--- type: cruise schema_type: TouristTrip id: 1298eb80-1eca-4d01-874c-565bbd234bd9 slug: 2340879 voyage_code: L273638 cruise_line: Fred Olsen Cruise Lines ship: Balmoral departure_date: return_date: nights: 29 embarkation_port: Piraeus (Athens), Greece disembarkation_port: Malaga, Spain starting_price_usd: None bookable: false last_updated: 2026-07-16T04:47:10Z --- # From the Mediterranean to the Canaries for Christmas & New Year > Fred Olsen Cruise Lines · Balmoral · Dec 5 – Jan 3   (29 nights) ## Quick Facts | Attribute | Value | |-----------|-------| | **Cruise Line** | Fred Olsen Cruise Lines | | **Ship** | Balmoral | | **Duration** | 29 nights | | **Departure Date** | N/A | | **Return Date** | N/A | | **Embarkation Port** | Piraeus (Athens), Greece | | **Disembarkation Port** | Malaga, Spain | | **Starting Price** | N/A USD per person | | **Voyage Code** | L273638 | ## Itinerary ### Day 1: Piraeus (Athens), Greece **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM The port of Piraeus brings you to Athens, one of the great names of antiquity, the city of Plato and Socrates, a cradle of Western civilisation and birthplace of democracy. You can step in to that history on the heights of the Acropolis with its glorious 2,500-years-old Parthenon dating from the Golden Age of Classical Greece. Below, in the heart of the city lies the ancient Plaka District's honeycomb of streets, little shops - and tavernas that come alive at night with the pulse of bouzouki. ### Day 2: Piraeus (Athens), Greece **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM The port of Piraeus brings you to Athens, one of the great names of antiquity, the city of Plato and Socrates, a cradle of Western civilisation and birthplace of democracy. You can step in to that history on the heights of the Acropolis with its glorious 2,500-years-old Parthenon dating from the Golden Age of Classical Greece. Below, in the heart of the city lies the ancient Plaka District's honeycomb of streets, little shops - and tavernas that come alive at night with the pulse of bouzouki. ### Day 3: At Sea Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities. ### Day 4: Valletta **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM ### Day 5: Trapani **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM ### Day 6: Cagliari, Sardinia **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM Sardinia's historic capital ‘between the sea and the mountains' was founded by the Phoenicians, developed by Rome and later subjected to a wealth of Pisan, Genoese and Spanish influences! Climb up from the mountain harbour side city to explore the picturesque Upper Town's old quarter - dominated by a medieval castle and cathedral and protected by walls nearly 1,000 years old. Or simply relax by one of the lovely beaches within easy reach. ### Day 7: Mahon, Menorca **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM The second of Spain's four Balearic Islands, Menorca has an engaging charm perfectly embodied in the easily explored capital of Mahon with its attractive shops, outdoor market and the traditional buildings of its hilly old quarter. One of Europe's best natural harbours - where the 18th century British fleet sheltered when Menorca was ruled from London (Admiral Nelson's visits are commemorated still by the local Nelson Gin!) ### Day 8: At Sea Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities. ### Day 9: Malaga, Spain **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM The busy port city of Andalusia, the Spain of gazpacho and paella, flamenco and fiesta, recaptured from the Moors of the 15th century after 800 years of conflict. Enjoy the panorama from Gibralfara Castle, and visit the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, the birthplace of Picasso, and a wine cellar to try the famous local dessert wines. Or travel to Granada, to the glorious Alhambra, whose proud 14th century palaces and exotic gardens are Spain's finest expression of Moorish art. ### Day 10: Malaga, Spain **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM The busy port city of Andalusia, the Spain of gazpacho and paella, flamenco and fiesta, recaptured from the Moors of the 15th century after 800 years of conflict. Enjoy the panorama from Gibralfara Castle, and visit the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, the birthplace of Picasso, and a wine cellar to try the famous local dessert wines. Or travel to Granada, to the glorious Alhambra, whose proud 14th century palaces and exotic gardens are Spain's finest expression of Moorish art. ### Day 11: Ceuta, Spanish Morocco **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM A tiny Spanish city-enclave of just 19 square kilometres on the Moroccan side of the Straits of Gibraltar, ceded to Madrid by the Portuguese over 400 years ago. Ringed by the, the hilly streets of duty-free Ceuta have a unique atmosphere and heritage. European yet African, with sights that include the massive 14th century city walls, a pirate's castle, lakes, waterfalls and landscaped gardens. ### Day 12: Motril, Spain **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM At the heart of the Costa Tropical, situated in the foothills of the imposing Sierra Lujar Mountains, Motril is a true Andalusian gem. