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River Cities of France & Portugal Cruise

  • Departure DateThu 2nd Apr 2026
  • Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Balmoral
  • 14 Night Cruise From Newcastle
  • Cruise Only From £1,959 pp
  • Get A Quote

Itinerary

  • Newcastle, UK
  • Honfleur
  • Lisbon
  • Leixoes, Portugal
  • Bordeaux
  • Rouen, France
  • Newcastle, UK

What's Included

  • Exclusive FREE On Board Spend
  • Wine, Beer & Soft Drinks Included with Lunch & Dinner
  • Gratuities Included
  • Upgrade to Premium Drinks from £40pp per day
  • Features Fred. Olsen Signature Experiences - Scenic Discoveries, Itinerary Insights & Destination Inspired Menus

Prices from pp

TypeInteriorOcean ViewBalcony
Sail From UK
£1,959
£2,349
£4,209

Includes extra savings of up to £90pp
Sailing from the UK - cruise based on sailing from Newcastle, call to discuss transportation options.
Voyage Code: L2609

Speak to a Cruise Expert

Call Us Free On

0800 019 0063

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Day 1 - Newcastle, UK

Arrive: Thu 02 April 2026 / Depart: Thu 02 April 2026

The cruise terminal in Newcastle offers fast and efficient check-in areas, a spacious departure lounge with seating areas, a café-bar and smart washrooms all resulting in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, no pre-booking is required.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Honfleur

Arrive: Sat 04 April 2026 / Depart: Sat 04 April 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 4 - At Sea

Day 5 - At Sea

Day 6 - Lisbon

Arrive: Tue 07 April 2026 / Depart: Tue 07 April 2026

It was from historic Lisbon, built on seven low hills beside the wide Tagus estuary, that some of Europe's greatest explorers set sail in pursuit of the riches that built Portugal's former global empire in the New World, Africa and the Indies. Memories of that glorious past linger amid the grand avenues and elegant squares of the attractive capital's 18th century lower town - a vivid contrast with the colourful honeycomb of cobbled streets in the old Moorish Alfama quarter and the bohemian mood of the hilly Bairro Alto.

Day 7 - Leixoes, Portugal

Arrive: Wed 08 April 2026 / Depart: Wed 08 April 2026

The Port of Leixões (Portuguese: Porto de Leixões, pronounced ) is one of Portugal's major seaports, located 4 km north of the mouth of the Douro River, in Matosinhos municipality, near the city of Porto.

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - Gironde & Garonne rivers, France

Day 9 - Bordeaux

Arrive: Fri 10 April 2026

Widely regarded as the world’s wine capital, the graceful French city of Bordeaux offers far more than just vineyards and claret. Having shaken off its rather sleepy image over the last few years, Bordeaux is now amongst France's most exciting and dynamic cities. While a sizeable number of the city's visitors are still enticed by the chance to taste what makes this wine-rich region so special, Bordeaux has many other surprising secrets. Stretched along the banks of the Garonne River, this City of Art and History is home to 362 historic monuments, with some buildings dating back to Roman times. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2007, Bordeaux’s historic centre is home to the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, 18th century mansions and popular art museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux, and many other impressive treasures to discover. This urban and architectural ensemble includes public gardens that line the curving river quays, and the imposing Place de la Bourse, which overlooks the reflecting pool, Show lessMiroir d’Eau. The Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe, is a fine space to while away some hours. Alternatively, other distractions include barista-run coffee shops, delicious food trucks, and exceptional restaurants and, of course, more fine wine than can ever be possibly drunk.

