Red and blue fireworks in Lake Como on New Years Eve

Christmas & New Year Cruises

Make the festive season one to remember, one enjoyed without all the usual stress and strain, on an escape to the warmer, sunnier climes of the Canaries. Experience the special Fred. Olsen festivities from the moment you embark Borealis, with four days at sea to settle in, indulge and revel in all the excitement as you sail south. On Christmas Day, wake up knowing you won’t have to worry about a thing; your ship’s attentive staff will take care of everything as you enjoy the day’s fun, food and festivities. Boxing Day will be spent as sea too, perfect for a day of recovering from your Christmas indulgences; perhaps relax out on deck with the sea breeze on your skin, or in one of your ship’s comfortable lounges with your favourite drink in hand.

After a magical Christmas, you’re in for four consecutive days of Canarian highlights as the year draws to a close. The lunar-like landscapes and volcanoes of Lanzarote are yours to explore, with Arrecife serving as your gateway to Timanfaya National Park and mighty Fire Mountains, and spectacular beaches await at Gran Canaria, home of the oasis-like sands of Maspalomas. At Tenerife, the Canaries’ most famous volcanic site awaits too; you’ve ample time to take in Mount Teide on tour from Santa Cruz. You’ve opportunities to explore verdant forests and seek out volcanic wonders aplenty on La Gomera too. After the Canaries, it’s on to Madeira for a fabulous New Year’s Eve. Take the day to explore the unique levada walking trails; opt to visit the Cabo Girão sea cliff for unspoilt Atlantic Ocean views; or join a local orchid specialist to find out more about the Garden Island’s famous floral blooms. By evening, it’s back on board Borealis for another unique celebration, culminating with a chance to witness one of the world’s largest New Year’s firework displays at midnight.

Our Christmas & New Year Cruises

Arrecife, Spain
Canary Islands Christmas with Lisbon in New Year from Portsmouth (S2533)
Portugal, Spain, Canary Islands
Set sail on a Christmas and New Year exploration of the Canary Islands to discover their natural beauty, from Tenerife’s mighty Mount Teide to the volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park. There’s also a chance to see one of Europe’s highest sea cliffs, Cabo Girão, in Madeira. Embrace the local way of life by experiencing Canarian music and dance, tasting Malvasía white wine and soaking up the beach culture. We’ve also timed your visit to Lisbon so that you can see in the New Year with the city’s spectacular fireworks display. Uncover the Olsen’s historic links to the islands, from their involvement in facilitating the banana trade to operating fast ferries known as the Fred. Olsen Express.
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    14 days from £2,099 pp

  • Dates Available

    22 December 2025

  • Duration

    14 days

  • Depart From

    Portsmouth

  • Operator

    Fred Olsen

  • Ship

    Borealis

Funchal, Portugal
Canary Islands Christmas and Funchal Fireworks from Liverpool (T2528)
Canary Islands, Portugal, Spain
Our team has designed this festive cruise on Bolette to showcase the natural landscapes of the Canaries, including the golden dunes of Maspalomas, imposing Mount Teide, and the volcanic valleys of Caldera de Taburiente. In Arrecife, sip wine produced from the delicate Malvasía grape, exclusive to Lanzarote, and browse for a piece of calado canario lace in La Palma, renowned for its lace artisans and workshops. There will also be chances to go dolphin watching, relax on the beaches, and see in the New Year with Funchal’s impressive fireworks display. Gran Canaria, a designated UNESCO Starlight Tourist Destination, and the observatories on Tenerife and La Palma, are ideal for learning about stargazing.
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    15 days from £3,499 pp

  • Dates Available

    22 December 2025

  • Duration

    15 days

  • Depart From

    Liverpool

  • Operator

    Fred Olsen

  • Ship

    Bolette

Arrecife, Lanzarote
Christmas in the Canaries from Tilbury (A12532)
Portugal, Spain, Canary Islands, Fort de France, Morocco
Embark on a Christmastime adventure, first stopping in the vibrant port of Leixoes with the option to tour to Oporto. Then it's on to Lisbon, a city of historic charm and contemporary allure. Relax and enjoy Christmas Day at sea where our crew will take care of all the festive trimmings for you. Explore captivating Casablanca, then sail to the volcanic landscapes of Arrecife in Lanzarote. Continue your journey to the Canary Islands, visiting Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas in Gran Canaria. Spend New Year's Eve exploring the botanical richness of Funchal in Madeira before concluding with the maritime charms of Getxo for optional tours to Bilbao, Spain and Brest along France's Breton Coast.
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    19 days from £2,949 pp

  • Dates Available

    20 December 2025

  • Duration

    19 days

  • Depart From

    London, Tilbury

  • Operator

    Ambassador

  • Ship

    Ambience

Leknes, Norway
In Search of the Northern Lights at Christmas from Southampton (L2534)
Leknes, Tromso, Alta, Alesund, Narvik
Enhance the enchantment of the festive season on this cruise to Northern Norway, timed for Christmas and the chance to witness the natural wonder of the Northern Lights. Look out for the colourful light display both at sea and ashore, especially during extended stays in Narvik, Alta and Tromsø. Immerse yourself in the Arctic lifestyle through snowshoe hiking and thrilling snowmobile and husky sledding rides across winter landscapes. You can also connect with a local Sámi community, listening to captivating stories in a cosy tepee-style lavvu tent. Uncover enchanting secrets of the Aurora Borealis, unravelling the cosmic wizardry that conjures up the vibrant displays in the night sky.
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    16 days from £2,099 pp

  • Dates Available

    22 December 2025

  • Duration

    16 days

  • Depart From

    Southampton

  • Operator

    Fred Olsen

  • Ship

    Balmoral

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