Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our team has planned this cruise to coincide with the bird migration across the Strait of Gibraltar, an incredible natural phenomenon that sees large numbers of birds, including storks, buzzards, kites and eagles, making the journey south. Other fascinating wildlife you may encounter on your cruise includes Gibraltar’s resident Barbary apes, and marine life seen from the comfort of Bolette. Visits to Spain and Portugal present chances to immerse yourself in local traditions, from tasting authentic treats of the region in their place of origin, such as pastéis de nata in Lisbon and port wine in Oporto, to learning flamenco with a local bailaora (flamenco dancer) in Cádiz.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore the old towns of Iberia
This cruise aboard Bolette will showcase the rich history and culture of the Iberian region. Gibraltar's Town Square is a bustling hub of restaurants and typically British pubs, surrounded by deeply historical buildings, while the colourful Alfama District in Lisbon offers charming narrow streets, brightly-hued buildings, with the strains of fado music hanging in the air. In Oporto, you'll have the opportunity to explore the Ribeira District, with its picturesque riverfront, medieval architecture, and quaint cafes. Casco Antiguo in Cadiz showcases ornate palaces, ancient churches, and winding alleyways, revealing a maritime heritage of exploration and trade, and you'll also have the chance to explore Seville with its Moorish influences.
Immerse yourself in Iberian culture
Immerse yourself in Iberian culture and discover a blend of traditions that are sure to ignite all of your senses. In Cadiz, join us to visit an authentic tablao-tavern and experience the passionate rhythms of Flamenco with its expressive dance moves that evoke love, sadness and joy; sample delicious small savoury tapas dishes accompanied by the warming flavours of Jerez sherry. In Lisbon, be sure to try pastéis de nata and join a hands-on workshop to learn the secrets of how to bake these delectable flaky pastry tarts, and enjoy exploring the city aboard the iconic trams, admiring the colourful buildings lining steep, narrow streets. You'll also have the chance to discover the legacy of Fado music and its haunting melodies.
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.
Bird watching in Tarifa
Embark on a mesmerizing birdwatching expedition in the Straits of Gibraltar, led by esteemed expert Tommy Finlayson from the Gibraltar Ornithological and Natural History Society. Witness breathtaking sunrise vistas as Tommy guides enthusiasts through diverse habitats, spotting migrating raptors and vibrant resident species with insightful commentary.
££££
Gibraltar
The Rock Tour
See Gibraltar’s apes that roam freely and step inside St. Michael’s Cave for a 3D light show, before visiting Trinity Lighthouse.
££££
Gibraltar
Dolphin Watching
Sail the waters surrounding Gibraltar in search of nearby striped, common, and bottlenose dolphins. As you head back towards The Rock, spot key landmarks and learning about the history of Gibraltar.
££££
Gibraltar
Cádiz Like a Local
Stroll through the hidden corners of Cádiz with a local guide to see the Old Market, before trying some tapas. Continue to the heart of the Barrio of La Viña, to try chicharrones. Finally, arrive at La Caleta, with its vivid turquoise water dotted with fishing boats.
££££
Cádiz
Flamenco Experience
Learn about the history of flamenco and visit an authentic tablao-tavern to learn how to master this passionate dance from a local expert.
££££
Cádiz
Splendours of Seville
Explore the wonders of Seville on this Andalusian capital tour. Journey through picturesque landscapes, passing sherry vineyards and agricultural fields. Upon arrival, enjoy a panoramic city tour, including Plaza de America and Plaza España. After free time for lunch or a drink, embark on a walking tour, discovering Santa Cruz neighborhood and the Gothic-style Seville Cathedral.
££££
Cádiz
Lisbon by Tram & City Drive
Embark on a scenic tram ride and take in the sites of Old Lisbon. As you journey through this seven-hilled metropolis, admire historical landmarks and the River Tagus while enjoying port wine and a Pastel de Nata. Afterwards, conclude with a panoramic drive while learning about the stories behind the city’s architectural highlights.
££££
Lisbon
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
Age of Discovery
Learn about the Golden Age of Discovery with visits to the Belém Quarter, Navigator’s Memorial, Belém Tower, the Maritime Museum and the Royal Monastery of Jerónimos, which houses the tomb of the great navigator, Vasco da Gama.
££££
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.
Jonathan Clough
As we explore the Spain and Portugal together, Astronomer Jonathan Clough will be joining us on board to talk about all things space and host fascinating stargazing sessions out on deck.
OWE (Ocean Wildlife Encounters)
Ocean Wildlife Encounters (OWE) are a group of highly experienced wildlife speakers. Join them for an insightful talk or out on deck to search the seas for wildlife.
Tony McMahon
TV historian, Tony McMahon’s ability to speaks Portuguese has enabled him to understand relevant documents and books over the years to provide you with an insight into the Age of Discoveries and exploration in a series of engaging talks onboard.
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 14:00 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 14:00 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 £3,699 pp |
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360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,199 pp |
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360°
Ocean View (E)
Situated on Decks 1 & 2, E Grade Ocean View cabins have a picture window
| Freedom Fare | From £1,949 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 £1,799 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 £2,999 pp |
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360°
Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on deck 6, Bolette's Balcony Suites have a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £5,698.50 |
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360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,078.10 |
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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 £3,148.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Bolette are located on decks 1 & 2
| Freedom Fare | From £3,235.75 |
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360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on deck 1.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,999 |
|---|
360°
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.