Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Join us for an unforgettable journey as we explore the lush volcanic landscapes of the Portuguese islands of the Azores and Madeira. From descending into the Algar do Carvão volcano to visiting the awe-inspiring Sete Cidades crater lakes and towering Cabo Girão sea cliff, chances to uncover natural wonders will appear at every turn. Many cultural delights await your enjoyment, too, such as relaxing in the soothing Furnas Valley hot springs and whale and dolphin watching. Elsewhere, you can enjoy Oporto's authentic Port wine, and Lisbon's pastéis de nata, soulful Fado music, and iconic tram rides. Discover Portugal's agricultural and horticultural heritage through vineyards, botanical gardens, pineapple cultivation, and tea plantations.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore Verdant Volcanic Vistas
This itinerary has been hand-crafted to allow you to discover the volcanic vistas of the Azores. From Ponta Delgada, you are perfectly placed to explore the mysterious Sete Cidades crater lakes, or perhaps embark on a special tour of the Furnas Valley, taking in sights of hot sulphur springs and steaming furmaroles before enjoying a swim in the thermal pools of Terra Nostra Park. Meanwhile, during our time in Praia da Vitória, you can explore the magma chambers and extraordinary caves of the Algar Do Carvâo Volcano.
Experience the Portuguese Way of Life
Throughout this cruise, you will have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local way of life. Known for its vibrant blend of cultural traditions and unique experiences, the Portuguese culture is influenced by its seafaring past, diverse customs and vibrant arts. In Lisbon, you can explore the city like a local as you ride the famous trams through the narrow streets, sample local delicacies such as pastéis de nata, and listen out for the soulful melodies of Fado music, which tell poignant tales of love and loss. In Madeira, you will have the opportunity to sample the famous Madeiran wine, known for its unique characteristics and high quality.
Seek Out Whales & Dolphins
We are thrilled to have Ocean Conservationists ORCA on board with us for this cruise, who will be leading wildlife spotting sessions out on deck, helping you to identify the various cetacean species that can be found here. The Azores are well-known for being a leading whale-watching part of the world, as they are home to Atlantic-spotted dolphins and sperm whales, which can be seen at any time of the year. Larger migratory species such as the blue whale and fin whales may pass through in the Spring. Any species you spot will feed into ORCA’s Cruise Conservation Programme and their vital data collection.
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
Crater Lakes Scenic Drive and Bike Ride
Relax and soak up the spectacular scenery as a leisurely drive takes you to the beautiful Sete Cidades Crater Lakes where you will embark on a scenic bike ride while your guide tells tales of local legends and folklore.
££££
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
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.
Alan Oliver
Alan was university lecturer and havs given talks on cruise ships for over 15 years. Join him for a series of talks on the geology of the Azores and Madeira, including his own personal experiences having visiting them many times.
Laura MacFarlane
Laura is a passionate traveller and former teacher. Throughout this cruise, she will be joining us on board to talk about the Azores - covering topics such as the islands’ volcanic landscapes, local life, and their neutrality during WWII.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
Professor Paul Roche - 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. On your cruise, expect to find them out on the top deck in the evenings conducting stargazing sessions.
Richard Lovelock
As we explore the Azores and Madeira together, wildlife photographer, Richard Lovelock, will be joining us on board hosting a series of insightful talks and to help you practice your photography skills out on deck.
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 26/04/2024, 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 12:00 26/04/2024, 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 £4,499 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,599 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 £2,299 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 £1,899 pp |
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Single Superior Interior Cabin (M)
M Grade Single Superior Interior cabins on Borealis are on deck 7.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,499 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on decks 6 & 7, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,748.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,838.10 |
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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 £3,199 |
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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 Superior Interior Cabin (M)
M Grade Single Superior Interior cabins on Borealis are on deck 7.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,499 |
|---|
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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.