07 Aug 2024
Rosyth
15 nights
Balmoral
Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
We have planned this cruise to showcase the natural wonders of the Azores, from verdant volcanic vistas to fascinating flora and fauna. You’ll have chances to discover the Sete Cidades crater lakes, the volcanoes of Capelinhos and Pico, and the Algar do Carvão lava tube. What’s more, we’ve timed your sailing to coincide with the Perseid Meteor Shower, affording chances to see shooting stars as Balmoral sails the remote waters of the Azores, and when hydrangeas – the archipelago’s national flower – are in bloom. Cultural experiences await your enjoyment, too, including thermal bathing in the Furnas Valley, dolphin- and whale-watching, riding the iconic trams in Lisbon, and tasting local delights like pastéis de nata and Port wine.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
The verdant volcanoes of the Azores
The volcanic peaks, craters, and lakes of the Azores archipelago provides visitors with a wide variety of breathtaking views. Unique twin lakes, one a vibrant green and the other a beautiful blue, can be found in Sete Cidades. These lakes are the focus of numerous mythological stories, the most well-known of which is the tale of the young princess and the shepherd boy, whose love was forbidden by her father, the King. You can explore caves and magma chambers formed by the cooling and solidification of lava flows in the Algar do Carvão lava tube. São Miguel Island's Furnas Valley is well known for its lush surroundings and geothermal characteristics, including hot springs and boiling mud pots. Balmoral will sail close to Vila Franca Islet, known for its unique crater that forms a picturesque natural swimming pool.
Immerse yourself in the Portuguese way of life
A strong sense of community permeates daily life in Portugal and the Azores and is often centered around rituals like fado music, food, and wine. Join us to experience a poignant Fado performance by local musicians. Fado music originated in the mainland of Portugal, but the Azorean islands have given it a distinctive sound with its eerily melodic undertones. While in Lisbon, take some time to sample some fresh sardines or a delectably buttery pastéis de nata at a local cafe, and do enjoy a ride on one of the famous wooden trams to further explore the city's winding streets lined with brightly-coloured buildings.
Perseid Meteor Shower
On the evening of 12th August, we’ll host a special Sky at Sea evening, when the Perseid Meteor Shower will be at its peak. The shower will produce some of the brightest and most active meteors to be seen, so turn your eyes to the sky to look for bright, fast-moving streaks across the night sky. As we’ll be at sea heading towards Horta, there will be ideal opportunities to see impressive meteors. Be sure to look out for shooting stars originating from the Perseus constellation from which it gets its name, during this celestial spectacle.
See Azorean Hydrangeas in Bloom
This sailing has been designed to visit the Azores when the famous hydrangeas are in full bloom. Now known as the national flower of the archipelago, these iconic flowers create stunning vistas against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean and are renowned for their vibrant blue, red, pink, white and purple hues, thanks to the mineral-rich, volcanic soil which determines the colour of the petals.
Marine and birdlife spotting
Take the opportunity to join our conservationists from ORCA out on the decks of Balmoral, as they assist you with spotting different species of marine and birdlife. You may see sperm and minke whales and a variety of dolphins, as the archipelago is known as an essential stopping off point for many cetacean species as they migrate, due to the nutrient-rich waters of the islands.
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.
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
Dolphin & Whale Watching
Sail across the sparkling crystalline waters of the Azores in search of dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. These blue coastal waters are home to an abundance of magnificent marine mammals including the humpback, minke, blue, sei, and northern bottlenose whales.
££££
Horta
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
Sete Cidades Jeep Adventure
Enjoy an exhilarating Jeep adventure up into the mountains to soak up the magnificent surroundings. Visit Sete Cidades and the main crater of this extinct volcano to admire the views of the two lakes below. Finish with a visit to Santiago Lake, situated at the bottom of an extinct crater.
££££
Ponta Delgada
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.
Dr. Tony Waltham
Experienced geologist, Dr. Tony Waltham will be on hand throughout your cruise to deliver a series of engaging talks about the volcanoes and volcanic landscapes of the Azores.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
Paul Fellows
Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, Paul Fellows, will be on board delivering insightful talks and hosting stargazing sessions. As we explore the Azores together, join him out on deck as he brings the night sky to life.
Tony McMahon
TV historian, Tony McMahon’s ability to speaks Portuguese has enabled him to understand relevant documents and books over the years to provide you with an insight into the Age of Discoveries and exploration in a series of engaging talks onboard.
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 05:00 20/04/2024, 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 05:00 20/04/2024, 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)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £4,899 pp |
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360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £4,599 pp |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £2,299 pp |
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360°
Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,999 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £3,699 pp |
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360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £9,308.10 |
|---|
360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £8,738.10 |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £4,023.25 |
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360°
Interior Cabin (H)
Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise
| Freedom Fare | From £3,673.25 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6
| Freedom Fare | From £3,699 |
|---|
360°
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.