Fred Olsen has just one cruise left in 2026 that you can book from Newcastle. The European Cities and Scenic Rivers cruise visits France and Belgium for a taste of local history, culture, food and wine across 14 nights this September.
Summer holiday season is tantalisingly close, with many of us counting down the days until we get to jet off on unforgettable getaways. But for those still seeking a last-minute escape, there's one culture-rich cruise coming up that will set sail from Newcastle in a matter of weeks.
Fred Olsen is the main cruise operator from the Port of Tyne (located in North Shields, but with Newcastle named as the nearest departure city) and has just three more journeys coming up this year after a slate of winter and spring getaways. However, the next two holidays, a journey around the British Isles and a sail around the Norwegian Fjords in August, are already fully booked.
This means that there is just one remaining Fred Olsen cruise still available to book this year: European Cities & Scenic Rivers. This 14-night September getaway has stop-offs across France and Belgium, giving passengers the chance to fill up on culture with visits to museums and art galleries, delve into history at castles and World War II sites, and sample local delicacies and tipples at charming cafes and world-famous wine estates.
What the Cruise Offers
Fred Olsen writes of the European Cities & Scenic Rivers cruise: "This European cruise blends leisurely river cruising with effortless city exploration. Navigating the Seine during daytime is an undoubted highlight, with Balmoral gliding past charming villages and rolling French countryside – a route only possible on smaller ships. There's also daytime cruising along the bustling Scheldt, offering a contrasting glimpse of river city life."
Exploring ashore is made even easier, with Balmoral docking close to the highlights in most of your ports of call. There are also longer stays in Antwerp, famed for Belgian beer and chocolates; Rouen, gateway to Paris with its iconic landmarks and café culture; and Pauillac, where you can join a tour to Bordeaux and sample world-class wines during grape harvest season.
Pricing and Inclusions
The European Cities & Scenic Rivers getaway doesn't come cheap, with prices to book online starting from £2,099 per person and a lot of cabin options so close to selling out that you will need to call to check availability. But with travel, accommodation, food and entertainment all included, a cruise is the ideal option for those seeking a fuss-free holiday.
The price of a Fred Olsen cruise includes full board dining with five-course a la carte dinners alongside daily casual dining options, late night supper club and afternoon tea. And there's no shortage of things to do on the ship, with a fare also including access to the swimming pools, fitness centre and classes, experts talks and lectures and a variety of other activities, as well as evening shows with live music and dancing.
The Balmoral Ship
The Balmoral ship that will embark on the European Cities & Scenic Rivers trip offers an "intimate cruising experience" as the smallest in the Fred Olsen fleet. Nevertheless, it is home to five restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools, and wide open decks from which to admire the views.
Other Cruises from Port of Tyne
But this isn't the only cruise sailing from the Port of Tyne this year with spaces still available to book on board. The other operator that runs holidays from North Shields is Ambassador, which has a total of five trips coming up offering journeys across Europe, three of which are yet to sell out.
The first is a Weekend Escape to Amsterdam, a four-night trip in August priced from £549 per person. Holidaymakers fancying a mini break to the Netherlands can also take a look at DFDS, which runs the Newcastle to Amsterdam Mini Cruise from the Port of Tyne on a daily basis and has up to 50% off bookings right now in a summer sale.
Next up from Ambassador is a Coastlines of France, Belgium & Holland escape, a 12-night cruise priced from £1,819 per person. And the final getaway for 2026 is the Escape to Holland & Belgium, another mini break opportunity priced from £271 per person for four nights.
Meanwhile, for those already looking ahead to their 2027 holidays, Fred Olsen and Ambassador are offering a total of 30 cruises from the Port of Tyne next year.
