An urban city mixing culture, sophistication and heritage, Newcatle-upon-Tyne offers a range of activities and attractions. With more theatres per person than anywhere else in the UK, Newcastle has a wide range of arts and cultural attractions for visitors to enjoy, from the Theatre Royal – regional home to the Royal Shakespeare Company – to the famous Angel of the North.
Balmoral
Cruise Only From
£1,860.00
per person
cruise only
Itinerary
RIVER CITIES OF FRANCE & PORTUGAL
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Day 5 Bordeaux, France 10 Apr 2026 (Friday)
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.
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Day 6 Bordeaux, France 11 Apr 2026 (Saturday)
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.
Bordeaux as a whole, rather than any particular points within it, is what you'll want to visit in order to understand why Victor Hugo described it as Versailles plus Antwerp, and why the painter Francisco de Goya, when exiled from his native Spain, chose it as his last home (he died here in 1828). The capital of southwest France and the region's largest city, Bordeaux remains synonymous with the wine trade: wine shippers have long maintained their headquarters along the banks of the Garonne, while buyers from around the world arrive for the huge biennial Vinexpo show (held in odd-number years).Bordeaux is, admittedly, a less exuberant city than many others in France, but lively and stylish elements are making a dent in its conservative veneer. The cleaned-up riverfront is said by some, after a bottle or two, to exude an elegance reminiscent of St. Petersburg, and that aura of 18th-century élan also permeates the historic downtown sector—“le vieux Bordeaux"—where fine shops invite exploration. To the south of the city center are old docklands undergoing renewal—one train station has now been transformed into a big multiplex movie theater—but the area is still a bit shady. To get a feel for the historic port of Bordeaux, take the 90-minute boat trip that leaves Quai Louis-XVIII every weekday afternoon, or the regular passenger ferry that plies the Garonne between Quai Richelieu and the Pont d'Aquitaine in summer. A nice time to stroll around the city center is the first Sunday of the month, when it's pedestrian-only and vehicles are banned.
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Day 7 Rouen, France 13 Apr 2026 (Monday)
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Day 8 Rouen, France 14 Apr 2026 (Tuesday)
What's Included:
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Call us on 01625 858158 Request Availability & PriceSuites
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Single Interior Room
Featuring all the amenities and comforts guests need, and positioned close to stairs and lifts providing easy access to the ship's other decks and public areas, N Grade Single Superior Interior cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing stay on board.
- Deck: Main Deck 6 & Marina Deck 3
- Size: 130 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with a bed and a chair
- Bathroom with a shower
Single Interior Room
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Interior Cabin
Featuring all the amenities and comforts guests need, and positioned close to stairs and lifts providing easy access to the ship's other decks and public areas, H Grade Interior cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing stay on board.
- Deck: (H) Main Deck 6 & Atlantic Deck 5. (I) Deck: Atlantic Deck 5, Coral Deck 4 & Marina Deck 3
- Size: 160 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with twin or double bed and a chair
- Bathroom with a shower
Interior Cabin
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Single Superior Interior
Featuring all the amenities and comforts guests need, and positioned closed to stairs and lifts providing easy access to the ship's other decks and public areas, M Grade Single Superior Interior cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing stay on board.
- Deck: Bridge Deck 9
- Size: 160 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with a bed and a chair
- Bathroom with bath and/or shower
Single Superior Interior
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Superior Interior Room
Featuring all the amenities and comforts guests need, and positioned close to stairs and lifts providing easy access to the ship's other decks and public areas, G Grade Superior Interior cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing stay on board.
- Deck: Bridge Deck 9 & Lido Deck 8
- Size: 160 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with twin or double bed and a chair
- Bathroom with bath and/or shower
Please note: cabins 9048, 9056 and 9095 on Bridge Deck 9 are wheelchair accessible with a wetroom style en-suite.
Superior Interior Room
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Single Ocean View
In addition to all the amenities needed for a comfortable, relaxing stay, the porthole window in Balmoral's L Grade Single Ocean View cabins also provide guests with plenty of soothing natural light and fantastic ocean views.
