Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral returns to Newcastle for 2026 Sailings

Today, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral has returned to the Port of Tyne to begin a four-month programme of inspiring sailings from Newcastle.

Between February and September 2026, guests can look forward to 17 carefully crafted cruises departing from the city, with durations ranging from one‑night sailings to 14‑night explorations. The varied programme includes Northern Lights voyages in Arctic Norway, scenic cruising through Norway’ s fjords, and sailings to the Baltic, Scandinavia and Iceland.

The first cruise of the season departs Newcastle today (21st February), taking guests on a 10-night ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ voyage. The itinerary includes calls to Leknes, Tromsø and Ålesund, offering opportunities to witness the aurora borealis, explore dramatic Arctic landscapes and experience authentic Norwegian culture.

On board Balmoral, guests can look forward to a range of exciting enhancements introduced across Fred. Olsen’s fleet. Dining has been expanded with the new rotating Colours & Tastes menu and an exclusive Chef’s Table experience, while a refreshed entertainment programme, delivered in partnership with RWS, will be rolled out from February, featuring refreshed daytime activities and new evening theatre productions launching from mid-2026.

Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome our guests from the North East back on board Balmoral as she begins her programme of sailings from Newcastle. This programme offers an inspiring collection of sailings – from the chance to seek out the Northern Lights in Arctic Norway to exploring Europe’s riverside cities.

“Cruising from Newcastle gives our guests the convenience of beginning their holiday close to home, whether they’re joining us for a shorter five‑night break or a longer adventure further afield. We look forward to welcoming guests on board and delivering memorable journeys in the months ahead.”

Standout sailings from Newcastle include:

Balmoral’s 10-night L2608 ‘In Search of the Northern Lights’ cruise, departing from Newcastle on 23^rd March 2026. Prices start from £1,599 per person, plus, enjoy £150 of onboard spend per cabin when booked before 11 March 2026.

• Experience the Arctic winter and chase the Northern Lights
• Seek out the mesmerising Northern Lights in Arctic Norway
• Discover Arctic culture and landscapes, from fjords to Sami traditions

Itinerary: Newcastle, England – Molde, Norway – Torghatten, Norway – Cruising Seven Sisters Mountain Range – Alta, Norway – Tromsø, Norway – Cruising Tjeldsundet Strait – Ålesund, Norway – Newcastle, UK

For more information: Visit L2608 'In Search of the Northern Lights'

Balmoral’s 14-night L2609 ‘River Cities of France & Portugal’ cruise, departing from Newcastle on 2^nd April 2026. Prices start from £2,099 per person, plus, enjoy £150 of onboard spend per cabin when booked before 11 March 2026.

• Explore riverside cities and scenic European waterways
• Take in France and Portugal’s iconic rivers and historic cities
• Enjoy local culture, fine wine regions and picturesque landscapes

Itinerary: Newcastle, England – Honfleur, France – Lisbon, Portugal – Leixões (Porto), Portugal – Cruising Gironde & Garonne Rivers – Bordeaux, France – Cruising Seine River – Rouen, France – Newcastle, England

For more details: Visit L2609 ‘River Cities of France & Portugal’

Balmoral’s 9‑night L2613 ‘Exploring Iceland in Nine Nights’ cruise, departing from Newcastle on 5^th May 2026. Prices start from £1,699 per person, plus, enjoy £50 of onboard spend per cabin when booked before 11 March 2026.

• Witness the beauty of Iceland's mountains, geysers, and waterfalls
• Embrace Icelandic traditions through hiking and bathing in hot springs
• Join us on a tour to go whale watching from Akureyri

Itinerary: Newcastle, England – Reykjavík, Iceland – Ísafjörður, Iceland – Cruising by Hornbjarg, Iceland – Akureyri, Iceland – Cruising Eyjafjörður, Iceland – Cruising by Hrísey, Iceland – Cruising Borgarfjörður Eystri, Iceland – Cruising Seyðisfjörður, Iceland – Seyðisfjörður, Iceland – Newcastle, United Kingdom

For more details: Visit L2613 Exploring Iceland in Nine Nights

Balmoral’s 5‑night L2628 ‘Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights’ cruise, departing from Newcastle on 28^th August 2026. Prices start from £999 per person, plus, enjoy £25 of onboard spend per cabin when booked before 11 March 2026.

• Enjoy friluftsliv by kayaking, or hiking in Briksdal National Park
• Admire Norway’s scenic landscapes from the decks of Balmoral
• Discover geology and the Ice Age legacy at Kjenndalen glacier

Itinerary: Newcastle, England – Ålesund, Norway – Cruising Nordfjord, Norway – Olden, Norway – Newcastle, United Kingdom

For more details: Visit L2628 Norwegian Fjords in Five Nights

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ sailings from Newcastle, visit www.fredolsencruises.com/newcastle Book online or call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm), or contact your ABTA travel agent.