Cruise · 14 nights · with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Volcanic Islands of the Azores & Madeira
Fourteen nights aboard Fred. Olsen's Balmoral sailing from Portsmouth to three Azorean islands and Madeira, with time ashore in Lisbon and Matosinhos. A route shaped by volcanic landscapes and whale-rich waters.
- Duration
- 14 nights
- Departs
- 13 May 2028
- Sails from
- Portsmouth
- Returns to the same port
- Ship
- Balmoral
- From
- £1,699
- per person, sharing
Highlights
What makes this one worth it
Three Azorean islandsIncluding Faial and São Miguel
Volcanic crater lakes of São Miguel
Whale watching in Azorean waters
Overnight calls in Lisbon and Matosinhos
Visit to Funchal, Madeira
About the trip
This two-week cruise with Fred. Olsen's Balmoral sets off from Portsmouth, offering three days at sea before reaching the Azores. First calls are Praia da Vitória on Terceira, then Horta on Faial, an island accessible only to smaller vessels. On São Miguel, the largest island, the ship docks at Ponta Delgada where volcanic crater lakes and lush greenery form the backdrop.
There’s a day at sea before landing in Madeira’s Funchal, known for its uneven streets and centuries-old levadas that carry water across the island. The voyage continues to Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, where time ashore reveals tiled shops and salmon-pink trams. Before heading back, Balmoral pauses in Matosinhos near Porto, a city where seafood and port wine meet at the quayside.
The cruise is steady-paced with extended sea passages between the archipelagos and mainland Portugal. Wildlife watchers may keep a keen eye out for whales that frequent the waters near the Azores. Balmoral’s size suits the islands well, allowing access to smaller ports beyond the reach of larger liners.
- 1 Portsmouth
- 2 Praia da Vitória
- 3 Horta
- 4 Ponta Delgada
- 5 Funchal
- 6 Lisbon
- 7 Matosinhos
Itinerary
The route, day by day
Day 1
Portsmouth, England
Day 2
At sea
Day 3
Praia da Vitória, Portugal
Day 4
Horta, Portugal
Day 5
Ponta Delgada, Portugal
Day 6
At sea
When to go
Departures and prices
Lowest price each month, per person.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines confirms exact dates, availability and prices when you book.
Need to know
Before you book
- Price based on
- Two people sharing a cabinThe operator confirms the exact basis when you book.
- Travelling alone
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Flights
- Not needed if you join at Portsmouth
- What’s included
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Accessibility
- Check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
- Cabin
- Interior Room
For full details of what’s included, check with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. See the full details on their site
Questions people ask
- How long is Volcanic Islands of the Azores & Madeira?
- Volcanic Islands of the Azores & Madeira is a 14 nights cruise holiday.
- Where does Volcanic Islands of the Azores & Madeira depart from?
- Volcanic Islands of the Azores & Madeira departs from Portsmouth.
- Who operates Volcanic Islands of the Azores & Madeira?
- Volcanic Islands of the Azores & Madeira is operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines aboard Balmoral.
- How much does Volcanic Islands of the Azores & Madeira cost?
- Prices for Volcanic Islands of the Azores & Madeira start from £1,699, subject to availability.
The operator
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Smaller-ship cruises, many from UK ports
A Norwegian family name in shipping since the nineteenth century, known for smaller ships that can reach the narrower fjords and harbours.
You book with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines directly. They confirm your place, take payment, and look after you from the moment you leave home; Atlas & Passage’s part ends when you click through.
New to United Kingdom? Our United Kingdom guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.
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