Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Embark on a five-night voyage around Scotland’s scenic islands aboard Bolette, diverting from the usual tourist route into picturesque lochs and past remarkable sites. Marvel at the mystique of the Isle of Staffa, where the hexagonal basalt columns form Fingal’s Cave. You’ll also sail past the bonnet-shaped island of Bac Mòr, and the diverse landscapes of the Small Isles. Immerse yourself in Gaelic traditions with Ceilidh dancing, sample local whisky, cheeses and fudge in Orkney and engage with centuries-old folklore tales. Enrich your journey as you uncover legendary Neolithic landmarks such as Skara Brae and the standing Stones of Callanish.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Rugged coastlines and picturesque islands
This cruise to Scotland offers a myriad of opportunities for you to explore Scotland's rugged coastlines and scenic islands, as Bolette will divert away from the usual sailing routes to take you close to the remarkable sea stacks of the Needle and the Old Man of Hoy, and past the Small Isles of Rum, Eigg, Muck and Canna with their craggy mountains and serene beaches offering a haven for marine and birdlife. Join us out on deck as we cruise past Fingal's Cave on the uninhabited Isle of Staffa, whose dramatic hexagonal basalt columns were shaped by volcanic activity millions of years ago, and tells legends of giants; and Bac Mòr, also known as Dutchman's Cap due to its distinctive shape.
Island Life and traditions
As Bolette cruises through the Scottish Isles, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in island life and Gaelic traditions. In Kirkwall, you can participate in Ceilidh dancing, hear tales of local folklore, or join us to sample Orkney cheese and fudge, and whisky at the Scapa and Highland Park distilleries. Folkloric stories and Ceilidh dancing can also be experienced in Stornoway, along with singing Gaelic songs and discovering how the language is kept alive in the Western Isles. Do take a tour to discover how Harris Tweed is spun, and create your own piece too.
Discover Landmarks of Legend
The landmarks of the Scottish Isles have many stories attached to them as to how they were formed or discovered, and the Neolithic village of Skara Brae holds many secrets. First discovered in 1850 after a ferocious storm battered the west coast of Orkney, this well-preserved village offers insights into the lives and rituals of inhabitants over 5 millennia, along with the Ring of Brodgar stone circle and Ness of Brodgar. From Stornoway, you will also have time to explore the Standing Stones of Callanish, and the Carloway Broch which showcase Scotland's rich heritage; while Fingal's Cave holds mythical tales of the giant Finn McCool who was said to have built the cave as a shelter from his rival Benadonner.
Cabins, Prices & Offers
Cabin Options On Your Cruise
Please call our Reservations Team for latest pricing and availability.
What's Included
SO MUCH ALREADY INCLUDED
Alongside comfortable cabin accommodation, and peace of mind perks such as our Satisfaction Guarantee and all UK port taxes and fees being covered, your cruise price includes all of the following:
Full board dining
- Five course à la carte dinners
- Daily casual dining options
- Late night Supper Club
- Afternoon tea
- Self-service tea & coffee
Leisure
- Evening shows
- Live music, dancing & dance classes
- Enrichment lectures and expert talks
- A variety of on-board activities
- Swimming pools & jacuzzis
- Fitness centre & classes
Freedom Fares also include
- Free shuttle service (for ports over one mile from the ship)
- Selected drinks with lunch and dinner
- Gratuities
- Pre-book fitness classes
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 the largest of our fleet of ships, by overall size. With her 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.
Your Cruise, Your Way
Whether you prefer a peaceful spot with a good book or a full day of activities and entertainment, life on board offers plenty of choice, all in the warm, welcoming atmosphere of our smaller ships. 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 FAQs
You're almost ready to step on board, but before you zip up those suitcases, here are a few helpful reminders to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
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 be 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.
Take the stress out of moving your luggage by using our recommended luggage movement company, Baggex.
22 May 2026 - 27 May 2026
Scenic Islands & Dramatic Coastlines of Scotland
May 22
Departure: late afternoonLiverpool
United Kingdom
1 Day Sailing
Some of the best moments of cruising are the days spent at sea where you can relax and enjoy the wonderful programme of events and activities we have planned for you.
May 24
Arrival: early morning - Departure: early eveningKirkwall
Scotland
The Orkneys archipelago, around 70 islands in the far north of Scotland, were once the centre of innovation in the British Isles, where farmers in the Stones Ages brought various cattle, pigs and sheep, thus establishing farmsteads on the islands. Today, Skara Brae is a preserved settlement, along with excavated burial and ceremonial sites. Kirkwall stands as the capital of the islands, and is the perfect starting point for exploring Orkney’s fascinating historical sites.
May 25
Arrival: early morning - Departure: late nightStornoway
Scotland
Located on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Stornoway is a thriving town with a busy port, best seen from the top of ‘Gallow’s Hill’ – reached by the impressive grounds of Lews Castle. Originally built in 1847, the castle has had some well-known owners, including Lord Leverhume, who founded the company now known as Unilever. He gave the castle to the people of Stornoway, where it served as a naval hospital and college, but is now a noteworthy museum.
May 26
Arrival: early morning - Departure: late morningCruising by The Small Isles
Scotland
Part of the Inner Hebrides, lying just south of the Isle of Skye, are the Small Isles. Comprised of four beautiful islands; Eigg, Rum, Canna and Muck, they are all famed for their dramatic scenery, variety of wildlife and natural wonders. Mighty volcanic peaks surround Kinlock Castle on the largest island, Rum. The basalt cliffs of Canna, charming villages of Eigg, and Muck’s fertile lowlands and beautiful beaches make this archipelago the perfect scenic cruising destination.
May 26
Arrival: early afternoon - Departure: early afternoonCruising by Dutchman's Cap (Bac Mòr)
Scotland
Bac Mòr is one of the most striking and iconic Scottish Treshnish Isles near Mull and is located a few miles west of Staffa and Iona. Affectionately referred to as The Dutchman’s Cap due to its unusual shape, Bac Mòr has a height of 283 feet, and its flat surroundings resemble glassy lava fields. The Treshnish Isles were formed 60 million years ago when volcanic eruptions on the nearby island of Mull caused lava to flow into the sea.
May 26
Arrival: early afternoon - Departure: early afternoonCruising by Fingal's Cave
Scotland
Created around 60 million years ago, and said to be the corresponding piece of road built by the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill, to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, Fingal’s Cave is a basalt sea-cave with distinctive columns and a remarkable symmetry. Looming 69 metres out of the ocean, it appears to look like a piece of contemporary art, but is completely shaped by nature. Often, the cliffs and ledges are covered with native seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills and puffins.
May 27
Arrival: early morning