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Springtime France and Fjords, a cruise by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Cruise · 16 nights · with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Springtime France and Fjords

Sixteen days aboard Fred. Olsen's Balmoral, from Portsmouth through Bordeaux's wine country to a series of Norwegian fjords including Nordfjord and Lysefjord.

Duration
16 nights
Departs
27 Apr 2028
Sails from
Portsmouth
Returns to the same port
Ship
Balmoral
From
£1,899
per person, sharing

Highlights

What makes this one worth it

  1. Two days alongside in Bordeaux

  2. Cruising six distinct Norwegian fjords

  3. Visit to the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund

  4. Views of Pulpit Rock from Lysefjord

  5. Waterfalls including Furebergsfossen from the ship

About the trip

This cruise takes its time, beginning in Portsmouth before a day at sea leads to Bordeaux, where the two-day stay allows a slow amble through its surrounding vineyards. From there, a call at St. Peter Port on Guernsey and a visit to Honfleur, a port with its Norman charm intact, provide a measured introduction to coastal Europe.

Then comes the highlight: Norway's fjords, cruising six different waterways including Nordfjord, Lustrafjord, and the Lysefjord known for the rock formation Pulpit Rock. The ship anchors in several points like Ålesund, a town rebuilt in Art Nouveau style after a fire, and Hardangerfjord, where waterfalls like Furebergsfossen cascade visibly from the deck. Balmoral slips quietly through these waters, giving glimpses of cable cars and trails for those inclined to stretch their legs.

The voyage ends where it began, in Portsmouth, having balanced the quite different landscapes of French vineyards and Norwegian fjordland. It is a holiday that unfolds deliberately rather than racing through scenery, suited to those who prefer to watch from the deck as the landscape slides by.

40°N42°N44°N46°N48°N50°N52°N54°N56°N58°N60°N62°N64°N
The route in outline: places are joined in the order visited, not by the roads or sea lanes taken.
  1. 1 Portsmouth
  2. 2 Bordeaux
  3. 3 St. Peter Port
  4. 4 Honfleur
  5. 5 Ålesund

Itinerary

The route, day by day

  1. Day 1

    Portsmouth, England

  2. Day 2

    At sea

  3. Day 3

    Bordeaux, France

  4. Day 4

    St. Peter Port, Guernsey

  5. Day 5

    Honfleur, France

  6. Day 6

    At sea

When to go

Departures and prices

Lowest price each month, per person.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.

Need to know

Before you book

Price based on
Two people sharing a cabinThe operator confirms the exact basis when you book.
Travelling alone
Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Flights
Not needed if you join at Portsmouth
What’s included
Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Accessibility
Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Cabin
Interior Room

For full details of what’s included, check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. See the full details on their site

Questions people ask

How long is Springtime France and Fjords?
Springtime France and Fjords is a 16 nights cruise holiday.
Where does Springtime France and Fjords depart from?
Springtime France and Fjords departs from Portsmouth.
Who operates Springtime France and Fjords?
Springtime France and Fjords is operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines aboard Balmoral.
How much does Springtime France and Fjords cost?
Prices for Springtime France and Fjords start from £1,899, subject to availability.

The operator

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Smaller-ship cruises, many from UK ports

A Norwegian family name in shipping since the nineteenth century, known for smaller ships that can reach the narrower fjords and harbours.

You book with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.

New to United Kingdom? Our United Kingdom guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.

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