Cruise Frog guide
Balmoral
Balmoral is a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines cruise ship, in service since 1988. She measures 43,537 gross tons and carries 1,275 guests with a crew of 530. She sails Canary Islands, Mediterranean, Northern Europe itineraries.
About Balmoral
Balmoral was built by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany, and entered service in 1988 as Royal Cruise Line's Crown Odyssey, later sailing for Norwegian Cruise Line and Orient Lines. Fred. Olsen agreed to buy her in 2006 and had her lengthened by 30 meters at Blohm + Voss in Hamburg before she entered service as Balmoral early in 2008. At 43,537 gross tons she carries about 1,275 guests, and Fred. Olsen notes she is small enough for scenic cruising on narrow European waterways. Venues include the Ballindalloch restaurant, the Observatory, the Morning Light Pub and two pools. Her winter 2026/27 sailings from Southampton go to the Canary Islands, Madeira, southern Spain and German Christmas markets.
Ratings
- Cabins
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- Dining
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- Entertainment
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- Service
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- Pools & decks
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- Value
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Editorial scores, 1 to 5 per metric; the overall is their average, not an average of reader reviews.
Deck plans
Where she sails
- Canary Islandswinter sun off North Africa, often with Madeira and Morocco
- MediterraneanWestern Med, Greek Isles and Adriatic, mostly April to November
- Northern Europethe Baltic, British Isles and Iceland, May to September
Home port: Southampton, England.
Flying in for your cruise?
Balmoral sails from Southampton, England. The airport is London Heathrow (LHR), with 40 lounges to wait in before you board.
- Emirates LoungeLHR Terminal 34.9 ★
- Plaza Premium Lounge (T4)LHR Terminal 44.9 ★
- Plaza Premium Lounge (T5)LHR Terminal 54.9 ★
Quick answers
Which cruise line operates Balmoral?
Balmoral is operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.
How big is Balmoral?
Balmoral measures 43,537 gross tons and 218 metres in length, with 10 decks.
How crowded does Balmoral feel?
Balmoral has a passenger space ratio of 34.1: 43,537 gross tons for 1,275 guests. Ratios over 50 feel spacious and under 30 busy, so Balmoral feels busy for her size.
How many passengers does Balmoral carry?
Balmoral carries 1,275 guests at double occupancy, with a crew of 530 (about 2.4 guests per crew member).
When did Balmoral enter service?
Balmoral entered service in 1988 and was last refurbished in 2008.
Where does Balmoral sail?
Balmoral sails Canary Islands, Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries. Her home port is Southampton, England.
Which airport should I fly into for Balmoral?
Balmoral sails from Southampton, England. Fly into London Heathrow (LHR), which has 40 airport lounges listed on Lounge Frog.
Where can I find the deck plans for Balmoral?
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines publishes the deck plans for Balmoral; this page links to Deck plans.
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