Tom and Dom Travel
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Fred Olsen Balmoral Balcony Junior Suite 9023: What You NEED to Know Before Booking!
Thinking of booking a Junior Balcony Suite on Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral? Before you make your reservation, there are three crucial compromises you need to know about. In this video, we take you on an honest, comprehensive cabin tour and review of Junior Balcony Suite 9023 on Deck 9 aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Balmoral. We show you around the spacious living area, the generous wardrobe storage (ideal for longer voyages with formal nights), and the private balcony overlooking scenic river views along the Seine. We also break down all the suite perks included with this room, from sparkling wine on arrival, fresh fruit, and daily canapes to complimentary pressing, plush bathrobes, and binoculars. However, traditional ships come with unique quirks. We highlight the three biggest drawbacks of this suite: -The fixed twin bed layout that cannot be pushed together into a double -The lack of British three-pin plug sockets and bedside USB charging points -The dated interior decor and high-step bathtub with a shower curtain Find out whether the space, spotlessly clean accommodation, and classic British cruise service make this cabin an absolute gem, or if the layout compromises mean you should look elsewhere on the ship. Would the separated twin beds or the lack of UK sockets put you off booking this suite? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! If you enjoyed this walkthrough, please give the video a like and subscribe to Tom & Dom Travel for stylish, honest cruise ship reviews, cabin walkthroughs, and modern travel guides. Support our channel by booking your next Fred. Olsen cruise through our link https://tidd.ly/4AmumCc. We earn a small referral commission at no extra cost to you. Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral is a charming, classic cruise ship sailing from the UK and a firm favourite among British holidaymakers. Originally built by Meyer Werft and refitted for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, she is designed for travellers who appreciate traditional, small-ship ocean cruising. At around 43,537 gross tons and carrying approximately 1,300 guests, Balmoral offers an intimate, relaxed atmosphere that mega-ships cannot replicate. Stretching 218 metres in length, her smaller size allows her to navigate scenic waterways, rivers, and historic city ports, docking right in the heart of each destination. Standout features include wide wrap-around teak promenade decks, bright panoramic lounges, and an authentic home-from-home ambience. Guests can enjoy five-course formal dining in the Ballindalloch, Avon, and Spey restaurants, casual buffet options in the Palms Cafe, and Asian-fusion dishes at Colours & Tastes. Key social venues include the signature Morning Light Pub, the panoramic Observatory Lounge, the Neptune Lounge for evening cabaret and live shows, two heated swimming pools, and the Atlantis Spa. This Valentine’s voyage departed Southampton on 14 February 2026 for a five-night European city break to Belgium and France. Due to an itinerary adjustment, Balmoral headed into Zeebrugge for an overnight stay instead of Antwerp, giving guests the chance to explore the historic canals, medieval architecture and famous chocolatiers of nearby Bruges via complimentary shuttle transfers. The journey continued with daytime scenic cruising along the River Seine into historic Rouen, famed for its timber-framed buildings and Gothic cathedral, before returning across the Channel to Southampton. We are Tom and Dom Travel, a UK-based cruise and travel couple with years of first-hand experience across multiple cruise lines, ships and destinations, sharing trusted reviews, insights and advice to help travellers make informed cruise choices. We cover every part of the cruise experience, from cruise ship food, drinks and dining to entertainment, cabins, destinations and shore excursions. We share first-hand cruise reviews, menus and insights from main dining rooms, buffets, room service and speciality restaurants, as well as theatre shows, live music, quizzes and onboard activities. Our port guides and destination content combine our own experiences with practical information to help you make the most of every cruise. Join our CRUISE CHAT Facebook group👉 https://m.facebook.com/groups/728759168363809/?ref=share Support us and receive exclusive benefits!👉 https://www.patreon.com/tomanddomtravel/membership Check out our Amazon Store to find out more👉 https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/tomanddomtravel You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! You can find our Socials on https://linktr.ee/tomanddomtravel #fredolsen #FredOlsenBalmoral #Balmoral #FredOlsenCruiseLines #CruiseVlog #CruiseReview #SmallShipCruising #UKCruising #SouthamptonCruises #Antwerp #Rouen #RiverSeine #CruiseShipTour #Cruising #TomAndDomTravel