Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Exchange the UK winter for the warmer climes of Cape Verde and the Canaries on this relaxing sailing. Cape Verde is a cultural melting pot of Portuguese and African traditions, so when in Mindelo and Praia, you have the chance to experience the archipelago's laid-back way of life and traditional art forms, such as morna and funaná music and dance styles. You’ll have chances to witness the natural volcanic landscapes of La Palma's Teneguía Volcano, Lanzarote's Timanfaya National Park and Mount Teide in Tenerife. Some of the world's most famous explorers departed from Lisbon during the Age of Discovery and the capital's fascinating past can be explored at sites such as the Maritime Museum and Jerónimos Monastery.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore sun-kissed islands in winter
The islands of the Canaries and Cape Verde are the perfect destinations to visit during the winter months, as their subtropical climate allows for year-round warmth and sunshine. In Mindelo, Monte Verde offers panoramic views across the island, while La Palma is the ideal island for relaxing on its black sand beaches or exploring its trails through lush pine and laurel forests and over volcanic landscapes. In Tenerife, enjoy strolling along palm tree-lined promenades as the clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean lap against the shore, providing ultimate relaxation.
Discover Cape Verde and Canarian ways of life
The cultures of the Canaries and Cape Verde Islands are based on cultures rich in traditions, gastronomy, and volcanic origins. In Tenerife, a popular dish is papas arrugadas, their signature recipe of wrinkly potatoes served with spicy Mojo sauce, while in Lisbon, the heavenly custard tart surrounded by flaky pastry, Pastéis de Nata, is not to be missed. In the Cape Verde Islands, experience performances of funaná music, an accordion-based style derived from African slave music in rural villages whose lyrics tell of the tragedies and happiness of everyday life, or the Batuku dance, danced mainly by women to a beating a rhythm alongside a solo singer.
Explore enticing Volcanic islands
Formed thousands of years ago, the volcanic islands of Cape Verde and the Canaries offer a diverse range of natural landscapes combined with geological characteristics. Santa Cruz is your gateway to the renowned volcano of Mount Teide in Tenerife, whose summit is reached by cable car, offering panoramic views across the surrounding scenery and neighbouring islands. Caldera de Taburiente in La Palma is an intriguing blend of rocky peaks, boulders, and pine trees, but venture further and you will discover lush green scenery and a variety of flora and fauna. In Mindelo, join us to experience sweeping vistas of volcanic landscapes and the surrounding bay from the peak of Monte Verde.
Life On Board
Introducing Bolette
With just 690 cabins Bolette fits perfectly in our fleet of smaller ships. With her warm, welcoming atmosphere, timeless style, and classic open deck spaces providing a place to fully immerse yourself in the magic of ocean cruising.
Bolette
Bolette is one of the largest ships, by overall size, in our fleet. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and timeless style, and classic open deck spaces providing a place to fully immerse yourself in the magic of ocean cruising, Bolette is very much in keeping with what our guests have come to expect from a Fred. Olsen ship.
Sample Shore Tours
At each port of call on your cruise, we carefully research and hand pick Shore Tour options for you, designed for you see as many of the world's best destinations as possible.
Below, you will find some sample Shore Tours which will give you an example of what to expect on your cruise. Your Shore Tours will be available to book approximately 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.
The Fire Mountains
Discover the fiery mountains of Timanfaya and witness the rustic nature of this otherworldly volcanic landscape caused by the eruptions that affected the southern part of the island.
££££
Arrecife
Mindelo Jeep Tour
Explore the barren volcanic landscapes of Cape Verde on this 4x4 tour. Visit remote coastal areas and some of the most untouched sites of the island, including a volcanic crater, before visiting a rural community to gain an insight into what life here is like for the locals.
££££
Mindelo
Funaná Dance
Discover the hustle and bustle of Praia as you meander through its busy streets. Take a seat and embrace the lively atmosphere with some local wines and Cape Verdean snacks as you enjoy an authentic dance performance.
££££
Praia
Mount Teide Cable Car
Journey up Spain’s highest volcano, Mount Teide, via cable car to La Rambleta, 3,555 metres above sea level, affording fabulous views not only of the crater but of Tenerife and the other islands of the archipelago.
££££
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Your Guest Speakers
We’ve arranged for some wonderful guest speakers to join us for this cruise. They will be delivering a programme of insightful talks and activities to deepen your cultural, artistic and historical understanding of the destinations we will be exploring, well as helping you to enjoy the natural beauty of the places we visit.
Dr. Stephen Musgrave
Maritime speaker and former Merchant Navy officer, Stephen Musgrave will be onboard to deliver engaging talks on the Age of Exploration, including the Portuguese Age of Discoveries.
Emma Neave-Webb
Marine Biologist and Strandings Coordinator at the International Whaling Commission, Emma Neave Webb will be joining us to lead wildlife spotting sessions out on deck as well as speak on a range of ocean wildlife topics.
John Brinkley
John is a Fellow of the Geological Society and has co-authored a number of geographical teaching resources. Throughout the cruise, John will be on hand exploring the geology of the destinations we will be visiting.
Paul Fellows
Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, Paul Fellows, will be on board delivering insightful talks and hosting stargazing sessions. As we explore the Canaries and Cape Verde together, join him out on deck as he brings the night sky to life.
Treats & Pastimes
In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 22:00 06/05/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
* Prices correct as of 22:00 06/05/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.
Cabin Grades
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Bolette's Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,799 pp |
|---|
360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,699 pp |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Bolette's F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on decks 1 & 2
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 pp |
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360°
Interior Cabin (I)
Located on decks 1, 2 & 3, I Grade Interior cabins on Bolette have a bathroom with shower
| Freedom Fare | From £1,999 pp |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on deck 1.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,899 pp |
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360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Bolette's Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area.
| Freedom Fare | From £7,198.50 |
|---|
360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £7,028.10 |
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360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture view window
| Freedom Fare | From £4,348.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Bolette are located on decks 1 & 2
| Freedom Fare | From £3,760.75 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on deck 1.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,899 |
|---|
360°
What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.
Dining & Lounges
- À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
- Daily buffet dining options
- Late night Supper Club
- Afternoon tea
- Self-service tea & coffee
- In-cabin dining & snacks
Treats & Pastimes
- Evening shows
- Live music & dancing
- Dance classes
- Lectures & talks
- Cookery demonstrations
- Traditional deck games
- Daily games & quizzes
Relaxation & Fitness
- Swimming Pools
- Jacuzzis
- Fitness Centre
- Fitness Classes
Enhance your cruise
Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.
Need Some Help?
Take a look at our FAQs
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check with a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruise holidays and will advised at the time of booking. Your cruise booking information will also detail any requirements applicable to your holiday.
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
Disembarking when your ship's at anchor is a very different experience to when it's docked portside. Getting ashore in this instance often involves the use of the ship's tender, which is accessed via the steps of a secure gangway.