Day 10 - Bordeaux

Depart: Sat 11 April 2026

Widely regarded as the world’s wine capital, the graceful French city of Bordeaux offers far more than just vineyards and claret. Having shaken off its rather sleepy image over the last few years, Bordeaux is now amongst France's most exciting and dynamic cities. While a sizeable number of the city's visitors are still enticed by the chance to taste what makes this wine-rich region so special, Bordeaux has many other surprising secrets. Stretched along the banks of the Garonne River, this City of Art and History is home to 362 historic monuments, with some buildings dating back to Roman times. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2007, Bordeaux’s historic centre is home to the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, 18th century mansions and popular art museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux, and many other impressive treasures to discover. This urban and architectural ensemble includes public gardens that line the curving river quays, and the imposing Place de la Bourse, which overlooks the reflecting pool, Show lessMiroir d’Eau. The Place des Quinconces, one of the largest squares in Europe, is a fine space to while away some hours. Alternatively, other distractions include barista-run coffee shops, delicious food trucks, and exceptional restaurants and, of course, more fine wine than can ever be possibly drunk.

Day 11 - At Sea

Day 12 - Seine River cruising

Day 12 - Rouen, France

Arrive: Mon 13 April 2026

The spire of the vast Gothic cathedral soars over a superbly restored medieval and Renaissance old town - Ruskin's 'labyrinth of delight'. The city is rich in monuments and museums, with narrow pedestrianised streets lined by tall, half-timbered houses, and of course, the statue marking the spot where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake.

Day 13 - Rouen, France

Depart: Tue 14 April 2026

The spire of the vast Gothic cathedral soars over a superbly restored medieval and Renaissance old town - Ruskin's 'labyrinth of delight'. The city is rich in monuments and museums, with narrow pedestrianised streets lined by tall, half-timbered houses, and of course, the statue marking the spot where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake.

Day 14 - At Sea

Day 15 - Newcastle, UK

Arrive: Thu 16 April 2026 / Depart: Thu 16 April 2026

The cruise terminal in Newcastle offers fast and efficient check-in areas, a spacious departure lounge with seating areas, a café-bar and smart washrooms all resulting in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, no pre-booking is required.

Balmoral From Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

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 Cabins

2 Bedded Room

Interior Cabin

Guaranteed Interior Higher

This grade of cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, and an interactive television.

Guaranteed Interior Lower

This grade of cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, and an interactive television.

Interior Cabin

This room is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Main Deck 6 and Atlantic Deck 5. It has a bathroom with shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).

Interior Cabin

This room is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Atlantic Deck 5, Coral Deck 4 & Marina Deck 3 It has a bathroom with shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).

Interior Cabin

Interior Cabin

Interior Higher

Interior Higher

Interior Lower Grade

Interior lower grade cabin

Single Interior

Single Interior

Single Interior Room

These rooms are approximately 130 square feet in size and can be found on Main Deck 6 and Marina Deck 3. They have a bathroom with shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).

Superior Interior

Our Superior Interior Rooms are approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Lido Deck 8 and Bridge Deck 9. These rooms have a bathroom with bath and/or shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Please note, rooms 9048, 9056 and 9095 on Bridge Deck have been adapted for use by disabled passengers.

Superior Single Inside Cabin

This room is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Bridge Deck 9. It has a bath and/or shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).

Standard Cabin

Standard Cabin

Wheelchair Adapted

Wheelchair Adapted

Guaranteed Ocean View Higher

This grade of cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, and an interactive television.

Guaranteed Ocean View Lower

This grade of cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, and an interactive television.

Ocean View Cabin

These rooms are approximately 165 square feet in size, and can be found on Atlantic Deck 5 and Coral Deck 4. They have a picture window and a bathroom with bath and/or shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).

Ocean View Cabin

This room is approximately 165 square feet in size and can be found on Coral Deck 4. It has a picture window and a bathroom with shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).

Ocean View Cabin

This room is approximately 165 square feet in size and can be found on Atlantic Deck 5, Coral Deck 4 & Marina Deck 3. It has 2 portholes, bathroom with a shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).

Ocean View Cabin

Ocean View Cabin Note - Some Cabins may have restricted view.

