Madeira and the Azores
PONANT Cruise
Embark with Ponant on an exceptional cruise between Madeira and the Azores, aboard the ship Le Bougainville. This journey through the Atlantic islands offers you the discovery of spectacular and contrasting landscapes, where volcanic terrain, lush gardens and endless ocean panoramas blend together.
Over the course of this 8-day journey, you will explore iconic destinations such as Madeira, Porto Santo, and several islands of the Azores, each revealing a strong identity, blending unspoiled wilderness with local traditions. Volcanoes, calderas, picturesque villages, and rugged coastlines create a unique setting, perfect for getting away from it all.
This cruise offers a refined immersion in the heart of the Atlantic, punctuated by discovery, onboard comfort and the art of living specific to Ponant voyages, for an experience that is both authentic and exotic.
Your journey day by day
- A summer escape between Madeira and the Azores, discovering four islands with unique identities, where spectacular nature and a rich cultural heritage come together.
- Exceptional landscapes await you: the botanical gardens of Funchal, the famous levadas of Madeira listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the impressive calderas of Sete Cidades and Lagoa do Fogo from Ponta Delgada, among other wonders.
- The trip also includes several guided excursions, accompanied by local experts.
I T I N É R A I R E
July 7, 2027: Lisbon
The Portuguese capital, situated on the banks of the Tagus River and a short distance from the Atlantic Ocean, captivates visitors with its rich heritage and diverse culture. At the entrance to the port, two iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites stand out: the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower.
The Alfama district is also worth a visit: renowned for its narrow, Moorish-influenced streets and traditional fado bars, it forms the historic heart of the city and one of its most authentic areas. Nearby, Chiado offers a more elegant atmosphere, with its fashion boutiques and avenues perfect for fine shopping.
July 8, 2027: At sea
During your sea voyage, take full advantage of the many services and activities offered on board. Treat yourself to a moment of well-being at the spa or maintain your fitness routine in the gym. Depending on the season, the swimming pool and outdoor relaxation areas also offer opportunities to unwind in the sun.
This non-stop voyage also offers the opportunity to attend onboard lectures and shows, browse the shops, or explore the dedicated PONANT photography area. Ocean enthusiasts can head to the upper decks to admire the vastness of the sea and, with a bit of luck, observe marine life.
A truly timeless moment, blending comfort, leisure and contemplation.
July 9, 2027: Porto Santo Island, Madeira
Porto Santo is among the most beautiful islands in Europe, prized for its peaceful atmosphere and remarkable tranquility. Located about fifty kilometers northeast of Madeira, it is nicknamed "the golden island" because of its vast sandy beaches and the ochre hues of its landscape.
Its warm hues, ranging from yellows to browns, give it a unique visual identity, very different from that of its neighbor Madeira. Discovered by Portuguese navigators in 1418, the island was already renowned for the safety of its anchorage. It also welcomed Christopher Columbus, who stayed there for several years.
July 10-11, 2027: Funchal, Madeira
The charming capital of Madeira is located on the island's south coast. In the historic center, you only need to look up—and sometimes down—to admire the stunning mosaic flooring adorning the streets. Following these patterns, you can easily reach the colorful stalls of the Mercado dos Lavradores, the elegant azulejos of the Federico de Freitas Museum, or the gilded details of the Sé Cathedral.
Along the seafront, a pleasant palm-lined promenade leads to the Monte cable car. This offers a panoramic ascent to the city's heights and takes you directly to Funchal's famous botanical garden, a true haven of greenery.
July 12, 2027: At sea
During your cruise, take full advantage of all the services and activities available on board. Treat yourself to a relaxing break at the spa or stay in shape at the gym. Depending on the season, the outdoor areas and the swimming pool offer an ideal setting for relaxing in the sun.
This continuous voyage also offers the opportunity to attend scheduled lectures and shows, explore the ship's shops, or chat with PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. Sea enthusiasts can head to the upper decks to admire the horizon and perhaps even spot marine life in its natural habitat.
A special moment, combining comfort, leisure and contemplation of the open sea.
July 27, 13: Vila do Porto, Azores
The town of Vila do Porto still preserves precious reminders of its past, visible in particular through certain houses with pointed arch doorways and Manueline-style windows. Several streets also recall its historical importance, lined with old palaces as well as remarkable gateways and architectural features.
Here you can discover the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, one of the oldest religious buildings on the island, housing a remarkable 17th-century carved wooden altarpiece in its upper choir. The Convent and Church of Nossa Senhora da Vitória, built in 1607, destroyed in the 17th century, and then rebuilt in the 18th century, is also an interesting heritage site to visit.
July 14-15, 2027: Ponta Delgada, Azores
The coastal city of Ponta Delgada stretches along the southern coast of São Miguel Island, in the heart of the Azores archipelago. From the port, access to the city center is via the Gates of the Sea, a contemporary architectural complex opening onto the Atlantic Ocean.
In the historic center, the main square is distinguished by its Baroque arches of the City Gates, which mark the entrance to the old heart of the city. The arcades bordering the square invite you to stroll, as do the surrounding streets, lined with historic buildings and preserved traditional architecture.
Destination: Atlantic islands
Itinerary: Lisbon (Portugal) to Ponta Delgada, Azores (Portugal)
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights on board
Dates:
July 7th to July 15th, 2027 on board the ship Le Boréal: from 4,920 euros / person (based on double cabin)
500 euros of travel credit, PONANT Bonus of 25% + 200 euros of onboard credit by VOS VOYAGES by Culture Air Travel.
July 22nd to July 30th, 2027 on board the ship Le Boréal: from 4,620 euros / person (based on double cabin)
Chain offer -10%, PONANT Bonus of 30% + 200 euros of onboard credit by VOS VOYAGES by Culture Air Travel.
Services included in all PONANT cruises
The cruises include a complete, all-inclusive experience, from your arrival on board until your disembarkation:
- Full board from the day of embarkation to the day of departure
- Gourmet cuisine served in all onboard restaurants
- Drinks included in restaurants, bars and minibars: selection of champagnes, wines, spirits, beers, cocktails, waters, soft drinks and hot drinks²
- Room service available 24/7
- Butler service for certain suite categories³
- Unlimited and free internet access on board
- Shows, evening entertainment and activities offered on board
- Access to the fitness area as well as the hammam or sauna, depending on the ship.
- Port and security fees included.
Services included vary depending on the type of cruise and the ship.
The activities offered on board and during port calls vary depending on the type of cruise chosen:
- Timeless Cruises: one included excursion⁴ per person per day at each port of call, led by local guides. These excursions may include cultural discoveries, historical monuments, or tastings of local specialties.
- Discovery Cruises: one activity included per person per day at each stopover, which may take the form of an excursion guided by local experts or an activity led by naturalist guides.
- Expedition Cruises: one activity included per person per day at each stopover, fully supervised by naturalist guides, including for example hikes or zodiac excursions depending on the destinations.
Some more isolated ports of call, with few or no tourist facilities, are offered for independent exploration. Passengers can thus freely explore the area and enjoy activities on their own, such as swimming, shopping, local cuisine, or shows.
The cruises also include:
- Lectures led by naturalist guides or a destination expert (excluding cruises of the Voyage en Mer type)
- Non-motorized water sports (excluding diving), such as kayaking on the Commandant Charcot or stand-up paddleboarding depending on the vessel, are subject to weather conditions, safety regulations and local permits.
- Taxes related to national parks and protected areas
- The support of a team of naturalist guides for Expedition and Discovery cruises, on land or during zodiac excursions depending on the destination
