Be the first to knowWould you like to receive the latest updates, special offers and promotions from Radio Times?Sign up to our newsletter
By proceeding, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy.
At a glance
Visiting:
Germany
Length:
Cruise
Make your own way
no flight
Request Brochure - Cities of Germany via the Kiel Tunnel
To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA
Cities of Germany via the Kiel Tunnel
Scenic cruising and city sightseeing make this German jaunt one to remember, with an abundance of attractions and highlights awaiting your discovery. On board Balmoral, experience two journeys along the Kiel Canal – only navigable by smaller ships – and revel in views of beautiful German countryside and scenery. In between, you visit Kiel for a chance to delve into the city’s extensive maritime and naval history, and Warnemunde, gateway to Berlin and its waterways, iconic sights and historic highlights.
Elsewhere in Germany, you’ll have ample time in Hamburg, to visit attractions such as the Rathaus, towering St Nikolai Church, the International Maritime Museum and the busy dry docks, and take a boat tour of Alster Lake, while there’s also a day in Bremen. Here you could explore the city’s UNESCO-listed marketplace and admire its centuries-old architectural delights, learn about the history of the infamous U Boat bunker, or simply take a cruise along the picturesque River Weser.
Holiday Highlights
Discover the maritime history of Kiel, gateway to Berlin
Enjoy beautiful German countryside as you cruise along the Kiel Canal
Visit the Rathaus when in Hamburg
What's Included
Comfortable, stylish cabins and suites equipped with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning
A tempting choice of cuisine every day throughout your cruise – with five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, late-night snacks and much more
Unlimited, self-service tea and coffee available 24hrs at selected venues, complimentary afternoon tea* with sandwiches and cakes, and in-room sandwiches and snacks
A full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music
Full use of on board leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym
A wide choice of engaging on board activities and lectures throughout the day
All UK port taxes (where collectable in advance)
Luggage porterage between your cabin and the drop-off/pick-up point
Formal welcome and/or Captain’s Drinks Party and Gala Buffet
Itinerary
1
Tuesday 11 April 2023 Departs Southampton
Depart: Late Night
2
Wednesday 12 April 2023 Cruising
3
Thursday 13 April 2023 Hamburg
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
4
Friday 14 April 2023 Kiel Canal Transit
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Early PM
5
Friday 14 April 2023 Kiel
Arrive: Early PM
Depart: Late Night
6
Saturday 15 April 2023 Warnemünde
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late Night
7
Sunday 16 April 2023 Kiel Canal Transit
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
8
Monday 17 April 2023 Bremen
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
9
Tuesday 18 April 2023 Cruising
10
Wednesday 19 April 2023 Arrive back at Southampton
Arrive: Early AM
Balmoral
With departures from Dover, Southampton, Newcastle and Rosyth, Balmoral cruises offer the chance to explore some of the world's most spectacular destinations. What's more, despite being one of the largest Fred Olsen ships, Balmoral is small enough to take advantage of the tighter waterways along each route, so guests do not miss out on remarkable sights along the way, such as the Norwegian fjords or Germany's Kiel Canal.
As well as incredible scenery, Balmoral cruises provide the very best in amenities and dining experiences, as well as stylish and comfortable accommodation. With fewer than 1,400 guests, there is ample room for every passenger to enjoy the spacious venues and public areas, while still having plenty of chances to enjoy the company of others. Whether you're travelling around the culture-filled Americas or the Scottish Lochs, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience on board Balmoral.
Chargeable Extras
Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours.Â
*Premium Traditional Afternoon Tea not included.
Upgrade to All Inclusive Drinks Package is available as a chargeable optional extra and can be added to your booking up to six days prior to your cruise departing.
Travelling to Europe
Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. Note that these new rules do NOT apply when travelling within the United Kingdom or to the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or the Republic of Ireland. You do require government issued ID when travelling by air though.
Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.
Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").
These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland where you can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.
Visa - If you’re a tourist, you do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania; if you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries will not count towards the 90-day total. Travel to Ireland will not change and stays there will not count towards the 90-day total.
European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Commencing in 2023, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.
Border Control -Â At border control, you may need to show proof of your return journey - your travel documentation issued by us will be sufficient for this. You will also need to use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss citizens if manual checks are required.
Healthcare Cover - You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad which covers pre-existing conditions. You should understand the terms and conditions of your travel insurance and be happy with its cover for healthcare and travel disruption. Newmarket sell a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Ask our travel consultants for more information.
You should also apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note GHIC is only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.