Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Join this captivating journey to Portugal, where volcanic vistas, such as the Sete Cidades crater lakes, Furnas Valley hot springs, and dramatic Cabo Girão sea cliff, unfold. You can immerse yourself in the Portuguese way of life with thrilling dolphin and whale watching, soothing thermal baths, and wine tasting. In Lisbon, treat yourself to culinary delights like pastéis de nata and fresh sardines, and enhance your exploration of the capital by hopping aboard one of the iconic trams. Delve into the rich agriculture and horticulture of the Azores and Madeira, exploring dairy farming, pineapple cultivation, tea plantations, and the exquisite beauty of Madeira’s botanical gardens and vineyards.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Volcanic Vistas
Volcanic peaks and craters are plentiful on this Borealis cruise to the remote islands of Madeira and the Azores. As the mist clears, discover the twin lakes of Sete Cidades in Ponta Delgada, surrounded by an impressive dormant volcano, one blue and one green, tell the tragic story of a shepherd boy and princess, and how the lakes were formed by their tears. You are in the ideal location in Praia da Vitoria to visit Algar Do Carvao by descending into the volcanic lava-free chimney to explore amazing caverns and magma chambers; while Caldera de Gulherme Moniz offers the chance to explore landscapes shaped by the crater, along with lava fields, fumaroles and lava caves full of springs of crystal clear water. Join us on the deck of your ship as we sail into Lisbon under the iconic Abril 25 bridge.
Embrace the Portuguese way of life
Daily life in Portugal and the Azores is strongly influenced by a sense of community and is frequently centred around customs such as fado music, food and wine. Although Fado music has its roots in mainland Portugal, the islands have given it a unique sound with its hauntingly melodic undertones, so join us to experience a moving performance from local musicians. Madeira is well-known for its fortified wine, whose taste has remained exactly as it did when it was originally produced over three centuries ago; while in Lisbon make time to try a deliciously buttery pastéis de nata or fresh sardines in a local cafe, and hop aboard one of the iconic trams to explore the narrow streets of the city further.
The subtropical climate of the Azores
The islands of the Azores bask in their very own subtropical climate, where it's possible to experience four seasons in one day, making them the ideal setting in which to grow exotic plants and fruits. The Gorreana Tea Plantation, the oldest tea garden in Europe; and a pineapple greenhouse are both based in Ponta Delgada, where you will be able to see firsthand how the rich volcanic soil here allows for the perfect growth of highly flavoured pineapples, which are cultivated and sold in the greenhouses. You will also have the chance to spend time exploring the beautiful Palheiro Gardens in Funchal, which are well-known for their variety of plants and views of verdant hills, or take a stroll through the Monte Palace Tropical Garden to discover exotic plants from all over the world, sitting alongside historical structures and stunning views.
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
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.
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.
Glynda Easterbrook
A Fellow of the Geological Society and an Earth Scientist, Glynda will be on board speaking on a range of topics which relate to the natural world in the destinations we will be visiting.
Go Stargazing
Acting as tour guides of the heavens, the Go Stargazing astronomers will share their knowledge with group sessions learning interesting and amazing facts about our Universe. The friendly and approachable team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and to help you spot planets and stars.
OWE (Ocean Wildlife Encounters)
Ocean Wildlife Encounters (OWE) are a group of highly experienced wildlife speakers. Join them for an insightful talk or out on deck to search the seas for wildlife.
Tracy Foster
Horticulturalist and botanical guide, Tracy Foster will be onboard to speak about the gardens you will see along your cruise, including the history of the Madeiran Gardens and why the island is known for them.
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 17:00 25/12/2024, 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 25/12/2024, 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)
Borealis' Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,559 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,659 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Borealis' F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,259 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
Located on Marina, Coral & Promenade deck, I Grade Interior cabins on Borealis have a bathroom with shower.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,859 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,859 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £7,068.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,938.10 |
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Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture view window.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,768.50 |
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Interior Cabin (I)
Located on Marina, Coral & Promenade deck, I Grade Interior cabins on Borealis have a bathroom with shower.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,518.10 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,859 |
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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.
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 be 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.