Fred. Olsen – In Search of the Northern Lights – January 2026
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The harbour at Kirkwall ©VisitScotland, Paul Tomkins
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Balmoral in Dover ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
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Colours & Tastes Restaurant on Balmoral ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
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The Book Mark Café on Balmoral ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
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Sails from Southampton
Balmoral takes you on a discovery of scenic sights and wildlife found close to home, yet off the beaten track, amongst the rugged and remote isles and lochs of Scotland. Some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery will come into view as you sail Scottish waters; see the wild, unspoilt landscapes of the Small Isles and Loch Hourn, as well as the remarkable rock formations of Dutchman’s Cap and Fingal’s Cave. At each of these sea stacks and cliffs, look out for large colonies of seabirds in their natural habitat.
When you get to head ashore, seabird havens await discovery in Orkney and Shetland, with their craggy interiors and coastlines. RSPB Sumburgh Head in Shetland, where fulmars, puffins and various other bird species live and breed, is a particular highlight. Capture the coastal scenes of Northmavine, Shetland’s northernmost point, too; and take in Orkney’s historic highlights, such as Neolithic Skara Brae. You’ll also get to experience what life is like on the remote Isle of Lewis, as you explore its rugged landscapes and charming towns such as Stornoway, while Invergordon is your gateway to the Highlands’ beautiful scenes, famous Loch Ness and famous landmarks such as Cawdor Castle.
Dates
Friday 30 January - Saturday 14 February 2026
Cruise Itinerary
Friday 30 January 2026
Departure from Southampton, United Kingdom
Board the ship late-afternoon before you set sail.
Saturday 31 January 2026
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Sunday 01 February 2026
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Monday 02 February 2026
ÅLESUND, Norway
Considered by Norwegians to be Norway’s most beautiful city, Alesund in winter is perhaps even more breath-taking than in the summer months, as its bathed in dusky shades of orange and pink. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the Art Nouveau town is built on three islands, where panoramic views of the city, archipelago and Sunnmore Alps are best seen from the top of Mount Aksla.
Tuesday 03 February 2026
CRUISING TORGHATTEN, Norway
Torghatten is an iconic mountain shaped by the Scandinavian Ice Age and renowned for the huge hole that punctuates its centre. Sailing alongside this geological spectacle, framed by towering cliffs and rugged coastlines, offers a unique view from the perspective of the sea. In winter, the scene transforms into a picturesque wonderland, with snow dusting the mountain’s peak and the surrounding fjords often partially frozen.
Tuesday 03 February 2026
CRUISING SEVEN SISTERS MOUNTAIN RANGE, Norway
Embarking on the maritime tradition of crossing the Arctic Circle is a cherished experience for guests and crew alike. This momentous occasion, often announced by our Captain, invites you to venture out on deck and celebrate. You may choose to participate in a ceremonial ritual, complete with optional ‘baptisms’, where ice-cold water is poured down your back, or simply delight in the atmosphere of excitement and anticipation.
Tuesday 03 February 2026
CROSSING THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, Norway
Stretching over 66 nautical miles from the westernmost point in Norway, overlooking the Sunnmøre Alps, to Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe, picturesque Nordfjord has postcard-perfect icy-blue waters framed by towering peaks covered in lush greenery. As your ship navigates into Innvikfjord, a narrow branch of Nordfjord, the landscape becomes fairytale-like, with forested hillsides leading down to tranquil waters, cascading waterfalls, and remote villages and farms dotted along the fjord edge.
Wednesday 04 February & Thursday 05 February2026
NARVIK, Norway
Due to its location far north of the Arctic Circle, the small town of Narvik is seen as one of the best places to see the Aurora Borealis. Situated on the banks of the Ofotfjorden, with snow covered mountains and dense forests surrounding Narvik, the Northern Lights dance in the skies overlooking the town.
- Overnight Port
Friday 06 February 2026
ALTA, Norway
During the winter months, it is possible to witness the Northern Lights as they dance across the skies above Alta, in colours of green, blue, red and violet. Produced by powerful electromagnetic waves during solar geomagnetic storms, they illuminate the towns and cities below in a hauntingly beautiful light. Alta is also ideal for enjoying city walks, husky or reindeer sledding and viewing mountain plateaus and coastal landscapes.
Saturday 07 February & Sunday 08 February 2026
TROMSØ, Norway
Tromsø is renowned as a prime location for seeking out the Northern Lights, and the long, dark winter nights enhance your chances of witnessing this awe-inspiring natural spectacle even further. There will be opportunities to try local delicacies such as reindeer and king crab, to ride the cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen, and to visit the iceberg-shaped Arctic Cathedral – a masterpiece of modern architecture. You’ll also be ideally placed for joining an exhilarating dog sledding tour through the wintery landscapes, or to meet the local indigenous Sámi community to learn about their fascinating way of life.
