Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Enjoy the warmth of the Canary Islands and Madeira as Balmoral sails around volcanic islands on this winter sailing. Madeira’s luscious green landscapes offer botanical and tropical gardens, plus Levada trails through vibrant flora and fauna. The sun-kissed Canary Islands offer a different blend of landscape, although just as spectacular; in Gran Canaria, the desert-like sand dunes of Maspalomas are a mesmerising contrast against the azure sea, while the lava fields and volcanic cones of Lanzarote at Timanfaya National Park and Tenerife’s Mount Teide offer surreal views across the surrounding terrain, stretching as far as the eye can see. You can also discover cultural traditions and culinary delights; pop by a local bakery in Funchal to sample the traditional Portuguese custard tart, Pastéis de Nata, or try some locally produced wine from Lanzarote’s volcanic ash vineyards.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
The way of life in the Canary Islands and Madeira
Life in the Canaries and Madeira is a perfect blend of cultural traditions and culinary delights. In Madeira, do try the delectable flaky pastry custard tarts, Pastéis de Nata, which are a symbol of warmth and hospitality; while in Lanzarote, try Malvasía wine, made from the sweet-smelling grape only found on this island; and in Tenerife, the famous spicy Mojo sauce adds flavour to traditional dishes, such as patatas bravas. There will also be opportunities to experience Madeira's Fado music, full of soulful melodies and touching lyrics and telling stories of Portuguese longing and lost loves, contrasting with the lively Bailinho folk dance embodying community spirit and joy.
Uncovering island agriculture and horticulture
The Canaries and Madeira have perfect conditions for agriculture and horticultural practices to thrive, due to their year-round temperate climates. In Madeira, join us to explore the array of exotic flowers and plants in the Botanical Gardens and Monte Palace Tropical Gardens; while the vineyards here and in Lanzarote produce unique wines recognised for their quality. In Tenerife, discover how bananas are cultivated in the mild climate at a local plantation, producing sweet-tasting fruits. These agricultural enterprises reflect centuries-old traditions and the rich heritage of the islands.
Picturesque Volcanic Landscapes
The Canary Islands archipelago boasts a diverse range of landscapes shaped by volcanic activity, blending natural landscapes with unique geological features. The Maspalomas Sand Dunes stretch along the coast of Gran Canaria, creating a unique desert-like landscape which contrasts beautifully against the azure blue of the Atlantic Ocean; while Mount Teide in Tenerife, surrounded by otherworldly terrain, offers fantastic panoramic views across the island. Join us on a tour of Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, which showcases the lunar landscape of lava fields, volcanic cones and geothermal activity. Meanwhile, in Madeira, explore the Levadas that crisscross lush valleys, offering hiking trails through thick forests and charming villages.
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 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.
Monte Palace Tropical Gardens
Enjoy a cable car ride to Monte Village, followed by a guided tour of Monte Palace Tropical Gardens, before exploring the garden and museum, or enjoying some free time in Monte Village.
££££
Funchal
Made in Madeira
Journey to Quinta das Vinhas, an organic vineyard to learn about its heritage, grape cultivation, and traditional Madeiran wine-making process. Conclude with a wine and rum tasting with tapas.
££££
Funchal
Mount Teide Cable Car
Journey up Spain’s highest volcano, Mount Teide, via cable car to La Rambleta, 3,555 metres above sea level, affording fabulous views not only of the crater but of Tenerife and the other islands of the archipelago.
££££
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Mojo Sauce Workshop & Wine Tasting
Enjoy a visit to a private farm owned by the Lugo Jorge family before a hands-on workshop where you will learn how to make your own Mojo sauce and the unique Mojo Picón that gives a delicious flavour to the island’s traditional potato dishes.
££££
Las Palmas
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
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 Jonathan Clough on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.
John Brinkley
John is a Fellow of the Geological Society and has co-authored a number of geographical teaching resources. Throughout the cruise, John will be on hand exploring the geology of the destinations we will be visiting.
Stephanie Melodia
Stephanie was just nine years' old when she and her family relocated from the outskirts of London to the volcanic Canary Island of Lanzarote. Here she learnt impactful life lessons growing up in such a unique environment. During your cruise, Stephanie will share the inside story of what island life is really like.
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 14:00 18/12/2024, 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 14:00 18/12/2024, 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)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £3,299 pp |
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Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £3,199 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £1,799 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,499 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,699 pp |
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Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £6,268.10 |
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360°
Balcony Cabin (BA)
Located on Lido deck & Bridge deck Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area
| Freedom Fare | From £6,078.10 |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views
| Freedom Fare | From £3,148.25 |
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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 £2,798.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on Marina & Main deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,699 |
|---|
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 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.