSE FROM:
Interior fr £1,149pp ; Oceanview fr £1,909pp;
Balcony fr £3,749pp and Suites fr £4,019pp
(Sharing a Twin/Double)
PLUS SPECIAL SOLO OFFER – from £1,799
Lin with Ellie Fulcher Group Manager – on board
Bolette in Southampton – 05May22
For your peace of mind and financial protection, our cruise is arranged in conjunction with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.
BALMORAL … RIVERS, HARBOURS & VINEYARDS OF FRANCE – L2727 12 September 2027
Sunday 12 September Leave by Luxury coach from our 4-local pick-ups to Southampton Docks – Our Check-in time TBC
Ship leaves late afternoon – cruising along the Solent to La Rochelle
Monday 13 September Relax at sea, cruising to South Brittany, France, with plenty of activities and leisure facilities to keep you busy, or just relax in the late summer sunshine by the pool
Tuesday 14 September Arrive La Pallice (for La Rochelle) the commercial port for La Rochelle, the popular coasal city in South western France and capital of the Charenete-Maritime region, featuring a long legecy of maritim significance. Due to its strategic position on the Atlantic coast, the heritage stretches back almost five centuries and was a sought-after naval base. La Rochelle is known as La Ville Blanche – The White City, so named for its limestone buildings which shine brightly in the warm Atlantic sun
Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16 September Arrive Bordeaux for 2-nights Exploring Bordeaux during the late summer offers you the opportunity to discover not just the world’s wine capital but also its fascinating cultural and historical sites. Spend time at Place de La Bourse, with its iconic Miroir d’eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool, or wander along the Rue de Saint Catherine and the maze of streets running through the city, lined with boutiques and wine shops. Renowned for its incredible wines, the region surrounding Bordeaux is home to numerous wineries and vineyards producing some of the best wines from around the globe. You will be able to explore La Cite du Vin, a museum dedicated entirely to wine and its production and designed to look like a wine decanter, discover local food markets and 18th-century architecture, or simply enjoy a glass of Bordeaux wine on the banks of the Garonne River.
Friday 17 September Relax at sea whilst we head north to the River Seine
Saturday 18 September Cruise the River Seine through the lush-green countryside of Normandy’s Parc naturel régional des Boucles de la Seine. This route, connecting the historic cities of Honfleur and Rouen, is ideal for Fred. Olsen’s smaller ships and presents guests with simply unforgettable views to enjoy on board in comfort. Simply sit back, relax and take in scenes of rolling valleys, floral fields and charming communes dotted with historic churches and traditional houses that have inspired many famous artists over the years, including Claude Monet and Henri Matisse.
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 September Arrive Rouen for 2-nights The beautiful city of Rouen – known as the ‘City of a Hundred Bells’ is a hugely significant and historical destination, particularly prominent in both the Roman times and Middle Ages. Home to the imposing Cathédrale Notre-Dame, painted by Claude Monet, who grew up in Normandy; Rouen is also gateway to the French capital of Paris and its plethora of well-known cultural sights
Monday 20 September Arrive Honfleur Originally occupied in the 9th century by the Vikings, the charming town of Honfleur has attracted artists for many years, with masterpieces housed in its museums and art galleries. Under the guidance of Eugène Boudin, a young Claude Monet and his friend Alfred Sisley began studying light effects and painting landscapes outdoors, rather than from memory, trailblazing for artists of the future.
Sail overnight to Southampton
Tuesday 21 September Arrive Southampton and our onward journey home by private luxury coach (disembarkation at approx 0830)
FORMAL NIGHTS x 2:
Captains Black Tie Cocktail Parties, with complimentary drinks & canapés & an extra special dinner menu in the main restaurants.
It is not compulsory to attend the TWO Formal nights, but it does mean that you will be unable to eat dinner in your min restaurant that evening. Most passengers who opt-out tend to eat in the Palms Self-Service Restaurant or treat themselves to a meal in one of the two Speciality Restaurants, Colours & Tastes or Vasco (especially when it will probably be easier to reserve a table!)
NB. Our complimentary Solent Events Drinks Party will be arranged one afternoon/evening during our 2 days at sea (no need for ‘formal’ dress!).
Highland Deck 10
Bridge Deck 9
Lido Deck 8
Main Deck 6
Atlantic Deck 5
Coral Deck 4
Marina Deck 3
ABOUT BALMORAL:
The family-run, Norwegian-owned cruise line still caters mainly to mature British passengers with the classic, traditional, ‘small’ ship style of cruising, that we all love!
