Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched its northern-focused brochure, featuring a range of departures from Newcastle and Rosyth (Edinburgh) in 2019 aboard Balmoral.

There are 20 itineraries in total, to destinations such as Germany, Sweden, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well France, Portugal, and Spain.

Passengers can also visit the capital cities of the Baltic, experience the Norwegian fjords, or join one of Fred. Olsen’s mystery cruises, which visit a different country every day.

Balmoral returns to Rosyth in 2019 for its second cruise season from the port. It will offer eight cruises between June and August, including a seven-night Norwegian fjords departure, a 14-night Baltic Capitals discovery, and a nine-night European Rivers & Canals experience.

This follows on from the ship’s debut season in 2018, from May to July, with a record nine sailings – an increase on the eight departures on board Black Watch from the port in 2017.

Clare Ward, director of product and customer service for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “In order to accommodate Balmoral, the Port of Rosyth consulted with us and made significant investments in the port area and facilities.

“The introduction of a sheltered marquee and car parking close to the Cruise Terminal, along with enhanced passenger flows, has led to a marked upturn in guest satisfaction and a greatly-improved guest experience.

“We look forward to another successful cruise season from the scenic Port of Rosyth in 2019, when we will once again be welcoming Scottish guests aboard Balmoral, both old and new.”

Fred. Olsen will also be operating Balmoral from the Port of Tyne from April to October 2019, on a cruise season split with Rosyth.

The ex-Newcastle season starts with an eight-night German Waterways sailing in April 2019, with other notable itineraries including a 14-night Capital Cities of the Baltic departure, and an 11-night France, Spain and Portugal getaway.