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, fronted by glorious coastal scenes and inviting beaches, and benefitting from a mild, sub-tropical climate all year round, it is the perfect location for some soothing rest, relaxation and sunshine. But it’s not all sun, sea and sand in Motril, there is plenty for those looking for a taste of authentic local culture too. Whi... ### Day 13: Cartagena, Spain **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM Today Spain's major commercial port and naval base, Cartagena lies on the coast of Murcia, its great indented bay guarded by rocky promontories, each topped by a fort. Founded in 221 BC by Hasdrubal, leader of the Carthaginians (hence the name) from North Africa, it has a fascinating history - and as Nova Carthage was long the Romans' principal settlement in their Iberian stronghold. Attractive promenades extend along the harbour, while to the northeast is the famous beach and watersports resort... ### Day 14: Valencia, Spain **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM Packed with plenty to see, do and explore, there is a never a dull day in this charming Spanish city. Wander through the beautiful city centre admiring the array of beautiful historic monuments; visit the myriad of museums and art galleries such as the Institute of Modern Art and Museum of Fine Arts or simply head to one of the city’s beaches to enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine and sample local cuisine in the many restaurants that line the promenades. The Old Town district - like similar dis... ### Day 15: At Sea Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities. ### Day 16: Cadiz, Spain **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM One of Western Europe's most ancient cities, founded 3,000 years ago by Phoenician merchants, Cadiz hugs Andalucia's sunlit Atlantic coast. It's a historic and intriguing seaport-from which Spain's galleons once sailed in quest of New World treasure - characterised by palm trees, look out towers and weathered old buildings. From here you can visit Jerez de la Frontera, centre of Spain's sherry production, and put to the test the creations of its many bodegas! ### Day 17: Cadiz, Spain **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM One of Western Europe's most ancient cities, founded 3,000 years ago by Phoenician merchants, Cadiz hugs Andalucia's sunlit Atlantic coast. It's a historic and intriguing seaport-from which Spain's galleons once sailed in quest of New World treasure - characterised by palm trees, look out towers and weathered old buildings. From here you can visit Jerez de la Frontera, centre of Spain's sherry production, and put to the test the creations of its many bodegas! ### Day 18: Malaga, Spain **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM The busy port city of Andalusia, the Spain of gazpacho and paella, flamenco and fiesta, recaptured from the Moors of the 15th century after 800 years of conflict. Enjoy the panorama from Gibralfara Castle, and visit the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, the birthplace of Picasso, and a wine cellar to try the famous local dessert wines. Or travel to Granada, to the glorious Alhambra, whose proud 14th century palaces and exotic gardens are Spain's finest expression of Moorish art. ### Day 19: Malaga, Spain **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM The busy port city of Andalusia, the Spain of gazpacho and paella, flamenco and fiesta, recaptured from the Moors of the 15th century after 800 years of conflict. Enjoy the panorama from Gibralfara Castle, and visit the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, the birthplace of Picasso, and a wine cellar to try the famous local dessert wines. Or travel to Granada, to the glorious Alhambra, whose proud 14th century palaces and exotic gardens are Spain's finest expression of Moorish art. ### Day 20: Gibraltar **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM Dominated by ‘the Rock', a towering 1, 396 ft sentinel that guards the Straits, the Arabs' Gebel el Tarik or Tarik's Rock is today simply ‘Gib'. Resolutely British