Balmoral is the smallest ship in the fleet of four and is well-loved by all of the on board teams, and long-standing guests. She has wonderful facilities – six beautiful restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools and lovely wide open decks which are perfect for when Balmoral is scenic cruising. Her smaller size is a huge asset when it comes to creating itineraries that go off the beaten track and into less visited ports and waterways. Balmoral journeys along rivers and right into the heart of cities such as Bordeaux, or transits through spectacular waterways like the Kiel Canal.
Balmoral’s Ballindalloch restaurant offers a fantastic selection of expertly prepared delicious dishes to enjoy. The delicious five-course á la carte menu changes each evening and is served to you by attentive and friendly waiting teams. Choose from mouthwatering steaks, perfectly cooked seafood and freshly made soups; all accompanied by bread baked on board each day. Take the chance to sample our Treats of the Region dishes, created in line with the destinations you are visiting on your Fred. Olsen cruise. Solent Events have reserved tables for the early sitting at 6pm, which we find is the perfect time for enjoying the excellent onboard evening entertainment afterwards!
The Spey and Avon restaurants offer spectacular views out to sea while you dine, and the Observatory Lounge really comes to life with our Signature Experiences of scenic cruising, or our Ship at Sea sessions.
The self-service Palms Café is designed with a light and airy feel, offering guests a more informal and relaxed dining experience. The buffet style service is perfect for those 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. You can expect to find an abundance of indulgent dishes, expertly prepared by our on board chefs, with various breakfast, lunch and dinner options, and a tasty selection of complimentary afternoon teas with sandwiches, scones and tempting cakes. There will also be the opportunity to try various dishes in our Treats of the Region section, which are local to the destinations you’re visiting on your Fred. Olsen cruise.
The Observatory has spectacular panoramic views and is a wonderful lounge to enjoy a drink in as you take a seat in one of the comfortable chairs by the lounge’s large windows – ideal for our Scenic Discoveries, one of our five Signature Experiences, accompanied by commentary from our on board team about the waterways you’ll observe from this perfect viewpoint. Or, join us for our Ship and the Sea Experiences, as our officers host navigational chart and map reading sessions for guests. As we head into the evening, the Observatory comes to life with music and singing from our resident live bands, and you’ll have the choice of a selection of champagnes, sparkling cocktails or mocktails to add an extra touch of glamour to your on board experience.
Join the Balmoral Show Team in the Neptune Lounge as they put on memorable shows, along with guest comedians, singers and magicians, who’ll delight and entertain you, and you are welcome to join the popular Captain’s Black Tie Welcome & Farewell parties.
During the day, the Neptune Lounge is used for the Signature Experiences, where special guest speakers share their knowledge, delivering fascinating talks and activities, designed to give everyone who attends, a deeper understanding of the destinations being visited. It’s also the perfect place to attend an ‘Audience With…’ sessions, where you can learn about how much work goes into the excellent, professional Shows, or hear about life as a ship’s Captain or officer.
Balmoral‘s crest proudly replicates the British royal family’s Scottish residence Balmoral Castle, with a nod to Fred. Olsen’s historic links with Scotland and where the family still have an estate today.
Keep fit by swimming a few lengths, or cool down after relaxing in the sunshine on deck in either of Balmoral’s two large, heated saltwater pools. Located in the centre of Marquee Deck and at the stern of the ship on Lounge Deck, both pools are surrounded by open deck space and plenty of loungers, so are perfect for soaking up the sunshine or losing yourself in a good book. For blissful relaxation, head for the Jacuzzi and let the warm, bubbling water soak any cares away, while you chat with fellow guests.
Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for an extra fee with a variety of Internet packages available. All passenger decks are served by lifts and stairs. The ship has a self-service laundry, with washing machines operated by pre-purchased tokens, plus ironing boards. A cabin laundry service is also available, at additional cost.
The Dress Code on Balmoral is casual by day and smart casual in ALL restaurants at night, except for the buffet restaurant, which is casual. There are TWO optional formal Black Tie nights on this cruise, when men should wear a suit or tuxedo and women, a cocktail dress, gown, pants suit or other formal attire.
A themed ‘British’ night (TBC for this cruise) is a popular addition to most sailings of more than five nights, where passengers have the option to dress in red, white and blue. Don’t forget to bring something with you!
CABINS & PRICES:
All cabins booked with Solent Events, will be superbly located as per your personal requests (we will advise, as we do not have pre-allocated cabins on this cruise), Freedom Fare tariff with included transport, £45pp on board spend PLUS additional travel treats. Sample cabin grades are stated below. IMPORTANT. Akin to airlines, cabin pricing is operated on a ‘capacity controlled basis’ and can change daily. For your peace of mind, Solent Events will check the availability & price at time of booking.
