Atlantic Isles & Canaries cruises
served just the way you like it

Passing through the centre of Funchal, your journey will take you steeply out of town along a winding road from which there are spectacular views over the harbour. Drive through the village of Monte, perched in the hills overlooking Funchal, then up through eucalyptus and mimosa trees to Terreiro da Luta.

The beautiful views open out considerably on both sides until the road comes to an end at the summit of Pico do Arieiro, a vantage point at 5,937 feet, from which there are magnificent views on a clear day. The route turns inland to Ribeiro Frio, where you can visit the carefully cultivated grounds of the trout hatchery.

Descend through Faial to the village of Santana, famous for the traditional houses with thatched roofs and densely planted vineyards. Visit the vineyards and enjoy some wine tasting at Quinta do Furão, where luncheon will be served.

At São Jorge visit the Rosarium at Quinta do Arco. With more than one thousand different kinds of rose bushes, enjoy the beauty and colour of this unique garden and wine lodge.

Continue along the north-eastern coast to the village of São Vicente, where a stop will be made to allow you to explore some of the surrounding area before retuning to Funchal.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There will be some steps to negotiate on this tour. The ground is flat but cobbled at most viewpoints or stops. The journey is along winding mountain roads.

Novelist José Saramago was Portugal's most notable literary figure, however it was the Canary Island of Lanzarote where he chose to settle and where he spent his final days. José Saramago won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1998, and it was in Lanzarote where he found inspiration for many of his books.

A visit to the home and private library of José Saramago will show you some of the inspirations and thoughts behind each of his literacy pieces. The home is still occupied today by his widow Pilar Saramago.

César Manrique was by far the most prominent artist, sculpture and architect in Lanzarote. He created several attractions and had a great influence in protecting the nature, culture and building structures of the island.

A visit will be made to the César Manrique Foundation, the first home of Manrique. Built on the site of the lava eruptions it has uniquely created rooms and also houses some of the artists' original sketches.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves around two hours of walking which includes some cobblestones, uneven surfaces and steps. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The venues visited are not exclusive to Cunard.

Heading out of Ponta Delgada towards the North East, you will see roads lined with Japanese Cedars, Hydrangeas and Ginger Lilies until you reach Ribeira Grande, a unique city with a strong feeling of Portuguese influence.

Heading further north towards a wonderful lookout point, Pico do Ferro Belvedere spectacular views over the Furnas Valley. Descending the Valley, you will have time to explore the Terra Nostra Gardens. Developed over the centuries, the Gardens have an extensive selection of trees from all over the world, as well as a serpentine canal, grottoes, camellias, ferns and cycas.

With over 22 hot springs, Furnas Valley in the area of San Miguel, is where volcanic nature still remains an important part of the island's culture. Locals still make use of the Caldeiras (hot springs) for cooking a kind of stew called 'cozido' using the natural steam venting along the shores of Furnas Lake.

Your return journey will pass by Vila Franca do Campo, the former capital of the island.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves around one hour of walking over some cobblestone, gravel and uneven surfaces, including steps. There is a walk of approximately ten minutes on a slightly inclined road from the coach drop off point, to reach the Pico do Ferro Belvedere viewpoint. Comfortable, flat non slip walking shoes are recommended.

Leaving Ponta Delgada, you will head northwards along pleasant country roads, bordered by flowers. Green meadows stretch away into the distance until you reach Ribeira Grande. This is one of the oldest towns in the Azores and the only one of any size in the north coast. You will have time with your guide to admire the pretty little town square and the church, or do some independent sightseeing. Notice the interesting architecture, typical of the island; buildings constructed in basalt with original windows and decorations.

Pico da Barrosa is in the centre of the island and the Fire Lake occupies the crater of an extinct volcano, from where you will have magnificent views. Surrounded by some of the original vegetation of the island, this is an enormous lake with transparent waters, located in an atmosphere of great calm and beauty.

A short stop will be made at the small Pineapple Plantation to discover the various growth stages of the pineapple, before returning to Ponta Delgada.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The views across Fire Lake are dependent on the local weather conditions on the day, which can be changeable. It is also advisable to take a light jacket as the temperature can sometimes be cooler. Flat, comfortable non slip walking shoes are recommended.

The Atlantic Ocean around the Madeira Islands is an idyllic spot for marine mammals, and up to 20 species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) have been spotted in these waters.

A short drive takes you to Funchal Marina, where after a brief introduction you’ll board your high-speed RIB for your thrilling adventure on the water. A Marine Biologist is on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding the various types of sea mammals that visit the waters of Madeira.

Ensure to keep your eyes peeled for short-finned pilot whales, bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins and common dolphins that will amaze you with their acrobatic moves. You may even be lucky enough to spot the Risso’s dolphins, beaked whales and killer whales that occasionally visit the seas of Madeira.

An experience not to be missed!


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and RIB. Children under the age of 8 may and guests with back or neck injuries, or those who are pregnant, should not participate in this tour. The sighting of whales and dolphins is not guaranteed. There is no shelter on board the RIB. Lifejackets are provided and must be worn, the ride can be bumpy and fast. Flat shoes, preferably with rubber soles, are recommended. In case of poor weather conditions this tour may be cancelled. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ and ‘Beach / Water Related’ paragraphs under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Under the Miradouro da Vista do Rei, from which point King Charles the first of Portugal contemplated this impressive panorama in 1901, lie two volcanic lakes - the Green and the Blue Lake, separated by a narrow bridge. Together the two lakes cover an area of 482 hectares and they are 18 metres deep at their greatest depth. You will have the opportunity to admire these lakes from above.

