Balmoral
Entertainment
RIB Tours
We encourage our guests to head off on a journey of discovery in every destination to really get the most out of every moment of their cruise. Taking exploration to the next level are our on board RIBs, these exciting crafts offer our guests the chance to be immersed in destinations in a way few others get to enjoy. Whether you're breaking new ground by venturing even deeper into a stunning fjord, heading off on a scenic journey to an untouched beach, or sailing past an isolated spot of spectacular coastline only accessible by boat, you'll have an unmissable chance to see things on or by the ocean that regular cruise line guests never see.
Food and Drink
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 chance to sample our featured Treats of the Region dishes, created in line with some of the destinations you are visiting on your Fred. Olsen cruise.
COLOURS & TASTES
An evening meal at Balmoral's Colours & Tastes restaurant makes for a really special occasion - enjoy a delicious taste of Asia in intimate Far East-inspired surroundings where the delectable food from Japan, Thailand, China and the Philippines is expertly crafted by our talented chefs. Delicious dishes such as bao buns, crispy beef and perfectly formed sushi, are on offer, along with other tempting and unique delicacies. With our knowledgeable team available to take care of the wine that pairs perfectly with the dishes you choose, dining at Colours & Tastes is certainly an experience you'll want to try more than once!
LIDO BAR AND LOUNGE
Our spacious and sociable Lido Lounge & Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing drink and chat with our friendly staff and your fellow guests. Popular both before and after dinner, the bar has large panoramic windows overlooking the aft pool, allowing natural light to flow through; while the lounge is perfect for enjoying music from our resident musicians, or enjoying some of our fantastic Signature Experiences.
MORNING LIGHT PUB
Named after one of the largest sailing ships owned by the Olsen family in 1892 and decorated to resemble a British pub, the Morning Light Pub has a welcoming atmosphere and traditional style. Open throughout the day and the evening, it’s the ideal place to relax and socialise with friends both old and new. Featuring a well-stocked bar with a collection of beer and cider, including both British and international classics, and a selection from independent breweries close to our office in Ipswich, sip a drink and listen to our resident singers and guitarists, or take part in the popular (and competitive!) Fred. Olsen quiz.
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.
THE BOOKMARK CAFÉ
The Bookmark Café serves a selection of delicious speciality coffees and quality tea blends. Enjoy a quiet moment with a book or share the experience with good conversation, accompanied by our heavenly fresh chocolates and baked treats. From pralines to Champagne truffles, these mouth-wateringly good treats are too good to miss. If you'd like to make use of your Bookmark Café card - just £25 for 7 hot drinks and a bag of delicious truffles - then our friendly Baristas will be happy to fill your reusable cup with the drink of your choice, to enjoy on a stroll around deck or as you explore ashore.
THE 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 ORIENTAL TEA ROOM
The Oriental Room has been designed using exotic décor, elegant furnishings and with a menu of quality teas and herbal infusions, to provide an authentic taste of the Far East. Enjoy a selection of oolong, black, green and white teas from China, Japan and Taiwan, as well as a few favourite blends from back home, such as Earl Grey and English Chamomile. If you prefer something cold and refreshing, the choice of tea cocktails and delicious bottled beer, including Tiger and Tsingtao, are sure to tempt too. We also offer a non-alcoholic cocktail menu, based on Sri Lankan and Chinese teas.
Thistle Restaurant
The Thistle Restaurant is designed with a light and airy feel, offering guests a more informal and relaxed dining experience, boasting a fresh layout, with stylish soft furnishings. The casual, self-serve dining experience with table-service drinks(from January 2026) 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.
TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEA
Each day complimentary afternoon tea is served in the Thistle Restaurant with sandwiches, scones and cakes, along with fresh tea and coffee. During selected sea days, guests can book our Traditional Premium Afternoon Tea* experience, with a selection of premium teas served in porcelain teapots, along with elegant finger sandwiches, pastries and warm scones with jam and clotted cream. These can be enjoyed alongside beautiful views from the Observatory Lounge, with musical accompaniment from our on board pianist and the careful attention of white-gloved waiters.
Fitness
FITNESS CENTRE
If you enjoy working out, Balmoral's Fitness Centre is fully equipped with all the modern facilities and equipment you'd expect to find in your gym back home, including running machines, bikes, cross trainers, weight machines and free weights. On board Balmoral and across our fleet of ships, we run a variety of complimentary yoga, pilates or stretching classes in the Fitness Centre, which are suitable for everyone from beginners to regular gym-goers, run by our fully qualified Fitness Instructors. Join us for an invigorating Walk a Mile session or a relaxing sunrise pilates or yoga class out on deck. We also have circuits, fitball or legs, bums & tums sessions. Details of classes can be found in your Daily Times each day. Or, treat yourself to Personal Training sessions with our fully qualified, friendly trainers, where you can receive a one-to-one programme tailored just to your needs.
