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Discovering Spain & Morocco

S2503

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Pena Palace in the Sintra hills, Lisbon, Portugal Pena Palace in the Sintra hills, Lisbon, Portugal
15 Feb 2025
Portsmouth
12 nights
Borealis

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

Embark on an unforgettable exploration of iconic landmarks in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. As Borealis approaches the maritime city of Lisbon, you will see the Belém Tower from the viewpoint of the sea, while ashore you can explore the charming town of Sintra, set high in the Portuguese hills. In Malaga, you can taste top quality olive oils, as some of the best in the world hail from the Andalusian region; bake authentic Pastéis de Nata with a local pastry chef in Lisbon; sample tapas and watch a mesmerising flamenco in Cádiz, and learn some steps from a bailaora; and savour Moroccan tagines in Casablanca. Meanwhile, in Casablanca, admire the Moorish architecture of the Hassan II Mosque, discover its Arab-Berber influences, and experience the ancient Moroccan storytelling art form of Halqa.

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Highlights

Hassan II Square, Morocco

Discover Iconic Landmarks

On your Borealis cruise to Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, you will have the opportunity to explore some of the region's most iconic landmarks. In Casablanca, visit the Hassan II Mosque, where you can admire the magnificent example of Arab-Islamic architecture, topped by the world's tallest minaret that shines a laser in the direction of Mecca. From Lisbon, you can wander through the picturesque streets of Sintra, a traditional Portuguese town nestled within the hills of Serra de Sintra, home to ornate villas, colourful architecture, and a fairytale-like palace set within mist-veiled forests of pine trees. You will also have the chance to explore the Belém Tower in Lisbon and climb the legendary Rock of Gibraltar.

Spanish dancers, Flamenco

Spanish & North African cuisines and cultures

Throughout your cruise, you'll have an abundance of chances to experience the diverse cultures and cuisines of the destinations you are visiting. Casablanca is home to the rich and flavoursome tagines that are slow cooked to perfection and served in the cone-shaped earthenware pot of the same name, or Pastilla, a delicious savoury-sweet pastry filled with chicken; while in Cádiz, enjoy tapas like Patatas Bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy sauce) or Gambas al Ajillo (garlic-infused prawns) accompanied by a glass of Jerez sherry. Here, you can also learn some steps of the famously passionate Flamenco dance with a local bailaora. Lisbon is famous for its melt in the mouth cpastry custard tart, known as Pasteis de Nata, which isn't to be missed when sampled in its country of origin.

Itinerary

Cruise Itinerary

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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 at sea at sunset
Borealis at sea at sunset

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.

702 cabins
1,360 guests
662 crew
61,849 GT
25kts 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.

Enchanting Marrakech

Enchanting Marrakech

Enjoy a guided tour of Marrakech, with stops at the Bahia Palace and Ben Youssef Madrasa before enjoying a local dinner and exploring Jemaa-al-Fnaa Square, where you can see acrobats, snake charmers and water sellers. 

££££

Casablanca

Hassan II Square, Morocco

Hassan II Moqsue & Hammam Experience

Experience Morocco with a tour inside the stunning Hassan II Mosque, a masterpiece of Arab-Islamic architecture and the second largest in the Arab world. Follow with a traditional Hammam session, enjoying recently renovated baths that vary from warm to very hot, capturing the essence of Moroccan relaxation before returning to your ship.

££££

Casablanca

Flavours of Andalusia

Flavours of Andalusia

Journey through Málaga's varied hinterland with a visit to a traditional Spanish Finca where you will be introduced to the flavours of the produce which is grown in the so-called "Sunshine Valley" and enjoy local refreshments. 

££££

Málaga

St. Micheals Cave

The Rock Tour

See Gibraltar’s apes that roam freely and step inside St. Michael’s Cave for a 3D light show, before visiting Trinity Lighthouse.

££££

Gibraltar

Santiago Church and pavement cafe in Cathedral Square, Cadiz, Cadiz

Cádiz Like a Local

Discover Cádiz with a local guide, strolling through narrow cobblestone streets, visiting the Old Market for tapas, sampling chicharrones in La Viña, and ending at La Caleta's turquoise waters and relaxing promenade.

££££

Cádiz

 Flamenco Experience

Flamenco Experience

Learn about the history of flamenco and visit an authentic tablao-tavern to learn how to master this passionate dance from a local expert. 

££££

Cádiz

Beautiful Seville in the sunshine

Splendours of Seville

Experience Seville’s rich history and stunning architecture. Highlights include Plaza de España, La Giralda, the Alcázar, and the Cathedral.

££££

Cádiz

 Portuguese Tiles.

Portuguese Tiles

Discover the world of Azulejo, the Portuguese tiles that decorate every church, monastery, palace, park seat, and subway station in the city, with a private tour of the Santana Factory.

££££

Lisbon

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.

Arantxa Sardina
Iberia Way of Life

Arantxa Sardina

An accredited lecturer with the Arts Society and hailing from Santander, Arantxa will be speaking on the culture and way of life in Spain.

Robert Collins
Maritime History

Bob Collins

Bob has a long-standing affinity and passion for maritime history. Throughout your cruise he will be onboard to deliver engaging talks on the Age of Exploration, including the Portuguese Age of Discoveries.

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 Emma Alexander on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.

Paul Howard
Photography

Paul Howard

Photographer Paul Howard will  be joining us throughout our sailing, ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by.

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 22/11/2024, 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 22/11/2024, 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)

Borealis' Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

Saver Fare From £2,899 pp
Freedom Fare From £3,149 pp
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Suite

Balcony Junior Suite Wheelchair Adapted (BJD)

Borealis' Balcony Junior Adapted Suites have a balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

Saver Fare From £2,899 pp
Freedom Fare From £3,149 pp
Call for details
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Suite

Balcony Suite (BS)

Located on Highland deck & Bridge deck, Borealis' Balcony Suites have a private balcony.

Saver Fare From £2,999 pp
Freedom Fare From £3,249 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

Borealis' Premier Suites are located on Bridge deck, and have a private balcony.

Saver Fare From £4,049 pp
Freedom Fare From £4,299 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite Wheelchair Adapted (PSD)

Borealis' Premier Adapted Suites are spacious and stylish, and located on Bridge deck.

Saver Fare From £4,049 pp
Freedom Fare From £4,299 pp
Call for details
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Suite

Olsen Suite (OW)

The Olsen Suite is the largest suite on Borealis, with a private balcony and sitting area.

Freedom Fare From £6,199 pp
Call for details
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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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