for nearly 300 years, its unique setting unites the oddly familiar - from the helmeted policemen to Marks & Spencer - with an extrovert Mediterranean mood. Test the shops and pubs in Main Street and Irish Town, take a cable-car ride to enjoy the grandstand views to a nearby Africa, and of course make a call on those Barbary apes! ### Day 21: At Sea Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities. ### Day 22: Funchal **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM The picturesque whitewashed capital of this mountainous Portuguese island, 350 miles off the coast of Africa, has a timeless charm, delightfully enhanced by a benign climate that fills this ‘floating garden' with the year round colours and perfumes of subtropical flowers and fruit. Much painted by Sir Winston Churchill, Madeira has been offering the British visitor a warm welcome for three centuries, its famous wine the perfect aid to total relaxation! ### Day 23: Funchal **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM The picturesque whitewashed capital of this mountainous Portuguese island, 350 miles off the coast of Africa, has a timeless charm, delightfully enhanced by a benign climate that fills this ‘floating garden' with the year round colours and perfumes of subtropical flowers and fruit. Much painted by Sir Winston Churchill, Madeira has been offering the British visitor a warm welcome for three centuries, its famous wine the perfect aid to total relaxation! ### Day 24: At Sea Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities. ### Day 25: Santa Cruz de la Palma **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM La Palma’s small, yet pretty capital city - is one of the Canary Island’s true gems. Boasting colonial-style architecture, a swathe of charming beaches, restaurants and bars, Santa Cruz is typically Canarian and has something for everyone. Conquered by the King of Castile in the 15th century, Santa Cruz de La Palma was a key trading post between Spain and the Americas, and the city’s fascinating history can be explored in the historic quarter – one of Spain’s Historic-Artistic sites. The Nava... ### Day 26: Santa Cruz, Tenerife **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM Sophisticated Santa Cruz - Tenerife's capital - is built around boulevards and wide avenues that link elegant squares and parks. Well-preserved buildings feature in the old town, including the colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception and the 18th century Palacio de Carta, which has impressive Baroque and neoclassical features. Recently redesigned by the architects Herzog & de Meuron, the city’s largest square, Plaza de España, is a pleasant spot to lose a few hours. Lively beaches such as... ### Day 27: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM With its feel of mainland-Spain, spiced up with an eclectic mix of Asian and African cultures, Las Palmas is one of the Canary Island's most popular destinations, attracting sun-seekers who come to relax on its golden-sand beaches and soak up the gorgeous, year-round climate of Gran Canaria. Founded over 500 years ago, Las Palmas is the largest city in the Canary Islands, and has three gorgeous beaches, including Playa de las Canteras, regarded as one of the world's best beaches, to enjoy. ... ### Day 28: At Sea Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities. ### Day 29: At Sea Enjoy a relaxing day at sea exploring the ship's amenities. ### Day 30: Malaga, Spain **Arrives:** 12:00 AM · **Departs:** 12:00 AM The busy port city of Andalusia, the Spain of gazpacho and paella, flamenco and fiesta, recaptured from the Moors of the 15th century after 800 years of conflict. Enjoy the panorama from Gibralfara Castle, and visit the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, the birthplace of Picasso, and a wine cellar to try the famous local dessert wines. Or travel to Granada, to the glorious Alhambra, whose proud 14th century palaces and exotic gardens are Spain's finest expression of Moorish art. ## Pricing Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy in USD. | Cabin Type | Starting Price | |------------|----------------| | Pricing | Contact for latest fares | ## Cabin Options ### Inside Cabins **Superior Interior** (Code: G) Our Superior Interior Rooms are approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Lido Deck 8 and Bridge Deck 9. These rooms have a bathroom with bath and/or shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Please note, rooms 9048... **Interior Higher** (Code: LIU) Interior Higher **Single Interior Room** (Code: N) These rooms are approximately 130 square feet in size and can be found on Main Deck 6 and Marina Deck 3. They