River Cities of France and Belgium from Southampton

Fred. Olsen's Journey Planners have designed this cruise to take advantage of Balmoral’s smaller size. We’ll sail the scenic River Seine, revealing historic bridges, quaint villages, and idyllic countryside, en route to Rouen, and dock in central Antwerp – both of which are only possible on smaller ships. Antwerp invites you to discover Flemish artwork, Belgian chocolates and the diamond district, while Rouen is ideally placed for exploring Paris. The French capital is ideal for immersing yourself in Parisian culture, including art, fashion and culinary delights like pastries. Alluring architecture will be yours to admire, too, from Art Nouveau wonders in Belgium to medieval streets and half-timbered houses in Rouen.

Sh 389272858 River Seine And Les Andelys Normandy France

Sail the scenic River Seine, revealing historic bridges, quaint villages, and idyllic countryside, en route to Rouen

Dock in central Antwerp, accessible only to smaller ships, and explore Flemish artwork, Belgian chocolates, and the diamond district

High angle view of the city of Paris, with a bridge and a main road with cars in the forefront. View of all the buildings of the city, with the Eiffel tower poking out in the distance to the left. To the right, behind the river, the faint view of skyscrapers in the distance.

Discover Paris from Rouen, immersing yourself in Parisian culture, art, fashion, and French pastries

Admire captivating architecture, from Art Nouveau wonders in Belgium to Rouen’s medieval streets and half-timbered houses

Comfortable, stylish cabins and suites equipped with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning
A tempting choice of cuisine every day throughout your cruise – with five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, late-night snacks and much more
Unlimited, self-service tea and coffee available 24hrs at selected venues, complimentary afternoon tea* with sandwiches and cakes, and in-room sandwiches and snacks
A full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music
Full use of on board leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym
A wide choice of engaging on board activities and lectures throughout the day
All UK port taxes (where collectable in advance)
Luggage porterage between your cabin and the drop-off/pick-up point
Formal welcome and/or Captain’s Drinks Party and Gala Buffet

Departure point	Departure date		Price (per person)	Availability
Southampton	December 2025		from £799 pp	1 date available
Southampton	16 Dec 2025 Tuesday 7 days 22 Dec 2025 Monday		from £799

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

European Entry/Exit Scheme (EES) - EES is the new electronic entry/exit system for European countries which will replace the physical stamping of your passport. The expected date for its introduction is 10 November 2024. From this date, it means that when you go through passport control on arrival, you will need to produce your passport for checking as you do now, but also have your photograph taken and fingerprints scanned. The system will register your entry on arrival and your exit when departing. You will only need to do this on your first entry into Europe after the scheme starts.
Please note: Irish passport holders or British Passport holders with an EU residency are currently excluded. For those travelling via Eurostar, there is a dual British and French/Belgian) border in operational at St Pancras International. Therefore the EES system will be in place at the station, you will not need to be checked again on arrival at the other side. For further information please visit the ABTA website here.

European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

River Cities of France and Belgium from Southampton

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River Cities of France and Belgium from Southampton

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