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The Canary Islands with the fleet in Funchal

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Mount Teide and National park at Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain Mount Tiede, Tenerife, Canary Islands

30 Oct 2023

Southampton

15 nights

Balmoral

The cruise at a glance

The Olsen Way Highlights

The converging of the Fred. Olsen fleet in Funchal is set to be the undoubted highlight on this island-hopping adventure, with a memorable day of celebrations planned for guests and crews. Visiting four Canary Islands presents chances to enjoy an array of experiences. You could opt to explore Mount Teide in Tenerife; discover the volcanic peaks and dense forests of La Palma; relax on the golden dunes of Maspalomas Beach in Gran Canaria; and savour the verdant vistas of La Gomera, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Uncovering the Olsen family’s links to these islands makes for an insightful experience too, be it at the Hotel Jardin Tecina or the mystical Pyramids of Güímar.

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Highlights

 

The Fleet in Funchal Event


This sailing will be part of our very special 2023 fleet reunion in Funchal!

On Thursday 9th November 2023 all three Fred. Olsen ships; Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral will sail into Funchal and dock together ready for a day packed full of Fred. Olsen celebrations. Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to step on board each ship to explore, meet our crew and celebrate with fellow travellers. Both on board and ashore, there will be a vibrant carnival atmosphere with prizes, treasure hunts, live music, a tug of war, and the day will end perfectly with an unforgettable fleet sail away party - into the sunset! 
Join our Facebook group to share in the build up to the big day.

Caldera de Taburiente National Park, La Palma

Volcanic Landscapes

This cruise aboard Balmoral will offer guests the chance to visit all of the volcanic islands of the Canaries, and Madeira too. In Tenerife, enjoy a cable car ride to the summit of Mount Teide, where the views over the rugged terrain show not only the crater of the island, but others in the archipelago too. La Palma is home to Caldera de Taburiente National Park – a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where the volcanic crater is nestled within dense Canarian pine wood trees and criss-crossed by deep ravines. Pináculo Belvedere, located on the garden island of Madeira, stands at around 283 metres above sea level. This belvedere offers wonderful views over Funchal, with Cabo Girao in the distance. You’ll be joined on board by geologists Cally Oldershaw and Ben Church, who will talk in detail about the volcanic islands of the Canaries.

Mojo Picon sauce, typical canarian dish

The Canarian Way of Life

Learn more about the Canarian way of life and experience how islanders live in these volcanic lands. As part of our Signature Experiences, take a tour to see how the famous spicy red pepper Mojo Picón sauce is made using local ingredients and processes, and enjoy preparing and tasting it yourself. The unique whistling language known as Silbo Gomero is used in La Gomera, and was historically used by locals to communicate across the deep ravines and valleys all over the island. Take the time to visit a local community where they’ll explain its history and will demonstrate this fascinating protected whistled conversation – which has become compulsory in La Gomera’s schools, so it can be preserved for the future.

Banana cultivation in Tenerife, traditional farming, green small bananas

Trade and Produce

Balmoral will take guests to parts of the Canaries to learn more about Fred. Olsen’s links to Tenerife, and trading over the years. In Tenerife, visit the island’s oldest banana plantation and discover how it was transformed into being the first plantation in the area to produce bananas entirely ecologically; and you’ll also have the chance to taste the organic fruit. In La Gomera, the beautiful gardens and hotel at Le Jardin Tecina are owned by the Olsen family – home to a thriving variety of tropical flowers and plants from all over the world, such as Vietnam and Japan – which sit happily alongside several species of native flora. Fred. Olsen is the largest employer on the island, and set up the fast ferry service to connect all the Canary Islands. You’ll be joined on this cruise by Clive Harvey, a maritime speaker with vast knowledge on the history of Fred. Olsen; as you'll have the pleasure of seeing both Bolette and Borealis in Funchal when you're there too.

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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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.

Itinerary Insights

We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting

Scenic Discoveries

Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships

The Ship and the Sea

Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years

The Sky at Sea

There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea

Treats of the Region

We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 18:00 22/09/2023, 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 18:00 22/09/2023, 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

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Saver Fare From £4,399 pp
Freedom Fare From £4,799 pp
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Suite

Marquee Suite (MS)

Situated on deck 10, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £6,199 pp
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Suite

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Freedom Fare From £8,999 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Located on deck 10, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Freedom Fare From £6,899 pp
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Suite

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on decks 9 & 10, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Little man Solo traveller offer available

Saver Fare From £4,699 pp
Freedom Fare From £5,099 pp
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Cruise Offers

Solo traveller offer available   Saver Fare
Freedom Fare

Enjoy FREE drinks   Saver Fare
Freedom Fare

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.

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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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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