On the shores of the Blue Lake is the village of Sete Cidades; enigmatic in its own name (Seven Cities) and surrounded by the dark forest-covered walls of the Caldeira. The impressive Caldeira of Sete Cidades dominates the entire region of Sete Cidades, which with its seven miles diameter, is the most spectacular volcanic scene in the Azores. A brief stop will be made for you to admire the Santiago Lake, inaccessibly situated at the bottom of an extinct crater and unique for its rare beauty.

You will be served a selection of the best Azorean wines and cheeses in a leading hotel in Ponta Delgada. The hotel veranda overlooks the harbour bay and offers pleasant views of the city's port and marina. You will have the chance to shop for local handicrafts at the hotel's gift shop.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The views at the lake are dependent on the weather conditions on the day. A little walking is involved over rough ground and cobblestones. Comfortable, flat, non slip walking shoes are recommended. There are some steps to negotiate at the hotel.

At the quayside, you will be welcomed by your guide who will supply you with a wireless headset. Hop on the 'trolley train' that will take you on a short panoramic tour of the town along Santa Cruz de La Palma's main avenue, Avenida Maritima.

Arriving at the replica of the Santa Maria of Columbus, you will disembark the trolley train and follow your guide on a walking tour of the town. Discover the streets and squares including Plaza Alameda, Plaza San Francisco, and Placeta Borrero.

Your guide will enlighten you about the buildings, Flemish art works and other topics that have had a deep influence on the history and development of the island. Other sights to look out for are the Town Hall and the church Iglesia del Salvador, both from the 16th century.

During your walk, you will have the opportunity to sit back and enjoy some light refreshments and a drink which will be served in one of the traditional tapas bars located in the centre of Santa Cruz.


This excursion will operate by trolley train and on foot. This tour involves up to 1½ hours of guided walking over cobblestones and uneven surfaces. Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing and flat walking shoes.

Despite being one of the smaller Canary Islands, La Palma is unusually steep in relation to its size. A ridge runs down the centre of the island from north to south and the entire mountain range exceeds 6000 feet in altitude.

Travelling along the Le Cumbre road, you will reach La Zarza Archaeological Park. Here, you can marvel at the findings including a large number of complex inscriptions.

Roque de los Muchachos is situated on the northern slope of the National Park, Caldera de Taburiente, at an altitude of 7949 feet. Designated as a National Park in 1954 because of its immense scientific importance and its wild and exceptional landscapes, the enormous crater of the Caldera de Taburiente offers spectacular views from wherever you look. With a circumference of 8,400 feet, diameter of 2,700 feet and a depth of 210 feet, the crater is one of the biggest in the world. Along the way you will make a stop at the El Time viewpoint, which offers lovely views across the Aridane Valley.

During your tour, a light picnic snack box will be provided.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves some walking over rocky and uneven terrain, which may be steep in parts and can become slippery. Flat, comfortable non-slip shoes are essential. A light snack box is provided, however guests are advised to eat a hearty breakfast. This tour is dependable on weather conditions, as the route to Roque de los Muchachos may be closed if there is snow or ice on the roads. As it can be cooler in the mountains, a light jacket or sweater is recommended. This tour involves steep, winding roads up to the top of the island and is not recommended for those guests who suffer from vertigo.

Leaving the port, your journey will take you on a scenic panoramic drive to the west of the island and through the upper region of the Aridane Valley. The area is the highest point of the island and is also home to the charming town of El Paso. Upon arrival, a short stop will be made for you to enjoy the town’s surroundings.

You will leave El Paso and take a short drive to the delightful La Glorieta Square. The square is the work of local artist, Luis Morera, who was once a pupil of César Manrique. Here, you can enjoy a photograph stop and view the unique and colourful mosaic floor, reminiscent of Manrique’s designs found in Lanzarote.

Afterwards, you will head to the southern tip of La Palma and on to Fuencaliente. There will be some time to relax with a tea, coffee or soft drink refreshment at a local restaurant, before the return drive to the port.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves limited walking, however guests must be able to negotiate steps on to and off the coach. The drive involves some hairpin bends and is not suitable for those who suffer from vertigo.

The isolated archipelago of the Azores has a well-deserved reputation as being one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Your boat adventure will begin a short walk away from your ship, where you will venture out into the open sea to search for these fascinating mammals.

The Azores attracts 24 species of cetaceans with Sperm Whales being the most common. Other whales that visit include the Humpback, Minky, Blue, Sei, Northern Bottlenose Whales and the Sowerby’s Beaked Whale. Regular encounters are made with the Pilot Whale, Orca Whale and Pseudorca Whale, as well as the Common, Bottlenose, Risso’s and Striped Dolphin.

Prior to setting off, you will be given a short briefing by one of the whale-watching experts. The crew on board are available during your excursion to answer any questions you may have on marine life and the rich history of the Azores.



BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by boat and on foot. There is a 10 minute walk to the whale-watching base from the ship. This tour is not suitable for those who suffer with seasickness. Due to the swells that can be experienced in the area, it is recommended that all guests should take seasickness tablets with them as a precaution. This tour is dependent on weather conditions. Animal sightings are not guaranteed. Due to the nature of this tour, it is recommended that guests who are pregnant do not participate.