13 Nov 2023
Southampton
6 nights
Bolette
The cruise at a glance
The Olsen Way Highlights
In just under a week, this sailing visits three regions in northern Spain. An extended stay in Getxo is ideal for savouring an authentic slice of the Basque Country. Perhaps head to Bilbao, home to the iconic Guggenheim, a contemporary museum and architectural masterpiece. You will also call into Santander, capital of the Cantabria region, nestled on the picturesque Spanish coastline; and Gijon, the perfect place to sample traditional Asturian cider (sidra). Bolette will take you on a scenic cruise past the Magdalena Peninsula, where you will be able to capture views of the Royal Palace of La Magdalena.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Dramatic Landscapes of Green Spain
Spain’s northern region is known as Green Spain – or Espana Verde locally, due to its exposure to the Atlantic Ocean and its moist climate. Boasting picturesque views of coastal landscapes and rugged mountains, this is particularly evident at the Picos de Europa National Park, which is also home to a variety of wildlife and birds. You will be perfectly placed to join us for a tour to Covadonga, most famous for its battle of the same name, where a Christian military force achieved its first significant victory in Iberia in the 8th century. The coastal fishing villages of the Asturian region have been indelibly marked by the ocean, where livelihoods have been built around sailing, fishing and lighthouses. Luarca is an important oceanic area where research has been held extensively on the large number of cephalopods found there.
Cuisine of Northern Spain
Northern Spain is a melting pot of delicious food and drink; Asturian cider is produced in traditional cider mills – join us as we visit one and see how the cider is produced and enjoy a taste of this natural drink, ideally served by the art of pouring at height. Cantabria is renowned for its artisan cheeses, made using raw materials from local farms with no preservatives or artificial colourings, tasting of fresh creamy and buttery flavours; while Getxo offers pintxos – small snacks offered on skewers, consisting of meats, seafood, olives and peppers, a traditional speciality in the Basque and Navarre regions, based on the Spanish custom of tapas. You’ll be joined on this cruise by Mary-Ann Cameron, who has a background in education, having taught at secondary schools and universities, who will hold talks on the region’s food and drink, and the importance of it to their culture.
Art & Architecture
Many of the destinations on this Bolette cruise are well known for their distinctive architecture. From Getxo, take a tour to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao – opened in 1997 - designed by Frank Gehry, famous for its unique appearance and ground-breaking architecture. Inside, the building is home to a number of modern and contemporary pieces of art, and in particular, large sculptures; both inside and out. Mary-Ann Cameron will hold talks on board about the history and purpose of this iconic building. In Gijon, the architecture is vastly different to that of Bilbao, having been influenced by maritime activities, and the Art Nouveau movement. The town’s main square, Plaza Mayor, is seen as the heart of the Old Town and was constructed in the 19th century; while just outside Gijon is the Elogio del Horizonte sculpture – a daringly designed, curved symbol of the city, looking out towards the horizon and which, when you’re stood in the centre of it, the sounds of the sea are amplified.
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 19:00 22/09/2023, 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 19:00 22/09/2023, 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 £1,199 pp |
|---|
360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,199 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 £999 pp |
|---|
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Interior cabins on Bolette are on decks 2, 3 & 6.
| Freedom Fare | From £849 pp |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Suite (JB)
Bolette's Single Balcony Suites, located on deck 6, have a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £2,199 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)
Bolette's Balcony Junior Suites have a private balcony and sitting/bedroom area.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,398 |
|---|
360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,398 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean View (B)
B Grade Superior Ocean View cabins on Bolette are on decks 6 and 3, with a picture window.
| Saver Fare | from £1,299 |
|---|---|
| Freedom Fare | From £1,748.25 |
360°
Superior Interior Cabin (G)
G Grade Superior Interior cabins on Bolette are on decks 2, 3 & 6.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,698 |
|---|
360°
Single Balcony Suite (JB)
Bolette's Single Balcony Suites, located on deck 6, have a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £2,199 |
|---|
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
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.
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 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.