have a bathroom with shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). **Interior Cabin** (Code: H) This room is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Main Deck 6 and Atlantic Deck 5. It has a bathroom with shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). **Guaranteed Interior Lower** (Code: GTYIL) This grade of cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, and an interactive television. **Interior Cabin** (Code: I) This room is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Atlantic Deck 5, Coral Deck 4 & Marina Deck 3 It has a bathroom with shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). **Guaranteed Interior Higher** (Code: GTYIH) This grade of cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, and an interactive television. **Single Interior** (Code: SI) Single Interior **Interior Cabin** (Code: IS) Interior Cabin **2 Bedded Room** (Code: LLH) Interior Cabin **Interior Lower Grade** (Code: LIL) Interior lower grade cabin **Superior Single Inside Cabin** (Code: M) This room is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Bridge Deck 9. It has a bath and/or shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). ### Outside Cabins **Single Ocean View Cabin** (Code: K) This room is approximately 165 square feet in size and can be found on Coral Deck 4. It has a picture window and a bathroom with a shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Please note that some of the K grades have 2 beds, but are... **Guaranteed Ocean View Higher** (Code: GTYOH) This grade of cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, and an interactive television. **Superior Ocean View Single Cabin** (Code: J) This room is approximately 160 square feet in size and can be found on Lido Deck 8. It has a picture window, a bathroom with bath and/or shower. Facilities include air conditioning, a TV, mini fridge, telephone, safe and hairdryer. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require ... **Ocean View Cabin** (Code: OS) Ocean View Cabin Note - Some Cabins may have restricted view. **Porthole Ocean View Cabin** (Code: F) In addition to all the amenities needed for a comfortable, relaxing stay, the two porthole windows in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins also provide guests with plenty of soothing natural light and fantastic ocean views. Deck: Atlantic Deck 5, Coral Deck 4 & Marina Deck 3 Size: 165 square feet (... **Guaranteed Ocean View Lower** (Code: GTYOL) This grade of cabin has an en-suite bathroom with shower, and an interactive television. **Ocean View HIgher** (Code: LOU) Ocean View HIgher **Picture Window Ocean View Cabin** (Code: E) In a E Grade Ocean View cabin on Balmoral, guests will benefit from ample space in which to relax, all the amenities they need during their stay, plus plenty of natural light and scenic views provided by the cabin's picture window. Deck: Coral Deck 4 Size: 165 square feet (approx.) Bedroom with tw... **Superior Ocean View Cabin** (Code: B) Around 165 square feet in size, these rooms are located on the Lido Deck 8 and Main Deck 6. Fitted with everything you need for your stay, there’s a picture window too. The bathroom has bath and/or shower, there’s a TV, mini fridge, hairdryer and safe. *Rooms 8073, 8075, 8084 and 8086 on the Lido ... **Single Ocean View** (Code: SO) Single Ocean View **Single Ocean View Cabin** (Code: L) This room is approximately 140 square feet in size and can be found on Marina Deck 3. It has a porthole and a bathroom with shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). **Picture Window Ocean View Cabin** (Code: D) In a D Grade Ocean View cabin on Balmoral, guests will benefit from ample space in which to relax, all the amenities they need during their stay, plus plenty of natural light and scenic views provided by the cabin's picture window. Deck: Atlantic Deck 5 & Coral Deck 4 Size: 165 square feet (approx... **Superior Ocean View Cabin** (Code: A) This room is approximately 200 square feet in size and can be found on Lido Deck 8. It has a picture window, bathroom with bath and/or shower. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). **Ocean View Lower** (Code: LOL) Ocean View Lower **Superior Ocean View** (Code: SOS) Superior Ocean View **Superior Ocean View Cabin** (Code: C) Located on Atlantic Deck 5. Around 165 square feet, with a picture window; and have a bathroom with a shower or bath. All rooms are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). ### Balcony Cabins **Balcony Cabin** (Code: LBC) Balcony **Superior Balcony** (Code: LBA) Superior Balcony **Balcony Cabin** (Code: BC) This cabin is approximately 260 square feet in size, and can be found on Lido Deck 8 and Bridge Deck 9. It has a balcony, bathroom with bath and/or shower. All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on cabin balconies **Superior Balcony Cabin** (Code: BA) These cabins are approximately 248 square feet in size and can be found on Bridge Deck 9. These cabins have a balcony, bathroom with bath and/or shower. All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is permitted on cabin balconies. ### Suite Cabins **Premier Suite** (Code: LPS) Premier Suite **Marquee Suite** (Code: LMS) Marquee Suite **Marquee Suite** (Code: MS) This suite is approximately 472 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 10. This suite has a bedroom with a large double bed and a sitting area, a bathroom with bath and/or shower. All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). S... **Owner's Suite** (Code: OW) The spacious and tastefully decorated Owner's Suites on Balmoral are approximately 1181 square feet in size and are situated on Highland Deck 10. These suites feature all the amenities guests may need, with plenty of room, and a full length balcony, plus a few extra touches for a comfortable and mem... **Balcony Junior Suite** (Code: LBJ) Balcony Junior Suite **Superior Suite** (Code: SS) This suite is approximately 341 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 10 & Bridge Deck 9. This suite has a bedroom with sitting area and a balcony. The bathroom has a bath and/or shower. All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 vo... **Junior Suite** (Code: GBJ) Junior Suite **Premier Suite** (Code: PS) This suite is approximately 601 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 11. This suite has a sitting room, balcony and a bedroom with large double bed and bathroom with bath and/or shower. All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 vo... **Superior Suite** (Code: LSS) Superior Suite **Single Balcony Suite** (Code: JB) This suite is approximately 274 square feet in size and can be found on Bridge Deck 9. This suite has a bedroom with sitting area and a balcony. The bathroom has a bath and/or shower. All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and require a European 2 pin plug (220 volts). Smoking is p... **Balcony Junior Suite** (Code: BJ) This suite is approximately 279 square feet in size and can be found on Highland Deck 10, Bridge Deck 9 and Lido Deck 8. This suite has a bedroom with a sitting area and a balcony. There is an en-suite bathroom with bath and/or shower. All cabins are non-smoking, have 24 hour room service and requ... ## Ship Information ### Balmoral Balmoral is named after the Scottish residence of the British Royal Family, and the Scottish theme runs throughout the main dining venues – the Ballindalloch, Avon and Spey – where guests can enjoy tantalising menus prepared by our expert chefs. Featuring 710 well-appointed rooms and suites and a selection of comfortable lounges, bars and inviting public areas, Balmoral provides guests with ample space in which to relax and share a memorable cruise experience with hundreds, not thousands, of fellow travellers. And, as our guests have come to expect, there is always an array of superb entertainment on offer throughout the day, from lectures and hobby classes to live cabaret and comedians, ensuring you can make the most of your time on board. Balmoral is small enough to navigate size-restricted waterways such as the Kiel Canal, providing fantastic scenic cruising opportunities, and retains the warm, intimate and friendly atmosphere that the Fred. Olsen fleet is renowned for. #### Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Passenger Capacity | 1,325 | | Crew | 510 | | Gross Tonnage | 43,537.0 | | Length | 715.0 ft | | Total Cabins | 710 | ## Onboard Amenities ### Recreational - **THE OLSEN ART STUDIO**: The Olsen Art Studio on board Balmoral embodies the Olsen family's love of art, providing a spacious area filled with arts and crafts items for a rang... - **The Botanical Room**: Designed in shades of lush greens and vibrant yellows, the Botanical Room aboard Balmoral offers a warm and inviting space for guests to unwind. Here,... - **Boutique Shopping**: The shops on board Balmoral offer everything you may want or need during your time on board, whether you're treating yourself or a loved one to a holi... - **The Observatory**: The Observatory has spectacular panoramic views and is a wonderful lounge to enjoy a drink in as you take a seat in one of the comfortable chairs by t... - **The Earth Room**: Our serene Earth Room is designed for those inspired by and curious about our remarkable planet. Featuring a unique collection of books individually p... ### Food and Drink - **BALLINDALLOCH