Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Embark on an exploration of Portugal aboard Bolette, revealing verdant volcanic vistas like the Algar do Carvão lava tube, Caldera Guilherme Moniz, Sete Cidades crater lakes and Cabo Girão sea cliff. We’ve timed your visit to the Azores so that you can experience the beauty of hydrangeas in bloom. There’s also the chance to enjoy whale and dolphin watching. Discover the Portuguese way of life with hot spring bathing in Furnas Valley, wine tasting in Madeira and the vibrant culture of Lisbon, with its pastéis de nata, fresh sardines, fado music and iconic trams. With its unique climate, where it's entirely possible to experience four season in one day, you can discover more about the region’s agriculture and horticulture, evident in its pineapple growing, tea plantations, botanical gardens and vineyards.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Verdant volcanic vistas
One of the main sights that you will have the opportunity to see on this cruise to the Azores is the incredible twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, one green and one blue, and uncover the myths and legends associated with them, particularly the tragic tale of the Princess and shepherd boy. As Bolette continues her journey and the morning mist clears, visit the rocky outcrops of Caldera de Gulherme Moniz from Praia da Vitoria, and descend into the lava caves at Algar do Carvao. Scenic cruising of the mighty Cabo Girao sea cliff follows, before sailing along the Tagus river to Lisbon.
Portuguese way of life
Your cruise aboard Bolette has been perfectly planned for you to experience the beauty of hydrangeas in bloom throughout the Azores. You will also have plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the Portuguese way of life by indulging in the famous Madeiran wine in Funchal or discovering the delectable flaky pastry goodness of pastéis de nata in Lisbon. Explore the city by the iconic wooden trams as you wind your way through narrow streets lined with colourful houses; and take time to experience a Fado performance, hauntingly beautiful folk music of country villages, telling nostalgic stories of lost loves.
Discovering Azorean Agriculture
Alongside the sight and scents of hydrangeas in bloom, discover the rich agricultural history of the Azores due to the tropical subclimate of the islands and where you may well experience four season in one day. You will be perfectly placed in Ponta Delgada to visit a Pineapple Greenhouse to explore how the fruits are cultivated, and the Gorreana Tea Plantation, Europe's oldest tea garden. In Madeira, you'll have ample opportunity to wander around the Botanical Gardens and explore a local vineyard to witness the iconic Madeiran wine production.
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.
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.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
Professor Glenn Patrick
Physicist Professor Glenn Patrick will be joining us to deliver a series of engaging talks throughout your cruise about the volcanoes and volcanic landscapes of the Azores and Madeira.
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 13:00 25/12/2024, 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 13:00 25/12/2024, 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 £4,269 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,669 pp |
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Ocean View (F)
Bolette's F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £2,219 pp |
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Interior Cabin (I)
Located on decks Marina, Coral & Promenade deck, I Grade Interior cabins on Bolette have a bathroom with shower
| Freedom Fare | From £1,869 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on Marina deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,169 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on Highland deck, Bolette's Balcony Suites have a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £6,638.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,958.10 |
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Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture view window
| Freedom Fare | From £3,488.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Bolette are located on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,413.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on Marina deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,169 |
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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 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.