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Spain, Portugal & the Rivieras of France and Italy

September 2027

L272930

BMB Bridge Cruise

September 2027 | 16 Nights | Southampton | Balmoral | L272930

From £1499

Spain, Portugal & the Rivieras of France and Italy

September 2027 | 16 Nights | Southampton | Balmoral | L272930

ABOUT THIS CRUISE

Perfectly timed for early autumn, this unhurried journey explores the warmth and coastal charm of Portugal, Spain and the Mediterranean. From Matosinhos, gateway to Porto, there’s time to enjoy colourful waterfronts and port wine beside the Douro, before continuing to Gibraltar, Cartagena and Alicante for a blend of rich heritage, relaxed promenades and Mediterranean culture.

Along the quieter French and Italian Rivieras, warm seas and fewer crowds allow time to admire the pastel villages of Cinque Terre, stroll along Villefranche’s seafront, or visit Pisa and Florence from La Spezia, with Corsica’s easy‑going coastal traditions providing a fitting finale.

FLY CRUISING WITH FRED. OLSEN IS EASY

A fly cruise with Fred. Olsen is an easy way to discover some of Europe's most beautiful destinations. With flights into the heart of your chosen destination, your holiday begins straight away.

Flight details, dates and times will be available in your My Cruises account.

Regional flights from London or Manchester included

One piece of hold baggage and one piece of cabin luggage included

Dedicated Fred. Olsen representatives to guide and assist you at overseas airports

Transfers to and from the ship included

Once through customs on outbound flights, your luggage will be taken from your transfer vehicle and then delivered straight to your cabin

Enjoy peace of mind that your ship will wait for you in the unlikely event of a flight or transfer delay

Always ATOL protected

Fly from the UK to

Transfer to Balmoral included

Embark in 2 Days Sailing,

Disembark in Alicante, Spain

Fly from Spain to the UK

Transfer from Balmoral included

INTRODUCING BALMORAL

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.

BALMORAL

  • 710 Cabins
  • 1,325 Guests
  • 43,537 GT
  • 16kts Max Speed

BALMORAL CABINS

Double Cabins

Single Cabins

BALCONY JUNIOR SUITE (BJ)

Balmoral’s Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony.

  • Highland deck, Bridge deck, Lido deck
  • Approx. 279 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge

Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices

SUPERIOR SUITE (SS)

Located on decks 9 & 10, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area.

  • Highland deck, Bridge deck
  • Approx. 341 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge

Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices

MARQUEE SUITE (MS)

Situated on deck 10, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area.

  • Highland deck
  • Approx. 472 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge

Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices

PREMIER SUITE (PS)

Located on deck 10, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area.

  • Highland deck
  • Approx. 601 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge

Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices

OWNER’S SUITE (OW)

Exclusive Suite.

  • Highland deck
  • Approx. 1181 sq. ft.
  • King size bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge

Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices

BALCONY CABIN (BA)

Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area.

  • Bridge deck, Lido deck
  • Approx. 260 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge

Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices

SUPERIOR OCEAN VIEW (A)

Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.

  • Lido deck
  • Approx. 200 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge

Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices

SUPERIOR INTERIOR CABIN (G)

Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.

  • Lido deck
  • Approx. 200 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge

Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices

SINGLE BALCONY SUITE (JB)

Balmoral’s Single Balcony Suites have a private balcony and airy inside area.

  • Bridge deck
  • Approx. 274 sq. ft.
  • Twin bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge

Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices

SINGLE BALCONY CABIN (J)

On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral’s J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window.

  • Lido deck
  • Approx. 160 sq. ft.
  • Double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge

Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices

SINGLE OCEAN VIEW (L)

Balmoral’s L Grade Single Ocean View cabins offer ocean views from the porthole.

  • Marina deck
  • Approx. 140 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge

Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices

SINGLE OCEAN VIEW (K)

K Grade Ocean View cabins on Balmoral offer scenic views from the picture window.

  • Lido deck, Coral deck
  • Approx. 165 sq. ft.
  • Twin bed
  • Shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge

Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices

SINGLE INTERIOR (N)

N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6.