- Deck: Marina Deck 3
- Size: 140 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with bed and a chair
- Bathroom with a shower
- Single porthole window
Single Ocean View
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Single Ocean View
In a K 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 and Lido Deck 8
- Size: 165 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with bed and a chair
- Bathroom with a shower
- Picture window
Please note that some of the K grades have 2 beds, but are sold as a Single Ocean View cabin.
Single Ocean View
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Ocean View (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 twin beds and a chair
- Bathroom with a shower
- Picture window
Ocean View (E)
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Ocean View (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.)
- Bedroom with twin beds and a chair
- Bathroom with bath and/or shower
- Picture window
Ocean View (D)
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Ocean View (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 (approx.)
- Bedroom with twin beds and a chair
- Bathroom with a shower
- Two porthole windows
Ocean View (F)
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Single Superior Ocean View
Situated higher on the ship, on Lido Deck 8, and featuring a balcony, Balmoral's J Grade Single Balcony cabins offer guests wonderful views, as well as ample space and all the amenities needed to rest, relax and enjoy their stay.
- Deck: Lido Deck 8
- Size: 218 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with double bed and a chair
- Bathroom with bath and/or shower
- Balcony
Please note: Cabins 8061 and 8072 have a small corner balcony (with a restricted view).
Single Superior Ocean View
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Superior Ocean View
For a light, airy feel, and to provide guests with fantastic ocean views, Balmoral's C Grade Superior Ocean View cabins feature a picture window, in addition to all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay on board.
- Deck: Atlantic Deck 5
- Size: 165 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with twin or double bed and a chair
- Bathroom with bath and/or shower
- Picture window
Superior Ocean View
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Superior Ocean View
Balmoral's B Grade Superior Ocean View cabins, in addition to all the amenities needed for a comfortable, restful stay, feature a picture window that provides guests with plenty of natural light and fantastic ocean views.
- Deck: Lido Deck 8 & Main Deck 6
- Size: 165 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with twin or double bed and a chair
- Bathroom with bath and/or shower
- Large picture window
*Cabins 8073, 8075, 8084 and 8086 on Lido Deck 8 are wheelchair accessible and have a fully restricted window.
Superior Ocean View
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Superior Ocean View
Situated on Atlantic Deck 5 and Lido Deck 8, these cabins feature large picture windows, Balmoral's A Grade Superior Ocean View rooms benefit from plenty of natural light and allow guests to enjoy scenic views in comfort from their own private space.
- Deck: Atlantic Deck 5 & Lido Deck 8
- Size: 165-200 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with twin or double bed
- Bathroom with bath and shower
- Large picture window
Superior Ocean View
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Balcony Cabin
Situated on Lido Deck 8 and Bridge Deck 9, Balmoral's Balcony Cabins feature a private balcony on which guests can enjoy the sunshine and scenery in their own outdoor space. Inside, the cabins are spacious and welcoming, and feature all the amenities needed for comfortable stay.
- Deck: Lido Deck 8 and Bridge Deck 9
- Size: 248 - 260 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with twin or double bed
- Sitting area
- Bathroom with bath and/or shower
- Private balcony
- Large windows
Balcony Cabin
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Superior Balcony Room
Situated on Lido Deck 8 and Bridge Deck 9, Balmoral's Balcony Cabins feature a private balcony on which guests can enjoy the sunshine and scenery in their own outdoor space. Inside, the cabins are spacious and welcoming, and feature all the amenities needed for comfortable stay.
- Deck: Lido Deck 8 and Bridge Deck 9
- Size: 248 - 260 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with twin or double bed
- Sitting area
- Bathroom with bath and/or shower
- Private balcony
- Large windows
Superior Balcony Room
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Single Balcony Suite
A comfortable space in which to enjoy a relaxing, restful stay, Balmoral's Single Balcony Suites have all the amenities that guests need during their time on board, plus a private balcony for soaking up scenic views and sunshine from sea.
