The magnificent Balmoral is Fred. Olsen's newest and largest ship. With 710 luxurious staterooms, a dedicated crew of 510 and a wide selection of modern facilities, you can expect a perfect blend of world-class service and relaxation. Named after the Royal Family's Scottish home, Balmoral oozes elegance and style. Savour a mix of fine and casual dining in the ship's variety of venues. From a cafe devoted to luxury chocolates and coffee, to a restaurant serving gourmet cuisines and fine wines. Unwind at the friendly Morning Light Pub, listen to beautiful piano music at Lido Bar, and watch live performances at Neptune Lounge. Later on, try your luck at blackjack and roulette at the casino. Although the largest and most contemporary of Fred. Olsen's fleet, Balmoral still retains the cruise line's personal and sociable atmosphere. For an unforgettable voyage of spectacular scenery, divine dining, entertaining facilities, and uninterrupted leisure, sail on Fred. Olsen's Balmoral.
Dining on Balmoral is an exciting experience. The spacious Ballindalloch Restaurant offers a tempting menu of dinners to enjoy in elegant surroundings. The Spey Restaurant and Avon Restaurant serve delicious a la carte meals with panoramic views and glasses of fine wines. Palms Cafe is the place to go for large buffets of international cuisines and a more casual atmosphere. During warm spells, you can also savour fresh omelettes, salads, steaks, burgers, and sandwiches at The Grill — great for light breakfasts and lunches. Or if it's a calming tea, energising coffee or sweet treat you fancy; sample luxury chocolates and hot drinks from The Bookmark Cafe. You can even make the most of Balmoral's complimentary room service between 10:00 and 22:00 every day.
Enjoy a range of drinks and venues aboard Balmoral. Try cocktails in the sun at Marquee Bar, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, or head to the relaxing Lido Bar for piano music with a pint of beer or glass of wine. Morning Light Pub is Balmoral's traditional and welcoming venue offering drinks and entertainment throughout the day. There's also Observatory Lounge which features cocktails, panoramic views, piano music, and dancing until late. For a lively night and menu of refreshments, take a seat at the glamorous Neptune Lounge. There's somewhere for everyone to enjoy aboard Balmoral.
You have a dazzling variety of entertainment to enjoy on board Balmoral. During the day, there are arts and crafts talks, as well as yoga, Pilates and aerobics sessions. In the evening, sit back with a drink at Neptune Lounge and be amazed by stunning cabaret acts, live music and dance shows. Enjoy stand-up comedians and a professional pianist in the bars, then head to the on-board casino for a few hands of blackjack or spin of the roulette wheel. Day or night, Balmoral can't fail to impress.
Fly from your selected UK airport to Barbados and embark on board Braemar.
It's easy to see why Barbados is known as 'Little England' with its Georgian houses, Lord Nelson Statue and Parliament Square. Indulge in retail therapy on Broad Street, admire stunning views and rugged island landscapes on a jeep island safari, or visit the dramatic stalactites and stalagmites of Harrison's Cave. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience - sail on a catamaran to swim with once-endangered hawksbill and green sea turtles.
St. John's on Antigua is your next stop. This pretty capital city not only gives you access to Antigua's 365 stunning beaches, but is also packed with attractions including English Harbour and the historic Nelson's Dockyard. A visit to the colourful St. John's street market is a must, and you also find great shopping and dining in Heritage Quay. Travel to Shirley Heights Lookout for superb views of English and Falmouth Harbours. A 90-minute ferry ride from Bryson Wharf takes you to Antigua's sister island, Barbuda, to explore the Arawak Caves and Frigate Bird Sanctuary.
Rich in history and old-world Caribbean charm, Road Town – the capital of the British Virgin Islands - is the perfect place to spend the day. Visit the historic Sunday Morning Well where the 'Proclamation of Emancipation' - giving freedom from slavery - was read in 1834. Explore the shops and eateries on Main Street or pick up locally-made crafts by the waterfront. Taste authentic Caribbean rum cocktails at the legendary Pusser's Bar or unwind on the powder-white sand of Cane Garden Bay. Discover colourful exotic plants at JR O'Neal Botanic Gardens or join a hiking trip to Sage Mountain National Park. A short boat trip to view The Baths rock formations on Virgin Gorda's north shore is a must-do, too.
Basseterre is the capital city of St Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies. Explore the shops and bars of The Circus or pay a visit to the cathedral, courthouse, and fountain of Independence Square. On the outskirts of the city, you'll discover Fairview Great House and Botanical Gardens and to the northwest are Romney Manor and the Wingfield Estate. Take a ride on the St Kitts Scenic Railway to discover deep ravines, black-sand beaches, and Mount Liamuiga volcano. Admire the views over sugarcane fields from the 17th-century Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park.
Ponta Delgada is the capital of São Miguel island in the Azores. Stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy lunch at one of the many seafood restaurants. Explore the renaissance bastions and battlements at São Brás Fortress and enjoy a unique photo opportunity in front of the city's Portas de Cidade gateway. Venture out of the city to admire the clear-blue waters at Lagoa de Fogo crater lake and bathe in natural springs at Ponta de Ferraria.