24 Aug 2024
Liverpool
8 nights
Bolette
Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
On this exploration of Ireland with a hint of Scotland and the Scilly Isles, you will get to see rocky, remote and verdant scenery and visit destinations steeped in myth and legend. Bolette will divert away from the main coastal routes to show you remarkable landscapes such as the Cliffs of Moher, the bonnet-shaped Bac Mòr and Inishnabro - otherwise known as Cathedral Rocks. You will also sail past Fingal’s Cave and have the chance to visit Giant’s Causeway from Belfast, two sites linked by the feuding mythological giants Finn McCool and Benandonner. Galway, considered one of the jewels of Western Ireland, boasts a craggy coastline shaped by the elements that makes for rewarding discovery.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Towering Cliffs and Jagged isles
Your cruise aboard Bolette will showcase Ireland's rugged coastlines of towering cliffs and jagged islets rising out of the ocean. The dramatically vertical Cliffs of Moher stand at over 700 feet tall, offering sweeping views of Galway Bay, and are home to colonies of nesting sea birds, while the remote and rocky Skellig Islands, famous for their gannet and puffin populations, are a mystical sight looming out of the Atlantic Ocean as you sail past. Known for their rugged beauty, the breathtaking precipices of the Blasket Islands of Inishnabro and Tearaght are craggy rock formations steeped in mystery, and the awe-inspiring basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway tell tales of myth and legend.
Celtic Traditions in Western Ireland
In the west of Ireland, Celtic traditions are deeply ingrained in everyday life, where the Irish Gaelic language is widely spoken, helping to preserve the country's heritage and cultural identity. The warmth and hospitality of locals are encompassed in the spirit of 'craic', and is a central aspect of culture and social interaction in informal settings, often enjoyed over an Irish whiskey shared generously with guests. Join us to experience traditional foot-tapping and uplifting Irish music and dance, telling stories of the sea, love, and rebellion, to name just a few, as their lively beats and beautiful melodies bring together local communities.
Myths and Legends behind the landmarks
On this Bolette cruise, you'll have the opportunity to learn about how Irish myths and legends are woven into the local landscapes. It is said that the Giant's Causeway and Fingal's Cave on the Isle of Staffa are corresponding end pieces to a bridge built by Irish giant Finn McCool so he could travel to Scotland and confront his monstrous foe, Benandonner. The hexagonal basalt columns of each were created by the same ancient lava flow, leaving astonishingly symmetrical stones and pillars. The Cliffs of Moher enchant visitors with tales of otherworldly beings haunting the coastline, while Aillwee Cave in Galway holds secrets of the púca, a shape-shifting spirit of Celtic folklore whose magic and mystery intrigue visitors.
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 Burren & The Aillwee Cave
Discover the captivating beauty of The Burren, a karst limestone landscape boasting diverse flora, wildlife, and ancient monuments. Explore the Aillwee Caves, among Ireland's oldest, featuring caverns, bridged chasms, underground rivers, and majestic waterfalls, offering a glimpse into the earth's hidden wonders.
££££
Galway
The Cliffs of Moher
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Butten Region before arriving at the famous Cliffs of Moher. These rugged vertical cliffs are one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights, and rise dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean to a height of nearly 200m, offering sweeping views of Galway Bay.
££££
Galway
A Day in Connemara
Drive through the Connemara countryside to Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden. Continue to the town of Clifden to enjoy a local lunch. After re-boarding the coach, watch the ever-changing landscape as you journey through Recess, Derryneen, Maam Cross and Spiddal.
££££
Galway
Donegal's Atlantic Way
Experience the beauty of Donegal, renowned for its rugged coastline, majestic mountains, and picturesque lakes with a panoramic drive from Killybegs through Kilcar, Carrick and Malin Beg.
££££
Killybegs
The Wild Slieve League Cliffs
££££
Killybegs
Giant’s Causeway
Explore one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic natural wonders, Giant’s Causeway. Begin at the innovative Visitor’s Centre that showcases theories surrounding the Causeway’s origins and its links to the mythological giant, Finn McCool. As you explore the Causeway, discover remnants of the legend, including ‘The Giant’s Boot.’
££££
Belfast
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.
Gavin Hughes
Author and Historian Gavin Hughes hails from Ulster and will be on hand throughout the cruise delivering a series of talks on the history of Ireland, from the Dark Ages through to the Tudor Period.
Marion McGarry
Marion is an Irish writer, Art Historian and Heritage Studies Lecturer at ATU in Galway, and will be joining us to discuss Irish myths and legends throughout your cruise.
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 07:00 23/04/2024, 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 07:00 23/04/2024, 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 £2,999 pp |
|---|
360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,799 pp |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Bolette's F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on decks 1 & 2
| Freedom Fare | From £1,799 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 £1,599 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 £2,499 pp |
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360°
Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on deck 6, Bolette's Balcony Suites have a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £4,798.50 |
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360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £5,318.10 |
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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 £2,998.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Bolette are located on decks 1 & 2
| Freedom Fare | From £2,973.25 |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on deck 1.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,499 |
|---|
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.