Solo Season: Discover the Baltics

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Visit the fascinating and beautiful cities of the Baltics aboard the Fred Olsen Balmoral on this great 13 night cruise departing from Southampton – with no extra supplement for single travellers! (Book by 1st March for no single supplement offer)

 

DESTINATION Baltics – Denmark, Estonia, Russia, Latvia, Germany
FROM Dublin / Southampton, UK
DATE 02 October 2017
DURATION 13 Nights
PRICE Was €3,519 now from €2,239 pp

Explore the Baltic aboard Balmoral and discover a selection of the region’s most beautiful, historic and culture-rich cities at a time of the year when these absorbing destinations are less crowded and even more rewarding.

Setting sail from Southampton, you’ll spend a relaxing day at sea and cruise through Germany’s impressive Kiel Canal before docking in your first port of call, Copenhagen. Denmark’s delightful capital is packed with highlights, such as the imposing Christiansborg and Amalienborg palaces, Tivoli Gardens – one of the world’s oldest amusement parks – and the famous Little Mermaid statue. Sailing onwards to Estonia, the historic, UNESCO-listed centre of Tallinn – the magical capital – will be ripe for exploration. A string of unmissable attractions await your discovery here, including the striking Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Kadriorg Palace and the Kumu Art Museum.

The sparkling Russian gem of St. Petersburg is adored by Fred.’s guests, and you’re sure to fall in love with the city’s overwhelming beauty during a full-day stay. Join a guided tour to marvel at ‘must-visit’ attractions such as the majestic Cathedral in St. Issac’s Square, The Church of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood and Peterhof Palace; or perhaps examine the world-famous jewelled eggs on display at the Fabergé Museum. You could even catch a show at the magnificent Hermitage Museum; or experience a wonderful boat ride along the pretty canals. Another full-day in port follows your stop in St. Petersburg, this time in Riga – the Latvian capital – which is home to the iconic Freedom Monument and beautiful castles, houses and churches. Finally you’ll return to Germany for the chance to visit the Brandenburg Gate, Alexander Platz Square, remnants of the Berlin Wall and many more world-renowned sights in Berlin on a tour from Warnemünde; and to sail back through the Kiel Canal as you head for home.

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Day to Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Southampton, United Kingdom: Depart Late PM

Following a flight from Dublin to Southampton, you will be transferred to the port to board the Fred. Olsen Balmoral where you will begin your journey.

Day 2: At Sea

Day 3: Kiel Canal Transit: Early AM to Late PM

The world’s busiest artificial waterway.

Running for almost 100 km right through Schleswig-Holstein – from Brunsbuttel to Kiel-Holtenau linking the North Sea with the Baltic. Today the Kiel Canal is the basis for the trade between the countries of the Baltic area and the rest of the world.

Day 4: Copenhagen, Denmark: Early AM to Late PM

There’s an irresistible charm to the welcome of Denmark’s cosmopolitan capital.

With its vibrant, friendly atmosphere, wonderful culture and beautiful architecture, Copenhagen is a Scandinavian tourist haven. The narrow, cosmopolitan streets are always busy with welcoming locals and are lined with colourful cafes, bars, shops and places to eat. Visiting Copenhagen is always an exciting, enjoyable experience.

Much of Copenhagen’s most interesting and most popular tourist destinations are either within the city centre or are a short walk away, so there is always something to see or experience. Must-visit attractions include the historic Christianborg and Amelienborg Palaces, The Little Mermaid sculpture at Langelinje Pier, Kronborg Castle and Rosenborg Castle.

Nyhavn – Copenhagen’s 17th century waterfront and canal – is where you will find many brightly coloured 17th and 18th century townhouses that have been converted into bars and restaurants and many wooden ships in the historic harbour. There are also several galleries, museums, a zoo and an aquarium for you to enjoy and explore. There is a never a dull day in the Danish capital.

Day 5: At Sea:

Day 6: Tallinn, Estonia: Early AM to Late PM

Tallinn is unquestionably one of Europe’s most magical capitals.

This ancient Hanseatic city is justifiably proud of its beautiful churches, solid limestone houses and well-preserved cobbled streets. The Toompea hill, with its medieval houses and alleyways, is the oldest part and at the foot of the hill substantial remains of the city wall can still be seen, surrounded by well-maintained parks. The medieval town hall is one of the best preserved in northern Europe, and the weathercock, Gamle Toomas, on top of the building symbolises Tallinn.

