Cruising into 2026: Our February Escape with Fred. Olsen

Perfect cruise for first times 5 days River cruise and smaller personalised ships.

On 14th February 2026 MsBee Group Travel set sail on our very first cruise of the year 2026 with Fred Olsen Cruises  aboard their Balmoral  ship for the River Cities of France and Belgium.

We were a fabulous group of 15 ladies and one very special young gentleman , travelling with his lovely mum. It was such a wonderful mix of energy, laughter, sisterhood, & memory-making.

Smooth Sailing (Even With a Small Delay)

Before departure, we were informed via email of a delay due to a virus previously onboard. As a result, embarkation was delayed by five hours for extra cleaning of the ship.

However, I must say — everything was handled professionally and transparently. Communication was clear, staff were organised, and we departed safely at the revised time. Safety always comes first, and it was reassuring to see it managed so well.

Life On Board

Once onboard, after a quick cabin drop of our hand luggage we headed straight to buffet dinner, enjoying a delicious buffet on our first evening before settling into elegant sit-down dining for the remainder of the cruise in Ballindalloch restaurant.

The food? Absolutely amazing.

The service? Exceptional.
The cabins? Spotlessly clean and comfortable.

Each day we received a daily programme outlining activities, entertainment, dining options, and important information — all also included in our welcome packs, alongside safety guidance and emergency meeting points. Everything you would expect from a well-run cruise experience was covered beautifully.

Evenings were full of entertainment in the Neptune their main theatre — we enjoyed:

Silent disco, woop woop was a big hit with the group.

• A fantastic comedian

• Dancing productions

• Live singing performances

• Music and social spaces around the ship

There was always something happening! After hours we were upstairs in the Lido Lounge enjoying  silent disco, karaokee, dancing, live entertainment activities varied daily.

First Stop: Belgium (With a Snowy Surprise!)

We were originally scheduled to dock in Antwerp, but due to our revised departure time, we instead visited Bruges.

And oh my goodness… it was SNOWING when we arrived! ❄️

Despite the weather, organised excursions still went ahead for those who had pre-booked (both paid tours and independent exploring options were available). Some of our group wrapped up and enjoyed sightseeing in the snow. Others took advantage of the shuttle buses arranged from port into town.

I’ll be honest — I didn’t last too long in the cold and made a quick return to the warmth of the ship!

Ironically, the following morning Bruges woke up bright and sunny… but that was our sailing day!

Sailing the River Seine

One of the most beautiful parts of this cruise was sailing along the River Seine towards France. Watching life unfold along the riverbanks, seeing residents wave from their homes — it was peaceful, scenic, and truly special.

For first-time cruisers, this itinerary is ideal. Sailing along rivers feels gentle and calm, without long stretches at sea. By the next morning, you’re already exploring a new destination.