Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
This Balmoral cruise over Easter showcases Portugal’s diverse island landscapes, from the hard-to-reach archipelago of the Azores to the ‘garden island’ of Madeira. You will have the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed city of Angra do Heroísmo, once an important stopover for navigators crossing the Atlantic, and marvel at the Sete Cidades crater lakes on São Miguel island, while Madeira is home to unique levada walking trails, fortified wine and colourful botanical gardens which are best explored with a local orchid expert. Immerse yourself in the Portuguese way of life by indulging in the sweet taste of Madeiran wine and the buttery pastry and creamy custard filling of Pasteis de Nata or relaxing in therapeutic hot springs at Furnas Valley. You will also be joined by wildlife charity ORCA, who will have conservationists on board to help you spot a variety of marine life from Balmoral, while Horta is ideal for dolphin and whale watching tours.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Verdant Volcanic Vistas of the Azores
On your Balmoral cruise to the islands of the Azores and Madeira, you will experience an abundance of lush greenery framing natural volcanic landscapes. In Ponta Delgada, you are perfectly placed to visit the mysterious twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, one in a shade of brilliant blue and the other in jade green, or wander around the bubbling calderas and fumaroles of Furnas Valley before taking the chance to relax and rejuvinate in the hot spring pools of Terra Nostra Park. The crater of Caldera de Gulherme Moniz on the island of Terceira is well-known for its rocky outcrops, crystal-clear water springs, and awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes and is well worth exploring, along with the fascinating Algar Do Carvao, one of the only volcanoes in the world whose interior can be explored on foot.
Embrace the Portuguese way of life
As you step ashore in the Azores and Madeira, you'll discover a multitude of rich traditions and cultural practices. Madeira is renowned for its sweet-tasting fortified wine, with its rich caramel and toffee flavours attributed to the fertile volcanic vineyards, which reflect its centuries-old winemaking heritage, while the rich and unctuous custard tarts, Pasteis de Nata, embody the essence of Portuguese pastry-making. The Chamarrita folk dance is a vibrant example of Azorean culture and is a lively performance conducted in a circle with a caller singing out directions to all the dancers, while Madeira's Bailinho folkloric dance is accompanied by traditional regional voices and musical instruments, telling stories of love and life on the island.
Seek out dolphins and whales
The Azores and Madeira are a haven for rich marine life, including majestic whales and playful dolphins. The region is home to Atlantic-spotted dolphins and sperm whales, which can be spotted all year-round, and larger migratory species, such as blue and fin whales, may travel by in the spring. Join a team from ORCA out on Balmoral's deck as they guide you in spotting marine species. The team will watch whale behaviours in order to identify and protect vital whale and dolphin habitats, ultimately improving the health of our waters. They will also lead wildlife observation sessions on deck and deliver talks about the marine life you can encounter during your cruise to the Azores.
Life On Board
Introducing Balmoral
Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.
Balmoral
Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.
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.
Explore Inside Algar Do Carvâo Volcano
Explore Algar do Carvã, an ancient volcano located in one of Terceira's geological nature reserves. Journey 330ft below the Earth’s surface where extraordinary caves, magma chambers and even an underground lake with crystal clear waters await you.
££££
Praia da Vitória
Dolphin & Whale Watching
Sail across the sparkling crystalline waters of the Azores in search of dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. These blue coastal waters are home to an abundance of magnificent marine mammals including the humpback, minke, blue, sei, and northern bottlenose whales.
££££
Horta
Sete Cidades Jeep Adventure
Enjoy an exhilarating Jeep adventure up into the mountains to soak up the magnificent surroundings. Visit Sete Cidades and the main crater of this extinct volcano to admire the views of the two lakes below. Finish with a visit to Santiago Lake, situated at the bottom of an extinct crater.
££££
Ponta Delgada
Flowers of Funchal
Begin with a scenic drive to Palheiro Gardens to explore the beautiful garden before continuing to the family-owned Quinta Jardins do Lago, where Pedro, a local botanical enthusiast, will conduct an insightful orchid workshop.
££££
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.
Go Stargazing
Go Stargazing is formed of a group of astronomers, all of whom are keen to encourage public interest in astronomy to as wide an audience as possible. Join Dr Jurgen Schmoll on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
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 14:00 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 14:00 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)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £4,499 pp |
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360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £4,299 pp |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,399 pp |
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360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,999 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £3,499 pp |
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360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £8,548.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £8,168.10 |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £4,198.25 |
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360°
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £3,760.75 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £3,499 |
|---|
360°
Cruise Offers
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.