Balmoral is one of the most beloved ships in the Fred. Olsen fleet offers a classic and charming cruise experience.

Launched in 1988 as Crown Odyssey for the now-defunct Royal Cruise Line, she’s a seasoned veteran in the cruising world.

Although Balmoral is the oldest ship in Fred. Olsen’s fleet she’s had several refurbishments over the years, keeping her relevant and a favorite choice for many cruisers.

This article dives into the variety of cabin options onboard Balmoral to help you decide which ones are worth your time—and which ones might not suit your preferences.

Whether you’re booking a solo trip, a family vacation, or a romantic getaway, understanding the different cabin types will help you make the best choice.

The Different Rooms on Balmoral

With 710 cabins and suites to choose from, Balmoral offers a wide range of accommodation options.

These rooms vary in size, amenities, and location on the ship, so it’s essential to know what each category offers before making a decision.

There are 17 different cabin types onboard Balmoral, which include interior rooms, ocean-view cabins, balcony suites, and luxurious suites.

Below is an overview of the different categories of rooms and what you can expect from each.

Balmoral Cabin Categories

Cabin Type	Category	Max. Guests	Decks	Average Size (sq. ft.)
Single Interior	Inside	1	3, 6	130
Interior	Inside	2-4	3-6	160
Single Superior Interior	Inside	1	9	160
Superior Interior	Inside	2	8-9	160
Single Ocean View (Porthole)	Ocean View	1	3	140
Ocean View (Porthole)	Ocean View	2	3-5	165
Single Ocean View (Picture Window)	Ocean View	1	4, 8	165
Ocean View (Picture Window)	Ocean View	2	4-5	165
Superior Ocean View	Ocean View	2	5, 6, 8	165
Single Balcony Cabin	Balcony	1	8	218
Balcony Cabin	Balcony	2	8-9	248-260
Single Balcony Suite	Suite	1	9	270
Balcony Junior Suite	Suite	2	8-10	279
Superior Suite	Suite	2	9, 10	341
Marquee Suite	Suite	2	10	472
Premier Suite	Suite	2	10	601
Owner’s Suite	Suite	2	10	1,181

As you can see, Balmoral offers a range of options, from smaller, single cabins to spacious suites with private balconies and luxurious amenities.

The choice largely depends on your preferences for space, views, and budget.

Balmoral Cabins to Avoid

Balmoral is a charming ship with plenty of cabin choices, but as with many older cruise ships, not every stateroom is perfect.

Some cabins come with quirks that might not bother seasoned cruisers but could be frustrating for light sleepers, view-seekers, or those prone to seasickness.

Here’s a detailed guide to the cabins you may want to think twice about before booking.

1. Cabins Directly Under the Pool Deck

Some of Balmoral’s most premium suites sit on Deck 10, right beneath the pool area. While these are spacious and luxurious, their position can create one nuisance: morning noise from above.

What Causes the Noise?

• Early risers moving deck chairs or loungers.
• The scraping sound of furniture across wooden decking.
• Foot traffic from passengers heading out to claim spots for the day.

Why It Might Bother You

• If you love long lie-ins or are a light sleeper, those scraping sounds can wake you up.
• The noise is muffled and brief, but noticeable at times.

Who Won’t Mind It

• Guests who are early risers anyway.
• Passengers who spend little time in their cabin during the day.

2. Connecting Cabins (If You Don’t Need Them)

Balmoral offers connecting cabins with interior doors that link two staterooms. These are fantastic for families or groups, but they can be less than ideal if you don’t plan to book both.

Downsides of Connecting Cabins

• Poorer soundproofing – Interior connecting doors block less noise than a solid metal wall.
• Potential disturbances – You may hear your neighbors talking, watching TV, or even snoring.

The Challenge with Balmoral

• Fred. Olsen’s deck plans don’t clearly show which cabins are connecting, making it harder to avoid them without asking.

Tip: If peace and quiet are a top priority, call Fred. Olsen, before booking, to confirm whether your chosen cabin is a connecting one.

3. Porthole Cabins on Lower Decks

Some of Balmoral’s Ocean View cabins on Decks 3–5 don’t come with the standard large picture windows. Instead, they feature small circular portholes.

Why They Might Not Be Ideal

• Restricted views – You’ll need to bend down or peer closely to see out, and the angle of view is very limited.
• Lower deck position – Being closer to the waterline means your “view” often consists of rolling waves or the dockside.
• Natural light only – These cabins work if you just want daylight, but not if you hope to sit and enjoy the scenery.