- Deck: Bridge Deck 9
- Size: 270 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with single bed
- Sitting area
- Bathroom with bath/shower
- Private balcony
- Large windows
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
*Please note that some of the JB grades have 2 beds, but are sold as Single Balcony Suites.
Single Balcony Suite
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Balcony Junior Suite
This welcoming space allows guests to enjoy a relaxing, restful stay. Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have all the amenities that guests need during their time on board, plus a private balcony for witnessing scenic views and sunshine.
- Deck: Highland Deck 10, Bridge Deck 9 & Lido Deck 8
- Size: 279 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with twin or double bed
- Sitting area
- Bathroom with bath and/or shower
- Private balcony
- Large windows
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
Please note, cabins 8057 and 8059 on Lido deck are wheelchair accessible cabins
Balcony Junior Suite
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Superior Suite
Balmoral's Superior Suites, at approximately 341 square feet in size, provide guests with lots of space for relaxing and enjoying their time on board. Each suite features all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay, as well as a few additional benefits.
- Deck: Highland Deck 10 & Bridge Deck 9 (midship)
- Size: 341 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with twin or double bed
- Separate sitting area
- Bathroom with bath/shower
- Private balcony with sun loungers
- Large floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
Superior Suite
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Marquee Suite
At approximately 472 square feet in size, Balmoral's Marquee Suites provide guests with plenty of space in which to relax, and feature all of the amenities – as well as a few extra benefits – that are needed for an enjoyable, relaxing cruise experience.
- Deck: Highland Deck 10 (forward)
- Size: 472 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with large double bed
- Separate sitting area
- Bathroom with bath/shower
- Private balcony with sun loungers
- Large floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
Marquee Suite
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Premier Suite
The elegant and spacious Premier Suites on Balmoral are approximately 601 square feet in size and situated high on the ship on Highland Deck 10. These suites feature all the amenities guests need, plus a few extra touches for an even more memorable stay.
- Deck: Highland Deck 10
- Size: 601 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with twin or double bed
- Separate sitting area
- Bathroom with bath/shower
- Private balcony with large table, chairs and sun loungers
- Large floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
Premier Suite
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Owner's Suite
The spacious and elegantly 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 space, a full length balcony, plus extra touches for a comfortable and memorable stay.
- Deck: Highland Deck 10
- Size: 1181 square feet (approx.)
- Bedroom with twin or double bed
- Separate sitting area
- Separate dining area
- Bathroom with bath and shower
- Walk in wardrobe
- Private balcony with large table, chairs and sun loungers
- Large floor-to-ceiling windows
- Access to mini bar and fridge
- Guests benefit from complimentary Suite Dreams package
Owner's Suite
Restaurants
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Ballindalloch Restaurant
Balmoral’s Ballindalloch restaurant offers a fantastic selection of expertly prepared delicious dishes to enjoy. Our delicious five-course á la carte menu changes each evening and is served to you by our attentive and friendly waiting teams.
Choose from mouthwatering steaks, perfectly cooked seafood and freshly made soups; all accompanied by bread baked on board each day. Take the chane to sample our Treats of the Region dishes, created in line with the destinations you are visiting on your Fred. Olsen cruise.
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Spey & Avon Restaurants
The Spey and Avon restaurants have been carefully designed to really make the most of the large windows providing natural light and ever-changing views as you enjoy the same delicious five-course á la carte menus that are on offer at the main Ballindalloch restaurant. Freshly cooked breads and soups are on offer, along with succulent steaks, pasta dishes and melt-in-the-mouth desserts. There'll also be treats of the region dishes available for you to try, which are influenced by the destinations you're visiting.
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Palms Café
Our Palms Café is designed with a light and airy feel, offering guests a more informal and relaxed dining experience. The buffet style service is perfect for those who prefer not to dine at a set time in the Ballindalloch, Spey and Avon restaurants, or those looking to indulge in a late night snack. You can expect to find an abundance of indulgent dishes, expertly prepared by our on board chefs, with various breakfast, lunch and dinner options, and a tasty selection of complimentary afternoon teas with sandwiches, scones and tempting cakes. There will also be the opportunity to try various dishes in our Treats of the Region section, which are local to the destinations you're visiting on your Fred. Olsen cruise.
