Portugal, Madeira & Azores via São Miguel
French elegance and a spirit of discovery aboard Le Boréal
When the sun sinks into the sea and steeps the sky in colours no evening repeats.
Interested in this voyage?
Personal advice, no call centre - a reply within 24 hours.
Lisbon to Ponta Delgada, São Miguel
Eight nights from Lisbon via Madeira to the Azores, aboard Le Boreal. The route links the Portuguese capital with the twin Macaronesian archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores and makes time for the smaller islands of Porto Santo and Santa Maria. Lava landscapes, subtropical vegetation and Atlantic whale waters define the journey. With 184 guests, a marina platform and premium all-inclusive service, it makes for a calm early-summer passage with a strong nature focus.
Route highlights
- Lisbon: embarkation in the port city on the Tagus, with Alfama, Belem and the Jeronimos Monastery.
- Porto Santo: Madeira's small neighbour, known for its nine-kilometre golden sandy beach.
- Funchal (Madeira): subtropical main island with a botanical garden and the legendary levada walking paths.
- Vila do Porto (Santa Maria): the first Azores island discovered by the Portuguese, with white villages and quiet coves.
- Ponta Delgada (Sao Miguel): disembarkation on the largest Azores island, home to the Furnas volcanic area and crater lakes.
Early booking advantage: Voyages in 2027 fill quickly - premium cabins are often reserved 18-24 months in advance. An early booking enquiry is non-binding and secures your preferred cabin category.
The Route
Lisbon
8 nights
Ponta Delgada (São Miguel)
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Lissabon · Embarkation
Built on seven hills, Lisbon blends a southern European sense of life with a great history of discovery. From the Tower of Belém, Vasco da Gama and other navigators set out into the unknown - yellow trams and the melancholic Fado still tell the tale today.
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At sea
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Porto Santo, Madeira
As Madeira's north-eastern neighbour island in the Atlantic, this quiet island contrasts the mountainous Madeira with rolling hills and a nine-kilometre uninterrupted sandy beach. The mineral-rich sand is considered therapeutic and draws wellness visitors from across Europe.
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Funchal, Madeira
The Portuguese Atlantic island of Madeira has its capital at Funchal, home to around 110,000 inhabitants. The city rises like an amphitheatre above a southern bay, famed for its Madeira wine, the spectacular wicker toboggan ride down from Monte and the Mercado dos Lavradores with tropical fruits.
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At sea
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Vila do Porto, Azoren
Vila do Porto is the main town of Santa Maria, the southernmost island of the Azores in the Atlantic. White sand beaches such as Praia Formosa and vineyard terraces set it apart from the more rugged volcanic Azores.
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Ponta Delgada, Azoren · Disembarkation
Climate & best time to sail
Embarkation: Lisbon
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 15 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 22 | 18 | 15 |
| Sea °C | 15 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 17 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 96 | 76 | 58 | 62 | 44 | 16 | 5 | 6 | 28 | 88 | 104 | 102 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Atlantic coast (Lisbon)
Disembarkation: Ponta Delgada (São Miguel)
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air °C | 17 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 18 |
| Sea °C | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 19 |
| Rain mm | 94 | 89 | 86 | 72 | 54 | 42 | 29 | 42 | 84 | 105 | 101 | 105 |
Long-term monthly normals · Reference: Azores (Ponta Delgada)
Destination
Le Boréal
Le Boréal was the first ship of the Odyssée class and marked Ponant's move into expedition cruising. 264 guests, ice-reinforced hull, two restaurants - a ship built equally for the passage to the North Cape and the islands of the South Seas.
The Canaries are for Le Boréal a transitional sailing ground between Europe and the tropics - volcanic landscapes, spring-like climate and ports with Canarian character.
The Ship
Cabins
Owner's Suite
The most exclusive suite on board, located on Deck 6. Separate bedroom, balneo bathtub, panoramic views, butler service and personalised attention from the crew.
Cabin layout
Prestige Suite with Balcony
Elegant suites on Decks 5 and 6. Separate living and sleeping areas, two dressing rooms, generous balcony. Round-the-clock butler service.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Suite with Balcony
Spacious suites on Deck 6 with a separate bathtub and shower, sitting area and a private balcony. Butler service included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin
Outside cabin with a large panoramic window on Deck 3. Ideal for solo travellers or couples. All on-board amenities included.