The ornate Alexander Nevskij Cathedral was built at the end of the 19th century when Estonia was part of Tsarist Russia. Kadriorg’s Castle was built by an earlier Tsar, Peter the Great, and now houses part of the Estonian Museum of Art. The “Peek into the Kitchen” tower has an exhibition of Tallinn’s military history.

Day 7: St Petersberg, Russia: Early AM to Late Night

The jewel in the Baltic crown and Russia’s most European city, elegant St Petersburg was Tsar Peter the Great’s ‘Window on the West’.

Peter the Great’s “window on the West” is utterly captivating, with baroque palaces, wide elegant streets, ornate bridges and broad curving canals – the city is built on 40 islands at the mouth of the River Neva. The main street, Nevsky Prospekt, is 5km long and lined with cafés, bars and restaurants mixed in with upmarket hotels and sumptuous shops. On Neva embankment, the Winter Palace, with over a thousand rooms, is merely the most magnificent of six buildings that make up the Hermitage museum.

The Hermitage is only one of 125 museums and galleries, not to mention dozens of lavishly decorated churches, that make this one of those cities that visitors want to return to again and again. It is enchanting during the “White Nights” of midsummer, when a brief twilight blends into dawn, and street entertainment lasts throughout the long days and short, white nights.

Book a Fred. Olsen cruise to St Petersburg and visit the jewel in the Baltic crown and Russia’s most European city.

Day 8: At Sea: 

Day 9: Riga, Latvia: Early AM to Late Night

Eight hundred years have shaped the city’s unique appearance and rich traditions.

Riga has been an important centre for trade, finance and culture for centuries and offers an experience of architecture over the centuries. From its medieval castles and churches, to the urban structure of later periods and the richness and quality of Art Noveau to the wooden architecture of the 19th century. This historic centre is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Day 10: At Sea:

Day 11: Warnemünde, Germany: Early AM to Late Night

With excellent links to Rostock and Berlin, there’s a host of fantastic tours and experiences to be had on a call to Warnemünde (Warnemunde).

With excellent links to Rostock and Berlin, famous German monuments such as Charlottenburg Castle, the Brandenburg Gate, Olympic Stadium, Reichstag, Potsdamer Square and Unter den Linden are within easy reach of this delightful seaside town.

Warnemünde (Warnemunde) is much more than a gateway to the rest of Germany though and with wide sandy beaches and several traditional pubs and restaurants offering some of the finest seafood you will ever taste, Warnemünde is a wonderful holiday destination in its own right. 

Be sure to visit Warnemünde lighthouse – one of the town’s oldest monuments – where impressive views of the Baltic Sea and the surrounding area are found at the top.  

Day 12: Kiel Canal Transit: Early AM to Late PM

Day 13: At Sea:

Day 14: Southampton, UK: Early AM

Following your disembarkation, you will be transferred to the airport to get your return flight to Dublin.

13 Nights accommodation aboard the Balmoral, operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Line. (See ship info tab for more information on the Balmoral)

Balmoral

Balmoral is the largest and newest cruise ship, named after the Scottish home of the Royal Family. Still smaller than most cruise ships today, there are 710 cabins and suites and generous public space for the 1,300 guests on board.

The main restaurant is Ballindalloch (named after the Speyside village and castle), while the two other formal restaurants – Avon and Spey – are also in keeping with the Scottish theme and are named after two of Scotland’s most beautiful salmon rivers.

There’s a comfy pub with occasional live music or comedy, cabaret and shows in the Neptune Lounge, or drift away with a cool drink and spectacular seascapes in the Observatory Lounge.

Coming Soon!

Dates & Prices

DATE PRICE Cabin
02 October 2017 Was €3,519
now €2,239		 Inside
Single		 Book Now
02 October 2017 €2,429 Oceanview
Single		 Book Now
02 October 2017 Was €4,289
now €2,939		 Superior Oceanview
Single		 Book Now

Book by 1st March for no single supplement offer

Price inclusions

  • Return flights Dublin to Southampton
  • Return Transfers airport / port
  • 13 nights accommodation aboard the Fred. Olsen Balmoral
  • Fine dining on a full board basis
  • All onboard entertainment
  • One check-in bag of 15kgs and one 10kgs carry-on per person
  • Taxes and charges of €130

Booking remarks

  • Book by 1st March for no single supplement offer
  • Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
  • Non-refundable deposit of 15% due on confirmation of booking
  • 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
  • Optional Insurance available on request (conditions apply)
  • Drinks packages available to prebook – only €12 per person per night
  • Gratuities from €5 per person per night payable at the end of your cruise onboard M.S. Balmoral
  • These prices are guidelines only and are subject to change and availability. Pricing will be confirmed at time of booking.
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