Ocean View HIgher

Ocean View HIgher

Ocean View Lower

Ocean View Lower

Single Ocean View

Single Ocean View

Single Ocean View Cabin

This room is approximately 165 square feet in size and can be found on Coral Deck 4. It has a picture window and a bathroom with a shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Please note that some of the K grades have 2 beds, but are sold as Single Ocean View rooms.

Single Ocean View Cabin

This room is approximately 140 square feet in size and can be found on Marina Deck 3. It has a porthole and a bathroom with shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).

Superior Ocean View

Superior Ocean View

Superior Ocean View Cabin

Around 165 square feet in size, these rooms are located on the Lido Deck 8 and Main Deck 6. Fitted with everything you need for your stay, there’s a picture window too. The bathroom has bath and/or shower, there’s a TV, mini fridge, hairdryer and safe. *Rooms 8073, 8075, 8084 and 8086 on the Lido Deck are wheelchair accessible and have a fully restricted window.

Superior Ocean View Cabin

Located on Atlantic Deck 5. Around 165 square feet, with a picture window; and have a bathroom with a shower or bath. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).

Superior Ocean View Cabin

This room is approximately 200 square feet in size and can be found on Lido Deck 8. It has a picture window, bathroom with bath and/or shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts).

Superior Ocean View Single Cabin

This room is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Lido Deck 8. It has a picture window, a bathroom with bath and/or shower. Facilities include air conditioning, a TV, mini fridge, telephone, safe and hairdryer. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Please note rooms 8061 and 8072 have a small balcony.

Balcony Cabin

This cabin is approximately 260 square feet in size, and can be found on Lido Deck 8 and Bridge Deck 9. It has a balcony, bathroom with bath and/or shower. All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on cabin balconies

Balcony Cabin

Balcony

Superior Balcony

Superior Balcony

Superior Balcony Cabin

These cabins are approximately 248 square feet in size and can be found on Bridge Deck 9. These cabins have a balcony, bathroom with bath and/or shower. All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on cabin balconies.

Balcony Junior Suite

This suite is approximately 279 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 10, Bridge Deck 9 and Lido Deck 8. This suite has a bedroom with a sitting area and a balcony. There is an en-suite bathroom with bath and/or shower. All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on cabin balconies. Please note, cabins 8057 and 8059 on Lido deck are equipped for use by disabled passengers.

Balcony Junior Suite

Balcony Junior Suite

Junior Suite

Junior Suite

Marquee Suite

This suite is approximately 472 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 10. This suite has a bedroom with a large double bed and a sitting area, a bathroom with bath and/or shower. All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on cabin balconies.

Marquee Suite

Marquee Suite

Owner's Suite

The spacious and tastefully decorated Owner's Suites on Balmoral are approximately 1181 square feet in size and are situated on Highland Deck 10. These suites feature all the amenities guests may need, with plenty of room, and a full length balcony, plus a few extra touches for a comfortable and memorable stay. Deck: Highland Deck 10 Size: 1181 square feet (approx.) Bedroom with twin or double bed Separate sitting area Separate dining area Bathroom with bath and shower Walk in wardrobe Private balcony with large table, chairs and sun loungers Large floor-to-ceiling windows Access to mini bar and fridge Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package

Premier Suite

This suite is approximately 601 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 11. This suite has a sitting room, balcony and a bedroom with large double bed and bathroom with bath and/or shower. All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on cabin balconies.

Premier Suite

Premier Suite

Single Balcony Suite

This suite is approximately 274 square feet in size and can be found on Bridge Deck 9. This suite has a bedroom with sitting area and a balcony. The bathroom has a bath and/or shower. All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on cabin balconies. *Please note that some of the JB grades have 2 beds, but are sold as Single Balcony Suites.

Superior Suite

This suite is approximately 341 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 10 & Bridge Deck 9. This suite has a bedroom with sitting area and a balcony. The bathroom has a bath and/or shower. All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on cabin balconies.

Superior Suite

Superior Suite
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