Cabin layout
Deluxe Cabin with Balcony
Comfortable outside cabins on Decks 3 and 4 with a private balcony. Convertible twin or double beds, shower bathroom.
Cabin layout
Prestige Cabin with Balcony
The most popular category: premium cabins on Decks 4-6 with a private balcony, sitting area and convertible beds. Unobstructed views of the destination.
Cabin layout
Deck plan · Le Boréal
Cabin prices
Prices per person in double cabin (suites: based on double occupancy), all-inclusive. Subject to availability.
| Category | Price p.P. | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Aussenkabine | € 5.220 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Balkonkabine | € 5.600 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 4 | € 5.880 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 | € 6.040 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 | € 6.260 | Available | Enquire |
| Deluxe Suite | € 8.290 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 5 Suite | € 8.890 | Available | Enquire |
| Prestige Deck 6 Suite | € 9.160 | Available | Enquire |
| Owners Suite - LE FRANCE | € 12.580 | Available | Enquire |
Prices as of: 14.08.2026
Standard inclusions of the ship voyage
On board
- Schiffsreise in der gewählten Kabinenkategorie
- Vollpension an Bord: Frühstücksbuffet, französische Brasserie-Küche zum Mittagessen, mehrgängiges Abendessen
- Große Auswahl an Getränken in Markenqualität (Mineralwasser, Softdrinks, Wein, Bier, Champagner, Kaffee, Tee, ausgewählte Spirituosen)
- Inhalt der Minibar
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Unbegrenzter WiFi-Zugang an Bord
- Ein Landausflug pro Person und Anlaufhafen
- Vorträge und Begleitung der Naturforscher und Lektoren an Bord
- Abendunterhaltung, Vorträge und Shows
- Zugang zu Fitnessbereich und Sauna
- Nicht-motorisierte Wassersport-Aktivitäten (Kajak, Stand-up-Paddle)
- Bei Expeditionsreisen: Zodiac-Anlandungen und Ausfahrten
- Hafen- und Sicherheitsgebühren
Not included
- An- und Abreise zum Schiff (Flüge, Bahn)
- Flughafentransfers
- Reiseversicherung
- Trinkgelder für Crew (übliche Empfehlung 8 bis 10 Euro pro Person und Tag)
- Premium-Spirituosen und ausgewählte Edel-Weine
- Zusätzliche, optionale Landausflüge
- Spa- und Wellness-Anwendungen
- Persönliche Ausgaben (Wäscheservice, Boutique)
- Tauchgänge
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this voyage?
Send us a non-binding enquiry via the form on this page. Our team replies personally within 24 hours with availability, cabin options and a tailored offer. No enquiry fee, no upfront payment.
What is included in the price?
The base price per person (twin cabin) includes the cabin in your chosen category, full board, all port fees and the onboard programme. Flights and transfers are quoted separately. 8 nights from EUR 4.920 p.p. With Ponant, selected wines and beverages at meals are included.
How many guests sail on the Le Boréal?
A maximum of 264 guests - extraordinarily intimate compared to standard cruise ships. The high crew-to-guest ratio ensures personal attention throughout the voyage.
Can the itinerary change?
Yes - all itineraries are subject to weather, port availability and the captain's decisions. This is part of the charm of small-ship cruising: flexibility allows for unexpected discoveries.
Are there specials for early bookers or solo travellers?
Yes. Early bookers receive discounts for timely booking. Solo travellers often benefit from a reduced or waived single supplement. Simply mention your preferences in the enquiry.
Is my booking protected?
Yes. As a German tour operator, ivent-sailing provides a travel protection certificate (Reisesicherungsschein) under German law. Your payment is fully insured.
What about flights and transfers?
We arrange flights and transfers on request as part of your personal offer. This allows us to find the best connections for your specific departure date and home airport.
Are there shore excursions?
Yes. All cruise lines offer shore excursions - from guided cultural tours to nature experiences. The concepts vary by fleet. We are happy to provide details on available excursions for your chosen voyage.
What water sports and activities are available?
Depending on the ship and route: snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddling, diving, and Zodiac landings (on expedition voyages). Many ships have a marina platform for direct access to the water. We will be happy to tell you exactly what is available on your voyage.
When is the best time to sail this voyage?
For embarkation in Lissabon the best time to sail is May to October; for disembarkation in Ponta Delgada - Sao Miguel it is June to September.
Non-binding enquiry
Your enquiry reaches a person familiar with this voyage and ship.
