PERFECTLY-TIMED TO EXPERIENCE THE WORLD

This selection of cruises shows just a few from our new 2024/25 programme that have been planned and timed specially so you can encounter once-in-a-lifetime events, rare animal migrations, weather phenomenon and more.

PORTUGAL’S ISLANDS IN SEARCH OF THE METEOR SHOWER

We have planned this cruise to coincide with the Perseid Meteor Shower. As Balmoral sails the remote waters of the Azores, where there’s minimal light pollution, you will have the chance to see shooting stars created by the meteor shower. An astronomer will also be on board to offer a deeper insight into this event • While in the Azores, you can also discover the Sete Cidades crater lakes, tour to Angra do Heroísmo – a stopover for explorers crossing the Atlantic – and dock in Horta, which is only possible on smaller ships. Wildlife charity ORCA will also be on hand to help you spot marine life from Balmoral • Elsewhere, you can delve into Lisbon’s maritime history and sail past the uninhabited Vila Franca Islet

Sail from £2,299pp, plus your choice of Free Door-to-Door Transfers or £200pp Spend

VOLCANIC ISLANDS OF THE AZORES & MADEIRA

This cruise has been perfectly timed to arrive when the national flower, the hydrangeas, are in full bloom • Visiting mainland Portugal and the remote islands of the Azores, this cruise will present you with fascinating nature and history in equal measure • The Azores boasts diverse landscapes including the Sete Cidades crater lakes • In addition, the archipelago’s waters are home to marine life such as sperm whales, which you can spot from Borealis assisted by wildlife charity, ORCA • UNESCO-listed Angra do Heroismo – reached from Praia da Vitoria – and Lisbon are ideal for learning about Portugal’s maritime history, while in Madeira you can explore the botanical gardens with a local orchid expert

Sail from £2,199pp, plus your choice of Free Door-to-Door Transfers or £200pp Spend

NORWEGIAN FJORDS &

Fruit Harvest

7th September 2024 Sail from Newcastle 7 nights BALMORAL | Cruise code L2428

Our Journey Planners have designed this cruise to show you Norway’s awe-inspiring natural surroundings as summer turns to autumn, a time of year that’s renowned for the fruit harvest • Ulvik is ideally placed for sampling local seasonal produce, from apple juice to cider and brandy, while a scenic cruise along Hardangerfjord will showcase orchard-covered valleys and mountains • Balmoral will also sail the picturesque Nordfjord, passing Hornelen – Europe’s highest sea cliff • There will be opportunities to admire the remarkable landscapes ashore too, perhaps on a hike with a local atop Bergen’s Mount Fløyen, or during a visit to the Briksdal Glacier, accompanied by a local geologist

Sail from £1,099pp, plus £100pp Spend