Introduction

Overview

The Balmoral comes with six different types of rooms that each have variations in size and amenities.

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Variety of accommodation is the specialty on the {{product.name}}. Six different room classes from Inside cabins to the Premiere Suites, with several levels of each, provide multiple living options in size, service, and price. Most rooms are available in the regular, single or superior types.

Cabin Layout

An Outside Cabin is an improvement upon the Inside Cabin, with views of the sea.

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Slightly misnamed, an Outside Cabin does not have any outdoor access, rather it is located towards the outside of the ship's hull with views of the outside world. A bedroom, the entrance hallway, and a bathroom leading off the hall, occupy 165 square feet. You can upgrade to a Superior Outside Cabin that uses a similar layout in 200 square feet.

Bedroom

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Beds can be either two twin or one queen and occupy most of the room.

Bathroom

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The bathroom has a shower stall, a toilet, and a sink, arranged into a tight configuration.

Cabin Layout

The Balcony Cabins are slightly larger than the Outside Cabins, and come with your very own piece of the outdoors.

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A comfortably sized bedroom with a small desk sits between the balcony and the hallway that leads to the closets and the bathroom. These rooms are available as regular or superior, occupying 180 and 200 square feet respectively.

Bedroom

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The bedroom is the main room of the Balcony Cabin, with either a queen bed or two twins. There is space to sit next to the bed in the small living area within.

Balcony

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The balcony can fit two, one on the chair and one in the recliner.

Cabin Layout

For the budget cruiser, Inside Cabins will get you aboard with minimal impact on your savings.

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This cabin is approximate 160 square feet, with an en-suite bathroom with shower. Facilities include an interactive television, safe and a hairdryer.
-Description and photo provided by the Fred. Olsen Cruise Line website.

Cabin Layout

The Marquee Suites are the second most luxurious accommodation on the Balmoral.

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In approximately 390 square feet, the Marquee Suites have a sitting room with sofas and chairs, a balcony and a bedroom with large double bed and en-suite bathroom with bath and/or shower. Facilities include an interactive television, safe, hairdryer, mini-bar and/or refrigerator. -Description and photo provided by the Fred. Olsen Cruise Line website.

Cabin Layout

Staying true to its name, the Premier Suite is the most luxurious stateroom on the Balmoral.

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The best room on the Balmoral occupies approximately 430 square feet and has a sitting room with sofas and chairs, a balcony and a bedroom with large double bed and en-suite bathroom with bath and/or shower. Facilities include an interactive television, safe, hairdryer, mini-bar and/or refrigerator. -Description and photo provided by the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines website.

Cabin Layout

This mid-level suite provides more room than the regular cabins at a reduced suite price.

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In 275 square feet, this suite has a sitting room, a balcony and a bedroom with large double bed and en-suite bathroom with bath and/or shower. Facilities include an interactive television, safe, hairdryer, mini-bar and/or refrigerator. -Description and photo provided by the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines website.

Overview

An interactive television, 24-hour room service, air conditioning and a small set of complimentary toiletries await you in the Balmoral cabins.

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Toiletries

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Nicely wrapped in lace, a few bathroom essentials are included with the reservation of a stateroom.

Dining

Four restaurants and only two menus mean you better like what they serve.

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Essentially, there are only two different food options on the Balmoral, because three of the restaurants offer the exact same menu. You may dine at regularly scheduled times at the Spey, the Avon, and the Ballindalloch restuarants, all pulling from the same food selection, or catch a more casual buffet dinner at the Palms Café.

Overview

Associated with its “Sister” restaurant Spey, Avon is a formal dining room serving ala carte from the Ballindaloch menu.

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Named after one of Scotland's most productive salmon fishing rivers, Avon is marked by unique design, but a thrice-repeating menu within the confines of the ship. The food is the same as Spey and Ballindaloch restaurants, the difference being location and interior design. Dining is formal and meals are served on a regular schedule.

Lunch / Dinner

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Menus change regularly, the food is internationally inspired, with a trend towards French classic.

Dessert

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The desserts menu is as long as the dinner menu and comes with sugar free options for the health conscious.

