German Christmas Markets
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines · Balmoral
Depart
Dec 16, 2026
Return
Dec 22, 2026
Port
Southampton
Nights
6 nights
At a glance
- Launched
- 2008
- Tonnage
- 43537
- Cabins
- 710
- Crew
- 510
Balmoral is named after the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family, and the Scottish theme runs throughout the main dining venues – the Ballindalloch, Avon and Spey – where guests can enjoy tantalising menus prepared by our expert chefs. Featuring 710 well-appointed rooms and suites and a selection of comfortable lounges, bars and inviting public areas, Balmoral provides guests with ample space in which to relax and share a memorable cruise experience with hundreds, not thousands, of fellow travellers. And, as our guests have come to expect, there is always an array of superb entertainment on offer throughout the day, from lectures and hobby classes to live cabaret and comedians, ensuring you can make the most of your time on board. Balmoral is small enough to navigate size-restricted waterways such as the Kiel Canal, providing fantastic scenic cruising opportunities, and retains the warm, intimate and friendly atmosphere that the Fred. Olsen fleet is renowned for.
Ship features
- Bookmark min
- Marquee%20Bar
- Morning%20Light
- Neptune min
Ask our cruise specialists about cruise line loyalty benefits, status match options, drinks packages, gratuities and any current offers available on this sailing.
On board
Restaurant min
Itinerary
- 1Southampton, UKDays 1, 7 · Departure & return
- 2Hamburg, GermanyDay 3
- 3Honfleur, FranceDay 6
Lines connect the ports in visiting order; the sailing path may vary.
Cruise from Southampton and back
Day 1Cruise departs from SouthamptonDec 16, 2026
Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.
Day 2At SeaDec 17, 2026
Day 3Hamburg, GermanyDec 18, 2026
On the River Elbe, 70 miles from the North Sea, Hamburg was founded by Charlemagne, and boasts a Hanseatic League heritage harking back 700 years. Cherishing its long historic and cultural traditions, today's spacious and leafy city is a flourishing commercial dynamo of stylish shops, excellent restaurants, and legendary nightlife.
Day 4Hamburg, GermanyDec 19, 2026
On the River Elbe, 70 miles from the North Sea, Hamburg was founded by Charlemagne, and boasts a Hanseatic League heritage harking back 700 years. Cherishing its long historic and cultural traditions, today's spacious and leafy city is a flourishing commercial dynamo of stylish shops, excellent restaurants, and legendary nightlife.
Day 5At SeaDec 20, 2026
Day 6Honfleur, FranceDec 21, 2026
It's a place of great historic charm, notably around the Vieux Basin, where lofty slate-and-timber fronted houses overlook the colourful yacht and fishing harbour, and sloping cobbled streets recall 16th century Honfleur. Not to be missed are the 15th century wooden church and the Impressionist paintings of the Museé Eugene Boudin.
Day 7Cruise returns to SouthamptonDec 22, 2026
Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.
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