RESTAURANT**: Balmoral’s Ballindalloch restaurant offers a fantastic selection of expertly prepared delicious dishes to enjoy. Our delicious five-course á la carte ... - **THE BOOKMARK CAFÉ**: The Bookmark Café serves a selection of delicious speciality coffees and quality tea blends. Enjoy a quiet moment with a book or share the experience ... - **LIDO BAR AND LOUNGE**: Our spacious and sociable Lido Lounge & Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing drink and chat with our friendly staff and your fellow guests. ... - **Thistle Restaurant**: The Thistle Restaurant is designed with a light and airy feel, offering guests a more informal and relaxed dining experience, boasting a fresh layout,... - **COLOURS & TASTES**: An evening meal at Balmoral's Colours & Tastes restaurant makes for a really special occasion - enjoy a delicious taste of Asia in intimate Far East-i... ### Entertainment - **RIB Tours**: We encourage our guests to head off on a journey of discovery in every destination to really get the most out of every moment of their cruise. Taking ... ### Relaxation - **NEPTUNE LOUNGE**: Join our Show Team in the Neptune Lounge as they put on memorable shows for you, along with guest comedians, singers and magicians, who’ll delight and... - **POOLS & JACUZZIS**: Keep fit by swimming a few lengths, or cool down after relaxing in the sunshine on deck in either of Balmoral’s large, heated saltwater pools. Located... - **ATLANTIS SPA**: Our Atlantis Spa provides soothing surroundings for our guests relaxation and enjoyment. Large picture windows are perfect for offering scenic cruisin... ### Fitness - **FITNESS CENTRE**: If you enjoy working out, Balmoral's Fitness Centre is fully equipped with all the modern facilities and equipment you'd expect to find in your gym ba... ### Technology - **ROOM SERVICE**: All of our suites and cabins have tea and coffee making facilities included as standard, so you can enjoy a pick-me-up first thing or a relaxing drink... ## Ports of Call ### Piraeus (Athens), Greece *Coordinates: 37.9792, 23.7166* The port of Piraeus brings you to Athens, one of the great names of antiquity, the city of Plato and Socrates, a cradle of Western civilisation and birthplace of democracy. You can step in to that history on the heights of the Acropolis with its glorious 2,500-years-old Parthenon dating from the Golden Age of Classical Greece. Below, in the heart of the city lies the ancient Plaka District's honey... ### Valletta ### Trapani *Coordinates: 38.0171, 12.518* ### Cagliari, Sardinia *Coordinates: 39.2149, 9.1095* Sardinia's historic capital ‘between the sea and the mountains' was founded by the Phoenicians, developed by Rome and later subjected to a wealth of Pisan, Genoese and Spanish influences! Climb up from the mountain harbour side city to explore the picturesque Upper Town's old quarter - dominated by a medieval castle and cathedral and protected by walls nearly 1,000 years old. Or simply relax by on... ### Mahon, Menorca *Coordinates: 39.8896, 4.25962* The second of Spain's four Balearic Islands, Menorca has an engaging charm perfectly embodied in the easily explored capital of Mahon with its attractive shops, outdoor market and the traditional buildings of its hilly old quarter. One of Europe's best natural harbours - where the 18th century British fleet sheltered when Menorca was ruled from London (Admiral Nelson's visits are commemorated stil... ### Malaga, Spain *Coordinates: 36.7213, -4.42127* The busy port city of Andalusia, the Spain of gazpacho and paella, flamenco and fiesta, recaptured from the Moors of the 15th century after 800 years of conflict. Enjoy the panorama from Gibralfara Castle, and visit the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, the birthplace of Picasso, and a wine cellar to try the famous local dessert wines. Or travel to Granada, to the glorious Alhambra, whose proud 14th cent... ### Ceuta, Spanish Morocco *Coordinates: 35.8883, -5.3162* A tiny Spanish city-enclave of just 19 square kilometres on the Moroccan side of the Straits of Gibraltar, ceded to Madrid by the Portuguese over 400 years ago. Ringed by the, the hilly streets of duty-free Ceuta have a unique atmosphere and heritage. European yet African, with sights that include the massive 14th century city walls, a pirate's castle, lakes, waterfalls and landscaped gardens. ### Motril, Spain *Coordinates: 36.7447, -3.51672* At the heart of the Costa Tropical, situated in the foothills of the imposing Sierra Lujar Mountains, Motril is a true Andalusian gem. