Bettylu,
If I'm right the ships tour takes 8hrs to get from peterhead to and from balmoral. Its about three hours driving time each way wich only gives you 2 hours at balmoral. So we've decided to opt out on this tour and just stick with the closer tours. From what I've exepericned if you've seen Hollyrood you've seen Balmoral. The the gardens in the back of Hollyrood offord some increadible views of the Crags - mtns. a dont miss in my book. I hope the info helps.
Just 48 Days!
Seth