  • Main deck, Marina deck
  • Approx. 130 sq. ft.
  • Twin bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge

Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices

SINGLE INTERIOR CABIN (M)

M Grade Single Interior cabins are perfect for a relaxing cruise.

  • Bridge deck
  • Approx. 160 sq. ft.
  • Twin bed
  • Bath and/or Shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge

Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices

Your BMB Bridge Cruise Coupon

Don’t forget to quote the code GRP0295, when booking a BMB Bridge Cruise.

Call our friendly booking experts on: 01344 205 120

So Much Already Included

Everything listed below is included within the price of your BMB Bridge Cruise holiday.

Spain, Portugal & the Rivieras of France and Italy

September 2027 | 16 Nights | Southampton | Balmoral | L272930

September 2027 | | Southampton | Balmoral

Itinerary map for Spain, Portugal & the Rivieras of France and Italy
Sep 30

Southampton

United Kingdom

   →  Departure – Late Afternoon

Oct 01-02

2 Days Sailing

At Sea  →  At Sea

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

2 Days SailingAt sea
Oct 03

Matosinhos

Portugal

Arrival – Early Morning  →  Departure – Late Afternoon

Leixoes is a delightful town to explore, where an autumnal stroll along the promenade offers a laidback atmosphere, and just outside the town is a lovely beach at Matosinhos. Venture further afield to Oporto, Matosinhos is a delightful town to explore, where a summer stroll along the promenade offers a laidback atmosphere and a lovely beach located just outside the town. Venture further afield to Porto, and you’ll be offered opportunities to explore the narrow, cobbled streets and colourful houses of Ribeira, or perhaps take a boat trip along the Douro River to witness scenic landscapes of terraced vineyards and traditional wine estates known as quintas. Meanwhile, the city is well known for its production of Port wine, which can be sampled at one of the many wine cellars, or for enjoying Porto’s signature dish, Francesinha, a mouth-watering hearty sandwich of meat covered with melted cheese and a hot, thick sauce in an authentic Portuguese restaurant.

MatosinhosAt sea
Oct 04

1 Day Saling

At Sea  →  At Sea

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

🌙 Overnight Port
1 Day SalingAt sea
Oct 05

Gibraltar

Gibraltar

Arrival – Early Morning  →  Departure – Late Afternoon

Nestled between Europe and Africa, iconic Gibraltar makes for a fascinating visit with its traditionally British red pillar boxes, fish and chip shops, and even Marks & Spencer, but with a delightful blend of Spanish and Mediterranean influences. After wandering through the town and indulging in duty-free shopping at Main Street, you are perfectly placed to explore the Rock and enjoy unrivalled views across to Africa, Spain, and over the Straits of Gibraltar, as well as meet the famously mischievous Barbary macaques, Europe’s only wild monkey population. There will be opportunities to sample local dishes like calentita (chickpea flour bread) and rosto (a delicious meat and tomato pasta). You may also wish to discover the network of tunnels within the Rock, which played a strategic role in World War II.

GibraltarAt sea
Oct 06

Cartagena

Spain

Arrival – Early Afternoon  →  Departure – Late Evening

In the pleasant October sunshine, a visit to Cartagena beckons, with its variety of historical sites awaiting exploration. The undoubted highlight is the Roman amphitheatre, rediscovered in 1988 and located within the city and close to the harbour, holding thousands of years of history to delve into. After a stroll through the city to admire its Art Nouveau buildings, you could be enjoying a refreshing glass of Licor 43 or an Asiatico at a local bar or café, sitting in the autumn sun, before ascending to the top of Concepcion Castle via its panoramic lift for outstanding views across the harbour.

CartagenaAt sea
Oct 07-08

Alicante

Spain

Arrival – Early Morning  →  Departure – Late Afternoon

Alicante, often seen as just a gateway to Spain’s beach resorts, is a vibrant destination in its own right. With a beautiful harbour, golden beaches, and scenic promenades, it’s perfect for relaxing in the Mediterranean sun. You can explore the Old Quarter’s historic sites, enjoy local cafés or visit Santa Bárbara Castle for breathtaking views, while for those seeking out the culture of the city, discover the Archaeological Museum or admire works by Picasso and Dalí at the Asegurada Museum of Modern Art.

