Canaries & Madeira Winter Warmth
Overview
Canaries & Madeira Winter Warmth
After the hectic festive period, relax and settle into the New Year indulging in the comfort and classic style of small ship Balmoral, and the sunshine, scenery and soothing warmth of beautiful Atlantic Ocean islands, on this rejuvenating escape from the UK’s cold and wet winter gloom.
As you journey south, a stop at Lisbon to discover the Portuguese capital’s engrossing architectural and cultural attractions will whet your appetite before visiting the first of five gorgeous Macaronesian gems on your itinerary, Madeira. Docking close to the heart of Funchal brings highlights – such as floral scenes of the fragrant Monte Palace Tropical Garden, accessed by cable car from the island’s capital – within easy reach. Take your exploration beyond Funchal though and lush landscapes and incredible vistas, discovered via unique walking trails, await you.
A fabulous four-days of island-hopping in the Canaries is your chance to experience the very best of this sun-soaked archipelago. During your Canarian adventure, you could uncover the mysterious Pyramids of Güímar; ride a cable car up mighty Mount Teide for astonishing views; or simply unwind on glorious beaches in Tenerife, while Lanzarote is a land of natural wonders for you to explore. Trail Timanfaya National Park’s surreal, lunar-like landscapes to see fascinating rock formations; or perhaps marvel at the Jameos del Agua caves’ remarkable exhibit of geology and architectural design. For glorious warmth and opportunities to unwind on the oasis-like sands of Maspalomas Beach, or enjoy a gentle stroll around the charming towns of Puerto de Mogán and Santa Brígida, a call at Gran Canaria is sure to be a highlight of your time away from it all.
What's Included:
- Comfortable, stylish cabins and suites equipped with a Smart TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, a fridge and individually controlled air conditioning
- A tempting choice of cuisine every day throughout your cruise – with five-course à la carte dinners, casual breakfast and lunch buffets, late-night snacks and much more
- Unlimited, self-service tea and coffee available 24hrs at selected venues, complimentary afternoon tea* with sandwiches and cakes, and in-room sandwiches and snacks
- A full programme of evening entertainment, including cabaret shows, comedy, dancing and live music
- Full use of on board leisure facilities, including swimming pools, Jacuzzis and gym
- A wide choice of engaging on board activities and lectures throughout the day
- All UK port taxes (where collectable in advance)
- Luggage porterage between your cabin and the drop-off/pick-up point
- Formal welcome and/or Captain’s Drinks Party and Gala Buffet
Hand Picked By
I have always loved the convivial atmosphere on board Fred. Olsen's smaller ships, so much so that I now lead a group of customers on one of their cruises annually. Their fleet allow you to experience a more personal service, but it also opens up the opportunity to visit more unique ports easily and get much closer to stunning scenery and wildlife. I am always quick to recommend Fred. Olsen cruises to my customers as they are the perfect combination of new experiences and home comforts. 2021/22 cruises are now on sale with some great early booking offers.
Nina Robertshaw
Additional Information
- Departure Date: 5th January 2022
- Duration: 14 nights
- Highlights: After the hectic festive period, relax and settle into the New Year indulging in the comfort and classic style of small ship Balmoral, and the sunshine, scenery and soothing warmth of beautiful Atlantic Ocean islands, on this rejuvenating escape from the UK’s cold and wet winter gloom.
Ship Overview
Balmoral
Balmoral is Fred Olsen's largest and newest cruise ship, named after the Scottish home of the Royal Family. Still smaller than most cruise ships today, there are 710 cabins and suites and generous public space for the 1,300 guests on board.
The main restaurant is Ballindalloch (named after the Speyside village and castle), while the two other formal restaurants are Avon and Spey – named after two of Scotland’s most beautiful salmon rivers.
There’s a comfy pub with occasional live music or comedy, cabaret and shows in the Neptune Lounge, or drift away with a cool drink and spectacular seascapes in the Observatory Lounge.
