Balmoral

Enjoy a menu of award winning cuisine and a choice of five different dining options. The dining structure for the three main restaurants follow set dining times and you can request to dine during your preferred sitting. For breakfast, lunch and in the two casual restaurants, dining times are flexible. The wonderful chefs bake a selection of scrumptious fresh bread and pastries every single day, providing you with fresh quality food at all times. If you suffer from any food allergies or wish to avoid certain ingredients, the chefs will be happy to cater for your needs.

The main dining venue on the ship is the Ballindalloch Restaurant, which boasts an a la carte selection of dishes, cooked to perfection. The Spey Restaurant and the Avon Restaurant are sister venues, serving choices from the same menu as the Ballindalloch, but in a more cosy setting with stunning sea views. Expect to choose from a selection of high quality cuisine, such as marinated salmon, sirloin steak, slow roast duck and tempting treats like white chocolate parfait and Baked Alaska. The Ballindalloch Restaurant is also host to the Gala Dinner, where guests put on their best dresses and dapper dinner suits for a splendid formal evening.

For a more casual dining experience, with flexible dining times, visit the Palms Café. Here, you can expect to sample exquisite cuisine in a buffet-style setting. If you missed your evening meal due to a shore excursion, or are simply just hungry later on, then the Palms Café serves a Supper Club buffet from 11pm. When the weather is good, you can enjoy a relaxed al fresco lunch at the other casual dining venue, the Marquee Bar.

Breakfast is served at all of the restaurants mentioned above. You have the option to choose a cooked to order breakfast; Kippers, French Toast and American Pancakes are just some of the options on the menu. Alternatively, you can also choose a buffet style breakfast. Help yourself to porridge, cereals, fresh fruit and cooked breakfast foods. If you wish to spend a little longer in the privacy of your own room, then you can order a room service breakfast which consists of yoghurts, pastries, cereals, toast and pastries, plus hot and cold refreshments.

For an afternoon snack, the Observatory Lounge holds a traditional Afternoon Tea experience, on selected days. Enjoy classical music, while drinking a delicious tea from Taylors of Harrogate, accompanied by finger sandwiches, warm scones with cream and jam and mouth-watering pastries.

For a spot of reading, the onboard library provides a quiet environment and a large selection of books for you to browse and borrow. If you’re a fan of card games, board games or Bridge, then the Card Room is an excellent setting to play tournaments with friends and fellow guests. If you’re feeling creative then the wonderful Art & Crafts room puts on various enriching lectures as well as art workshops and classes. You can even take your inspiration from the onboard Art Gallery, which houses beautiful paintings from the Olsen family’s private collection.

The Braemar Lounge is an excellent setting for relaxing with a book, providing comfortable arm chairs, panoramic ocean views and the occasional accompaniment of a live musician. If the weather is nice, then the stern area of the Balmoral offers an outdoor seating area and of course, plenty of fresh air.

When the sun goes down, head to the Neptune Lounge to catch some of the fabulous musical and cabaret performances that will have you dancing in your seat. The Lido Bar, Marquee Bar and the Morning Light Pub play host to a mixture of live comedy, resident musicians and scrumptious refreshments throughout the evening. If you wish to dance the night away then the Observatory Lounge offers lively music, a resident pianist and a glass dance floor. There are also complimentary binoculars provided throughout the venue so that you can get a good view out to sea.

During the day time, the Balmoral’s Boutique is open for a spot of shopping; pick up luxury gifts, perfume, clothes and more. For sparkling Swarovski Crystals and flashy watches, head to the Fine Jewellery shop. If it’s souvenirs, postcards, snacks and holiday essentials such as sunscreen that you’re looking for, then you’ll find them in The Port Shop. Finally, if you wish to have your holiday photos printed or uploaded onto a USB memory stick, then you can take them along to the Photo Gallery, where the staff will be happy to help you organise your cruise memories.

Head to the Atlantis Spa & Salon for a thorough pampering, which will leave you feeling rejuvenated, revitalised and refreshed. Treat yourself to a blissful full body or hot stone massage, a choice of facials, seaweed wraps and more. If you want to look your best, or perhaps you have a special occasion, then the spa also offers hair care treatments and styling, waxing, manicures, pedicures and eyebrow and eyelash tinting.

To keep yourself feeling fit and healthy onboard, you’ll find a well-equipped Fitness Centre, which hosts daily Yoga, Pilates, Stretch & Tone and Aerobics classes. In the gym area you have full use of treadmills, cycle machine, free weights, plus more cardio and strength equipment. There will always be a Fitness Instructor on hand to help you with any questions you might have about the equipment.

If you fancy a spot of gentle exercise then there are two heated swimming pools onboard the Balmoral. The Aft Pool is situated next to Palm’s Café and has two Jacuzzi’s attached to it for the ultimate therapeutic experience. The pool on the Marquee deck is situated next to the bar and is surrounded by plenty of sun loungers – perfect for lying back with a good book and some warm sunshine. Next to the Marquee Pool you’ll also find two bubbling whirlpools.