🌙 Overnight Port
AlicanteAt sea
Oct 09

Mahon

Spain

Arrival – Early Afternoon  →  Departure – Late Evening

Located on the east coast of Menorca, Mahón is the largest city on the island and has a maze of narrow streets lined with Georgian architecture, including buildings with sash windows and balconies. The city has a sheltered harbour, full of islets and coves, which are home to the protected Mediterranean pillow coral.

MahonAt sea
Oct 10

1 DAY SAILING

At Sea  →  At Sea

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

1 DAY SAILINGAt sea
Oct 11

La Spezia

Italy

Arrival – Early Morning  →  Departure – Late Afternoon

The charming city of La Spezia, located on the Ligurain coast of Italy, offers a colourful blend of maritime heritage, natural beauty and culture. Known for its strategic maritime importance, the naval base here was reconstructed after it was decimated in World War Two, and still produces naval warships for the Italian Navy. The tranquil bay in La Spezia is known as the “Gulf of Poets”, and has inspired many writers and poets, including Lord Byron and Mary Shelley. The city is also gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cinque Terre, with its beautifully coloured villages perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

La SpeziaAt sea
Oct 12

Villefranche

France

Arrival – Early Morning  →  Departure – Late Afternoon

Nestled between the bustling cities of Nice and Monte Carlo, Villefranche offers a quieter, more traditional taste of the French Riviera. This picturesque harbour town rises from the jewel-like Mediterranean coastline with its colourful, ornate buildings and narrow, winding streets. Strolling through the old town reveals warm, orange-hued façades, shaded arcades, and the historic 13th-century Rue Obscure, while along the scenic waterfront, cafés and restaurants invite you to relax and soak up the local charm. For history lovers, the 16th-century citadel stands as a reminder of Villefranche’s rich past.

⚓ Anchor Port
VillefrancheAt sea
Oct 13

Toulon

France

Arrival – Early Morning  →  Departure – Late Afternoon

With a beautiful natural harbour and surrounding hills topped by forts, Toulon has long been one of France’s main maritime centres. In the old town, close to the harbour, the Romanesque Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure dates from the 11th and 12th centuries. In front of the town hall and the naval museum, the columns are carved figures of men, known as atlantes or caryatids – it is a style borrowed from Ancient Greece. The naval museum itself is interesting, with models of ships, displays about galley slaves and pirates and equipment ranging from wheels to figureheads. The Toulon Museum has collections of art from the past 500 years. On Cours Lafayette in the Old Town there is a fabulous open-air market selling fresh fruit, vegetables and charcuterie. It’s open every morning apart from Monday and it’s worth visiting just to savour the smell of fresh herbs and lavender that hangs in the air.

ToulonAt sea
Oct 14

Ajaccio

France

Arrival – Early Morning  →  Departure – Early Evening

Corsica’s island capital of Ajaccio is a charming and captivating city with tree-lined boulevards and narrow streets adorned with pastel-painted houses that meet at wide-open squares offering vistas of the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Restaurants, bistros, and cafés spill out onto the pavements, and the historic centre of Place Foch is a popular place to sit and watch the world go by. Famously the birthplace of the French Emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte, his legacy still lies at the very heart of Ajaccio’s identity, with monuments, streets, squares, hotels, bistros, bars, and even the airport bearing his name, almost 250 years after his birth.

AjaccioAt sea
Oct 15

1 DAY SAILING

At Sea  →  At Sea

Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.

1 DAY SAILINGAt sea
Oct 16

Alicante

Spain

Arrival – Late Night  →   

Alicante, often seen as just a gateway to Spain’s beach resorts, is a vibrant destination in its own right. With a beautiful harbour, golden beaches, and scenic promenades, it’s perfect for relaxing in the Mediterranean sun. You can explore the Old Quarter’s historic sites, enjoy local cafés or visit Santa Bárbara Castle for breathtaking views, while for those seeking out the culture of the city, discover the Archaeological Museum or admire works by Picasso and Dalí at the Asegurada Museum of Modern Art.

AlicanteAt sea
Oct 16

Flight to UK

Spain

   →  Departure – By Air

Flight to UKAt sea