What is included in the cruise fare?

Standard cruise fares include your cabin, onboard meals at main dining venues, most non-specialty entertainment, use of pools and common facilities, and transport between ports of call. Gratuities, specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and onboard spa services are typically billed separately.

How far in advance should I book this cruise?

For popular sailings, booking 6–12 months ahead typically gives the best cabin selection and fares. Last-minute discounts can appear 30–60 days before departure when the cruise line wants to fill remaining cabins on Balmoral.

What documents do I need to board?

Most international itineraries require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Closed-loop sailings that depart and return to the same U.S. port from Southampton, UK may accept a government-issued photo ID plus a certified birth certificate for U.S. citizens — always verify with the cruise line.

Can I change or cancel my booking?

Change and cancellation policies depend on Fred Olsen Cruise Lines's fare type and how close you are to departure. Refundable deposits typically allow changes up to the final-payment date without penalty; closer to sailing, cancellation fees scale up. Review the specific fare rules before booking.

What is a 26-night cruise like?

A 26-night cruise balances relaxing sea days with active port days. You can expect a mix of onboard programming — dining, entertainment, spa and fitness — and multiple shore excursions from Balmoral. Pack for both formal nights and casual deck days.

Balmoral 26-night Rivieras & Islands of the Mediterranean from Southampton, UK, Sep 30, 2027

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines · Balmoral · Sep 30, 2027 – Oct 26, 2027

Visit Southampton, UK, Matosinhos, Gibraltar, Cartagena, Spain, Alicante, Spain and 14 more ports

Departure Southampton, UK

Return Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Duration 26 Nights

Itinerary

Day 1

Southampton, UK Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 2

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 3

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 4

Matosinhos Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 5

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 6

Gibraltar Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 7

Cartagena, Spain Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 8

Alicante, Spain Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 9

Alicante, Spain Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 10

Mahon, Menorca Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 11

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 12

La Spezia, Italy Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 13

Villefranche, France Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 14

Toulon, France Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 15

Ajaccio, Corsica Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 16

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 17

Alicante, Spain Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 18

Ibiza Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 19

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 20

Propriano, Corsica Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 21

Golfo Aranci, Sardinia Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 22

Cruise Amalfi Coast Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 23

Cruising by Stromboli Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 23

Milazzo, Sicily, Italy Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 24

Valletta Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 25

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 26

Souda Bay, Crete Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 27

Piraeus (Athens), Greece Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM

Ports of Call

Southampton, UK
Matosinhos
Gibraltar
Cartagena, Spain
Alicante, Spain
Mahon, Menorca
La Spezia, Italy
Villefranche, France
Toulon, France
Ajaccio, Corsica
Ibiza
Propriano, Corsica
Golfo Aranci, Sardinia
Cruise Amalfi Coast
Cruising by Stromboli
Milazzo, Sicily, Italy
Valletta
Souda Bay, Crete
Piraeus (Athens), Greece

About This Cruise

26-night Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Balmoral cruise from Southampton, UK to Matosinhos, Gibraltar, Cartagena, Spain and Alicante, Spain Compare itinerary,…

Cruise Line Fred Olsen Cruise Lines

Ship Balmoral

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the cruise fare?: Standard cruise fares include your cabin, onboard meals at main dining venues, most non-specialty entertainment, use of pools and common facilities, and transport between ports of call. Gratuities, specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and onboard spa services are typically billed separately.
How far in advance should I book this cruise?: For popular sailings, booking 6–12 months ahead typically gives the best cabin selection and fares. Last-minute discounts can appear 30–60 days before departure when the cruise line wants to fill remaining cabins on Balmoral.
What documents do I need to board?: Most international itineraries require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your return date. Closed-loop sailings that depart and return to the same U.S. port from Southampton, UK may accept a government-issued photo ID plus a certified birth certificate for U.S. citizens — always verify with the cruise line.
Can I change or cancel my booking?: Change and cancellation policies depend on Fred Olsen Cruise Lines's fare type and how close you are to departure. Refundable deposits typically allow changes up to the final-payment date without penalty; closer to sailing, cancellation fees scale up. Review the specific fare rules before booking.
What is a 26-night cruise like?: A 26-night cruise balances relaxing sea days with active port days. You can expect a mix of onboard programming — dining, entertainment, spa and fitness — and multiple shore excursions from Balmoral. Pack for both formal nights and casual deck days.