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FREEDOM FARE
From£1,699pp

Easter Escape to Portugal's Unspoilt Islands

L2505

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Lagoon of the seven cities, Azores Lagoon of the seven cities, Azores
10 Apr 2025
Southampton
14 nights
Balmoral

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

This Balmoral cruise over Easter showcases Portugal’s diverse island landscapes, from the hard-to-reach archipelago of the Azores to the ‘garden island’ of Madeira. You will have the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed city of Angra do Heroísmo, once an important stopover for navigators crossing the Atlantic, and marvel at the Sete Cidades crater lakes on São Miguel island, while Madeira is home to unique levada walking trails, fortified wine and colourful botanical gardens which are best explored with a local orchid expert. Immerse yourself in the Portuguese way of life by indulging in the sweet taste of Madeiran wine and the buttery pastry and creamy custard filling of Pastéis de Nata or relaxing in therapeutic hot springs at Furnas Valley. You will also be joined by wildlife charity ORCA, who will have conservationists on board to help you spot a variety of marine life from Balmoral, while Horta is ideal for dolphin and whale watching tours.  

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Highlights

Furnas valley, Azores

Verdant Volcanic Vistas of the Azores

On your Balmoral cruise to the islands of the Azores and Madeira, you will experience an abundance of lush greenery framing natural volcanic landscapes. In Ponta Delgada, you are perfectly placed to visit the mysterious twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, one in a shade of brilliant blue and the other in jade green, or wander around the bubbling calderas and fumaroles of Furnas Valley before taking the chance to relax and rejuvenate in the hot spring pools of Terra Nostra Park. The crater of Caldera de Gulherme Moniz on the island of Terceira is well-known for its rocky outcrops, crystal-clear water springs, and awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscapes and is well worth exploring, along with the fascinating Algar Do Carvao, one of the only volcanoes in the world whose interior can be explored on foot. 

A close-up of Pastéis de Nata, the traditional Portuguese custard tarts, golden and flaky.

Embrace the Portuguese way of life

As you step ashore in the Azores and Madeira, you'll discover a multitude of rich traditions and cultural practices. Madeira is renowned for its sweet-tasting fortified wine, with its rich caramel and toffee flavours attributed to the fertile volcanic vineyards, which reflect its centuries-old winemaking heritage, while the rich and unctuous custard tarts, Pastéis de Nata, embody the essence of Portuguese pastry-making. The Chamarrita folk dance is a vibrant example of Azorean culture and is a lively performance conducted in a circle with a caller singing out directions to all the dancers, while Madeira's Bailinho folkloric dance is accompanied by traditional regional voices and musical instruments, telling stories of love and life on the island.

Dolphins jumping out of the sea

Seek out dolphins and whales

The Azores and Madeira are a haven for rich marine life, including majestic whales and playful dolphins. The region is home to Atlantic-spotted dolphins and sperm whales, which can be spotted all year-round, and larger migratory species, such as blue and fin whales, may travel by in the spring. Join a team from ORCA out on Balmoral's deck as they guide you in spotting marine species. The team will watch whale behaviours in order to identify and protect vital whale and dolphin habitats, ultimately improving the health of our waters. They will also lead wildlife observation sessions on deck and deliver talks about the marine life you can encounter during your cruise to the Azores.

Itinerary

Cruise 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.

Algar do Carvão

Explore Inside Algar Do Carvâo Volcano

Explore Algar do Carvão Volcano on a journey 330ft below the Earth’s surface where caves, magma chambers and an underground lake with crystal clear waters await.

££££

Praia da Vitória

 Dolphin and Whale Watching

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

Jeep Adventure

Sete Cidades Jeep Adventure

Enjoy an exhilarating Jeep adventure up into the mountains to soak up the magnificent surroundings. Visit Sete Cidades, the main crater of this extinct volcano and Santiago Lake.

££££

Ponta Delgada

Flowers of Funchal

Flowers of Funchal

Enjoy a scenic drive to Palheiro Gardens to explore the beautiful garden before continuing to the family-owned Quinta Jardins do Lago, where Pedro, a local botanical enthusiast, will conduct an insightful orchid workshop.

££££

Funchal

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 Dr Jurgen Schmoll on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.

ORCA
Ocean Wildlife

Orca

Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.

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Stuart Kirk
Volcanic Vistas

Stuart Kirk

Environmental Scientist, Stuart Kirk with over 30 years of experience will be joining us to deliver a series of talks on the geology and the wilderness of the Azores and Madeira.

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 01:00 10/11/2024, 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 01:00 10/11/2024, 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 £4,699 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 £5,299 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 £6,299 pp

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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 £6,999 pp

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Last few cabins remaining!

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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £8,199 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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