Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our team has designed this cruise to take in the natural wonders of Portugal. Visiting the hidden gems of the Azores archipelago presents chances to explore the Sete Cidades crater lakes and Angra do Heroísmo – an important stopover for navigators crossing the Atlantic. The hot springs of Furnas Valley offer opportunities to relax amidst lush verdant surroundings, while in Lisbon sample delectable pastéis de nata, the flaky pastry custard tart which the city is famous for; or explore narrow streets framed by colourful buildings on the iconic tram system. Wildlife charity ORCA will have representatives on board to help you search for marine life from the decks of Bolette. Elsewhere you will find maritime history in Lisbon and levada trails and gardens in Madeira. Bolette will also sail past Santa Maria – an island with links to Columbus.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Verdant Volcanic Vistas
Our journey planners have created this cruise aboard Borealis to showcase the magnificent views of the Azores' volcanic landscapes. When in Ponta Delgada, you can experience the Sete Cidades twin crater lakes, one in shades of blue and the other in jade green hues. Alternatively, unwind in the hot springs of Furnas Valley, and the Terra Nostra Park thermal pool. Come on a tour with us to experience the breathtaking stalactites and rock formations inside the deep volcanic cave at Algar do Carvao on the island of Terceira, where you can explore the cave's lava chambers. You will also have the opportunity to visit Caldera de Gulherme Moniz and marvel at the views from its crater, complete with rocky outcrops, lava domes, and springs full of pure water.
The Portuguese way of life
The perfect fusion of culinary delights and cultural traditions characterises life in the Azores and Madeira. In Madeira and Lisbon, sample the delicious flaky pastry custard tarts, pastéis de nata, which are seen as a symbol of warmth and hospitality. Also in Lisbon, enjoy a journey round the city's narrow streets aboard one of the iconic trams, or listen to and experience the heartfelt melodies and poignant lyrics of Madeira's Fado music, which tells tales of Portuguese love lost and longing, contrasted with the exuberant Bailinho traditional dance, which embodies joy and communal spirit. Spend some time in Madeira discovering how the renowned wine is made and tasting it, or unwind in Furnas Valley's geothermal spas.
Whales and Dolphins
Conservationists from the wildlife charity ORCA will be joining you on board Bolette for your cruise to the Azores. They will provide talks and workshops to help you make the most of your time at sea, as well as helping guests to spot marine and wildlife from the decks of your ship. The waters around the Azores are renowned as a region of diverse marine life, where you will have the opportunity to encounter sperm whales, pilot whales and various species of dolphin in their natural habitat.
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.
Explore Inside Algar Do Carvâo Volcano
Explore Algar do Carvã, an ancient volcano located in one of Terceira's geological nature reserves. Journey 330ft below the Earth’s surface where extraordinary caves, magma chambers and even an underground lake with crystal clear waters await you.
££££
Praia da Vitória
Sete Cidades Jeep Adventure
Enjoy an exhilarating Jeep adventure up into the mountains to soak up the magnificent surroundings. Visit Sete Cidades and the main crater of this extinct volcano to admire the views of the two lakes below. Finish with a visit to Santiago Lake, situated at the bottom of an extinct crater.
££££
Ponta Delgada
Furnas Valley
Explore some of the natural highlights of the island of São Miguel with this special tour of Furnas Valley. Visit the historical town of Ribeira Grande, the smaller Vila Franca do Campo and a pineapple plantation to learn about the cultivation of pineapple and tea.
££££
Ponta Delgada
Made in Madeira
Embark on a journey to Quinta das Vinhas, an organic vineyard overlooking the Atlantic, steeped in history and antiques. Explore its restored charm and learn about its heritage, grape cultivation, and traditional Madeiran wine-making process. Enjoy a wine tasting with tapas and visit the Hinton family’s rum distillery to sample unique Madeiran rum.
££££
Funchal
Flowers of Funchal
Begin with a scenic drive to Palheiro Gardens to explore the beautiful garden before continuing to the family-owned Quinta Jardins do Lago, where Pedro, a local botanical enthusiast, will conduct an insightful orchid workshop.
££££
Funchal
Pastéis de Nata Workshop
In this hands-on baking class, learn the secrets of how to bake the iconic pastéis de nata under the guidance of a local chef, before enjoying your creations with a coffee.
££££
Lisbon
Port Wine & Douro River Cruise
Immerse yourself in the magnificence of Oporto’s 18th-century splendour before enjoying a river cruise to view the city and its six impressive bridges from the unique perspective of the water.
££££
Leixões
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.
Isaac Kenyon
Geoscientist, Isaac Kenyon, is passionate about adventure travel and the great outdoors. As we explore the Azores, Isaac will be joining us to deliver a series of talks on the geology and wilderness of the Azores and Madeira.
Michael Barratt - Go Stargazing
Go Stargazing is formed of a group of astronomers, all of whom are keen to encourage public interest in astronomy to as wide an audience as possible. On your cruise, expect to find Michael out on the top deck in the evenings conducting stargazing sessions.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
Sandy Leong
Sandy is a historian and storyteller with a particular expertises in exploration. She will be joining us on board to deliver talks on Marco Polo, Age of Discoveries and Christopher Colombus.
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 13:00 26/04/2024, 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 13:00 26/04/2024, 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 £3,999 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,399 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Bolette's F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on decks 1 & 2
| Freedom Fare | From £1,999 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
Located on decks 1, 2 & 3, I Grade Interior cabins on Bolette have a bathroom with shower
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on deck 1.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,199 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on deck 6, Bolette's Balcony Suites have a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £6,298.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,458.10 |
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Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture view window
| Freedom Fare | From £3,448.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Bolette are located on decks 1 & 2
| Freedom Fare | From £3,148.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on deck 1.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,199 |
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Cruise Offers
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.