SEE DECK PLAN BELOW or go to:
www.fredolsencruises.com/our-ships/balmoral/deck-plans
I Grade – Interior Twin – Atlantic Deck 5, *Coral Deck 4 & Marina Deck 3
Approx £pp
Deposit: £149.85pp
Positioned close to the ship’s stairs and lifts, providing easy access to the other decks and their public areas. 160 square feet (approx. Bedroom with twin or double bed and a chair. Bathroom with shower
M Grade Interior Single Superior – Bridge Deck 9
Approx £pp
Deposit: £pp
160 square feet (approx.) Bedroom with a bed and a chair Bathroom with bath and/or shower . The room consists of two single beds which can be converted into a queen-size bed.
N Grade Single Interior – Main Deck 6 & Marina Deck 3
Approx £1,599.00
Deposit: £239.85
Approx 130 square feet. Bedroom with a bed and a chair. Bathroom with a shower.
K Grade – Single Oceanview – Coral Deck *4 & Lido Deck 8
Approx £pp
Deposit: £pp
Approx 165 square feet. Bedroom with bed and a chair. Bathroom with a shower. Picture window. Positioned close to the ship’s stairs and lifts, providing easy access to the other decks and their public areas. Approx 183 sqft. Bedroom with two single beds (can be converted into a queen-size bed).
Lido Deck 8
: £
Deposit: £pp
Approx 165 square feet. Bedroom with twin or double bed and a chair. Bathroom with bath and/or shower. Picture window with daylight but fully restricted view by lifeboat or ships bulkhead
E Grade – Oceanview – Picture Window – Coral Deck 4
Approx £pp
Deposit: £pp
Situated forward and aft on Coral Deck 4. Ocean View cabins benefit from plenty of soothing natural light and boast fantastic ocean views, provided by a large picture window. Approx 165 square feet. Bedroom with twin beds and a chair. Bathroom with a shower. Picture window
C Grade Superior Oceanview – Picture Window – Atlantic Deck 5
Approx:£pp
Deposit: £pp
Superior Ocean View cabins can be found on Deck 5, midships. For a light, airy feel, and to provide guests with fantastic ocean views, Balmoral’s C Grade Superior Ocean View cabins feature a picture window, in addition to all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay on board.
Approx 165 square feet. Bedroom with twin or double bed and a chair. Bathroom with bath and/or shower. Picture window
B Grade Superior Oceanview – Picture Window – Main Deck 6 & Lido Deck 8
Approx:£pp
Deposit: £pp
Approx 165 square feet with a picture window providing plenty of natural light and fantastic ocean views. Bedroom with twin or double bed and a chair. Bathroom with bath and/or shower. Large picture window.
F Grade – Oceanview with 2-portholes – Atlantic Deck 5, Coral Deck 4 & Marina Deck *3
Approx: £pp
Deposit: £pp
These ocean view cabins feature a two-portholes to provide guests with plenty of soothing natural light and great ocean views. Approx 165 square feet. Bedroom with twin beds and a chair. Bathroom with a shower. Two porthole windows
BA Grade Balcony – Lido Deck *8 & Bridge Deck 9
Approx: £pp
Deposit: £pp
Approx 248 – 260 square feet. Bedroom with twin or double bed. Sitting area. Bathroom with bath and/or shower. Private balcony. Large windows
BJ Grade – Balcony Junior Suite – Lido Deck 8
Approx £pp
Deposit: £pp
Junior Suites are a welcoming, comfortable space. Guests will find ample room to relax and all the amenities they need during their stay, plus a private balcony for soaking up the scenery. Approx 218 square feet. Bedroom with double bed and a chair. Bathroom with bath and/or shower. Balcony.
NB: Cabins 8061 & 8072 have a small corner balcony (with a restricted view).
SS Grade – Superior Balcony Suite – Highland Deck 10 & Bridge Deck 9 (midship)
Approx £pp
Deposit: £pp
Approx 341 square feet. Bedroom with twin or double bed. Separate sitting area. Bathroom with bath/shower. Private balcony with sun loungers. Large floor-to-ceiling windows. Access to mini bar and fridge. Guests benefit from complimentary ‘Suite Dreams’ package
PAYMENT:
A 15% non-returnable DEPOSIT is payable at time of booking. BALANCE DUE: 90-days before departure
NB. If you have a preference for a specific cabin, please get in touch as soon as possible to check availability.
As most clients prefer, Dinner Dining for our Solent Events group is reserved for the early sitting at 6pm normally on tables of 6 or 8.