- Overnight Port
Monday 09 February 2026
SORTLAND, Scotland
Known as ‘Blue Town’, the unique town of Sortland was given its nickname due to its buildings being almost entirely painted in varying shades of blue, chosen by local artist Bjorn Elvenes, to represent Sortland’s maritime and fishing heritage. The surrounding waters of the town are teeming with various species of fish, seabirds, seals and whales; and in the winter months it may also be possible to see the Northern Lights.
Tuesday 10 February 2026
CRUISING SEVEN SISTERS MOUNTAIN RANGE, Norway
Forming a majestic chain of peaks overlooking the shipping channel, the Seven Sisters mountain range is an awe-inspring backdrop to a myriad of islands and Norwegian landscapes. Standing 1,000 feet above the shoreline, these striking peaks are perhaps best observed in all their glory from your cruise ship, particularly when snow-covered in the winter months. It is possible to climb them, and to learn the legend of the trolls who were turned to stone!
Tuesday 10 February 2026
CRUISING TORGHATTEN, Norway
Torghatten is an iconic mountain shaped by the Scandinavian Ice Age and renowned for the huge hole that punctuates its centre. Sailing alongside this geological spectacle, framed by towering cliffs and rugged coastlines, offers a unique view from the perspective of the sea. In winter, the scene transforms into a picturesque wonderland, with snow dusting the mountain’s peak and the surrounding fjords often partially frozen.
Wednesday 11 February 2026
MOLDE, Norway
The Atlantic Ocean Road links Molde with Kristiansund, and stretches for eight kilometres through rocky coastlines, over the sea and through the surrounding mountains. Often described as the world’s most beautiful road; in winter the twisting and winding road leads over bridges linking islands, and through snow-capped mountains, seeming to drop off the earth into the sea.
Thursday 12 February 2026
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Friday 13 February 2026
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Saturday 14 February 2026
Arrival at Southampton, United Kingdom
After an early breakfast, disembark the ship for your journey home.
Balmoral Ship Information
Balmoral is the largest of Fred Olsen’s cruise ships, on board there are nine decks two of which are for the sole purpose of leisure and relaxation.
The ship’s facilities include swimming pools & Jacuzzis, Fitness centre, Sundeck & golf nets, Atlantic Spa & Salon, library and card room. There are also boutiques, fine jewellery and Port shop. A selection of soft drinks, wines and beers are included and provided by a wide range of restaurants, cafés, grill and lounges on board.
During the day several talks, lectures and classes take place, while in the evening fantastic live performances including cabaret, stand-up comedy and concerts will keep you entertained throughout the duration of your cruise.
All of the 710 rooms are equipped with private facilities which include an en-suite shower (some may have a bathtub also), a desk, telephone, interactive television, hairdryer, air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities. According to your needs you can choose between different room types: single, interior, ocean view, balcony rooms and suites.
| Date | Arrival | Departure | Port of Call |
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Fri 30 Jan 2026 |
Late PM | Southampton, United Kingdom | |
| Sat 31 Jan 2026 | Cruising | ||
| Sun 01 Feb 2026 | Cruising | ||
| Mon 02 Feb 2026 | Early AM | Late PM | ÅLESUND, Norway |
| Tue 03 Feb 2026 | Early AM | Late AM | CRUISING TORGHATTEN, Norway |
| Tue 03 Feb 2026 | Early AM | Late PM | CRUISING SEVEN SISTERS MOUNTAIN RANGE, Norway |
| Tue 03 Feb 2026 | Late PM | Late PM | CROSSING THE ARCTIC CIRCLE, Norway |
| Wed 04 Feb 2024 | Early AM | NARVIK, Norway | |
| Thu 05 Feb 2024 | Late PM | NARVIK, Norway | |
| Fri 06 Feb 2026 | Early AM | Late PM | ALTA, Norway |
| Sat 07 Feb 2026 | Early AM | TROMSØ, Norway | |
| Sun 08 Feb 2026 | Late PM | TROMSØ, Norway | |
| Mon 09 Feb 2026 | Early AM | Late PM | SORTLAND, Norway |
| Tue 10 Feb 2026 | Late PM | Late PM | CRUISING SEVEN SISTERS MOUNTAIN RANGE, Norway |
| Tue 10 Feb 2026 | Early PM | Early PM | CRUISING TORGHATTEN, Norway |
| Wed 11 Feb 2026 | Early AM | Late PM | MOLDE, Norway |
| Thu 12 Feb 2026 | Cruising | ||
| Fri 13 Feb 2026 | Cruising | ||
| Sat 14 Feb 2026 | Southampton, United Kingdom |
