Fred. Olsen – Scenic Waterways & Archipelagos Of Sweden – 2023
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Skyline of Klippan in Gothenburg ©Per Pixel Petersson, imagebank.sweden.se
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Balmoral in Dover ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
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Colours & Tastes Restaurant on Balmoral ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
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The Book Mark Café on Balmoral ©Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Sails from Newcastle
Smaller ship cruising is undoubtedly the best way to see and appreciate the beauty of Sweden, so we’ve crafted this itinerary to take advantage of Balmoral’s size and show you some of this diverse country’s greatest scenic sights. You’ll enjoy serene diversions into the hilly Swedish fjords found along the rugged west coast, savouring views of idyllic countryside and coastal scenery, and a journey through the sprawling Stockholm Archipelago, as your ship navigates a route through its thousands of craggy islands and islets. What’s more, an overnight stay in Stockholm offers a chance to take to these waters and see the scenic sights up-close on a boat tour too, while you’ve ample time to explore the city at leisure too. Perhaps take your pick of the museums, including the Skansen Open-air Museum and ABBA: The Museum, and witness the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace in the historic Gamla Stan district.
During a visit to the island of Gotland, UNESCO-listed Visby awaits. The well-preserved Old City of Visby presents an interesting glimpse into Sweden’s Hanseatic history, with its merchants houses and magnificent churches. St Mary’s Cathedral and the ruins of St Nicolai and St Karin are not-to-be-missed. There’s also a day in Gothenburg; a tour of the canals aboard a traditional Paddan boat makes for a memorable way to see the second city’s sights. You could take in attractions such as Maritiman – the world’s largest floating ship museum, Götaplatsen Square and the Volvo Museum too. In between scenic cruising of the western fjords, you’re also in for a visit to quaint Lysekil, where a picturesque harbour and charming town centre beg for your exploration, while a rare stop at Trelleborg – rich in Viking history – is sure to be a highlight.
Dates
Thursday 31 August 2023
Cruise Itinerary
Thursday 31 August 2023
Departure from Newcastle, United Kingdom
Board the ship mid-afternoon before you set sail.
Friday 01 September 2023
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Saturday 02 September 2023
Lysekil, Sweden
With quaint red and orange buildings scattered along its picturesque harbour, Lysekil has a distinctly ‘homely’ feel from the moment you call into the town. Although small, Lysekil still has a number of attractions which are well worth a visit, such as the charming church from 1901, the Havets Hus aquarium and the Vikarvets Museum which delves into the history of the town’s stonemasonry and fishing industries.
Sunday 03 September 2023
Lysekil, Sweden
Lysekil did in fact begin as a tiny fishing village, and today delicious, locally caught seafood such as crabs and mackerel can still be enjoyed in many fantastic restaurants. Situated at the mouth of the beautiful Gullmarn Fjord, Lysekil is also a popular with keen kayakers and scuba divers, as the waters here are clear and still. Why not have a go yourself, or perhaps take a boat tour to appreciate the fjord’s scenery.
Monday 04 September 2023
Trelleborg, Sweden
Sweden’s southernmost town, and one of the country’s most charming, Trelleborg combines a wonderful mix of old and new. Today, the town provides an important link between Sweden and the rest of Europe, with its busy commercial harbour and port, and is known for its art and culture, but it is actually most famous for its rich Viking history.
Trelleborg is home to the impressive Trelleborgen, the only reconstruction of a Viking-age ring castle on Swedish soil. Built on the remains of the town’s original Viking fort, using some of the materials excavated from the site during archaeological digs, Trelleborgen is a fascinating insight into Sweden’s Viking history and a ‘must-visit’ attraction.
Tuesday 05 September 2023
Visby, Sweden
Located on the Swedish island of Gotland, the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Visby is one of the most remarkable in Scandinavia. Known for its incredible scenic beauty and stunning historic sites, this former Hanseatic City has to be seen to be truly appreciated.
The “City of Roses and Ruins” is like a living museum, and is renowned for its well-preserved medieval wall and defensive towers. Uncovering the 12th century Gunpowder Tower, Love Gate and Långa Lisa – the wall’s tallest tower, is highly recommended. Visby’s wonderful Old Town is home to 15 of Visby’s 17 medieval churches, and the Burmeister House – the town’s oldest merchant house – St. Mary’s Cathedral, and a beautiful botanical garden can also be found within its ancient walls. The main square, Stora Torget, has cobblestone streets lined with charming cafés and restaurants.