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, fronted by glorious coastal scenes and inviting beaches, and benefitting from a mild, sub-tropical climate all year round, it is the perfect location for some soothing rest, relaxation and sunshine. But it’s not all sun, sea a... ### Cartagena, Spain *Coordinates: 37.6265, -0.996564* Today Spain's major commercial port and naval base, Cartagena lies on the coast of Murcia, its great indented bay guarded by rocky promontories, each topped by a fort. Founded in 221 BC by Hasdrubal, leader of the Carthaginians (hence the name) from North Africa, it has a fascinating history - and as Nova Carthage was long the Romans' principal settlement in their Iberian stronghold. Attractive pr... ### Valencia, Spain *Coordinates: 39.4702, -0.376805* Packed with plenty to see, do and explore, there is a never a dull day in this charming Spanish city. Wander through the beautiful city centre admiring the array of beautiful historic monuments; visit the myriad of museums and art galleries such as the Institute of Modern Art and Museum of Fine Arts or simply head to one of the city’s beaches to enjoy the Mediterranean sunshine and sample local cu... ### Cadiz, Spain *Coordinates: 36.5299, -6.29241* One of Western Europe's most ancient cities, founded 3,000 years ago by Phoenician merchants, Cadiz hugs Andalucia's sunlit Atlantic coast. It's a historic and intriguing seaport-from which Spain's galleons once sailed in quest of New World treasure - characterised by palm trees, look out towers and weathered old buildings. From here you can visit Jerez de la Frontera, centre of Spain's sherry pro... ### Gibraltar *Coordinates: 36.1408, -5.3536* Dominated by ‘the Rock', a towering 1, 396 ft sentinel that guards the Straits, the Arabs' Gebel el Tarik or Tarik's Rock is today simply ‘Gib'. Resolutely British for nearly 300 years, its unique setting unites the oddly familiar - from the helmeted policemen to Marks & Spencer - with an extrovert Mediterranean mood. Test the shops and pubs in Main Street and Irish Town, take a cable-car ride to ... ### Funchal *Coordinates: 32.6448, -16.9097* The picturesque whitewashed capital of this mountainous Portuguese island, 350 miles off the coast of Africa, has a timeless charm, delightfully enhanced by a benign climate that fills this ‘floating garden' with the year round colours and perfumes of subtropical flowers and fruit. Much painted by Sir Winston Churchill, Madeira has been offering the British visitor a warm welcome for three centuri... ### Santa Cruz de la Palma *Coordinates: 28.684, -17.7646* La Palma’s small, yet pretty capital city - is one of the Canary Island’s true gems. Boasting colonial-style architecture, a swathe of charming beaches, restaurants and bars, Santa Cruz is typically Canarian and has something for everyone. Conquered by the King of Castile in the 15th century, Santa Cruz de La Palma was a key trading post between Spain and the Americas, and the city’s fascinatin... ### Santa Cruz, Tenerife *Coordinates: 28.4636, -16.2518* Sophisticated Santa Cruz - Tenerife's capital - is built around boulevards and wide avenues that link elegant squares and parks. Well-preserved buildings feature in the old town, including the colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception and the 18th century Palacio de Carta, which has impressive Baroque and neoclassical features. Recently redesigned by the architects Herzog & de Meuron, the ci... ### Las Palmas, Gran Canaria *Coordinates: 28.1235, -15.4363* With its feel of mainland-Spain, spiced up with an eclectic mix of Asian and African cultures, Las Palmas is one of the Canary Island's most popular destinations, attracting sun-seekers who come to relax on its golden-sand beaches and soak up the gorgeous, year-round climate of Gran Canaria. Founded over 500 years ago, Las Palmas is the largest city in the Canary Islands, and has three gorgeous... ## Booking Information - **Book This Cruise:** https://cruisepirate.ai/cruise/2340879 - **Compare Prices:** CruisePirate compares prices across multiple booking channels - **Price Alerts:** Set up alerts for price drops on this sailing - **Support:** Contact our AI-powered cruise assistant for personalized recommendations ### Why Book with CruisePirate? - Real-time price comparison across booking channels - AI-powered cruise recommendations - Transparent pricing with no hidden fees - Expert cruise search and filtering --- ## Technical Metadata - **Canonical URL:** https://cruisepirate.ai/cruise/2340879 - **Markdown URL:** https://cruisepirate.ai/cruise/2340879.md - **API Endpoint:** https://cruisepirate.ai/api/cruises/2340879/ - **Primary Image:** https://images.cruisepirate.ai/v3/static/cruise-lines/fred-olsen-cruise-lines/balmoral/other/69451.webp - **Data Source:** CruisePirate Cruise Database - **Last Updated:** 2026-07-16 04:47:10 UTC