Who Should Book Them

• Budget-conscious cruisers who don’t care about the view.
• Travelers who just want daylight in the room.

Tip: If sea views matter to you, upgrade to a Picture Window Ocean View for a much better experience.

4. High Deck Cabins for Seasickness-Prone Guests

Balmoral sails smoothly, but as an older, smaller ship, she doesn’t have the advanced stabilizers found on newer mega-ships.

Problem Areas

• High decks at the very front or rear feel the ship’s movement more.
• During rough seas, rolling and swaying can be more noticeable in these cabins.

Seasickness Tip

Cruise veterans often say:

“The more you pay, the more you sway.”
That’s because the most expensive cabins (suites and balcony cabins) are higher up, where motion is stronger.

Best Choices If You’re Prone to Motion Sickness

• Mid-ship cabins – Movement is least noticeable here.
• Lower decks – The closer you are to the waterline, the less sway you’ll feel.

5. Deck 3 Cabins With Possible Noise and Vibration

Deck 3 is home to some of the ship’s most affordable cabins, but it also comes with a few extra quirks.

What to Expect on Deck 3

• Engine vibrations – Some mid-ship cabins can pick up faint engine hums and shakes.
• Crew activity – The laundry room and medical center are located here, meaning extra traffic from staff and passengers.
• Guest activity – The arts and crafts room is nearby, which can add to daytime footfall.

Should You Avoid Deck 3?

• If you’re a light sleeper or crave peace, yes, aim higher.
• If you’re budget-focused and don’t mind minor background activity, Deck 3 may still suit you.

The Best Cabins on Balmoral

While some cabins on Balmoral come with quirks, others are truly special and stand out as excellent choices.

From the ultra-spacious Owner’s Suites to unique solo options, here’s a detailed breakdown of the best rooms you can book.

1. Owner’s Suites – The Pinnacle of Luxury

The Owner’s Suites are the most exclusive and spacious accommodations on Balmoral.

There are just two of these suites, and they are highly sought after by guests looking for the very best.

Why They’re Special

• Size: Almost 1,200 sq. ft. — about six times larger than the smallest cabins onboard.
• Layout: Includes a large living area, dining space, dressing room, and a king-size bedroom.
• Balcony: A private outdoor area with sun loungers, perfect for relaxing in complete privacy.
• Bathroom: Oversized with both a full bathtub and a separate shower.

Extra Perks (Suite Dreams Package)

• Priority embarkation and check-in.
• Welcome, bottle of sparkling wine.
• A replenished fruit basket.
• Afternoon canapés delivered daily.
• Free pressing for formal wear.
• Use of binoculars, an atlas, robes, and slippers.
• Luxurious towels and discounted laundry.

Tip: These suites sell out quickly, especially on longer voyages. If you want the ultimate Balmoral experience, book well in advance.

2. Premier and Marquee Suites

While not as large as the Owner’s Suites, the Premier Suites (601 sq. ft.) and Marquee Suites (472 sq. ft.) are still very generous in size and luxury.

Highlights

• Large balconies with room for dining and lounging.
• Spacious living areas are ideal for entertaining.
• Access to the full Suite Dreams package perks.

These suites are perfect if you want luxury but don’t quite need the space (or price tag) of the Owner’s Suite.

3. Balcony Junior Suites and Superior Suites

For guests who want a little extra space without going overboard on price, the Balcony Junior Suites (279 sq. ft.) and Superior Suites (341 sq. ft.) strike a nice balance.

• Comfortable layouts with larger balconies than standard balcony cabins.
• Ideal for couples celebrating a special occasion.
• Includes Suite Dreams perks, making the experience more indulgent.

4. Single Cabins – Perfect for Solo Cruisers

Fred. Olsen has long been popular with solo travelers, and Balmoral is especially well-equipped with dedicated single cabins.

What Makes Them Great

• Options include inside, ocean view, balcony cabins, and even solo suites.
• Solo travelers don’t need to pay the dreaded “single supplement” for two people.
• Creates a social atmosphere since many solo guests book these rooms.

Who They’re Best For

• Independent travelers who want their own space.
• Guests who enjoy meeting new friends in Balmoral’s famously friendly environment.

Few cruise lines offer single suites, making Balmoral’s selection unique.

5. Aft-View Cabins – The Wake Watchers’ Paradise

There are just two aft-view cabins on Balmoral (Cabins 9091 and 9098). These cabins are positioned at the very back of the ship, offering stunning views over the ship’s wake.