Wednesday 06 September 2023
Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden’s beautiful capital owes much of its appeal to its unique location. Spread across 14 islands at the head of a vast archipelago that stretches out into the Baltic, Stockholm’s swathe of parks, gardens and canals are a joy to discover via the city’s large network of bridge.
Founded over 700 years ago, the city’s harbour is the epitome of elegance and Stockholm’s history is writ large across its wide boulevards. Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s charming Old Town district, is home to historic, ochre-coloured buildings and monuments. Dating back to the 13th century, the island is surrounded by water and offers beautiful waterfront views. Along its divine cobbled streets, the 13th century Storkyrkan Cathedral, the gorgeous Riddarholm Church and the Nobel Prize Museum can all be found and appreciated.
Thursday 07 September 2023
Stockholm, Sweden
The vibrant Norrmalm and Östermalm districts in the city centre are ideal for those looking for a more modern cultural experience. Here, an array of upmarket shops sell goods from globally-known brands, and there are trendy cafes next to the Science and Technology Museum. Stockholm’s beauty and fashion sense are legendary, and its no-fuss functional, minimalistic approach to style provides the city with an unmistakable look.
Given its bountiful seas and farmland, Stockholm is a city of foodies and food trends. From açai breakfast bowls to truffle cheeseburgers, trying the cuisine is an exploration all of its own. Traditional Swedish cooking still holds its own, though: fried herring, meatballs and toast skagen remain menu classics.
Friday 08 September 2023
Cruising Stockholm Archipelago
Saturday 09 September 2023
Gothenburg, Sweden
Situated on Sweden’s west coast, the laid-back seaport of Gothenburg has considerable appeal for any visitor. Known as one of the friendliest cities in Europe, Gothenburg – Sweden’s second largest city – offers a vibrancy and fascination through its galleries, museums, boutiques, street cafes and Scandinavia’s largest and most popular amusement park, Lisberg, which has themed rides, performance venues and a landscaped sculpture garden. With spacious streets, leafy boulevards, and 17th century Dutch-designed canals at its heart, Gothenburg is a compact, accessible city. The harbour’s stylish buildings and bustling fish market are a must-see before heading to the enthralling districts of the city centre.
Sunday 10 September 2023
At Sea
Enjoy a full day of cruising.
Monday 11 September 2023
Arrival at Newcastle, United Kingdom
After an early breakfast, disembark the ship for your journey home.
Balmoral Ship Information
Balmoral is the largest of Fred Olsen’s cruise ships, on board there are nine decks two of which are for the sole purpose of leisure and relaxation.
The ship’s facilities include swimming pools & Jacuzzis, Fitness centre, Sundeck & golf nets, Atlantic Spa & Salon, library and card room. There are also boutiques, fine jewellery and Port shop. A selection of soft drinks, wines and beers are included and provided by a wide range of restaurants, cafés, grill and lounges on board.
During the day several talks, lectures and classes take place, while in the evening fantastic live performances including cabaret, stand-up comedy and concerts will keep you entertained throughout the duration of your cruise.
All of the 710 rooms are equipped with private facilities which include an en-suite shower (some may have a bathtub also), a desk, telephone, interactive television, hairdryer, air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities. According to your needs you can choose between different room types: single, interior, ocean view, balcony rooms and suites.
| Date | Arrival | Departure | Port of Call |
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Thu 31 Aug 2023 |
Late PM | Newcastle, United Kingdom | |
| Fri 01 Sept 2023 | Early AM | Cruising | |
| Sat 02 Sept 2023 | Early PM | Lysekil, Sweden | |
| Sun 03 Sept 2023 | Late PM | Lysekil, Sweden | |
| Mon 04 Sept 2023 | Early AM | Late PM | Trellborg, Sweden |
| Tue 05 Sept 2023 | Early AM | Early PM | Visby, Sweden |
| Wed 06 Sept 2023 | Late AM | Stockholm, Sweden | |
| Thu 07 Sept 2023 | Early PM | Stockholm, Sweden | |
| Fri 08 Sept 2023 | Cruising | ||
| Sat 09 Sept 2023 | Early AM | Late PM | Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Sun 10 Sept 2023 | Cruising | ||
| Sun 11 Sept 2023 | Early AM | Portsmouth, United Kingdom |
