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From£2,199pp

Canary Islands Christmas & Funchal New Year

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Fireworks over Funchal Fireworks over Funchal
21 Dec 2024
Portsmouth
14 nights
Borealis

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

This island-hopping Canary Islands cruise is set to be a rejuvenating escape during the busy festive period. Celebrate Christmas Day on board Borealis with an abundance of festive activities and a sumptuous lunch with all the trimmings, as you sail to Gran Canaria, where you can unwind among the golden dunes of Maspalomas or discover the vast volcanic crater of Bandama for outstanding panoramic views across the island. You are perfectly placed to relax on the sandy beaches of Tenerife, enjoy a hike in Teide National Park, or learn about the Olsen family’s historical links with the island. The Canarian way of life is best experienced by immersing yourself in local traditions, like participating in the dances of Isa or Folías, witnessing the unique whistling language of El Silbo in La Gomera, or sampling delicious papas arragudas with spicy Mojo sauce. Our team has timed your call into Madeira to coincide with the unrivalled annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

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Highlights

Cruise to Tenerife

The sun-kissed islands of the Canaries

The Canary Islands and Madeira are renowned for their year-round sunshine and warmth and are a wonderful destination to explore when our nights are drawing in. Funchal is known as the ‘floating garden’, with its displays of fragrant subtropical flowers and plants enticing you to explore further. Meanwhile, golden sands and clear waters beckon in the Canaries, where the scent of sea air encourages strolls through palm-tree-lined promenades. This cruise has been timed so that you can experience volcanic landscapes against the backdrop of Mount Teide or Mirador Los Roques at sunset, as intriguing silhouettes form and the skies turn to beautiful shades of pink and red. 

New Years Eve cruise

The way of life in the Canaries and Portugal

Local customs and culture are hugely significant in Canary Island and Madeiran life. As you step ashore in Tenerife, try the fiery mojo sauce made from peppers and chillies with the delightfully crispy potatoes known as papas arrugadas, and in La Gomera, experience the traditional local dances of Isa and Folías, and witness the culturally unique whistling language of El Silbo, which is kept alive by the islands inhabitants and is an important part of local children's schooling. Your cruise has been perfectly timed for you to enjoy the exhilarating spectacle of fireworks from the decks of Borealis as the clock turns to midnight on New Year's Eve in Funchal.

Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, Funchal, Madeira

Discover magnificent Volcanic Vistas 

Your cruise to the Canaries aboard Borealis has been designed by our planners for you to experience their vast, volcanic landscapes. In Tenerife, you can explore Teide National Park, overlooked by the majestic mountain of the same name, where the summit is often above the clouds and can be reached by cable car for panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and other Canary Islands. The rugged peaks of Cumbre Vieja on La Palma showcase the island's diverse range of volcanic craters and lush valleys and are well worth discovering. La Gomera is home to ancient laurisilva forests, prime examples of subtropical cloud forests, while Funchal's fragrant gardens are rich with flowers and plants that thrive in the volcanic soil. 

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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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.

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

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

 La Palma Wine

Local Wines of La Palma

Head to Fuencaliente, one of the best wine-growing regions on the island. Visit the San Antonio volcanic park before stepping inside one of the island’s famous wine cellars to learn about the winemaking process and sample some wines.

££££

Santa Cruz de La Palma

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.

Isaac Kenyon
Vast Natural Landscapes

Isaac Kenyon

Geoscientist, Isaac Kenyon, is passionate about adventure travel and the great outdoors. As we explore the Canaries, Isaac will be joining us to deliver a series of talks on the geology and wilderness of the Canaries and Madeira.

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Glenn Patrick
Astronomy

Professor Glenn Patrick

Physicist Glenn Patrick has spent most of his career working at the CERN laboratory in Geneva. He will be on hand delivering a series of talks on earth and science subjects as well as leading stargazing sessions out on deck.

Tracy Foster
Gardens

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.

Discover our Treats & Pastimes

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 16:00 03/12/2024, 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 16:00 03/12/2024, 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 £5,599 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 £5,599 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 £6,499 pp

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Last few cabins remaining!

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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

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

Freedom Fare From £8,199 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 £8,199 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 £10,799 pp
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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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