12 Nights Discovering Turkish Treasures Cruise
Sat 25 Oct 2025 to Thu 06 Nov 2025
Fred Olsen | Balmoral
Rhodes to Malaga

Select Passengers
My Itinerary
1
Rhodes, Greece
2
Rhodes, Greece
3
Bodrum, Turkey
4
Kusadasi, Turkey
5
At Sea
6
Istanbul, Turkey
7
At Sea
8
At Sea
9
Valleta, Malta
10
At Sea
11
At Sea
12
Malaga, Spain
13
Malaga, Spain
My Itinerary
Sat 25 October 2025 - Thu 06 November 2025

Rhodes, Greece
Day 1 to 2: 25 Oct 25

Bodrum, Turkey
Day 3: 27 Oct 25

Kusadasi, Turkey
Day 4: 28 Oct 25

At Sea
Day 5: 29 Oct 25

Istanbul, Turkey
Day 6: 30 Oct 25
1
Rhodes, Greece
2
Rhodes, Greece
3
Bodrum, Turkey
4
Kusadasi, Turkey
5
At Sea
6
Istanbul, Turkey
7
At Sea
8
At Sea
9
Valleta, Malta
10
At Sea
11
At Sea
12
Malaga, Spain
13
Malaga, Spain
Ship information
Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways, including the Kiel Canal and River Seine, so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. She retains a warm, civilised atmosphere.
Guests on board have plenty of space in which to relax, in elegant and comfortable lounges, bars and public areas, including the alfresco Poolside restaurant, the Marquee Bar with its comfortable rattan sofas and beautiful open promenade. Boasting two separate swimming pool decks, Balmoral is perfect for scenic cruising.
Plugs in cabin:
EU 2 Pin 220v
Currency on ship:
GBP
Childrens facilities:
Available
Gratuities:
Not Included

Cruise Line:
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Capacity:
1,325 passengers
Launched:
1987
Tonnage:
43,537 tonnes
Ship Length:
218 meters
Decks:
10 decks
Crew Count:
551 crew
Select Passengers
Ship information
Balmoral

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways, including the Kiel Canal and River Seine, so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. She retains a warm, civilised atmosphere.
Guests on board have plenty of space in which to relax, in elegant and comfortable lounges, bars and public areas, including the alfresco Poolside restaurant, the Marquee Bar with its comfortable rattan sofas and beautiful open promenade. Boasting two separate swimming pool decks, Balmoral is perfect for scenic cruising.
Plugs in cabin:
EU 2 Pin 220v
Currency on ship:
GBP
Childrens facilities:
Available
Gratuities:
Not Included

Cruise Line:
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Capacity:
1,325 passengers
Launched:
1987
Tonnage:
43,537 tonnes
Ship Length:
218 meters
Decks:
10 decks
Crew Count:
551 crew
Cabin Information
47 Cabin types available with images

Available on decks: Bridge Deck 9



Available on decks: Atlantic Deck 5

Available on decks: Coral Deck 4





Available on decks: Bridge Deck 9

Available on decks: Main Deck 6


Available on decks: Lido Deck 8

Available on decks: Lido Deck 8

Available on decks: Atlantic Deck 5

Available on decks: Coral Deck 4

Available on decks: Coral Deck 4

Available on decks: Coral Deck 4



Available on decks: Lido Deck 8

Available on decks: Coral Deck 4

Available on decks: Marina Deck 3






Available on decks: Bridge Deck 9

Available on decks: Bridge Deck 9



Available on decks: Bridge Deck 9


Available on decks: Bridge Deck 9





Available on decks: Highland Deck 10


Available on decks: Highland Deck 10

Available on decks: Bridge Deck 9
Balmoral has 47 cabin types available

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Balcony Cabins

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Suite Cabins

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Deck Plans
Here, you can explore detailed deck plans of Balmoral from Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. With a total of 9 decks, our deck plans provide a comprehensive view of the ship’s layout, including cabins, restaurants, entertainment areas, and other onboard amenities. Use these plans to find the perfect cabin and get acquainted with everything the ship has to offer for your upcoming voyage.
Atlantic Deck 5
Cabin types on this deck
Things to do
Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways, including the Kiel Canal and River Seine, so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. She retains a warm, civilised atmosphere.
Guests on board have plenty of space in which to relax, in elegant and comfortable lounges, bars and public areas, including the alfresco Poolside restaurant, the Marquee Bar with its comfortable rattan sofas and beautiful open promenade. Boasting two separate swimming pool decks, Balmoral is perfect for scenic cruising.

Marquee Bar
With its large windows, spectacular glass roof and beautiful décor and furnishings, the Marquee Bar provides guests with the perfect place to relax or meet up with new found friends. With a selection of beers, wines and expertly-created cocktails available, it's the perfect venue for a pre or post-dinner drink, or for joining your fellow guests after enjoying a day ashore.

The Observatory
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.
Dining Options

Ballindalloch Restaurant
Balmoral’s Ballindalloch restaurant offers a fantastic selection of expertly prepared delicious dishes to enjoy. Our delicious five-course á la carte menu changes each evening and is served to you by our 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 chane to sample our Treats of the Region dishes, created in line with the destinations you are visiting on your Fred. Olsen cruise.

