Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
This island-hopping Canary Islands cruise is set to be a rejuvenating escape during the busy festive period. Celebrate Christmas Day on board Borealis with an abundance of festive activities and a sumptuous lunch with all the trimmings, as you sail to Gran Canaria, where you can unwind among the golden dunes of Maspalomas or discover the vast volcanic crater of Bandama for outstanding panoramic views across the island. You are perfectly placed to relax on the sandy beaches of Tenerife, enjoy a hike in Teide National Park, or learn about the Olsen family’s historical links with the island. The Canarian way of life is best experienced by immersing yourself in local traditions, like participating in the dances of Isa or Folías, witnessing the unique whistling language of El Silbo in La Gomera, or sampling delicious papas arragudas with spicy Mojo sauce. Our team has timed your call into Madeira to coincide with the unrivalled annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
The sun-kissed islands of the Canaries
The Canary Islands and Madeira are renowned for their year-round sunshine and warmth and are a wonderful destination to explore when our nights are drawing in. Funchal is known as the ‘floating garden’, with its displays of fragrant subtropical flowers and plants enticing you to explore further. Meanwhile, golden sands and clear waters beckon in the Canaries, where the scent of sea air encourages strolls through palm-tree-lined promenades. This cruise has been timed so that you can experience volcanic landscapes against the backdrop of Mount Teide or Mirador Los Roques at sunset, as intriguing silhouettes form and the skies turn to beautiful shades of pink and red.
The way of life in the Canaries and Portugal
Local customs and culture are hugely significant in Canary Island and Madeiran life. As you step ashore in Tenerife, try the fiery mojo sauce made from peppers and chillies with the delightfully crispy potatoes known as papas arrugadas, and in La Gomera, experience the traditional local dances of Isa and Folías, and witness the culturally unique whistling language of El Silbo, which is kept alive by the islands inhabitants and is an important part of local childrens schooling. Your cruise has been perfectly timed for you to enjoy the exhilarating spectacle of fireworks from the decks of Borealis as the clock turns to midnight on New Year's Eve in Lisbon.
Discover magnificent Volcanic Vistas
Your cruise to the Canaries aboard Borealis has been designed by our planners for you to experience their vast, volcanic landscapes. In Tenerife, you can explore Teide National Park, overlooked by the majestic mountain of the same name, where the summit is often above the clouds and can be reached by cable car for panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and other Canary Islands. The rugged peaks of Cumbre Vieja on La Palma showcase the island's diverse range of volcanic craters and lush valleys and are well worth discovering. La Gomera is home to ancient laurisilva forests, prime examples of subtropical cloud forests, while Funchal's fragrant gardens are rich with flowers and plants that thrive in the volcanic soil.
Life On Board
Introducing Borealis
Sister ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for enjoying scenic cruising of the world's lesser-known waterways. From cruising past remarkable landscapes and historical sites to capturing the beauty of the natural world.
Borealis
Sister-ship to Bolette, Borealis is perfectly suited for taking guests on a journey around the globe, enabling more exploration in more exciting ports. Her smaller size, spacious public areas, open deck spaces and impressive array of restaurants make her perfect for longer voyages, and shorter journeys alike.
Sample Shore Tours
At each port of call on your cruise, we carefully research and hand pick Shore Tour options for you, designed for you see as many of the world's best destinations as possible.
Below, you will find some sample Shore Tours which will give you an example of what to expect on your cruise. Your Shore Tours will be available to book approximately 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.
Mojo Sauce Workshop
Enjoy a visit to a private farm owned by the Lugo Jorge family before a hands-on workshop where you will learn how to make your own Mojo sauce and the unique Mojo Picón that gives a delicious flavour to the island’s traditional potato dishes.
££££
Las Palmas
Mount Teide Cable Car
Journey up Spain’s highest volcano, Mount Teide, via cable car to La Rambleta, 3,555 metres above sea level, affording fabulous views not only of the crater but of Tenerife and the other islands of the archipelago.
££££
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Eco Tour of Hotel Jardín Tecina
Visit Hotel Jardín Tecina and see a variety of tropical flowers and plants from all over the world before continuing to Eco Finca of the Hotel. Explore the organic garden and finish with some traditional tapas on the beach.
££££
San Sebastian de la Gomera
Local Wines of La Palma
Head to Fuencaliente, one of the best wine-growing regions on the island. Visit the San Antonio volcanic park before stepping inside one of the island’s famous wine cellars to learn about the winemaking process and sample some wines.
££££
Santa Cruz de La Palma
Cabo Girão
Explore Funchal's scenic landscape from top viewpoints and visit the village that inspired Sir Winston Churchill's paintings. Begin at Pico dos Barcelos for stunning city views, then head to Europe's highest sea cliff, Cabo Girão. Visit Câmara de Lobos, where Churchill painted, and enjoy a taste of Madeira wine.
££££
Funchal
Your Guest Speakers
We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.
Isaac Kenyon
Geoscientist, Isaac Kenyon, is passionate about adventure travel and the great outdoors. As we explore the Canaries, Isaac will be joining us to deliver a series of talks on the geology and wilderness of the Canaries and Madeira.
Professor Glenn Patrick
Physicist Glenn Patrick has spent most of his career working at the CERN laboratory in Geneva. He will be on hand delivering a series of talks on earth and science subjects as well as leading stargazing sessions out on deck.
Tracy Foster
Horticulturalist and botanical guide Tracy Foster will be joining us to talk about the gardens you will see along your cruise, including the history of the Madeiran Gardens and why they’re one of Madeira’s best-known attractions.
Treats & Pastimes
In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 12:00 03/05/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
* Prices correct as of 12:00 03/05/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
Cabin Grades
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Borealis' Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area.
| Freedom Fare | From £5,999 pp |
|---|
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,799 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Borealis' F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,049 pp |
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360°
Interior Cabin (I)
Located on decks 1, 2 & 3, I Grade Interior cabins on Borealis have a bathroom with shower.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,599 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,699 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on decks 6 & 7, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £9,298.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £9,118.10 |
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360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture view window.
| Freedom Fare | From £5,098.50 |
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Interior Cabin (I)
Located on decks 1, 2 & 3, I Grade Interior cabins on Borealis have a bathroom with shower.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,938.10 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,699 |
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360°
What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.
Dining & Lounges
- À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Daily buffet dining options
- Late night Supper Club
- Afternoon tea
- Self-service tea & coffee
- In-cabin dining & snacks
Treats & Pastimes
- Evening shows
- Live music & dancing
- Dance classes
- Lectures & talks
- Cookery demonstrations
- Traditional deck games
- Daily games & quizzes
Relaxation & Fitness
- Swimming Pools
- Jacuzzis
- Fitness Centre
- Fitness Classes
Enhance your cruise
Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.
Need Some Help?
Take a look at our FAQs
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check with a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruise holidays and will advised at the time of booking. Your cruise booking information will also detail any requirements applicable to your holiday.
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
Disembarking when your ship's at anchor is a very different experience to when it's docked portside. Getting ashore in this instance often involves the use of the ship's tender, which is accessed via the steps of a secure gangway.