Balmoral Profile
- Gross Tonnage: 20,186grt
- Registry: Bermuda
- Classification: Lloyds Register
- Passenger Capacity: 700
- Cruising Speed: 18 knots
- Passenger Decks: 8
- Lifts: 4
- Electric Current: 110/220V AC
- Stabilised and air conditioned
- Officers & Crew: International
- Cruise Staff & Entertainers: British & International
- Dimensions
- Length: 553.6ft (168.74m)
- Beam: 80.8ft (24.64m)
- Draft: 24.6ft (7.49m)
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Southampton
Day 2 - 3: At Sea
Day 4: Lisbon, Portugal
Stretched across its seven trademark hills overlooking the River Tagus estuary, Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city of Lisbon, is a cinematic collection of cobbled alleyways, pastel-coloured buildings, ancient ruins and white-domed cathedrals. The city was decimated by an earthquake in 1755, and modern Lisbon has been shaped by that eventful day. The Pombaline architecture that now defines the city represents some of the first seismically-protected buildings in Europe.
Day 5: At Sea
Day 6: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Funchal, the capital of Portugal's Madeiran archipelago, has a timeless old-world charm. Enhanced by a subtropical climate that fills this 'floating garden' with the year-round colours and perfumes of flowers and fruit, Funchal was a favourite of Sir Winston Churchill. His praise of the city has ensured British visitors always receive a warm welcome from locals.
Day 7 - 8: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Sophisticated Santa Cruz - Tenerife's capital - is built around boulevards and wide avenues that link elegant squares and parks.
Well-preserved buildings feature in the old town, including the colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception and the 18th century Palacio de Carta, which has impressive Baroque and neoclassical features. Recently redesigned by the architects Herzog & de Meuron, the city’s largest square, Plaza de España, is a pleasant spot to lose a few hours. Lively beaches such as Playa de Las Americas are within easy reach of Santa Cruz too.
Away from the capital, many of Tenerife's highlights await on tours, including the exotic Botanical Gardens or the mystical lava stone Pyramids of Guimar. Exploring the volcanic El Teide National Park to marvel at majestic Mount Teide, or even climb Spain's highest peak, is an unmissable experience.
Day 9: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
With its feel of mainland-Spain, spiced up with an eclectic mix of Asian and African cultures, Las Palmas is one of the Canary Island's most popular destinations, attracting sun-seekers who come to relax on its golden-sand beaches and soak up the gorgeous, year-round climate of Gran Canaria.
Founded over 500 years ago, Las Palmas is the largest city in the Canary Islands, and has three gorgeous beaches, including Playa de las Canteras, regarded as one of the world's best beaches, to enjoy.
Day 10: Arrecife, Spain
The bustling port of Arrecife on Lanzarote’s east coast is home to the biggest fishing fleet in the Canaries. Back in the 16th and 17th centuries the city was regularly attacked by pirates. To defend against these raiders, the court of Spain ordered two castles to be built. The first built in 1590, Castillo San Gabriel, now houses the island’s Ethnographic Museum, which tells the fascinating story of the islands' original inhabitants: the Guanche.
Day 11 - 12: At Sea
Day 13: La Coruña, Spain
The city of La Coruña is the capital of the province and a busy seaport situated in the Galicia region of northwest Spain. Most famous for its Roman lighthouse, the diverse architectural styles of La Coruña make the city an absolute delight for sightseeing.
Day 14: At Sea
Day 15: Arrive in Southmapton
Additional Information
- Departure Date: 5th January 2022
- Duration: 14 nights
- Highlights: After the hectic festive period, relax and settle into the New Year indulging in the comfort and classic style of small ship Balmoral, and the sunshine, scenery and soothing warmth of beautiful Atlantic Ocean islands, on this rejuvenating escape from the UK’s cold and wet winter gloom.
Cabin and Fares
| Cabin Type | Guide Price | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Cabin | £1,699pp | |
View CabinInside Cabin Average size 130 sq ftThis cabin is approximately 130 square feet in size and can be found on Main and Marina Decks. | Enquire Now |