Your escape to the Canaries, Spain and Madeira includes visits to four islands and the city of La Coruña. Experience sandy beaches, volcanic landscapes and floral scenes, all while enjoying the region’s balmy climate.
Balmoral’s smaller size makes it possible to dock closer to the centre of Funchal, where an extended stay gives you plenty of time to take in the colourful gardens, ride the historic cable car and watch people tobogganing down the narrow, winding streets. Other highlights include Lanzarote’s active volcano, Tenerife’s Mount Teide and the Olsen family-owned Tecina Hotel on La Gomera.
On cruises with a little bridge there is a BMB host on board but no team. Bridge is for days at sea only.
Departure - late afternoon
As we sail towards Madeira, you can discover the history of the 'Garden Isle' with guest speaker Glynda Easterbrook, learn about the geology of the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands, sample local sweet treat Malasadas, or enjoy an invigorating Pilates class whilst taking in the stunning sunrise at sea.
Arrival - early afternoon
Departure - early afternoon
Famous for its outstanding natural beauty, the Atlantic island of Madeira is known as the ‘floating garden’, with its array of subtropical flowers and plants – grown from the bulbs and seeds of the British merchants who came to the island after making their fortune from selling Madeiran wine. Produced since the 17th century, Madeira Wine’s historical and maritime links make for fascinating reading, of course accompanied by a glass or two of the ‘liquid history’, as described by Winston Churchill.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - early evening
Fred. Olsen has a deep connection to La Gomera, and the family has a history with the island dating back to 1904, when fruit was transported to ports in Northern Europe by small steam ships. Known as ‘Isla Colombina’ due to Christopher Columbus calling at the island on his journey to America, some of the buildings and monuments in San Sebastian are linked to him, including the Casa de la Aguada and Casa de Colon.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - early evening
Largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is built around Mount Teide, the highest volcano in Spain. Santa Cruz is home to the eye-catching 16th century Iglesia de la Concepción and the baroque Palacio de Carta. The island has a resident population of pilot whales and several migratory species, thus making Tenerife one of the best places to whale watch in Europe.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon
FArrecife, meaning ‘reef’ in Spanish, owes its name to the expansive rock reef that covers the beaches on the island. The lunar-like landscape is strewn with shades of red, orange and yellow, following the eruption of over 100 volcanoes in the 1700’s, and only Timanfaya remains active today – just 13 metres below the surface the temperature can reach 600ºC. The original inhabitants of Arrecife, the Guanche, can be discovered at the Ethnographic Museum, housed within the 16th century Castillo San Gabriel.
As we sail away from the Canaries and head for La Coruña, join guest speaker James Simister to learn about the story behind the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago de Composteal, join one of your Navigational Officers for a spot of chart reading, and enjoy viewing the famous Torre de Hercules, the oldest working lighthouse in the world, from the unique perspective of the ship.
Arrival - early morning
Departure - late afternoon
The 9th-century port town of La Coruña, on the Iberian Peninsula, is a delicate combination of old and new architecture, with the shimmering glass of modern buildings prompting the nickname of ‘The Crystal City’, juxtaposed against the deeply historical medieval district. The centrepiece of this region is the Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where is it said the Relics of James the Apostle are buried – an incentive for the pilgrims who make the journey along the Camino de Santiago each year.
Arrival - early morning
What's included?
Chargeable extras
Cruise descriptions include optional, chargeable experiences that may be enjoyed independently and/or with optional Fred. Olsen Shore Tours. *Premium Traditional Afternoon Tea not included. Upgrade to All Inclusive Drinks Package is available as a chargeable optional extra and can be added to your booking up to six days prior to your cruise departing.
Great value offers
Great value offers on selected fares and cabin grades available on this cruise. Please contact our Reservations team for further details.
Please note, rooms 8057 and 8059 on Lido deck are equipped for use by disabled passengers.
*Rooms 8073, 8075, 8084 and 8086 on the Lido Deck are wheelchair accessible and have a fully restricted view.
*Please note, rooms 9048, 9056 and 9095 on Bridge Deck have been adapted for use by disabled passengers.