Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our team has planned this cruise to showcase Portugal's diverse landscapes and marine life. Embark on a discovery of the Azores and Portugal when the sight and smell of hydrangeas in full bloom fills your senses, as you explore volcanic islands, where Praia da Vitoria is home to the Algar do Carvão lava tube and Ponta Delgada is your gateway to uncovering the twin lakes of Sete Cidades. Embrace the Portuguese way of life by bathing in the thermal baths of Furnas Valley on Sao Miguel Island, or sample Madeiran wine and pasteis de nata. You can search for whales from Bolette with the help of conservationists from wildlife charity ORCA, and there will be opportunities to delve into the Azores agriculture and cultivation of pineapples and tea.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Verdant Volcanic Vistas
The relatively unknown archipelago of the Azores offers a range of diverse volcanic landscapes, lush vegetation and a unique ecosystem. The unusual twin lakes of Sete Cidades on Sao Miguel Island, one emerald green and the other sapphire blue, while the unique Lava Tube at Algar do Carvao offers the opportunity to explore inside the volcano by foot and see caves, magma chambers and an underground lake with crystal clear waters. You will be joined by Natural Historian Stephen Head, who will speak about the origins of the Macronesia islands, the geological history of the Azores, and how the Sete Cidades Crater Lake was formed.
Portuguese Way of Life
On this Bolette cruise, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Portuguese way of life, and experience activities and cuisines combining traditions and modernity blending together perfectly. From Lisbon, make time to take a journey on the local trams through the city's narrow streets. Learn to make the flaky custard tarts known as Pasteis de Nata, sample local sardines servied simply with bread; and listen to the melodic strains of fado music, telling stories of heartbreak and longing. In Madeira, visit a local vineyard and sample some of its signature sweet-tasting wine.
Dolphins & Whales
The waters surrounding the islands of the Azores are home to a variety of sperm whales and other migrating cetaceans, due to its abundant marine biodiversity. Experts from wildlife charity ORCA will be on board Bolette with you to assist you with spotting different species of ocean wildlife. There may also be opportunities to go whale and dolphin watching from the islands, so you can see these magnificent mammals in their natural habitats.
Agriculture & Horticulture
The islands of the Azores are a hotbed for unique agricultural and horticutural practices, with varied climates and fertile soil, allowing for a range of diverse crops. Pineapple cultivation is a significant feature of Sao Miguel, and the pineapples grown here are renowned for their distinctive taste. The region is also well known for its dairy farming due to the lush green pastures and meadows, producing milk, other dairy products and a well-regarded cheese. From Ponta Delgada, you will have the opportunity to discover one of Europe's few tea plantations, and how the tea is processed. Madeira is home to the iconic Botanical Gardens, and on this cruise you'll be joined by natural historian and gardener, Stephen Head, who will be speaking about how the island's geography and climate.
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.
Explore Inside Algar Do Carvâo Volcano
Explore Algar do Carvã, an ancient volcano located in one of Terceira's geological nature reserves. Journey 330ft below the Earth’s surface where extraordinary caves, magma chambers and even an underground lake with crystal clear waters await you.
££££
Praia da Vitória
Furnas Valley
Explore some of the natural highlights of the island of São Miguel with this special tour of Furnas Valley. Visit the historical town of Ribeira Grande, the smaller Vila Franca do Campo and a pineapple plantation to learn about the cultivation of pineapple and tea.
££££
Ponta Delgada
Whale Watching
Embark on a captivating catamaran cruise for a wildlife encounter. Departing from the pier, traverse crystalline waters in search of dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. Spot humpback, minke, blue, sei, and northern bottlenose whales, along with turtles, sunfish, and schools of tuna, while your knowledgeable crew guides the adventure.
££££
Ponta Delgada
Sete Cidades Jeep Adventure
Enjoy an exhilarating Jeep adventure up into the mountains to soak up the magnificent surroundings. Visit Sete Cidades and the main crater of this extinct volcano to admire the views of the two lakes below. Finish with a visit to Santiago Lake, situated at the bottom of an extinct crater.
££££
Ponta Delgada
Made in Madeira
Embark on a journey to Quinta das Vinhas, an organic vineyard overlooking the Atlantic, steeped in history and antiques. Explore its restored charm and learn about its heritage, grape cultivation, and traditional Madeiran wine-making process. Enjoy a wine tasting with tapas and visit the Hinton family’s rum distillery to sample unique Madeiran rum.
££££
Funchal
Flowers of Funchal
Begin with a scenic drive to Palheiro Gardens to explore the beautiful garden before continuing to the family-owned Quinta Jardins do Lago, where Pedro, a local botanical enthusiast, will conduct an insightful orchid workshop.
££££
Funchal
Viewpoints of Funchal
Explore Funchal’s most beautiful landscapes on this scenic tour, stopping at the Ponta do Garajau and Pico dos Barcelos viewpoints for sweeping vistas. Conclude at Cabo Girão, standing at 580m, it is the highest sea cliff in Europe and the second highest in the world. For the brave, there is a glass ‘Sky Walk’ offering a view of the cliff face directly beneath your feet.
££££
Funchal
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
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
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.
Dr Steve Head
Steve Head studied Zoology and Geology at Cambridge University. A Natural Historian and gardening enthusiast, Steve will be joining us on board to speak about the beautiful landscapes and gardens you will find on this cruise.
Dr. Fred Stevenson - Go Stargazing
Go Stargazing is formed of a group of astronomers, all of whom are keen to encourage public interest in astronomy to as wide an audience as possible. On your cruise, expect to find Dr. Fred Stevenson out on the top deck in the evenings conducting stargazing sessions.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
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 06:00 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 06:00 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 £4,099 pp |
|---|
360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,399 pp |
|---|
360°
Ocean View (F)
Bolette's F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on decks 1 & 2
| Freedom Fare | From £1,999 pp |
|---|
360°
Interior Cabin (I)
Located on decks 1, 2 & 3, I Grade Interior cabins on Bolette have a bathroom with shower
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
|---|
360°
Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on deck 1.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,299 pp |
|---|
360°
Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on deck 6, Bolette's Balcony Suites have a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £6,448.50 |
|---|
360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,458.10 |
|---|
360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture view window
| Freedom Fare | From £2,799 |
|---|
Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Bolette are located on decks 1 & 2
| Freedom Fare | From £3,148.25 |
|---|
360°
Single Ocean View (K)
Bolette's K Grade Single Ocean View cabins have large picture windows
| 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.