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Spain & the River Cities of France Cruise

  • Departure DateFri 18th Sep 2026
  • Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Balmoral
  • 12 Night Cruise From Southampton
  • Cruise Only From £1,369 pp
  • Get A Quote

Itinerary

  • Southampton
  • Pauillac, Bordeaux
  • Bilbao
  • Santander
  • St Malo, France
  • Rouen, France
  • Southampton

What's Included

  • 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
  • Gratuities Included

Prices from pp

TypeInteriorOcean ViewBalcony
Sail From UK
£1,369
£1,719
£3,129

Includes extra savings of up to £69pp
Sailing from the UK - cruise based on sailing from Southampton, call to discuss transportation options.
Voyage Code: L2631

Speak to a Cruise Expert

Call Us Free On

0800 019 0063

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Day 1 - Southampton

Arrive: Fri 18 September 2026 / Depart: Fri 18 September 2026

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.

Day 2 - At Sea

Day 3 - Pauillac, Bordeaux

Arrive: Sun 20 September 2026

Day 4 - Pauillac, Bordeaux

Depart: Mon 21 September 2026

Day 5 - Bilbao

Arrive: Tue 22 September 2026

The underrated Getxo in Northern Spain, is an attractive seaside location, and the access port for Bilbao. Getxo’s wonderful beaches, beautiful architecture and truly impressive monuments include the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge – the world’s oldest transport bridge. The town’s Old Port area, Algorta, is situated at one end of the Ereaga Beach and is a popular spot to soak up the sun, enjoy the vibrant nightlife and take advantage of the exciting water sports. At Ereaga’s other end, delightful palaces and gardens can be found and explored. Getxo is also perfectly placed for tours to nearby Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque country, and home to the world famous Guggenheim Museum, Museum of Fine Art and its stunning 14th century Gothic-style cathedral.

Day 6 - Bilbao

Depart: Wed 23 September 2026

The underrated Getxo in Northern Spain, is an attractive seaside location, and the access port for Bilbao. Getxo’s wonderful beaches, beautiful architecture and truly impressive monuments include the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge – the world’s oldest transport bridge. The town’s Old Port area, Algorta, is situated at one end of the Ereaga Beach and is a popular spot to soak up the sun, enjoy the vibrant nightlife and take advantage of the exciting water sports. At Ereaga’s other end, delightful palaces and gardens can be found and explored. Getxo is also perfectly placed for tours to nearby Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque country, and home to the world famous Guggenheim Museum, Museum of Fine Art and its stunning 14th century Gothic-style cathedral.

Day 7 - Santander

Arrive: Thu 24 September 2026 / Depart: Thu 24 September 2026

Located between Gijon and Bilbao on Spain’s north coast, Santander is an elegant city with impressive buildings set against a natural backdrop of sea and mountains. The belle-époque elegance of Estadio El Sardinero underlines the engaging qualities of Cantabria’s capital. The Palacio de la Magdalena, once the royal summer residence, sits on the rocky peninsula, while the city centre is home to the octagonal cupola and Gothic cloisters of the Catedral de Santander. Inside is the tomb of Marcelino Menéndez Pelayo, a work by the sculptor Victorio Macho, and under the main chapel lies the crypt of El Cristo, a vaulted chamber with artefacts from the Roman era.

Day 8 - At Sea

Day 9 - St Malo, France

Arrive: Sat 26 September 2026 / Depart: Sat 26 September 2026

Originally a fortified island, the walled city of St Malo at the mouth of the River Rance on France’s Brittany coast, is now connected to the mainland by a 'Sillon' causeway. Visiting this atmospheric port, once a stronghold for privateers (pirates approved by the king), is like stepping back in time. The walls of St Malo, largely destroyed in World War II, have been painstakingly reconstructed. A magnificent grey granite citadel protects the old city, the cobbled streets of which are packed with interesting shops, restaurants, bars and cafés. The main gate is Porte St-Vincent, home to the castle and town museum, and an eclectic mix of exhibits including maps and local artefacts. Saint-Malo Cathedral, built in Romanesque and Gothic styles, makes an impressive centrepiece. From the beach outside the citadel it’s possible to walk at low tide to the small island of Grand-Bé, to see the tomb of the 19th century politician and writer, Chateaubriand. To the south is where the original inhabitants lived. They were converted to Christianity by St Malou, after whom they named the impregnable island when they moved there in the 12th century.

Day 10 - Seine River cruising

Day 11 - Rouen, France

Arrive: Mon 28 September 2026 / Depart: Mon 28 September 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 12 - Seine River cruising

Day 13 - Southampton

Arrive: Wed 30 September 2026 / Depart: Wed 30 September 2026

Southampton offers fast and efficient check-in areas, spacious departure lounges with seating areas, café-bars and smart washrooms. If you wish to travel by car and park for the duration of your cruise, you can pay for and reserve parking in advance directly with the relevant company. Alternatively, if being dropped off or collected by taxi or private car, they can drive right up alongside the terminal building.

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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