Azores cruises : Luxury cruise to Azores Ponant

Table Of Content

• Cabin Grades
• Experience the Portuguese Way of Life
• Scenic Drive to the Crater Lakes
• Familiarize Yourself with the Popular Azores Cruise Ports and the Many Sights to See
• Go and see Portugal's highest peak - Pico Island
• Natural Wonders & Wildlife of the Azores & Madeira
• Portugal & The Islands of Madeira & the Azores cruises
• Need some inspiration? You might like these cruises...

This cruise has been carefully crafted to not only allow you to see the mighty volcanic vistas of the Azores, but to also witness beautiful blue hydrangeas in full bloom. Our call into Praia da Vitória offers the opportunity to explore the Algar Do Carvâo Volcano, where you can descend into the lava-free volcanic chimney and wander through the vast magma chambers. Soak in the Azores’ magnificent landscape at sites like the natural hot springs at Furnas, where you can relax in the therapeutic waters and even try food cooked in the thermal vapors. Hike the Caldeira das Sete Cidades, a volcanic crater that’s home to two lakes—one blue and one green. Pay a visit to the Gorreana Tea Plantation, the only tea farm in Europe, and learn about the tea-making process while enjoying views of the radiant, deep green valley below.

Cabin Grades

Cruises that include the Azores often call at Lisbon on Portugal’s mainland as well as Spanish ports like Malaga, Cadiz and Barcelona. Also look for cruises that visit both the Azores and Spain’s Canary Islands off the coast of Africa. Three of the most popular ports of call in the Azores are Ponta Delgada, Praia de Vitória and Horta. In 1451, the navigator Diogo de Teive discovered the coast of Faial during his first voyage of exploration. The islands have a combination of traditional Portuguese buildings, breathtaking scenery with hedgerows and meadows covered with hydrangeas, pineapple plantations and a whopping population of two cows to every human.

Experience the Portuguese Way of Life

The Lagoa das Sete Cidades (or ‘Lagoon of the Seven Cities’) is an otherworldly place – a huge volcanic crater filled with water to form two lakes linked by a small strait. The lakes are ecologically completely different and even reflect light differently, hence their names Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde. Visitors can cross the small bridge between the lakes and hike the caldera for stunning views of the surrounding area. Light clothing is fine as it's very likely to be warm throughout the year but be sure to take a waterproof jacket or umbrella as there may be showers. Sturdy shoes are necessary (as they are on any European cruise) to navigate the cobbled streets, steps, volcanic craters and hot springs.

Scenic Drive to the Crater Lakes

Around 850 miles from the mainland, its remoteness has shielded it from mass tourism, but this is part of the archipelago’s appeal and any visit feels very special. With its highest point nearly 1000 metres, the Caldeira is a must-see natural site on Faial. There is a path around it that allows you to see the bottom 365 metres below. With vertical walls covered in short vegetation, it offers a stunning panorama on one side. On the other, the viewpoint on the hill covered with blue hydrangeas (in the right season) and the gentle slope towards the ocean is absolutely amazing.

Here is some useful information to help you prepare for your trip to the Azores. These are just a few examples of the activities and excursions available on Azores cruises. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, an Azores cruise has something for everyone to enjoy. Explore Funchal’s most beautiful landscapes on this scenic tour, stopping at the Ponta do Garajau and Pico dos Barcelos viewpoints for sweeping vistas. Conclude at Cabo Girão, standing at 580m, it is the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world. For the brave, there is a glass ‘Sky Walk’ offering a view of the cliff face directly beneath your feet.

Azores cruise ship passenger numbers up 69% - Portugal Resident

Azores cruise ship passenger numbers up 69%.

Posted: Mon, 12 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Go and see Portugal's highest peak - Pico Island

You Can Cruise From New Orleans To Spain Next Spring - Yahoo Life

You Can Cruise From New Orleans To Spain Next Spring.

Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

In Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne, Captain Nemo suggests Atlantis is in the Atlantic Ocean. You should get more results by changing your search or selecting another destination. Frequently, you’ll find luxury lines like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Scenic with stops in The Azores on lengthy cruises. Also look for occasional Azores stops on Viking, Azamara and even Princess, all with at least a few non-repositioning itineraries. British lines with itineraries featuring multiple stops in the Azores include P&O, Ambassador, Saga, TUI and Fred.

Natural Wonders & Wildlife of the Azores & Madeira

In Madeira and Lisbon, sample the delicious flaky pastry custard tarts, pastéis de nata, which are seen as a symbol of warmth and hospitality. Spend some time in Madeira discovering how the renowned wine is made and tasting it, or unwind in Furnas Valley's geothermal spas. We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. For those who have a passion for outstanding natural landscapes, a visit to the Sete Cidades crater lakes are a must when sailing to the Azores.

Disembarking when your ship's at anchor is a very different experience to when it's docked portside. Getting ashore in this instance often involves the use of the ship's tender, which is accessed via the steps of a secure gangway. 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. As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships. CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture view window. The Olsen Suite is the largest suite on Borealis, with a private balcony and sitting area.

No problem because there are plenty of cruises that include the Azores in their extended itineraries. The list of cruise lines that have repositioning cruises that stop in the Azores is long and includes mainstream lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America, Norwegian and Celebrity. Premium lines stopping in the Azores on their crossings include Atlas, Windstar, Oceania and Star Clippers.

No matter which itinerary you choose, an Azores cruise promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, allowing you to explore the beauty and diversity of this unique destination at your own pace. If these advantages call to you, then try hunting for repositioning cruises to the Azores. 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. In half a day, you can drive around the island and hit all the must-see spots, and locals will state this fact to you. But it’s perfect if you’re traveling with younger kids who get fussy on long drives.

Visiting mainland Portugal and its remote Atlantic islands of Madeira and the Azores, this cruise will present you with fascinating wildlife, nature and dramatic scenery in equal measure. The Azores boasts diverse landscapes, from the Sete Cidades crater lakes to scenes of blue hydrangeas – we've even timed your visit for when the national flower is in bloom. In addition, the archipelago's waters are home to marine life such as sperm whales, which you can spot from Borealis assisted by conservationists from wildlife charity, ORCA.

Our team has designed this cruise to take in the natural wonders of Portugal. Visiting the hidden gems of the Azores archipelago presents chances to explore the Sete Cidades crater lakes and Angra do Heroísmo – an important stopover for navigators crossing the Atlantic. Wildlife charity ORCA will have representatives on board to help you search for marine life from the decks of Bolette. Elsewhere you will find maritime history in Lisbon and levada trails and gardens in Madeira.

On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares. Borealis' F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on decks 1 & 2. Borealis' Premier Adapted Suites are spacious and stylish, and located on deck 7. In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Horticulturalist and botanical guide, Tracy Foster will be onboard to speak about the gardens you will see along your cruise, including the history of the Madeiran Gardens and why the island is known for them.

The extinct volcano Monte Brasil is situated 820 feet above sea level and emerged from the sea during an early underwater eruption. The Caldeira de Guilherme Moniz is the largest volcanic crater in the archipelago, with a perimeter of nine miles. The main cruise port visited on transatlantic cruises is Ponta Delgada on the island of Sao Miguel.

Note that the language spoken in the Azores is Portuguese, and the currency used on all the islands is the euro. The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise. Located on decks 1, 2 & 3, I Grade Interior cabins on Borealis have a bathroom with shower. Located forward & aft on Deck 1, Borealis' FD Grade Ocean View Adapted cabins have portholes. Borealis' Balcony Junior Adapted Suites have a balcony and sitting/bedroom area.

The road trip includes spotting a whale-shaped rock off the coast, entirely molded by nature. You can even take them on an adventure, walking down a stone spiral staircase into the heart of Graciosa’s inactive volcano, Caldeira (or Furna do Enxofre). Nestled in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean lies the Azores, an enchanting archipelago brimming with natural wonders and cultural heritage.