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At a glance
Visiting:
Length:
11 nights
Price from:£1,499pp
Request Brochure - Scenic Swedish Waterways & Archipelagos
To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA
Scenic Swedish Waterways & Archipelagos
Smaller ship cruising is undoubtedly the best way to see and appreciate the beauty of Sweden, so we’ve crafted this itinerary to take advantage of Balmoral’s size and show you some of this diverse country’s greatest scenic sights. You’ll enjoy serene diversions into the hilly Swedish fjords found along the rugged west coast, savouring views of idyllic countryside and coastal scenery, and a journey through the sprawling Stockholm Archipelago, as your ship navigates a route through its thousands of craggy islands and islets. What’s more, an overnight stay in Stockholm offers a chance to take to these waters and see the scenic sights up-close on a boat tour too, while you’ve ample time to explore the city at leisure too. Perhaps take your pick of the museums, including the Skansen Open-air Museum and ABBA: The Museum, and witness the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace in the historic Gamla Stan district.
During a visit to the island of Gotland, UNESCO-listed Visby awaits. The well-preserved Old City of Visby presents an interesting glimpse into Sweden’s Hanseatic history, with its merchants houses and magnificent churches. St Mary’s Cathedral and the ruins of St Nicolai and St Karin are not-to-be-missed. There’s also a day in Gothenburg; a tour of the canals aboard a traditional Paddan boat makes for a memorable way to see the second city’s sights. You could take in attractions such as Maritiman – the world’s largest floating ship museum, Götaplatsen Square and the Volvo Museum too. In between scenic cruising of the western fjords, you’re also in for a visit to quaint Lysekil, where a picturesque harbour and charming town centre beg for your exploration, while a rare stop at Trelleborg – rich in Viking history – is sure to be a highlight.
Special Offer:
Solo traveller offer available
Holiday Highlights
Experience the best of Sweden via its scenic waterways
Cruise west coast fjords and archipelagos dotted with craggy islands
Take in the sights of Stockholm, Gothenburg and UNESCO-listed Visby
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
Thursday 31 August 2023 Departs Newcastle
Depart: Late PM
2
Saturday 2 September 2023 Cruise by Älgöfjorden
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Early AM
3
Saturday 2 September 2023 Cruising Hakefjorden & Brattöbadan
Arrive: Late AM
Depart: Late AM
4
Saturday 2 September 2023 Cruising Askerofjorden & Halsefjorden
Arrive: Late AM
Depart: Late AM
5
Saturday 2 September 2023 Cruising Havstensfjorden & Byfjorden
Arrive: Early PM
Depart: Early PM
6
Saturday 2 September 2023 Cruising Askerofjorden & Halsefjorden
Arrive: Early PM
Depart: Early PM
7
Saturday 2 September 2023 Cruising Hakefjorden & Brattöbadan
Arrive: Early PM
Depart: Early PM
8
Saturday 2 September 2023 Cruise by Älgöfjorden
Arrive: Early PM
Depart: Late PM
9
Saturday 2 September 2023 Lysekil
Arrive: Late Night
Depart: Late PM
10
Sunday 3 September 2023 Lysekil
Arrive: Late Night
Depart: Late PM
11
Sunday 3 September 2023 Cruising Gullmarsfjorden
Arrive: Late PM
Depart: Late PM
12
Sunday 3 September 2023 Cruising Saltkallefjorden
Arrive: Late PM
Depart: Late PM
13
Sunday 3 September 2023 Cruising Gullmarsfjorden
Arrive: Late PM
Depart: Late PM
14
Monday 4 September 2023 Trelleborg
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
15
Tuesday 5 September 2023 Visby
Arrive: Late AM
Depart: Late PM
16
Wednesday 6 September 2023 Stockholm
Arrive: Late AM
Depart: Late PM
17
Thursday 7 September 2023 Stockholm
Arrive: Late AM
Depart: Late PM
18
Thursday 7 September 2023 Cruising Stockholm Archipelago
Arrive: Late PM
Depart: Late Night
19
Saturday 9 September 2023 Gothenburg
Arrive: Early AM
Depart: Late PM
20
Monday 11 September 2023 Arrive back at Newcastle
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.
*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 - 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.