Technology
ROOM SERVICE
All of our suites and cabins have tea and coffee making facilities included as standard, so you can enjoy a pick-me-up first thing or a relaxing drink at the end of the day. Continental breakfast can be ordered in advance for delivery at your preferred time, while snacks are available from 10am onwards. For those times when you’d like a little something more, you can also order room service* up until 11pm every day. Choose from a delicious selection of dishes, including soups, salads, sandwiches such as a turkey club or grilled cheese, or hot bites of burgers, hot dogs, and pizzas, followed by sweet treats like chocolate fudge cake or New York cheesecake. *Complimentary for those guests who are staying in suites or who are Oceans members.
Relaxation
ATLANTIS SPA
Our Atlantis Spa provides soothing surroundings for our guests relaxation and enjoyment. Large picture windows are perfect for offering scenic cruising points or ocean views, so indulge in the ultimate relaxation for the mind, body and soul in our tranquil setting as our Spa team on board Balmoral pamper you. With a wide range of luxurious treatments on offer, including massages, manicures, pedicures, relaxation treatments and hairdressing; you'll leave feeling completely energised and revitalised, or feeling fabulous with a new cut or style.
NEPTUNE LOUNGE
Join our Show Team in the Neptune Lounge as they put on memorable shows for you, along with guest comedians, singers and magicians, who’ll delight and entertain you, and do join us for our popular Captain’s Welcome and Farewell parties. During the day, the Neptune Lounge is used for our Signature Experiences, where our guest speakers will share their knowledge with you, delivering fascinating talks and activities, designed to give you a deeper understanding of the destinations you’ll be visiting. It's also the perfect place to attend our 'Audience with...'sessions, where you can learn about how much work goes into our Shows, or hear about life as a ship's Captain or officer.
POOLS & JACUZZIS
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 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.
Recreational
Boutique Shopping
The shops on board Balmoral offer everything you may want or need during your time on board, whether you're treating yourself or a loved one to a holiday gift or simply needing some basic essentials. Visit the Boutique Shop for perfumes, colognes and much more at Duty Free prices, or select from our superb range of Fred. Olsen branded merchandise, including casual tshirts, jackets and gilets, tote bags and rucksacks, travel mugs for perhaps taking your coffee from the Bookmark Café ashore, or lanyards for your all-important cabin card. If you need essentials, you'll find everything from sun cream, shampoo and toothpaste to books and snacks too, and you could also bring home something special from the Jewellery Shop.
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.
The Botanical Room
Designed in shades of lush greens and vibrant yellows, the Botanical Room aboard Balmoral offers a warm and inviting space for guests to unwind. Here, you can delve into a collection of magazines and books celebrating gardening, flowers, plant care, and the incredible diversity of flora around the world, in peaceful surroundings adorned with plush seating.
The Earth Room
Our serene Earth Room is designed for those inspired by and curious about our remarkable planet. Featuring a unique collection of books individually picked by Fred. Olsen, covering topics like evolution, climate change, recycling, carbon footprints, and fossil fuels, along with tips on how we can all live more sustainably. There are also videos to view and digital literature to read, all of which are intended to be thought-provoking and conversation starters, making the Earth Room ideal for small groups to discuss relevant issues or simply learn more about our extraordinary world.
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.
THE OLSEN ART STUDIO
The Olsen Art Studio on board Balmoral embodies the Olsen family's love of art, providing a spacious area filled with arts and crafts items for a range of tasks. It's a location for people who enjoy painting or drawing at home and want to improve their talents while at sea, and it's also a welcoming venue for guests who may have enjoyed art in the past but haven't had the opportunity to pursue it again. Classes and activities led by various instructors will be held in the studio, as well as providing an open place for guests to come and work on their own unique arts and crafts projects.
Onboard facilities
Entertainment
- •Disco Lido Lounge Morning Light Pub Neptune Lounge Photo Gallery
Food and Drink
- •Avon Restaurant Ballindalloch Restaurant Lido Bar Lounge Bar Marquee Bar Palms Cafe Palms Cafe Spey Restaurant
Relaxation
- •Beauty Salon Beauty Treatments for Men Jacuzzi Massage Spa Sun Deck Swimming Pool
Fitness
- •Fitness Center Gym Pilates Yoga
Other
- •Art Gallery Boutique Future Cruise Sales Hair Salon Laundry Service Medical Centre Observation Lounge Photo Gallery Reception Shops Shore Excursion Office
Recreational
- •Card Room Deck Quoits Golf Nets Library Shuffle Board