13 Aug 2023
Southampton
12 nights
Bolette
The cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
Portugal’s islands are bursting with fascinating landscapes filled with flora and fauna, making this the ideal sailing for those wanting to get closer to nature. The hard-to-reach islands of the Azores are home to the Sete Cidades crater lakes and the Furnas Valley hot springs. There’s the chance to spot resident sperm whales here, too. On Madeira, you could wander the levada walking trails or explore the botanical gardens with a local orchid expert. Scenic cruising highlights include sailings past Santa Maria, a remote island with historical links to Columbus; and the Tower of Hercules, said to be the only Roman lighthouse in existence.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
The crater lakes at Sete Cidades
The islands of the Azores are peppered with volcanic landscapes, due to their location on no less than three tectonic plates. One of the most striking is the Sete Cidades Crater Lakes on Sao Miguel. Legend says that they created from the tears of a princess and a shepherd after their marriage was forbidden by her father. The jewel-like green and blue twin lakes are separated by a seven-arched bridge, symbolising the seven cities of the lost continent of Atlantis.
Marine Wildlife
Join the team from ORCA out on deck as they assist you with spotting marine life – particularly whales – around the islands of the Azores, well known for being home to sperm whales and other visiting cetaceans, due to the crystal-clear waters and abundance of food. The team will observe the whale behaviours allowing them to identify and protect critical whale and dolphin habitats, ultimately to promote the health of our seas.
Azorean Trades
The Azores have an abundance of important trades, with many of these lying in food and drink products. Ponta Delgada is known for its tea, pineapple, sugar and tobacco. São Miguel has greenhouses which are unique to the Azores, and are used to cultivate and market the island’s intensely flavoured pineapples, grown in rich volcanic soil. Funchal is famous for its delicious Madeiran wine – join a tour to an organic vineyard to learn about its history and their traditional wine-making process before sampling some along with tapas.
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.
Our Signature Experiences
To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.
We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting
Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships
Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years
There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea
We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
* Prices correct as of 08:12 01/06/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call 0800 035 5130 for live availability & prices.
* Prices correct as of 08:12 01/06/2023, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call 0800 035 5130 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 £3,699 pp |
|---|
360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,699 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (B)
B Grade Superior Ocean View cabins on Bolette are on decks 6 and 3, with a picture window.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,599 pp |
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360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Interior cabins on Bolette are on decks 2, 3 & 6.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
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360°
Single Balcony Suite (JB)
Bolette's Single Balcony Suites, located on deck 6, have a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £5,899 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 £7,998 |
|---|
360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £7,698 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (B)
B Grade Superior Ocean View cabins on Bolette are on decks 6 and 3, with a picture window.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,773.25 |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Interior cabins on Bolette are on decks 2, 3 & 6.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,698 |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Suite (JB)
Bolette's Single Balcony Suites, located on deck 6, have a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £5,899 |
|---|
360°
Cruise Offers
What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
As well as our Signature Experiences, there is 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
Enhance Cruise with some of our optional extras
Need Some Help?
Take a look at our FAQ's
What do I pack for a cruise?
The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.
Are there any visa requirements I need to be aware of?
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.
What's the difference between Freedom and Saver fares?
On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.
I'm travelling alone, how will I get to meet people?
Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat.
How do I get off the ship if we're at anchor?
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.