Fred. Olsen's Volcanic Azores & The Solar Eclipse cruise will depart from Liverpool's cruise port on July 27, 2027, and return on August 10, 2027. The 14-night voyage highlights a full solar eclipse on August 2, visible from the ship's open decks with live commentary.
Itinerary and highlights
The cruise visits Portuguese coastal destinations including Matosinhos, Lisbon, Funchal, and Ponta Delgada. In the remote Azores, travellers can see crater lakes, volcanic peaks, hidden lava tubes, and whales. Local experiences include music in Lisbon's oldest district and dishes on Madeira, known as the Garden Island.
Ship and pricing
The ship is the Borealis, sister to the larger Bolette, featuring spacious open decks and restaurants. Cabin prices start at £4,499 per person and range up to luxury suites at £8,499 per person. All options include full board dining, evening shows, live music, onboard activities, a swimming pool, and a jacuzzi.
Alternative cruises
Ambassador Cruise Line offers a 24-night Caribbean Voyage from London Tilbury, priced from £1,449, calling at France, Portugal, and the Azores before crossing the Atlantic. MSC Cruises' 9-night MSC Virtuosa trip departs Southampton for northern Europe from £489 per person.
Passenger feedback
Travellers praised the organisation and staff. One wrote: "High quality of staff and service levels, creative and welcoming public areas and the instructive, effective and easy organisation throughout." Another said: "On entering our cabin we were pleasantly surprised at the size & decoration. We had a wonderful cruise made more special by our companions at dinner & the Fred Olsen staff."
One less satisfied traveller commented: "We would not have booked this cruise if we had known that we would be sailing slowly up and down the Irish Sea for a week. Just £50 each in our cruise account is nowhere satisfactory compensation." Another mentioned cabin 5018 issues: "Our shower room fell far below the standard we have come to expect."
