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 Piraeus (Athens), Greece 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 20-night cruise like?

A 20-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 20-night Iconic Islands & Ancient Wonders of the Mediterranean from Piraeus (Athens), Greece, Nov 23, 2027

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines · Balmoral · Nov 23, 2027 – Dec 13, 2027

Visit Piraeus (Athens), Greece, Istanbul, Turkey, Kusadasi, Turkey, Alexandria, Egypt, Heraklion, Crete and 5 more ports

Departure Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Return Malaga, Spain

Duration 20 Nights

Itinerary

Day 1

Piraeus (Athens), Greece Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 2

Piraeus (Athens), Greece Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 3

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

Istanbul, Turkey Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 5

Istanbul, Turkey Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 6

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 7

Kusadasi, Turkey Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 8

Kusadasi, Turkey Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 9

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 10

Alexandria, Egypt Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 11

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

Heraklion, Crete Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 13

Piraeus (Athens), Greece Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 14

Piraeus (Athens), Greece Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 15

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 16

Valletta Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 17

Trapani Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 18

Cagliari, Sardinia Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 19

Mahon, Menorca Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 20

At Sea Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM
Day 21

Malaga, Spain Arrives 12:00 AM · Departs 12:00 AM

Ports of Call

Piraeus (Athens), Greece
Istanbul, Turkey
Kusadasi, Turkey
Alexandria, Egypt
Heraklion, Crete
Valletta
Trapani
Cagliari, Sardinia
Mahon, Menorca
Malaga, Spain

About This Cruise

20-night Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Balmoral cruise from Piraeus (Athens), Greece to Istanbul, Turkey, Kusadasi, Turkey, Alexandria, Egypt and Heraklion,…

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 Piraeus (Athens), Greece 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 20-night cruise like?: A 20-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.