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FREEDOM FARE
From£1,999pp

Volcanic Vistas of the Azores & Madeira

S2526

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View of the Sete Cidades lakes, Azores View of the Sete Cidades lakes, Azores
19 Sep 2025
Southampton
14 nights
Borealis

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

Join this captivating journey to Portugal, where volcanic vistas, such as the Sete Cidades crater lakes, Furnas Valley hot springs, and dramatic Cabo Girão sea cliff, unfold. You can immerse yourself in the Portuguese way of life with thrilling dolphin and whale watching, soothing thermal baths, and wine tasting. In Lisbon, treat yourself to culinary delights like pastéis de nata and fresh sardines, and enhance your exploration of the capital by hopping aboard one of the iconic trams. Delve into the rich agriculture and horticulture of the Azores and Madeira, exploring dairy farming, pineapple cultivation, tea plantations, and the exquisite beauty of Madeira’s botanical gardens and vineyards.

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Highlights

A view of the Algardo Carvao in Portugal

Volcanic Vistas

Volcanic peaks and craters are plentiful on this Borealis cruise to the remote islands of Madeira and the Azores. As the mist clears, discover the twin lakes of Sete Cidades in Ponta Delgada, surrounded by an impressive dormant volcano, one blue and one green, tell the tragic story of a shepherd boy and princess, and how the lakes were formed by their tears. You are in the ideal location in Praia da Vitoria to visit Algar Do Carvao by descending into the volcanic lava-free chimney to explore amazing caverns and magma chambers; while Caldera de Gulherme Moniz offers the chance to explore landscapes shaped by the crater, along with lava fields, fumaroles and lava caves full of springs of crystal clear water. Join us on the deck of your ship as we sail into Lisbon under the iconic Abril 25 bridge.

Close up of the guitar of a man playing traditional Portuguese fado

Embrace the Portuguese way of life

Daily life in Portugal and the Azores is strongly influenced by a sense of community and is frequently centred around customs such as fado music, food and wine. Although Fado music has its roots in mainland Portugal, the islands have given it a unique sound with its hauntingly melodic undertones, so join us to experience a moving performance from local musicians. Madeira is well-known for its fortified wine, whose taste has remained exactly as it did when it was originally produced over three centuries ago; while in Lisbon make time to try a deliciously buttery pastéis de nata or fresh sardines in a local cafe, and hop aboard one of the iconic trams to explore the narrow streets of the city further.

Pineapple fruits in a traditional Azorean greenhouse plantation

The subtropical climate of the Azores

The islands of the Azores bask in their very own subtropical climate, where it's possible to experience four seasons in one day, making them the ideal setting in which to grow exotic plants and fruits. The Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest tea garden in Europe; and a pineapple greenhouse are both based in Ponta Delgada, where you will be able to see firsthand how the rich volcanic soil here allows for the perfect growth of highly flavoured pineapples, which are cultivated and sold in the greenhouses. You will also have the chance to spend time exploring the beautiful Palheiro Gardens in Funchal, which are well-known for their variety of plants and views of verdant hills, or take a stroll through the Monte Palace Tropical Garden to discover exotic plants from all over the world, sitting alongside historical structures and stunning views.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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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 at sea at sunset
Borealis at sea at sunset

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.

702 cabins
1,360 guests
662 crew
61,849 GT
25kts max speed
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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.

Glynda Easterbrook
Volcanic Vistas

Glynda Easterbrook

A Fellow of the Geological Society and an Earth Scientist, Glynda will be on board speaking on a range of topics which relate to the natural world in the destinations we will be visiting.

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Go Stargazing Logo
Astronomy

Go Stargazing

Acting as tour guides of the heavens, the Go Stargazing astronomers will share their knowledge with group sessions learning interesting and amazing facts about our Universe. The friendly and approachable team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and to help you spot planets and stars.

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Ocean Wildlife Encounters
Ocean Wildlife

OWE (Ocean Wildlife Encounters)

Ocean Wildlife Encounters (OWE) are a group of highly experienced wildlife speakers. Join them for an insightful talk or out on deck to search the seas for wildlife.

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Tracy Foster
Horticulture

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.

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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.

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Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 18:00 12/12/2024, 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 18:00 12/12/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Borealis' Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

Freedom Fare From £4,699 pp
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Suite

Balcony Junior Suite Wheelchair Adapted (BJD)

Borealis' Balcony Junior Adapted Suites have a balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

Freedom Fare From £4,699 pp
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Suite

Balcony Suite (BS)

Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.

Freedom Fare From £4,899 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Borealis' Premier Suites are located on Bridge deck, and have a private balcony.

Freedom Fare From £6,299 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite Wheelchair Adapted (PSD)

Borealis' Premier Adapted Suites are spacious and stylish, and located on Bridge deck.

Freedom Fare From £6,299 pp
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Suite

Olsen Suite (OW)

The Olsen Suite is the largest suite on Borealis, with a private balcony and sitting area.

Freedom Fare From £8,399 pp
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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.

  • À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Daily buffet dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks
  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
  • Daily games & quizzes
  • 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.

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