E-mail a friendShip: Andrea
Itinerary: Flowers of the Azores 2009
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Sail the lush coasts of the beautiful Azores Islands on small ship MS Andrea
cabins & deck plans | additional itineraries | cancellation policy | Testimonials
| Days | Dates | Deck + Cabin Type | ||||||
| Inside | Outside | Deluxe | Master | Suite | Std Single | Sup Single | ||
| 7 | May 2, 2009 | $2,095 | $2,795 | $3,695 | $4,495 | $5,295 | $3,095 | $3,695 |
| Port charges: $95 | ||||||||
| Destinations : Azores, Europe Activities : Cultural Activities, Nature Viewing, Photography, Whale Watching |
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Located 900 miles from Portugal atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the Azores offer a sunny, temperate climate, friendly locals, dazzling landscapes and a fascinating history. There is much to see and do on this archipelago of nine rugged islands, formed eons ago by volcanic activity. There is no better way to visit seven of them than aboard a small ship like the Andrea, as you take in the ever-changing views of cloud-shrouded mountain peaks, terraced fields and vineyards, and neighboring islands whose lower slopes are bathed in sunshine.
Along these emerald coastlines, you'll spot old lookout points from the days when whaling was a leading industry. Our nautical vantage point should also provide the likelihood of seeing several of the species of whale and dolphin that live in these nutrient-rich waters. The Azores are remarkable in their diversity, from well-tended dairy pastures and vineyards to sheer sea cliffs of black rock and remnants of the dense evergreen forests that once blanketed the islands.
Day 1 : Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel, Azores / Embark
Sao Miguel is the largest island and is famous for its mountain views, picturesque rural villages and magnificent crater lakes, especially the stunning Caldera das Sete Cidades, or Seven Cities. The streets of its capital, Ponta Delgado, are lined with neat white houses, monasteries and museums. Embark ship this evening and set sail for Santa Maria.
Day 2 : Vila Do Porto, Santa Maria
Santa Maria is the easternmost island, characterized by dry, flat plains in the west and lush, green forests, farmlands and small mountains on the eastern side. The main town of Vila da Porto surprises visitors with its ornate Baroque architecture.
Day 3 : Praia Da Vitoria
Terceira is famous for its beautiful lilac-hued sunsets. The port city of Angra do Heroisme, with its tessellated, black-and-white cobblestones and whitewashed, red-roofed houses sloping down to the harbor, reflects the golden era of Portuguese architecture and is a UN World Heritage Site. A drive through bucolic farmlands into the interior reveals the Misterjos, a barren area of volcanic peaks, geysers, lakes and the largest crater in the archipelago.
Day 4 : Madalena, Pico Island
Pico—once the center of the Azores whaling trade—is dominated by a 7,700-foot mountain, the highest in all of Portugal. Our arrival and departure may present a chance to spot sperm whales as well as various species of dolphins. Along the island’s southern coast, visit the village of Lajes with its small museum commemorating the bygone whaling industry.
Day 5 : Madalena to Horta, Faial Island
Faial was the site of the last naval battle between the US and England, fought at the base of the fort that still guards the harbor of its main town Horta. Today, the island’s reputation rests more on the abundant blue hydrangea hedges that line its fields and meadows, and the unique imperios or small pilgrimage chapels that dot the rural roadways.
Day 6 : Horta / Santa Cruz Graciosa Island / Velas, SaoJorge Island
Graciosa is a small peaceful island of windmills and vineyards. The streets of Santa Cruz are lined with elegant manor houses above which towers Monte da Ajuda, topped by a 16th-century fortified church.
Pico—once the center of the Azores whaling trade—is dominated by a 7,700-foot mountain, the highest in all of Portugal. Our arrival and departure may present a chance to spot sperm whales as well as various species of dolphins. Along the island’s southern coast, visit the village of Lajes with its small museum commemorating the bygone whaling industry.
Day 7 : Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel / Disembark
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for flights home.
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy unless noted as a single cabin category.
-Category 7 & 8 cabins are single cabins for solo travelers. Triple occupancy cabins are available - 15% discount on double occupancy rates for all 3 travelers in Category 1 & 2 cabins.
- Add $12 / per night fuel surcharge for 2009 departures
Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Ship Description: Andrea
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MS Andrea at Night
This rugged vessel began her career in the 1960s as the Norwegian coastal cruiser Harald Jarl. Following a $20 million-plus conversion in 2003, she now offers a high degree of comfort and service on any expedition cruise in Antarctica, South and Central America and Europe.
Andrea carries a fleet of Zodiac landing craft, ready to take her passengers on a moment's notice for close-up explorations of Antarctica's otherwise inaccessible beaches, rocky outcroppings and shallow streams where wildlife thrives. Her conversion included construction of a large observation platform on the forward deck, and there is ample outside and sheltered teak deck areas for viewing the passing environs.
Passengers are welcome on the bridge, which is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communications equipment. The Andrea is classified as an ice strengthened cruise ship worldwide by Det Norshe Veritas, and meets all SOLAS and IMF safety at sea requirements. She is equipped with bilge-keel stabilizers. Ice masters, officers and crew are European, and a knowledgeable expedition team from both sides of the Atlantic coordinates Zodiac forays ashore, lectures and other activities that engage and enlighten guests during their Antarctica travel.
She features 57 mostly outside cabins, with lower beds, private bath facilities, individual climate control, satellite TV, telephone and safe. There are five single cabins. Distinctive 18th-century Gustavian-style furnishings and decor are seen in the cabins and public areas, creating an intimate, club-like atmosphere on your Antarctica cruise. The Shearwater Restaurant accommodates all passengers in one leisurely seating, offering fine continental cuisine prepared by Andrea's master chefs. The Kittiwake Lounge/Bar doubles as an on board lecture venue. The Cormorant Lounge offers forward-viewing observation windows, a small library and internet/e-mail access for guests. Andrea also has a fitness room for guests to utilize during their travels to Antarctica. An elevator is available for passenger use.
InsideInside cabin with two twin beds (34, 36, 37, 38) or double bed (33), private bath with shower, TV, desk, located on Atlantic Deck. |
OutsideOutside cabin with twin (401, 403, 411, 412, 414, 417, 419, 420, 422, 302, 303, 309, 319) or double (310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316) beds, private bath with shower, TV, desk, porthole or picture windows. |
DeluxeDeluxe stateroom with twin beds, private bath with shower, TV, desk, porthole or picture windows. One also has a sofa bed. Cabins 404, 405, 406, 408, 409, 410, 418, 305, 306, 307, 308, 320, 321, 322. |
MasterMaster staterooms with twin (702, 605, 503, 505, 507, 407, 318) or double (603, 604) beds, private bath with shower and/or tub, TV, desk, picture windows or portholes. Some also have sofa beds. |
SuitePresidential and Owner\\\'s Suites with double bed, private bath with tub, TV, desk, picture windows. 601, 602. |
Std SingleStandard singles with private bath with shower. Porthole windows. TV, desk. 421, 424, 304. |
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Sup Single Superior singles with private baths with showers. Porthole or picture windows. TV, desk. 501, 402, 317. |
