Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Set sail on a Christmas and New Year exploration of the Canary Islands to discover their natural beauty, from Tenerife’s mighty Mount Teide to the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park. There’s also a chance to see one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, Cabo Girão, in Madeira. Embrace the local way of life by experiencing Canarian music and dance, tasting Malvasía white wine and soaking up the beach culture. We’ve also timed your visit to Lisbon so that you can see in the New Year with the city’s spectacular fireworks display. Uncover the Olsen’s historic links to the islands, from their involvement in facilitating the banana trade to operating fast ferries known as the Fred. Olsen Express.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore the Canaries natural landscapes
With their molten rock landscapes, Mount Teide in Tenerife and Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote serve as illustrations of the power of powerful volcanic forces in the Canaries. Spain's highest volcano, Mount Teide, can be reached via cable car where the panoramic views from the peak at La Rambletta offer rugged terrain, a variety of colours and unique silhouettes of the other islands of the archipelago. The UNESCO Biosphere Island of La Gomera is a hotspot of fascinatingly rugged terrain where flora and fauna thrive in the magnificent landscapes and is home to the five rock formations of Mirador Los Roques that watch over the entrance to Garajonay National Park. Today they stand tall from the island’s green forest canopy and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The Canarian way of life
The ideal blend of customs and culture forms the foundation of Canary Island life. As you visit Tenerife, enjoy the spicy mojo sauce created from peppers and chillies with the deliciously crispy potatoes known as papas arrugadas. While in Arrecife, enjoy a tour to a volcanic vineyard to taste the locally produced Malvasía wine, which is made from a sweet-smelling grape that is unique to Lanzarote; 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 all the inhabitants on the island. Your cruise has been perfectly timed for you to spend New Year's Eve in Lisbon, where, at the stroke of midnight, the exciting spectacle of fireworks over the river begins, heralded by the sound of the twelve badaladas (chimes).
Seek out dolphins and whales
The waters surrounding the Canary Islands are popular all year round for many species of dolphins and whales. La Gomera has a rich variety of ecosystems, a beautiful coastline and a diverse and abundant seabed. Valle Gran Rey and Playa Santiago in La Gomera often welcome dolphins, pilot whales and even orcas on occasion, while the Los Gigantes cliffs in Tenerife are particularly popular with bottlenose dolphins, pilot whales and sperm whales. Other species that may be seen in these waters include the endangered loggerhead turtle and a variety of rays.
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.
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.
Mike Bowman
Geologist and honorary professor, Mike Bowman will be speaking about the geological features of Canary Islands and Madeira and what makes them so special during your cruise.
Susan Deakin
Susan has spent much of her life in Spain and has travelled extensively throughout the region in her role as Operations Director. She'll be joining us to share her insights into the Canarian way of life.
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 12:00 24/12/2024, 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 12:00 24/12/2024, 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 £5,569 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,569 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 £2,769 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 £2,369 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 £4,069 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.
| Freedom Fare | From £8,588.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Borealis' Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £8,668.10 |
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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 £4,688.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Borealis are located on Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,463.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Borealis' N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,069 |
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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.