Why Guests Love Them

• Panoramic views of the ocean and scenery fade into the distance.
• A peaceful atmosphere away from busier public spaces.
• Unique, hard-to-get locations that feel extra special.

Tip: These cabins are always in high demand — book early if you want one.

Best Deck on Balmoral

When it comes to overall location, Deck 10 is widely considered the best:

• Home to the majority of suites.
• Close to the pool and sports deck.
• Still within easy reach of restaurants and lounges.
• Noise levels are minimal, making it both convenient and relaxing.

Best Overall Room

The Owner’s Suites are undeniably the best on Balmoral, thanks to their unmatched size, comfort, and luxury extras. However:

• For luxury at a lower price: Go for the Premier or Marquee Suites.
• For solo travelers: Single Balcony Suites or Single Ocean View cabins are unbeatable.
• For unique views: The rare aft-view cabins (9091 and 9098) are a real treat.

Research Insights & Guest Feedback on Balmoral Cabins

When putting together a guide like this, it’s important not just to look at deck plans and cabin categories, but also to hear directly from past guests.

Balmoral has been sailing for decades, and thousands of cruisers have shared their impressions across forums, review sites, and social media.

Here’s what stands out from that research:

1. Views Matter – Picture Windows Beat Portholes

Guests who stayed in Ocean View cabins with portholes often described them as disappointing if they wanted scenic views.

• Portholes provide natural light but require you to crouch down or lean close.
• Picture window cabins, by contrast, feel more open and enjoyable for watching the sea.

Takeaway: If having a view is important, upgrade from a porthole to a picture window.

2. Seasickness Considerations

Guest reviews often mention that Balmoral’s age and smaller size make her more prone to noticeable motion in rough seas.

• Passengers who stayed midship on lower decks generally reported a smoother experience.
• Higher decks at the front and rear were more “rocky.”

Takeaway: If you’re prone to seasickness, book a midship cabin on Deck 3–6 for stability.

3. Noise Issues Are Rare – But Not Nonexistent

One of the biggest concerns for cruise passengers is cabin noise. On Balmoral, feedback consistently highlights how quiet the ship feels compared to larger, more modern mega-ships.

• Most guests say noise complaints are minimal.
• Occasional reports mention:
  • Deck 10 suites under the pool area – early-morning sun lounger scraping.
  • Deck 3 cabins – slight engine vibration or hallway activity near the laundry and medical center.
• Overall, Balmoral’s smaller size and more relaxed passenger base mean late-night disturbances are uncommon.

Takeaway: If you’re a light sleeper, avoid Deck 3 and pool-adjacent suites, but otherwise, Balmoral is a quiet ship.

4. Connecting Cabins = Hit or Miss

Some passengers traveling in groups loved Balmoral’s connecting cabins, as they allowed families or friends to enjoy easy access between rooms.

But solo reviewers in these cabins sometimes complained about:

• Thin connecting doors → occasional sound bleed from neighbors.

Takeaway: Great if you need them, avoid if you don’t.

5. Strong Praise for Solo Options

One area where Balmoral shines is solo cruising.

• Many guests highlighted the value of single cabins, especially single suites, which are rare in the cruise industry.
• Solo travelers felt well-catered to and appreciated the dedicated spaces without paying double fares.

Takeaway: Solo travelers consistently rate Balmoral highly.

6. Guest Favorites – Aft Cabins & Owner’s Suites

When asked about the best cabins:

• Aft cabins (9091 & 9098) were praised for peaceful wake views.
• Owner’s Suites were described as “worth the splurge” for milestone trips.
• Premier and Marquee Suites also received great reviews for spaciousness without going over the top.

Takeaway: These cabins consistently show up as favorites in reviews.

Choosing the Right Balmoral Cabin

After reviewing Balmoral’s deck plans, cabin categories, and guest feedback, here are the key things to remember:

• Avoid:
  • Porthole cabins (if you care about views).
  • Deck 10 suites under the pool (potential noise).
  • High forward/aft cabins if seasickness is a concern.
  • Connecting cabins if you don’t need them.
• Book Early If You Want:
  • The two aft-view cabins (9091 & 9098).
  • Owner’s Suites or Premier Suites (best for luxury).
  • Single suites (great for solo travelers).
• Best Deck: Deck 10 for luxury, or Deck 5–6 midship for comfort and stability.

Balmoral may be an older ship, but she still offers a warm, traditional cruise experience with plenty of excellent cabins.

By avoiding a few less-desirable spots and booking the right category for your needs, you can make the most of your time onboard.