Spey & Avon Restaurants
The Spey and Avon restaurants have been carefully designed to really make the most of the large windows providing natural light and ever-changing views as you enjoy the same delicious five-course á la carte menus that are on offer at the main Ballindalloch restaurant. Freshly cooked breads and soups are on offer, along with succulent steaks, pasta dishes and melt-in-the-mouth desserts. There'll also be treats of the region dishes available for you to try, which are influenced by the destinations you're visiting.
Cruiser reviews
from Cruise Critic
Cruiser reviews

Hgc95
2-5 Cruises: 30s
Brilliant as always
Fred Olsen delivers again with intimate cruising, great customer service, fantastic ports, exceptional food and relaxed vibes. From start to finish the staff are so helpful and friendly. The selection of food on board was yet again fantastic and to a high standard, with staff happy to add anything you needed and accommodate any needs. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and the size of the ship is perfect for those looking for more accessible ports and relaxed intimate vibes rather than the overwhelming bus and party feels that the larger cruise lines seem to offer. The selection of excursions and drinks was an added bonus and the attentiveness of the staff really makes the cruise experience. Beautiful musical acts from the staff were much welcomed around the ship, especially those in more relaxed areas of the ship and Fred is happy to put on a party for more themed and formal nights. Will definitely be cruising with Fred again.
Sail Date: 10-2025

Grill Britannia
10+ Cruises: 60s
FIRST FULL FRED-20.7-2.8.25 Balmoral-French Rivers
EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION We were disappointed that our luggage did not arrive until after dinner on the first night. At destinations, re-boarding the ship was quite unpleasant at times with security measures often duplicated at both the ports and at the ship therefore causing unnecessary queuing and delays. There were occasions when the members of staff supposedly there to welcome passengers back onboard were often found to be gruff and unpleasant. THE SHIP Having been on 20+ cruises (mostly with Cunard Line), Balmoral is probably the smallest ship we've been on. Having said that, the ship had all the amenities we needed and everything was easy to access. The decor was varied and tasteful and everything on the Lounge Deck flowed well. Generally seating was available in all areas and the ship didn't feel overcrowded although it was obvious that some regular Fred. cruisers were "hogging" certain seating areas at certain times on a regular basis. It was particularly good to have proper teak promenade deck. THE CABIN Initially we did find the Cabin very small and frankly disappointing. The cabin we had booked was described as a "Superior Ocean View Stateroom". However, we did struggle a bit with this description as the cabin did not match our expectations in view of the layout in particular. On booking, it had been explained that this cabin grade had recently been upgraded but we couldn't actually see what this had involved, apart from possibly the bathroom? Sitting in the room to watch TV in particular was not very comfortable due to the chairs provided so usually meant lying on the beds. It had been impossible on embarkation day to put our cases under the bed and when we went to Guest Services, they were not at all helpful. Thankfully, our cabin steward was able to show us how to lift the beds to store our luggage. The 2 available UK sockets were so close together that it was impossible to use both sockets simultaneously. (see photo). CREW We found the crew in most areas of the ship to be very friendly and helpful. Only downsides were at Guest Services desk where no one had an answer to basic questions about where to store luggage in the Cabin etc. and tried to refer questions about the cabin to Future Cruises? Also felt that those allocated to welcome passengers back onboard at the ports were bordering on rude at times and not always welcoming? DINING EXPERIENCE For our first proper Fred Olsen cruise, we found the food and service to be of a very high standard throughout the various venues, although at times the drinks service did seem to take longer than expected in some bar areas. DAYTIME ACTIVITIES I attended the onboard Watercolour Classes every day and found them to be excellent in terms of the preparation and delivery by Karin and her husband James. I also attended the yoga classes which again were excellent, although a bit short as only a 30 minute session. My husband enjoyed the gym facilities and onboard lectures. EVENING ENTERTINMENT RATING We only attended the shows in the theatre delivered by the Balmoral Show team, Balmoral High, Dance Fever, All You Need is Love and Glitter and Groove and found them to be excellent and easily among the best we have encountered on 20+ cruises. We also enjoyed the evening quizzes. THE ITINERARY The itinerary was the main reason for booking this particular cruise and due to her size, Balmoral can visit ports not possible on larger ships. However, it did seem to take an unnecessarily long time to get to the first stop at Bordeaux and although billed as an overnight stop in Bordeaux, this was a bit misleading as there was no option to get off the ship on Day 2. We had booked two trips onboard which meant that there was not enough time in both San Malo and Rouen to explore the towns once we had returned from the trips. On both the Mont Saint Michel (OYO) and Monet's House and Gardens trips, we felt there was not enough time at both venues which meant we felt quite rushed. Also during the scenic cruising portion, it would have been helpful to have had some onboard commentary explaining where we were and any highlights to be noted. VALUE FOR MONEY The onboard drinks were keenly priced. Therefore, although we had not taken the option of a "Drinks Package" (in order that we could order wines by the bottle) we still felt that we had good value for money. Likewise the onboard photo options seemed very good value when compared to previous cruise experiences. There were none of the usual onboard art selling shows as found on Princess and Royal Caribbean etc.
Sail Date: 07-2025

The happy wanderers
10+ Cruises: 80s
Search for the northern lights
At check-in we found we had been moved cabin,same grade different deck, wife liked it, huge windows, large sliding door to balcony,handy to spey restaurant. First day at sea the wind whistling through the gaps in the door was very loud, filled the gap with toilet paper,3rd day getting cold heating couldn't cope temp below 15 c in cabin (have a phone app),asked for a heater none available, other cabins had asked first, Given extra blankets and promised a change of suite tomorrow, next Day given choice of two suites and picked the one without the sliding door, good old fashioned opening door well sealed, moved cabin and found they'd found an extra heater,suite was toasty . No more problems had a great cruise, saw the northern lights ,the best we've ever seen them. The entertainment was excellent and my wife thoroughly enjoyed the craft classes, the Artic train excursion was memorable, the train even had a wheelchair lift. The food was ok but not as good as the Borealis The staff as usual were outstanding our room steward Chan seemed to be telepathic and even wrote us a goodbye note In conclusion a successful and enjoyable cruise.
Sail Date: 01-2025





































