IF YOU WOULD PERSONALLY PREFER to reserve a place on the LATE sitting (around 8pm) please state this on your booking form with the table size you require (2, 4, 6, 8).
RETURNING GUESTS Discount:
If you have cruised with Fred. Olsen in the past and are booking 8-12 months ahead of departure, let us know on your booking form, as you could be entitled to a 5% discount on your cruise price!
NB. Fred. Olsen does not permit guests to bring their own alcohol on board for consumption. Any alcohol purchased onshore must be declared on embarkation and will be held until return to our UK port.
INCLUDED DRINKS – in the restaurants during Lunch & Dinner. These include house wine, house beer and soft drinks.
OPTIONAL PREMIUM DRINKS PACKAGE
The customer friendly Premium Drinks package on Balmoral is currently £40pp per night (total £360pp for this cruise) if you pre-book. This rises to £44pppn if it is purchased once on board. A PREMIUM DRINKS package should be co dered if you enjoy alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks & cocktails during the day and evening, or Premium names for lunch & dinner, as ordinarily as the cost soon adds up over 9-nights!
PREMIUM PACKAGE:
i) More than one glass of premium wine/alcoholic drink with your lunch & dinner
PLUS ii) Cava, mock cocktails & acoholic cocktails, premium beer, cider or soft drinks whilst relaxing between meal times or pre-dinner
PLUS iii) sitting by the pool, one of several lounges & bars, or after dinner in the theatre
The package must be booked and paid for up to 2 weeks before departure.
The Drinks Package consists of the following, unlimited:
BEERS, LAGERS & CIDER (incl non-alcoholic Carlsberg)
HOUSE WINES by the glass
White: Sauvignon Blanc; Chenin Blanc; Chardonay/Semillon; Eisberg Sauvignon Blanc
Red: Merlot; Pinotage; Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot; Eisberg Cabernet Sauvignon
Rosé: Cinsault-Rosé; Cabernet Sauvignon-Rosé
CAVA
COCKTAIL of the DAY
HOUSE SPIRITS (25ml)
Vodka; Whisky; Gin; white Rum; Brandy; Irish Cream
MINERALS (incl diet)
Pepsi; Lemonade; Tonic Water Ginger Ale
JUICES (by the glass)
Orange; Apple; Pineapple; Cranberry; Tomato
WATER – still & carbonated
PLUS @ 50% discount:
Cocktails, Premium & Branded Spirits from the normal drinks menu
PLUS – from cabin/room service:
Orange/grapefruit juice; Milk; Teas/coffee & decaf
All other drinks from the Room Service Menu are chargeable to your account
Items not included:
Champagne; Prosecco Special Selection Red & White wines, Sparkling & Dessert wines; Drinks from cabin mini-bar; via duty free or cabin shopping; room service; coffee/teas in bars & Bookmark Café; drinks taken ashore.
Complimentary Drinks
Coffee and Tea are available 24 hours a day in the Palm Café
Soft drinks (eg: orange juice; cranberry; water etc) available during restaurant open times
Cabin tray with kettle, tea & coffee, daily fresh carafe of water, water glasses, mugs, spoons.
FOR YOUR INTEREST & COMPARISON – Bar Menu prices 2023
Spirits £3.50/£4 (25ml); Glass wine £6; Bottle wine £23 to £43; Lager £5/£6 pint; Cider £5/£6 pint; ALe £4/£6; Bottle Champagne £55 to £240; Glass Champagne £14; Prosecco DOC Spumante £26; Cocktails/Martinis £7; Non-alcoholic cocktails £4; Liqueurs £4; Soft drinks – cans & bottles: £2 to £4; Water £2.50 to £3; Milkshake £4; Cappucino/Americano £3
The small print!
DRINKS PACKAGE TERMS & CONDITIONS:
Minimum age: 18 to consume alcoholic drinks
The all-inclusive Drinks Package is for the sole use of those on the package and the all-inclusive cabin card must be presented each time a drink is required – without exception (it’s the same system if you ‘purchase’ a drink on your account without a package!).
Drinks within package are only available during bar/restaurant opening hours.
Only one drink per card may be ordered and this must be consumed before further drinks are requested (for obvious reasons!)
Draught products are only available in selected bars and not in the restaurants or cafés as not all the facilities have ‘pumps’.
Canned beers and ciders will be served opened for consumption.
Fred.Olsen reserves the right to refuse service to any guest deemed intoxicated and in breach of safety regulations to themselves or others.
Any infringements to the above Terms & Conditions may result in the package being withdrawn.
Your details will be safe with us & will not be passed on to any other person, company or business
