Lake Azul volcanic crater lake on the island of São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, viewed from an elevated vantage point, surrounded by lush green forests and steep caldera walls, with a small coastal town visible in the distance under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal

Cruises to Ponta Delgada, Azores, Portugal

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Things to do in Ponta Delgada

Whitewashed churches, cobblestone streets and ornate squares set the scene in Ponta Delgada, the Azores’ capital city. Old-world charm mixed with a dash of volcanic drama awaits you when you port, while lush gardens and crater lakes wait just beyond the city. It’s a place where geothermal wonders, tropical flowers and centuries of Portuguese heritage all come together.

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  • Panoramic view of Sete Cidades crater lakes on São Miguel Island with vivid blue and green waters surrounded by lush volcanic ridges.

    Look over the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, glowing green and blue in a volcanic caldera.

  • A tranquil path winding beside a reflective stream in Terra Nostra Garden, surrounded by dense green ferns and tropical trees.

    Wander Terra Nostra Botanical Gardens, filled with thermal pools, century-old trees and exotic plants.

  • A colorful flowerbed and fountain in front of Angra do Heroísmo’s town hall, surrounded by whitewashed buildings and patterned cobblestone streets.

    Ponta Delgada’s Old Town is waiting for you, where 16th-century churches frame leafy plazas.

  • Close-up of a ripe pineapple growing inside a greenhouse, surrounded by green leaves and wooden supports.

    São Miguel has a pineapple greenhouse where you can see how the island cultivates its sweetest fruit.

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Shore excursions to explore in Ponta Delgada

With volcanic lakes, lush gardens and geothermal valleys, São Miguel is the Azores’ crown jewel — and excursions from Ponta Delgada showcase its beauty.

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  • A steaming blue geothermal pool surrounded by rocky terrain and greenery in Furnas Valley on São Miguel Island.

    Ribeira Grande, Terra Nostra Garden & Furnas Valley

    Begin in Ribeira Grande, the island’s oldest town with 16th-century architecture. Stop at Pico do Ferro Belvedere for sweeping views of the Furnas Valley, then stroll Terra Nostra Gardens, known for its grottoes, hydrangeas and camellias. A traditional lunch with wine is included before exploring Furnas, where hot springs, fumaroles and mud pools showcase the island’s geothermal heart.

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  • Long rows of pineapples growing in a glass-roofed greenhouse on São Miguel Island, supported by wooden stakes and surrounded by green leaves.

    Ribeira Grande & Pineapple Greenhouse

    Travel across São Miguel's volcanic plateau to Ribeira Grande. Walk its cobbled streets lined with colonial buildings and pause at a local liqueur factory. Continue to Pico da Barrosa for views over Lagoa do Fogo, then visit a pineapple greenhouse to learn how the fruit thrives in volcanic soil. A gift shop offers pineapples, liqueurs and souvenirs to take home.

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  • Foggy aerial view of Lagoa das Empadadas on São Miguel Island showing two crater lakes separated by a narrow, green-covered ridge.

    Crater Lakes, Gardens & Pineapple Greenhouse

    Hit all of the best highlights of São Miguel on this half-day tour. Wander António Borges Botanical Gardens, filled with fern gullies and grottos, then drive to a volcanic rim for views over twin crater lakes, one green and one blue. Legends surround Sete Cidades, said to be the site of lost utopian cities. A pineapple greenhouse visit completes the experience.

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  • Geothermal vents releasing steam amid rocky terrain in Furnas Valley, surrounded by lush green hills under a bright blue sky.

    Terra Nostra Gardens & Furnas Hot Springs

    You can see the Ribeira Grande and the Terra Nostra Gardens, where lakes, streams and exotic flora surround thermal pools. Then go to Furnas Valley, where fumaroles vent steam and mineral waters bubble across the volcanic landscape. Here, you can learn how locals cook traditional dishes in geothermal heat. Don’t forget to stop at Pico do Ferro Belvedere for panoramic views before returning to port.

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  • Panoramic view of Lagoa de Santiago, a deep green crater lake surrounded by lush hills and winding roads.

    Crater Lakes, Sete Cidades & Wine Tasting

    Sete Cidades’ volcanic caldera reveals two lakes, one green and one blue, fringed by steep crater walls. Stop at scenic lookouts, then descend to the village inside the crater. You’ll get a look at Santiago Lake before heading to a local hotel veranda for a wine tasting paired with island cheeses.

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Experience the Ponta Delgada port on your next cruise

Ponta Delgada sits at the crossroads of the Atlantic, a popular call on Transatlantic cruises that connect Europe and the Americas. Ships dock close to the city center, where cobbled streets and striking gates welcome visitors. From the pier, it’s an easy gateway to São Miguel, making this port both scenic and convenient.

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A breathtaking view of a serene lake nestled within a mountainous landscape. Bright yellow wildflowers in the foreground add vibrancy to the scene. The clear blue sky with scattered clouds enhances the natural beauty of the setting. The image captures the tranquility and untouched charm of the location.

13-Day Western Europe Passage

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Colorful ancient old and narrow street in medina of Marrakech, Morocco, Africa

15-Day Moroccan Passage

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Azores, Portugal

22-Day Moroccan & Iberian Grand Adventure

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Discover Ponta Delgada on your next cruise

Arriving by sea, the whitewashed skyline of Ponta Delgada rises against a backdrop of emerald hills. Beyond the city, São Miguel unfolds with hot springs, crater lakes and lush plantations that thrive in volcanic soil. A cruise stop here combines the historic Portuguese setting with the dramatic natural beauty of the Azores.

Cruise to Ponta Delgada
Elevated view of Sete Cidades’ twin crater lakes on São Miguel Island, with vivid blue and green waters surrounded by forested hills and steep volcanic walls.

Marvel at its twin lakes glowing emerald and sapphire in the island sun.

The Portas da Cidade arches and clock tower in Ponta Delgada framed by red flowers and patterned stone pavement under a blue sky.

Admire Ponta Delgada’s iconic city gates and clock tower rising above cobbled streets and bright blooms.

A smiling couple stands at the railing of a Princess® cruise ship, enjoying the open sea and blue sky.

A couple stands together on the wooden deck of a Princess® cruise ship, gazing out at the open sea beneath a bright blue sky dotted with clouds.

Front-facing view of a Princess® cruise ship sailing through calm ocean waters.

Cut through the world’s waterways and experience the planet’s most exciting coastlines from a sea-side perspective; our fleet is your luxury-and-entertainment-packed transport to adventure.

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Step aboard any Princess® ship and discover your new favorite way to travel. Each vessel is a floating playground of flavor, comfort and top-deck experiences. Enjoy freshly prepared local dishes, Broadway-caliber entertainment, oceanview fitness and wellness studios, family programming and beds so comfortable they’ve won awards. 


No two ships are identical, but they all share one mission: turn your vacation into a standing ovation.

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Cruises to Ponta Delgada FAQs

*The port location is subject to change. Please check itinerary details after you book for more information.

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