This update will be emailed to guests on 2nd September 2026. A text message will also be sent to Guests where we have their mobile number with a link to this Help Centre page.

What's changing?

Rather than visiting Antwerp on 25th March, we’ll now be calling at Zeebrugge.

Our visit to Zeebrugge will be an overnight call, arriving in the early evening of 26th March, and departing around 8pm on 27th March.

There are no other changes to your itinerary.

Why have we made this change?

Sadly, the timeframe for works to demolish and replace a pontoon at the Port of Antwerp have been extended, meaning the port will be closed to cruise lines during our planned call.

Providing you with the best possible experience is always our priority, so our Itineraries team has been working hard to find the best alternative. We're delighted to be able to offer a visit to Zeebrugge, along with a complimentary shore excursion.

Your complimentary shore tour details

We're pleased to offer you the choice of two of our most popular tours in the Bruges area, taking place on the 27^th March.

Details of how to book your chosen tour can be found below.

Option 1 - Scenic Flanders (valued at £55pp)

Uncover the heritage and culture of Flanders, one of Europe's most renowned regions. Travel through the scenic countryside to the charming village of Damme, where you'll enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Continue past Bruges' iconic windmills and historic city walls to a famous chocolate shop and delight your senses with the rich flavours of Belgian chocolate. Complete your Flanders experience with a visit to the magnificent Castle of Loppem, a 19th-century masterpiece that played a key role in Belgium's political history at the close of World War I.

Included:

·       Coach transport

·       Local Guide

·       Admission to the Castle of Loppem

Length:

·       Around 4 hours and 30 minutes

Please note:

·       There is a lot of walking with this tour

·       Just ¼ of a mile is walking over cobblestones

Option 2 – Ghent Canal Cruise (valued at up to £59pp)

Embark your coach and travel to Ghent, a historic and charming university city. Here, explore the city aboard a relaxing canal cruise, taking in its picturesque waterways and stunning architecture. During the cruise, learn more about Ghent's rich history while admiring key landmarks such as the Chinese Teahouses, the Palace of Justice, and the impressive Castle of the Counts. Enjoy some free time in the city centre to explore at your own leisurely pace before returning to the boat for your journey back to the coach.

Included:

·       Coach transport

·       Local Guide

·       Boat Cruise

Length:

·       5 hours

Please note:

·       No toilets are available on the boat

·       Just ½ a mile is walking over cobblestones

·       Large steps to board the boat

·       The boat is open (so pack some warm clothes)

·       Sadly, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

When do I need to book my free shore tour?

Please book your chosen tour by Monday 14^th September.

How do I book my chosen shore tours?

Booking will open at 09:30am on Thursday 3^rd September.

The quickest and easiest way to book is via your online My Cruises account.

Simply log in at https://www.fredolsencruises.com/my-cruises

·       Click on Booked Cruises

·       Click on Shore Tours

·       And then select the excursion you’d like, adding to your basket and checkout – no charge will made to your payment card.

·       We’ll send you an invoice to confirm the tour has been booked.

Or you can get in touch with our Destination Experiences team in Ipswich:

·       Call them on 01473 746 163

·       They’re open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Please note, these complimentary shore tours are only available to guests who booked cruise L2707 before Thursday 3^rd September 2026.

Is there anything else I need to know?

We appreciate this change may be disappointing, and we're sorry to have to make it, due to the Port of Antwerp being closed.

We're confident your complimentary shore tour, on the 27^th March will make a wonderful alternative to Antwerp.

If you've let us know you'll be bringing a wheelchair or mobility scooter and may be unable to manage the steps on and off a transfer coach, please reach out to our Destination Services team, who'll be happy to discuss the options available to you.

If you wish to explore the option to transfer to a different cruise, please get in touch with our Guest Services team by 14th September:

·       You can reply to this email (which will be the quickest and easiest way to get in touch)

·       Or you can give them a call on 0330 818 0355

·       They're open Monday to Saturday, between 9am and 5pm

·       Cruise transfers are subject to our terms and conditions, which can be found here

Your revised itinerary:

Plan your cruise with our new Help Centre

Our new online Help Centre is now live, created to make planning your cruise easier than ever before.

• Visit the Help Centre by clicking here

A few helpful reminders

• Your Journey Guide, which includes all you need to know about available tours, experiences and your cruise will be sent to you at least 12 weeks before you embark Balmoral.
• We’ll send your cruise ticket 3 weeks before your check‑in day
• Your luggage labels will follow shortly after, arriving by post approximately 2 weeks before you set sail

With warm regards,

Your Guest Experience Team
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines