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FREEDOM FARE
From£1,499pp

Winter warmth in the Canary Islands

L2503B

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Aerial view of the beautiful Maspalomas dunes, Gran Canaria Aerial view of the beautiful Maspalomas dunes, Gran Canaria
02 Feb 2025
Southampton
13 nights
Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

Enjoy the warmth of the Canary Islands and Madeira as Balmoral sails around volcanic islands on this winter sailing. Madeira’s luscious green landscapes offer botanical and tropical gardens, plus Levada trails through vibrant flora and fauna. The sun-kissed Canary Islands offer a different blend of landscape, although just as spectacular; in Gran Canaria, the desert-like sand dunes of Maspalomas are a mesmerising contrast against the azure sea, while the lava fields and volcanic cones of Lanzarote at Timanfaya National Park and Tenerife’s Mount Teide offer surreal views across the surrounding terrain, stretching as far as the eye can see. You can also discover cultural traditions and culinary delights; pop by a local bakery in Funchal to sample the traditional Portuguese custard tart, Pastéis de Nata, or try some locally produced wine from Lanzarote’s volcanic ash vineyards.

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Highlights

Patatas bravas, Spanish potato dish with sauce

The way of life in the Canary Islands and Madeira

Life in the Canaries and Madeira is a perfect blend of cultural traditions and culinary delights. In Madeira, do try the delectable flaky pastry custard tarts, Pastéis de Nata, which are a symbol of warmth and hospitality; while in Lanzarote, try Malvasía wine, made from the sweet-smelling grape only found on this island; and in Tenerife, the famous spicy Mojo sauce adds flavour to traditional dishes, such as patatas bravas. There will also be opportunities to experience Madeira's Fado music, full of soulful melodies and touching lyrics and telling stories of Portuguese longing and lost loves, contrasting with the lively Bailinho folk dance embodying community spirit and joy.

Bird of paradise flower head, Funchal

Uncovering island agriculture and horticulture

The Canaries and Madeira have perfect conditions for agriculture and horticultural practices to thrive, due to their year-round temperate climates. In Madeira, join us to explore the array of exotic flowers and plants in the Botanical Gardens and Monte Palace Tropical Gardens; while the vineyards here and in Lanzarote produce unique wines recognised for their quality. In Tenerife, discover how bananas are cultivated in the mild climate at a local plantation, producing sweet-tasting fruits. These agricultural enterprises reflect centuries-old traditions and the rich heritage of the islands.

Mount Tiede, Tenerife

Picturesque Volcanic Landscapes

The Canary Islands archipelago boasts a diverse range of landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, blending natural landscapes with unique geological features. The Maspalomas Sand Dunes stretch along the coast of Gran Canaria, creating a unique desert-like landscape which contrasts beautifully against the azure blue of the Atlantic Ocean; while Mount Teide in Tenerife, surrounded by otherworldly terrain, offers fantastic panoramic views across the island. Join us on a tour of Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, which showcases the lunar landscape of lava fields, volcanic cones and geothermal activity. Meanwhile, in Madeira, explore the Levadas that crisscross lush valleys, offering hiking trails through thick forests and charming villages.  

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

Explore the Itinerary
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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
Fred. Olsen ship Balmoral sailing at dawn

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.

710 cabins
1,325 guests
551 crew
43,537 GT
16kts max speed
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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 to 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.

View from Cabo Girao in Funchal, Madeira, Spain

Cabo Girão

Explore Funchal's scenic landscape from top viewpoints and visit the village that inspired Sir Winston Churchill's paintings. Begin at Pico dos Barcelos for stunning city views, then head to Europe's highest sea cliff, Cabo Girão. Visit Câmara de Lobos, where Churchill painted, and enjoy a taste of Madeira wine.

££££

Funchal

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens

Enjoy a cable car ride to Monte Village, followed by a guided tour of Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, before exploring the garden and museum, or enjoying some free time in Monte Village.

££££

Funchal

Madeiran Wine

Made in Madeira

Journey to Quinta das Vinhas, an organic vineyard to learn about its heritage, grape cultivation, and traditional Madeiran wine-making process. Conclude with a wine and rum tasting with tapas.

££££

Funchal

Mount Teide Cable Car

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

Mojo Sauce Workshop & Wine Tasting

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

Maspalomas sand dunes, Gran Canaria

Maspalomas & Mogán Harbour

Journey to Maspalomas to explore its expansive sandy beaches, warm waters, and nature reserve. Marvel at the dunes before heading to Faro Maspalomas Boulevard and ending in Puerto Mogán. Enjoy its quaint streets, beach relaxation, or local seafood as yachts sail by.

££££

Las Palmas

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 Logo
Astronomy

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 Jonathan Clough on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.

John Brinkley
Geology

John Brinkley

John is a Fellow of the Geological Society and has co-authored a number of geographical teaching resources. Throughout the cruise, John will be on hand exploring the geology of the destinations we will be visiting.

Stephanie Melodia - Guest Speaker
Canarian Way of Life

Stephanie Melodia

Stephanie was just nine years' old when she and her family relocated from the outskirts of London to the volcanic Canary Island of Lanzarote. Here she learnt impactful life lessons growing up in such a unique environment. During your cruise, Stephanie will share the inside story of what island life is really like.

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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.

Discover our Treats & Pastimes

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 17:00 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 17:00 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)

Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony

Freedom Fare From £3,299 pp

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Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on Bridge & Highland deck, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £3,599 pp

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Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

Situated on Highland deck, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £4,599 pp

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Last few cabins remaining!

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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Located on Highland deck, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £4,999 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £6,299 pp
Call for details
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Cruise Offers

Solo traveller offer available  

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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