Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Visiting mainland Portugal and its remote Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores, this cruise will present you with fascinating wildlife, nature and dramatic scenery in equal measure. The Azores boasts diverse landscapes, from the Sete Cidades crater lakes to scenes of blue hydrangeas – we've even timed your visit for when the national flower is in bloom. In addition, the archipelago's waters are home to marine life such as sperm whales, which you can spot from Borealis assisted by conservationists from wildlife charity, ORCA. While in Madeira you can explore the botanical gardens with a local orchid expert, or visit the 580-metre high skywalk at Cabo Girao for a unique perspective over the cities of Câmara de Lobos and Funchal. For a taste of local life, be sure to sample Madeiran wine in Funchal and a pasteis de nata in Lisbon.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Discover Verdant Volcanic Vistas
This cruise has been carefully crafted to not only allow you to see the mighty volcanic vistas of the Azores, but to also witness beautiful blue hydrangeas in full bloom. Our call into Praia da Vitória offers the opportunity to explore the Algar Do Carvâo Volcano, where you can descend into the lava-free volcanic chimney and wander through the vast magma chambers. Meanwhile, in Ponta Delgada, you can embark on a thrilling Jeep adventure to the Sete Cidades Crater Lakes, which are located in the main crater of an extinct volcano or enjoy a visit to the Furnas Valley, where you can witness hot Sulphur springs and steaming fumaroles, before swimming in the thermal pools of Terra Nostra Park.
Experience the Portuguese Way of Life
During this cruise, you will have plenty of opportunities to experience the Portuguese way of life. In Lisbon, you can join a local chef to learn how to make the delectable pastéis de nata while Funchal offers the opportunity to indulge in Madeiran Wine Tasting. Explore the cities of Lisbon and Oporto like a local on the iconic Portuguese trams, winding your way through historic neighbourhoods, narrow streets and steep hills. You will also be perfectly placed to take in a Fado performance, a traditional genre of Portuguese music featuring a singer, known as a Fastida, accompanied by acoustic guitar as they deliver heartfelt renditions of traditional songs.
Witness Whales & Dolphins in their Natural Habitat
The waters surrounding Faial are considered to be one of the best places in Europe for whale and dolphin watching. Sperm whales, humpback whales and dolphins spend the summer months here thanks to the nutrient-rich, warm and sheltered waters which support a diverse marine ecosystem and provide the perfect conditions for breeding. Ocean Conservationists ORCA will be joining us on board, leading wildlife watching sessions out on deck and delivering talks on the diverse marine life you might see during your Azores cruise.
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.
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
Scenic Drive to the Crater Lakes
Experience the natural phenomena of the Sete Cidades Crater Lakes. This awe-inspiring landscape is home to the iconic green and blue twin lakes separated by a seven-arched bridge, which symbolises the seven cities of the lost continent of Atlantis.
££££
Ponta Delgada
Furnas Valley
Explore some of the natural highlights of the island of São Miguel with this special tour of Furnas Valley. Visit the historical town of Ribeira Grande, the smaller Vila Franca do Campo and a pineapple plantation to learn about the cultivation of pineapple and tea.
££££
Ponta Delgada
Whale Watching
Embark on a captivating catamaran cruise for a wildlife encounter. Departing from the pier, traverse crystalline waters in search of dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Spot humpback, minke, blue, sei, and northern bottlenose whales, along with turtles, sunfish, and schools of tuna, while your knowledgeable crew guides the adventure.
££££
Ponta Delgada
Viewpoints of Funchal
Explore Funchal’s most beautiful landscapes on this scenic tour, stopping at the Ponta do Garajau and Pico dos Barcelos viewpoints for sweeping vistas. Conclude at Cabo Girão, standing at 580m, it is the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world. For the brave, there is a glass ‘Sky Walk’ offering a view of the cliff face directly beneath your feet.
££££
Funchal
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
Pastéis de Nata Workshop
In this hands-on baking class, learn the secrets of how to bake the iconic pastéis de nata under the guidance of a local chef, before enjoying your creations with a coffee.
££££
Lisbon
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.
Gary Fildes
Gary is the lead astronomer at Grassholme Observatory and will be joining us on this cruise to run stargazing sessions out on deck, bringing the night sky to life.
Julian Dowdeswell
As a retired Professor of Physical Geography from the University of Cambridge, Julian has expertise in the processes shaping our planet, and during his time on board he will deliver insightful talks about the volcanic landscapes and geology of The Azores and Madeira.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
Tracy Foster
Horticulturalist and botanical guide, Tracy Foster will be onboard to speak about the gardens you will see along your cruise, including the history of the Madeiran Gardens and why the island is known for them.
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 01:00 25/04/2024, 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 01:00 25/04/2024, 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 £4,199 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,399 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 £2,199 pp |
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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 £1,899 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,199 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on decks 6 & 7, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,598.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,458.10 |
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Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture view window.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,099 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Borealis are located on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,498.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks 1 & 2.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,199 |
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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.