The vessel will split its summer season between the two ports ahead of a programme of winter sailings from Southampton and Dover. Balmoral will offer Nordic and Icelandic sailings as well as itineraries along the River Seine in France.
 
The sailings follow on from Balmoral’s inaugural voyage – a 16-night Canary Islands with the Funchal Flower Parade cruise – which returned to Newcastle on Wednesday (18 May).
 
Peter Deer, managing director of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said Balmoral’s return is a "big milestone" for the company.
 
"Having three ships sailing means we can offer departures from even more regional ports, and we are so pleased to have Balmoral returning to offer sailings from Newcastle and Rosyth again this year," he added. "I look forward to exploring the world with our guests aboard Balmoral this year and beyond."
 
Balmoral will offer a 15-night Rugged and Remote Spitsbergen cruise, departing from Newcastle on 22 June 2022. Prices start from £2,299pp.