Home / Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines / Balmoral / Easter Escape to Portugal's Unspoilt Islands

Visiting:

Europe

Mediterranean

Prices Available

10th April 2025

£1499

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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines combines quality cruise experiences with customer-friendly value. They’ve plied the waves for 175 years, and are still going as strong today as their first day at sea.

Offering a stylish & understated style of traditional cruising, the line prides itself on its Signature Experience programme- helping passengers to gain an in-depth understanding of their destinations.

Ideal for passengers seeking a laid-back cruise, with an informal and friendly atmosphere aboard.

1325

Passengers

551

Crew

1987

Launched

2019

Last refit

43537t

Tonnage

218m

Length

32m

Width

18kts

Speed

Decks

GBP

Currency

Overview

14 nights Full Board including a la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
All entertainment including evening shows, live music and dancing
Fitness Centre & Classes

Cruise Itinerary

Day 1

Southampton

Days 2 - 4

At Sea

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Day 5

Praia da Vitória

Nestled along the picturesque coastline, Praia de Vitoria beckons with its maritime heritage, tracing back to the Age of Exploration. Its warm, temperate climate offers a respite from the bustling ports, inviting travelers to bask in the gentle ocean breeze. Here, authenticity thrives amidst quaint cobblestone streets and lively waterfront cafes, where locals share tales of seafaring adventures. As a hidden gem in Portugal, Praia de Vitoria captivates with its unspoiled beauty and tranquil ambiance. And for a unique experience, visitors can witness the annual Semana do Mar festival, celebrating the island's rich maritime traditions with colorful parades and nautical competitions.

Day 6

Horta, Azores

In the heart of the Azores archipelago, Horta beckons with a maritime legacy as colorful as its shores. Set against a backdrop of rugged cliffs and azure waters, Horta's history intertwines with tales of intrepid explorers and daring seafarers who sought refuge in its harbor. The island's mild climate offers respite from the bustle of city life, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its unspoiled landscapes and authentic charm. From whale watching excursions to exploring volcanic caves, Horta provides a gateway to the true essence of the Azores. Don't miss the chance to sample the local delicacy, barnacle stew, a culinary tradition passed down through generations.

Day 7

Horta, Azores

Day 8

Ponta Delgada, Azores

Welcome to Ponta Delgada, where the echoes of its maritime past whisper tales of exploration and discovery. Here, amidst the gentle waves of the Atlantic Ocean, cruise lines anchor to unveil the hidden gems of Portugal's Azores archipelago. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery and volcanic landscapes, Ponta Delgada offers a climate that dances between subtropical and temperate, creating an ideal setting for leisurely exploration. Cruise-goers seeking an authentic escape from the ordinary will find themselves immersed in the vibrant local culture, where quaint cobblestone streets lead to bustling markets and charming cafes. As the gateway to São Miguel Island, Ponta Delgada boasts a unique blend of Old World charm and modern allure. A testament to its volcanic origins, visitors can bathe in the natural hot springs of Ferraria, a rejuvenating experience unlike any other.

Day 8

Ponta Delgada, Azores,

Day 9

At Sea

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Day 10

Funchal, Madeira

<p>Formed by a volcanic eruption, Madeira lies in the Gulf Stream, about 500 miles due west of Casablanca. Discovered by Portuguese explorer João Gonçalves Zarco in 1419, this beautiful island became part of Portugal’s vast empire and was named for the dense forest which cloaked it - 'Madeira' means 'wood' in Portuguese. Sugar plantations first brought wealth here, and when King Charles II of England granted an exclusive franchise to sell wine to England and its colonies, many British emigrants were drawn to the capital, Funchal. Today’s travellers come to Madeira for the varied and luxuriant scenery, from mountain slopes covered with vines to picturesque villages and a profusion of wild flowers. The natural beauty of the island has earned it many pseudonyms such as ‘The Floating Garden of the Atlantic’, 'The Island of Eternal Springtime' and ‘God’s Botanical Gardens’ and our selection of excursions aim to show you why.</p>

Days 11 - 12

At Sea

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Day 13

La Coruña

<p>La Coruña, the largest city in Spain's Galicia region, is among the country's busiest ports. The remote Galicia area is tucked into the northwest corner of the Iberian Peninsula, surprising visitors with its green and misty countryside that is so much unlike other parts of Spain. The name "Galicia" is Celtic in origin, for it was the Celts who occupied the region around the 6th-century BC and erected fortifications. La Coruña was already considered an important port under the Romans. They were followed by an invasion of Suevians, Visigoths and, much later in 730, the Moors. It was after Galicia was incorporated into the Kingdom of Asturias that the epic saga of the Pilgrimage to Santiago (St. James) began. From the 15th century, overseas trade developed rapidly; in 1720, La Coruña was granted the privilege of trading with America - a right previously only held by Cadiz and Seville. This was the great era when adventurous men voyaged to the colonies and returned with vast riches. Today, the city's significant expansion is evident in three distinct quarters: the town centre located along the isthmus; the business and commercial centre with wide avenues and shopping streets; and the "Ensanche" to the south, occupied by warehouses and factories. Many of the buildings in the old section feature the characteristic glazed façades that have earned La Coruña the name "City of Crystal." Plaza Maria Pita, the beautiful main square, is named after the local heroine who saved the town in 1589 when she seized the English standard from the beacon and gave the alarm, warning her fellow townsmen of the English attack.</p>

Day 14

At Sea

Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.

Day 15

Southampton

Day 1

Southampton

Days 2 - 4

At Sea

Day 5

Praia da Vitória

Day 6

Horta, Azores

Day 7

Horta, Azores

Day 8

Ponta Delgada, Azores

Day 8

Ponta Delgada, Azores,

Day 9

At Sea

Day 10

Funchal, Madeira

Days 11 - 12

At Sea

Day 13

La Coruña

Day 14

At Sea

Day 15

Southampton

Ship Details

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

Balmoral

Balmoral is the smallest ship in our fleet and is well-loved by all of our teams, and long-standing guests. She has wonderful facilities - six beautiful restaurants, seven bars and lounges, two pools and lovely wide open decks which are perfect for when Balmoral is scenic cruising.

View Full Ship Details

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Customer Reviews

4.4

out of 58 customer reviews

Cruise Overall

4.5

Ship

4.6

Dining

4.4

Service Onboard

4.7

Accomodation

4.1

Public Rooms

4.6

Embark & Disembark

4.6

Shore Excursions

3.9

Value For Money

4.3

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