Fred. Olsen's Balmoral Opens Rouen’s 2026 Ocean Cruise Season

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Balmoral officially kicked off Rouen’s 2026 ocean cruise season with a visit on February 17, becoming the first ocean-going ship to call at the French port this year.

The arrival follows confirmation from Rouen Normandie Tourisme that the port is scheduled to welcome 15 ocean cruise calls and more than 1,100 river cruise visits in 2026. The figures underline Rouen’s growing appeal as both a destination in its own right and a gateway to Normandy and Paris.

Recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, Rouen has also secured eighth place in European Best Destinations’ Top 10 Cultural Cities in Europe for 2026.

Cruise visitors can enjoy a range of culinary and cultural experiences, including food festivals, farm-to-table tours, and excursions to Paris, alongside the city’s medieval landmarks.

As the Seine River port located closest to Paris, Rouen offers guests a scenic six-hour sailing through the Seine Valley, easy access to the historic city center, and full-day excursions to Paris, Giverny, and the D-Day beaches.

Evening attractions in the city include the Rouen Cathedral sound and light show, candlelit monument tours, and organ recitals at Saint-Ouen Abbey.

During Balmoral’s visit, Rouen also welcomed UK cruise vloggers Tom & Dom Travel, who were invited to explore the city’s historic sites, UNESCO-recognized culinary heritage, and connections to notable figures such as Joan of Arc, Claude Monet, and Richard the Lionheart.