01 Feb 2024
Southampton
13 nights
Balmoral
Your cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
You can bask in the year-round warmth of Madeira and the Canaries on this enticing winter getaway. Hopping between five islands affords plenty of chances to explore the diverse landscapes. You can discover why La Palma is referred to as the ‘Pretty Island’ and listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and get closer to the volcanic vistas of Tenerife and Lanzarote at the Teide and Timanfaya national parks. Gran Canaria is a world of contrasts, the golden dunes of Maspalomas juxtaposing nicely with verdant pine forests, while Madeira is renowned for its fragrant botanical gardens. Visiting the latter with a local orchid enthusiast will make for a more insightful experience.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore Volcanic Landscapes
This special winter cruise on Balmoral to the Canaries and Madeira will allow you time to explore the volcanic landscapes situated amongst these volcanic islands. Funchal is gateway to the Miradour Cabo Girao, where you will have the opportunity to cross the Sky Walk - a suspended glass platform over a 580m cliff edge, while in Santa Cruz de La Palma you are perfectly placed to view the Caldera de Taburiente, one of the biggest craters in the world from the Mirador de la Cumbrectita viewpoint. Dr. Jonathan Turner will be on board to speak about the geology of the Canary Islands, including how a unique ecosystem developed in one of the largest fissure eruption centres in human history in Timanfaya National Park.
Canarian and Madeiran Way of Life
Throughout your cruise, you will be able to gain an insight into the Canarian way of life and have the chance to experience how people live here, from the production of food and how the volcanic land is used to help produce it, to the local communities and the rare whistling language that can be found in La Gomera. In Arrecife, learn the importance of the volcanic soil in producing delicious wines before sampling the local beverage, and when Balmoral is docked in Funchal, walk along the famous Levadas water channels or participate in an orchid workshop in the Palheiro Gardens. Further your knowledge with guest speaker, Tracy Foster who will be exploring the Levadas and the floral history of the island.
Explorer History
This exciting cruise will give you the chance to learn further about the history of trading in the Canary Islands, its links to Fred Olsen in Tenerife, and the garden island of Madeira. During our call into Lisbon, you can visit the Navigator Memorial and uncover Portugal's Golden Age by seeing the Tomb of the Great Navigator Vasco da Gama at the Royal Monastery of Jerónimos. Guest speaker and cultural historian Yoko Kawaguchi will be on hand throughout your cruise to deliver engaging talks on Portugal's maritime explorations and the spices that lured them.
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.
Our Signature Experiences
To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.
We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting
Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships
Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years
There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea
We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board
Our Signature Tours
At each port of call, we have carefully researched and hand-selected some wonderful tour options for you, designed to help you see the real destination and not just the tourist hotspots.
Below, you will find some examples of the kind of tours which could be available on your itinerary. Your Shore Tours will be available to book around 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.
Caldera de Taburiente
Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Snows before continuing to Caldera de Taburiente National Park, one of the biggest craters in the world which is over five miles in diameter and lined with pine trees and bossed lava.
££££
Santa Cruz de La Palma
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
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
The Fire Mountains
Discover the fiery mountains of Timanfaya and witness the rustic nature of this otherworldly volcanic landscape caused by the eruptions that affected the southern part of the island.
££££
Arrecife
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.
Jonathan Clough
As we explore the Canaries together, Astronomer Jonathan Clough will be joining us on board to talk about all things space as well as hosting fascinating stargazing sessions out on deck.
Dr Jonathan Turner
As we explore the Canaries together, Geologist and Earth Scientist, Dr. Jonathan Turner, will be joining us on board to delivery a serries of talks about the region’s geology.
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 23:00 01/12/2023, 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 23:00 01/12/2023, 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 £3,499 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,199 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,199 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £1,499 pp |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £4,799 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £6,648.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £6,078.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (A)
Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,178.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £2,848.10 |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Cabin (J)
On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £4,799 |
|---|
360°
Cruise Offers
What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
As well as our Signature Experiences, there is 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 FAQ's
What do I pack for a cruise?
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Are there any visa requirements I need to be aware of?
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.
What's the difference between Freedom and Saver fares?
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
I'm travelling alone, how will I get to meet people?
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
How do I get off the ship if we're at anchor?
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.