Visiting the Azores by Cruise

More and more cruise lines are adding the Azores to their transatlantic and Atlantic island itineraries – and it’s easy to see why. With ports that welcome travellers straight into postcard-perfect landscapes, visiting the Azores by cruise offers a stress-free way to experience the islands’ natural beauty and cultural charm. We visited on our first ever cruise, a transatlantic crossing to the Caribbean, and promised to return.

Most Common Azores Ports of Call

Ponta Delgada (São Miguel) – This is the main cruise port and the gateway to São Miguel’s highlights. From here, it’s easy to visit Sete Cidades, Furnas, and the island’s scenic hot springs and crater lakes.

Praia da Vitória (Terceira) – A quieter port town near Terceira’s capital, Angra do Heroísmo. Ideal for discovering the island’s volcanic caves, vineyards and historical

Horta (Faial) – Less frequently visited but a real treat for smaller ships. The port is right in town, with easy access to Faial’s marina, botanical gardens, and views of Pico across the water.

Things to Do on a Cruise Stop

Explore the natural landscapes of the Azores.

If you’ve only got a day in port, focus on one or two key experiences. Here are some popular options from Ponta Delgada:

Half-day tour to Sete Cidades – Many cruise lines offer this as a shore excursion. Expect breathtaking views and photo stops at viewpoints like Vista do Rei.

Visit Furnas – Combine hot springs with a traditional Azorean lunch. Some tours include a soak in Terra Nostra’s thermal pool and a visit to the bubbling geothermal cooking pits.

Whale watching – Several operators offer short excursions timed for cruise schedules, so you can try your luck spotting sperm whales and dolphins.

Take a Taxi Tour on Ponta Delgada

On our visit we teamed up with some fellow guests and hired a taxi from the port gate for a highlights tour. We checked recommended prices before doing so. Remember only to use officially recognised taxis if you choose to do this, or you can book a tour via Tripadvisor or similar. Check out details below and compare with cruise line excursion prices to find the best deal.

On Ponta Delgada (São Miguel), hiring a taxi for a half- or full-day island tour is a popular and convenient option — especially for cruise visitors or independent travellers who want a personalised experience without hiring a car.

Typical Taxi Tour Costs on São Miguel:

Half-day (3–4 hours): €70–€100 per taxi
Full-day (6–8 hours): €120–€160 per taxi

These prices are per vehicle, not per person, and usually accommodate up to 4 passengers. Larger taxis or minibuses are available for groups at higher rates.

What’s Included?

English-speaking driver (many are also unofficial local guides)
Customisable itinerary (Sete Cidades, Furnas, Lagoa do Fogo, tea plantations, waterfalls etc.)
Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation or cruise port

Booking Tips:

Pre-book online with a local tour operator or book a taxi at the port – drivers often wait there with set tour options displayed.
Cash is usually preferred, though some accept card payments.
Tipping isn’t expected but is appreciated for excellent service.

Tips for Cruise Visitors

Distances from port: Ponta Delgada is walkable and pleasant to explore on foot, with cafés, shops, and gardens nearby. For excursions further afield, organised tours or taxis are best.

Currency: The Azores use the Euro (€), and card payments are widely accepted.

Language: Portuguese is the official language, but English is spoken in most tourist-facing places.

Transport: Taxis are readily available at the port, and some offer fixed-price island tours. Hiring a local driver for the day can be an affordable and flexible alternative to ship-organised tours.

Cruise Lines That Visit the Azores

Cruise lines such as P&O Cruises, Marella Cruises, Azamara, Cunard, Viking, Seabourn, and Celebrity include the Azores on selected itineraries, often as part of repositioning cruises between Europe and the Americas. Spring and autumn are the most common seasons for these calls.

Sample Cruises Visiting Azores

If you’re considering a cruise that includes the Azores in its itinerary, several options are available in 2025. Here are some notable cruises featuring the Azores:

Volcanic Vistas of the Azores & Madeira

Cruise Line: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
Ship: Bolette
Departure Date: July 25, 2025
Duration: 13 nights
Departure Port: Liverpool
Highlights: This cruise offers an exploration of Portugal’s volcanic landscapes, including visits to the Sete Cidades crater lakes and Cabo Girão sea cliff. The itinerary is timed to coincide with the blooming of hydrangeas in the Azores.

Madeira and Azores Cruise

Cruise Line: Cunard
Ship: Queen Victoria
Departure Date: October 9, 2025
Duration: 13 nights
Departure Port: Southampton
Highlights: This itinerary includes stops at Praia da Vitoria and Ponta Delgada in the Azores, as well as Funchal in Madeira, offering a blend of cultural experiences and scenic beauty.

Check with your travel agent, cruise line or search on Iglu Cruise for itineraries featuring the Azores.

For a more in-depth look at visiting the Azores, check out my related article: Destination Guide for The Azores

Have you visited the Azores? Leave your suggestions and recommendations in comments.

Cruise Destination Focus: The Azores