Home > Baltics Explorer Cruise (from Southampton) - 28 Jun 2012 departure

Baltics Explorer Cruise (from Southampton) - 28 Jun 2012 departure

Discover the splendours of the Baltics, sailing the picturesque Kiel Canal to visit hidden gems and historic capitals including magnificent St Petersburg.

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Itinerary
Map
Ship
Cabin and Deck Plans

Riga, Latvia
Riga Castle, Latvia
Church of the Resurrection, St Petersburg
Hermitage, St Petersburg
Aerial view of Toompea, Tallinn
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tallinn, Estonia
Riddarholmen Island, Stockholm
Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden

DAY 1: Southampton, UK.

Make your own way to Southampton to join your cruise ship, Balmoral. Your ship departs late afternoon. (D)

DAY 2: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 3: Kiel Canal.

Enjoy the views today as your ship enters the Kiel Canal, the 19th century waterway linking the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. Only smaller ships can use this 60-mile stretch, that flows through Germany's Schleswig-Holstein region from Brunsbüttel to Kiel-Holtenau. After entering through Brunsbüttel lock, cruise through a series of smaller locks, gliding under bridges and past rolling farmland and parks filled with cyclists and picnickers. Your ship emerges out onto the Baltic through Holtenau lock, passing the famous Holtenau lighthouse on the way. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Ronne.

Ronne is the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm and offers cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and interesting museums, which attract visitors from across Europe. Following an early morning arrival, take an optional tour which will take you through the picturesque farmlands of this tiny Baltic Island. Alternatively, make the most of a full day at leisure to explore independently. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Klaipeda.

Situated at the mouth of the Nemunas River, Klaipeda is Lithuania’s third largest city. Its main attraction is its historic buildings that date from the 13th to 18th century, which you may choose to discover during your free time today. Alternatively, you may wish to take one of the optional excursions that will be available, including a panoramic tour, which includes a visit to the Farmers’ Market and the Old Town. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Riga.

Formerly owned by Poland, Sweden, Russia and Germany, Riga is a diverse and beautiful city, strategically located at the head of the Gulf of Riga, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The Old Town is a kaleidoscope of architectural styles, where old houses and lofty church spires flank narrow cobblestone streets dotted amongst the riverbanks, parks and canals. Why not make the most of your time here today and take an optional sightseeing tour, which will show you the city’s main highlights? (B, L, D)

DAY 7: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 8 to 9: St Petersburg.

Located on the Gulf of Finland, Russia's second largest city is one of Europe's finest gems. Enjoy plenty of free time to explore this exquisite place, which was established by Peter the Great in 1703 and extends across the islands of the Neva River delta. Admire its arched bridges and canals, see the imposing Peter and Paul Fortress and marvel at treasures such as the spectacular Hermitage, stuffed with over 2 million artworks, and St Isaac's Cathedral, crowned by a gold-covered dome. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Tallinn.

Estonia's capital is a medieval jewel in every sense of the word. Once one of the Hanseatic League cities that ruled Baltic trade during the Middle Ages, its old town is one of Europe's best preserved. Today, why not explore this captivating district, where fairytale turrets and high walls encircle cobbled squares, half-timbered townhouses and tall spires? Maybe see the upper quarter of Toompea Hill, with its fairytale 13th century castle now home to the Estonian Parliament, or admire the vast Town Hall Square, home to a huge Gothic Town Hall and Europe's oldest working pharmacy (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Stockholm.

Built on 14 islands, Sweden's capital is a beautiful city, with noble architecture and lovely parks. The Gamla Stan Old Town is home to many sightseeing attractions, including the magnificent 18th-century Royal Palace, the majestic Cathedral of St Nicholas and the Stock Exchange. The city is also Sweden's main educational and cultural centre and has a university that dates back to 1877, as well as a fine opera house, theatre and concert hall. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Visby.

The walled town of Visby was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1995 and has ruins, narrow cobblestone streets and a range of restaurants. Enjoy time to explore or perhaps take an optional city tour which will include visits to the Botanical Gardens and the impressive tri towered St Mary’s Cathedral. (B, L, D)

DAY 13 to 14: At sea.

(B, L, D)

DAY 15: Southampton, UK.

Arrive in Southampton and disembark after breakfast. (B)

ID Requirements

A full passport is required for this holiday and must be valid for at least 6 months after the return date to the UK.

Your Holiday Map

Baltics Explorer Cruise (from Southampton) - 28 Jun 2012 departure

Balmoral
Ballindalloch Restaurant
Restaurant, Balmoral
Dinner on board, Balmoral
The Observatory
Lido Lounge
Palms Café, Balmoral
Jacuzzi, Balmoral
Category D outside twin cabin
Morning Light Pub
The Spa, Balmoral
Balmoral

Balmoral

Whilst Balmoral is the most substantial Fred. Olsen ship, it is compact enough to reach smaller ports of call inaccessible to large ocean cruise ships. It offers spacious, comfortable public areas with soft, subtle décor that retains the trademark, homely atmosphere while the regal name 'Balmoral' reflects the stately, modern and impressive design. Intimate yet elegant, Balmoral accommodates 1,350 passengers in 710 relaxing, well-equipped cabins and provides an excellent range of dining options and amenities.

Public Rooms & Facilities

2 swimming pools; 4 Jacuzzis; Ballindalloch, Spey and Avon restaurants; Palms Café buffet restaurant; Lido Lounge; Lido bar; Morning Light Pub; Neptune Lounge; Observatory Lounge; fitness centre; beauty salon; library; golf nets; card room; shops; internet room; arts & crafts room; gaming tables; launderette.

Dining

Your cruise includes full board. Balmoral offers passengers an impressive range of dining choices, from the inviting elegance of the Ballindalloch, Spey and Avon restaurants to the convenience and informality of the Palms Café. Vegetarian, fat-free, gluten free meals and many special dietary requirements can be catered for. Please ask at the time of booking.

Cabins

All cabins have twin or double beds; television; telephone; hairdryer; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a category I cabin or you may choose to upgrade.

Options/Upgrades

Cabin Categories & Descriptions:

I Twin inside lower deck cabin

E Twin outside lower deck cabin with picture window

D Twin outside lower or middle deck cabin with picture window or portholes

C Superior twin outside middle deck with picture window

B Superior twin outside middle or upper deck cabin with picture window

Tipping

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines operate an automated tipping system whereby an amount of £4 per adult per day will be added to your on board account at the end of the cruise. Gratuities will be shared equally between the cabin stewardesses and dining room waiters. Anyone wishing to vary the amount will be able to do so via the Reception desk.

Balmoral

Balmoral Marquee Deck 11
Balmoral Highland Deck 10
Balmoral Bridge Deck 9
Balmoral Lido Deck 8
Balmoral Lounge Deck 7
Balmoral Main Deck 6
Balmoral Atlantic Deck 5
Balmoral Coral Deck 4
Balmoral Marina Deck 3

Category E Coral Deck 4 twin outside cabin with picture window

Category D Atlantic Deck 5 or Coral Deck 4 twin outside cabin with picture window

Category C Atlantic Deck 5 superior twin outside cabin with shower, and picture window

Category B Lido Deck 8 or Main Deck 6 superior twin outside cabin with shower and/or bath, and picture window

Holiday Availability

Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices