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Maritime Traditions of Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar

S2508

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Lisbon Historical City Panorama, Alfama architecture Lisbon Historical City Panorama, Alfama architecture
04 Apr 2025
Newcastle
13 nights
Borealis

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights

Our Journey Planners have designed this cruise from Newcastle to showcase the magnificent old towns of Iberia. Stroll through the streets of Malaga's Centro Historico, home to Roman theatres and Renaissance churches, while the iconic Alfama District in Lisbon is a charming maze of narrow cobbled streets and traditional buildings. In Cádiz, the birthplace of tapas, sample tortillas de camarones, a crisp, golden fritter sprinkled with herbs and prawns; Gambas al Ajillo, garlic-infused prawns; and join a flamenco lesson with a local bailaora (flamenco dancer), while Lisbon is ideal for participating in a Pastéis de Nata making class with a local pastry chef. There will also be opportunities to uncover Portugal’s maritime history and view historic sites from Borealis, such as the Belém Tower and the Tower of Hercules, said to be the only Roman lighthouse in existence.

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Highlights

A picturesque narrow street in Malaga, Spain

Explore the hidden streets of Iberian old towns 

Embark on an unforgettable cruise to Iberia and explore the charming towns of this intriguing region. A stroll through the cobbled streets of Ciudad Vieja in La Coruna offers hidden squares of captivating Baroque and medieval architecture where time seems to have stood still, and small cafés, charming taverns, and antique shops beg for further exploration, while Lisbon's Alfama District is a maze of narrow streets and ancient buildings like the historic Cathedral and miradouros (viewpoints) that overlook the city. You will also have the chance to explore Malaga's vibrant mix of old and new in Centro Historico and Casco Antiguo in Cadiz, home to both Moorish and Spanish architecture, with tiny alleys opening onto sunlit plazas.

Spanish dancers, Flamenco

Immerse yourself in the Iberian way of life

Iberia is a diverse region that encompasses a fusion of unique cultures and customs, with each country influenced by its own distinct traditions and cuisines. In Cadiz, immerse yourself in the passionate rhythm of flamenco as the dancers convey their emotions through song and dance and indulge in authentic Andalucian tapas like patatas bravas (fried potatoes with a spicy sauce) or Gambas al Ajillo (garlic-infused prawns), accompanied by the sweet, rich flavours of Jerez Sherry. Malaga is home to the traditional Spanish cold soup, Gazpacho, which is prepared using fresh tomatoes, garlic, and vegetables. While in Lisbon, be sure to sample a delicious Pastéis de Nata and take a memorable ride on the iconic trams that traverse the city.

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.

 Fortress Gibraltar

Fortress Gibraltar

Step foot inside the largest tunnelling ever carried out in Gibraltar. Explore the intricate network of tunnels inside the Rock and learn how they housed the hospital, power station and more.

££££

Gibraltar

Age of Discovery

Age of Discovery

Learn about the Golden Age of Discovery with visits to the Belém Quarter, Navigator’s Memorial, Belém Tower, the Maritime Museum and the Royal Monastery of Jerónimos, which houses the tomb of the great navigator, Vasco da Gama.

££££

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.

Dr Stephen Musgrave
Maritime & Trading History

Dr. Stephen Musgrave

Maritime speaker and former Merchant Navy Officer, Stephen Musgrave will be onboard to deliver engaging talks on the Age of Exploration, and the maritime history of the ports we will be visiting.

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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 Luke Tyas on your cruise for stargazing sessions conducted on the top deck in the evenings.

Mark Southon, Guest Speaker
History of Spirit & Wines

Mark Southon

On this cruise Mark Southon will be on hand to undiscover the provenance and people behind the history of whisky and fine spirits, including Sherry, Galician wine and Port.

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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.

Discover our Treats & Pastimes

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 20:00 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 20:00 24/12/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

Standard Pricing Solo Pricing
Suite

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

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

Freedom Fare From £3,669 pp
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Suite

Balcony Junior Suite Wheelchair Adapted (BJD)

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

Freedom Fare From £3,669 pp
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Suite

Balcony Suite (BS)

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

Freedom Fare From £3,869 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite (PS)

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

Freedom Fare From £4,869 pp
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Suite

Premier Suite Wheelchair Adapted (PSD)

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

Freedom Fare From £4,869 pp
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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 £6,869 pp
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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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