Overview

The main dining room on the Balmoral, Ballindaloch is where the food for the two other restaurants on the ship is derived.

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Ballindaloch serves the same food as Avon and Spey restaurants. It has a larger seating layout to allow for more guests. Dining is formal and food is served on a schedule. This is also where the special Gala Night dinner is served. The wine list pulls from a global economy of vineyards.

Lunch / Dinner

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Several of the options on the shipwide menu are pictured here. French inspired versions of international cuisine make up the food selection at Ballindaloch.

Dessert

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Desserts seem to be the most inspired servings at Ballindaloch and the other similar restaurants. Fruit, chocolate and sugar free selections are available at all three restaurants.

Overview

The Palms Café is the casual dining option on the Balmoral.

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Passengers are invited to show up to the buffet at the Palms Café at their leisure. The dress is casual and the food will be different than what is served everywhere else on the ship. Seating can be found inside and out in this relaxed eatery.

Pools & Decks

Two similarly sized pools are flanked by whirlpools at either end.

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There are two pools on the Balmoral, one mid-ship and one by the stern. Each pool is about the same size and have hot tubs at the ends as an added bonus.

Pool Areas

Two basic pools, with whirlpools attached, provide swimming in the sun for all of the passengers on the Balmoral.

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Marquee Deck Pool

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The Marquee Deck Pool is found mid-ship and surrounded by sun chairs. There are two whirlpools if you are feeling a little less active.

The Aft Pool

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Found near the stern of the Balmoral, and next to the Palms Café, is the Aft Pool. The water is heated and there are plenty of places to lounge, arranged around the water's edge. Two whirlpools abut the Aft Pool for a cozier aquatic experience. Six lounges, a fitness center and a beauty salon will keep an older crowd entertained at sea.

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Kids will be bored on this ship, with places to drink, play cards, relax, and get dolled up. There is nothing in the way of games or activities that anyone under the age of 30 will enjoy.

Lounge & Cafés

The activities on the Balmoral cater to a more mature set of passengers.

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Catch a show, grab a drink, sit a spell, play a rousing game of rummy, or take your dancing partner out for a spin in the several lounges on the Balmoral.

Hair Salon

The Atlantis Spa brings together beautification and relaxation with massage rooms and a salon.

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In addition to a regular selection of massages and facial treatments, you can get your hair styled or a mani/pedi at the spa salon.

Fitness Center

Keep up your regular regimen at the fitness center aboard the Balmoral.

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The gym has everything you may need, from cardio equipment to free weights. Classes are available in many of the leading trendy exercises like pilates, yoga, and hummingbirds.

Nightlife & Shows

Three bars, the Lido Lounge, the Morning Light Pub, and the Observation Lounge offer full bars and mingling opportunities.

Overview

After dinner cocktails, a view, a few gaming tables, and occasionally a live show are the various activities at this bar.

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DJs and live bands frequently serenade passengers onto the dance floor that sits in the center of this bar. Floor to ceiling windows bring in the light and the continuously moving view, while you sip on cocktails with new friends. Around the corner, you can find some gaming tables for black jack and roulette, that is if you're feeling lucky.

Overview

Crafted in the style of your local, the Morning Light Pub is an intimate place to grab a cask.

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The name is misleading, do not take the Morning Light Pub as an excuse to start drinking at dawn. Beer on tap, comfortable seating in a pub-style, and if you're lucky a stand-up comedian will toss some jokes at you from the stage while you make merry.

Overview

High atop the Balmoral you will find the Observatory Lounge.

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The Observatory Lounge has the best views on the ship. In addition to a full bar, a grand piano is constantly in use, providing the soundtrack to your luxurious cruise life. Sets of binoculars line the edges of this bar to enhance the already spectacular views.

Conclusion

This largest ship in the Fred.Olsen line will be a quieter trip on the seas. The activities are made for an older crowd and you will probably feel out of place if you bring the kids. Nor will they have any fun at all. The food is terrifically gourmet, but if you need variety on your plate, be warned that the three main dining rooms serve from the exact same menu.