Christmas Cruises on Fred Olsen Balmoral: A Festive Guide

Experiencing Festive Cheer on Fred Olsen Balmoral Christmas Cruises

Christmas cruises have become increasingly popular among travelers seeking an alternative to traditional holiday celebrations at home. Fred Olsen Cruise Lines offers seasonal voyages aboard the Balmoral, a mid-sized ship that accommodates approximately 1,350 passengers. These cruises typically operate during late December, allowing guests to experience Christmas Day at sea or in port.

The festive atmosphere aboard Balmoral begins well before departure, with decorations adorning public spaces throughout the ship. Passengers can expect to see Christmas trees in the atrium, garlands along corridors, and seasonal lighting that creates a warm ambiance. The crew participates in holiday preparations, often wearing festive attire and contributing to the celebratory mood.

Traditional Christmas meals are served in the main dining rooms, featuring classic dishes such as roast turkey, glazed ham, Christmas pudding, and mince pies. Special menus are prepared for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with multiple courses that reflect British holiday dining customs. Vegetarian and dietary-specific options are typically available upon request.

Family Friendly Christmas Activities on Balmoral’s Holiday Cruises

Fred Olsen designs its Christmas cruises to accommodate multi-generational families, offering activities suitable for various age groups. Children’s programs include craft sessions where young passengers can create holiday decorations, write letters to Santa, and participate in seasonal storytelling sessions.

Family-oriented entertainment features Christmas movie screenings in designated lounges, carol singing sessions that encourage participation from all ages, and organized games with festive themes. Some sailings include visits from Santa Claus, who distributes small gifts to younger passengers during scheduled meet-and-greet sessions.

The ship’s entertainment team organizes deck activities when weather permits, including snowman-building competitions using artificial snow, holiday-themed quizzes, and treasure hunts that take families throughout the vessel. Evening entertainment often includes family-friendly shows featuring seasonal music and performances.

Adult passengers traveling without children can enjoy quieter spaces aboard the ship, including specialty restaurants, bars, and observation lounges that maintain a more refined atmosphere while still embracing the holiday spirit.

Enjoy Traditional Christmas Celebrations at Sea with Balmoral

One of the distinctive aspects of spending Christmas aboard Balmoral is the blend of maritime tradition with holiday customs. The ship’s captain typically addresses passengers on Christmas Day, offering seasonal greetings and sharing messages of goodwill. Some cruises include a traditional church service conducted by visiting clergy or ship officers.

Christmas Day itself follows a structured schedule that balances organized activities with free time. Passengers often begin the morning with a champagne breakfast or special brunch service. Mid-morning might include carol singing on deck or in one of the lounges, followed by the main Christmas lunch served in multiple sittings to accommodate all guests.

Afternoon activities vary depending on whether the ship is at sea or in port. When docked, passengers have the option to explore destinations and experience local Christmas traditions. At sea, the ship offers relaxation opportunities, with many guests choosing to enjoy the ocean views, read in quiet corners, or participate in organized activities.

Evening celebrations typically include a formal dinner service with enhanced menus, followed by special entertainment such as Christmas concerts, dance performances, or themed parties. The atmosphere throughout the day maintains a balance between festivity and the relaxed pace that cruise travel provides.

Unique Festive Onboard Experiences on Balmoral Cruises

Beyond standard holiday programming, Balmoral offers several distinctive experiences that set these cruises apart from typical Christmas celebrations. The ship’s smaller size compared to mega-cruise vessels creates a more intimate atmosphere, allowing crew members to develop familiarity with returning passengers and provide personalized service.

Specialty dining venues aboard Balmoral may offer themed Christmas dinners with regional variations, such as Scandinavian-inspired holiday meals or Mediterranean Christmas feasts, depending on the cruise itinerary. Wine pairing dinners featuring seasonal selections provide adults with refined culinary experiences.

Craft workshops led by guest instructors sometimes include sessions on making traditional Christmas decorations, wreath-making classes, or holiday baking demonstrations in the ship’s culinary theater. These hands-on activities provide passengers with skills and souvenirs to take home.

The ship’s library often features seasonal reading materials, and some cruises include author talks or book clubs focused on Christmas-themed literature. Photography enthusiasts can participate in workshops on capturing holiday moments at sea, with guidance on lighting and composition specific to maritime settings.

---

Pricing Considerations for Christmas Cruises

Christmas cruise pricing varies significantly based on several factors including cabin category, cruise duration, itinerary, and booking timing. Fred Olsen Balmoral Christmas cruises typically range from short 3-5 night sailings to longer 10-14 night voyages.

Inside cabins on shorter Christmas cruises generally start around £400-£600 per person, while oceanview cabins range from £500-£800 per person. Balcony cabins command premium pricing during the holiday season, typically starting at £700-£1,200 per person. Suite accommodations can exceed £1,500 per person for Christmas sailings.

Longer Christmas and New Year combination cruises increase proportionally, with 10-14 night voyages ranging from £1,200 for inside cabins to £3,000 or more for premium suite accommodations. These prices generally include accommodation, meals in main dining venues, entertainment, and most onboard activities.

Cabin Category	Duration	Estimated Cost Per Person	Inclusions
Inside Cabin	3-5 nights	£400-£600	Accommodation, meals, entertainment
Oceanview Cabin	3-5 nights	£500-£800	Accommodation, meals, entertainment, window view
Balcony Cabin	3-5 nights	£700-£1,200	Accommodation, meals, entertainment, private balcony
Suite	3-5 nights	£1,500+	Accommodation, meals, entertainment, enhanced space and amenities
Inside Cabin	10-14 nights	£1,200-£1,800	Extended cruise with all standard inclusions
Balcony Cabin	10-14 nights	£2,000-£2,800	Extended cruise with balcony access

Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.

---

Planning Your Christmas Cruise Experience

Booking a Christmas cruise requires advance planning, as these sailings typically fill quickly due to limited availability during the holiday period. Fred Olsen often releases Christmas cruise schedules 18-24 months in advance, allowing early bookers to secure preferred cabin categories and take advantage of early booking discounts.

Passengers should consider the cruise itinerary carefully, as some Christmas sailings remain primarily at sea, while others include port stops in destinations such as Norway, the Canary Islands, or Northern Europe. Weather conditions during December can affect outdoor activities and port accessibility in certain regions.

Packing for a Christmas cruise should account for both formal evening events and casual daytime activities. Most cruise lines maintain dress codes for main dining rooms, with formal nights requiring suits or cocktail dresses. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for port excursions, and layered clothing accommodates varying temperatures between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Travelers should also verify what is included in the cruise fare and what incurs additional charges. Specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments, shore excursions, and gratuities often represent extra costs beyond the base fare. Understanding these distinctions helps with budgeting and prevents unexpected expenses.

Conclusion

Christmas cruises aboard Fred Olsen’s Balmoral offer a distinctive way to celebrate the holiday season, combining traditional festivities with the unique experience of ocean travel. The ship provides family-friendly activities, traditional meals, and festive entertainment while visiting various destinations or enjoying time at sea. With proper planning and realistic expectations regarding costs and inclusions, a Christmas cruise can provide memorable holiday experiences for passengers seeking an alternative to land-based celebrations. The intimate size of Balmoral creates opportunities for personalized service and a community atmosphere among passengers sharing this seasonal voyage.