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Traditional Afternoon Tea
Each day complimentary afternoon tea is served in the Palms Cafe with sandwiches, scones and cakes, along with fresh tea and coffee.
During sea days guests can book our Traditional Premium Afternoon Tea* experience, with a selection of premium teas served in porcelain teapots, along with elegant finger sandwiches, pastries and warm scones with jam and clotted cream. These can be enjoyed alongside beautiful views from the Observatory Lounge, with musical accompaniment from our on board pianist and the careful attention of white-gloved waiters.
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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-inspired surroundings where the delectable food from Japan, Thailand, China and the Philippines is expertly crafted by our talented chefs. Delicious dishes such as bao buns, crispy beef and perfectly formed sushi,are on offer, along with other tempting and unique delicacies. With our knowledgeable team available to take care of the wine that pairs perfectly with the dishes you choose, dining at Colours and Tastes is certainly an experience you'll want to try more than once!
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Vasco
Balmoral's Vasco restaurant offers a fresh and modern take on some of the world's finest food, influenced by the cultures and flavours of India, with each dish created and prepared by our Goan chefs, designed to provide our guests with a insight into the culinary delights of their homeland. From delicious seafood to traditional spiced dishes and perfectly-grilled meats, every flavoursome dish is cooked fresh and to order. The bright colours and welcoming feel at Vasco are also in keeping with Goa's richness and warmth, and will have you returning for more.
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Room Service
All rooms and Suites have tea and coffee making facilities as standard, so you can enjoy a pick-me-up first thing, and a relaxing drink at the end of the day. For those times when you’d like something more while you’re in your home-from-home at sea you can also order room service up until 11pm every day.
Continental breakfast can be ordered in advance for delivery at your preferred time, while snacks are available from 10am onwards. Should you prefer not to head to the restaurants, short lunch and dinner menus are also available. Whatever the time of day, you’ll never be hungry on a Fred. Olsen cruise.
Deckplans
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Marquee Deck 11
- The Observatory
- The Marquee Bar
- Jacuzzis
- Swimming Pool
- Sun Deck
- Golf Net
- The Observatory
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Highland Deck 10
- Spey Restaurant
- Avon Restaurant
- Atlantis Spa
- Fitness Centre
- Balcony Junior Suites
- Saver Ocean View Cabins
- Premier Suites
- Superior Suites
- Marquee Suites
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Bridge Deck 9
- Laundry Room
- The Bridge
- Balcony Cabins
- Superior Interior Cabins
- Single Interior Cabins
- Balcony Junior Suite
- Superior Suite
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Lido Deck 8
- Lido Bar
- Speciality Restaurant
- Lido Lounge
- Sports TV
- Superior Ocean View Cabins
- Single Ocean View Cabins
- Single Superior Ocean View Cabins
- Balcony Junior Suites
- Superior Interior Cabins
- Balcony Cabins
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Lounge Deck 7
- Jacuzzis
- Swimming Pool
- The Poolside
- Scoops Ice Cream
- Palms Café
- Tea & Coffee Station
- Morning Light Pub
- The Bookmark Café
- Card Room
- Open Promenade
- Future Cruise Information
- Boutique Shops
- Neptune Bar
- Neptune Lounge
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Main Deck 6
- Ballindalloch Restaurant
- Flower Shop
- The Photo Gallery
- Guest Services
- Destination Services
- Port Shop
- The Oriental Tea Room
- Superior Ocean View
- Single Interior Cabin
- Interior Cabin
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Atlantic Deck 5
- Ocean View Cabins
- Interior Cabins
- Superior Ocean View Cabins
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Coral Deck 4
- Ocean View Cabins
- Interior Cabins
- Single Ocean View Cabins
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Marina Deck 3
- Laundry Room
- Arts & Crafts Room
- Medical Centre
- Single Ocean View Cabins
- Ocean View Cabins
- Interior Cabins
- Single Interior Cabins
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