Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Our team has planned this Bolette cruise to showcase Portugal’s remarkable landscapes. The remote archipelago of the Azores is home to verdant volcanic vistas, hot springs and crater lakes, while the ‘Garden Island’ of Madeira boasts vibrant floral displays and the towering Cabo Girão sea cliff – one of Europe’s highest capes. Thermal bathing in the Furnas Valley, tasting Madeira wine and relishing fado music in Lisbon are great ways to immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of Portugal. The Azores also offers unparalleled opportunities for whale and dolphin watching. There will be chances to uncover the islands’ rich agricultural history, too, by exploring the cultivation of produce like pineapples and tea.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Uncover volcanic vistas
Your cruise to the Azores aboard Bolette has been designed to offer you the opportunity to discover the magnificent twin lakes of Cete Sidades in Ponta Delgada. Surrounded by romantic tales of why one is green and the other is blue, they are set in the main crater of an extinct volcano; while the hot sulphur springs of Furnas Valley can also be admired before you take a dip in the thermal pools at Terra Nostra Park. The lava tube at Algar do Carvao, once a channel for molten lava, is now a huge, lush cave full of silica stalactites dangling from the ceiling, said to be the largest of their kind in the world.
Discover the Portguese way of life
Immerse yourself in the way of life in Portugal by exploring Lisbon on one of the iconic trams, meandering through narrow streets and up and down steep hills set amongst colourful houses, sample the local delicacies of sardines and the deliciously flaky pastéis de nata, and experience a Fado performance from a talented singer, accompanied by acoustic guitar, singing heartfelt songs of lost love. In São Miguel, you will have plenty of opportunities to experience bathing in the springs of the Furnas Valley, kept warm by the unique geothermal activity on the island; while in Madeira, do join us for a tasting of the region's wine, full of rich caramel and toffee flavours.
The perfect sub-tropical climate
The Azores are well-known for their uniquely sub-tropical climate, perfect soil for growing and cultivating tropical fruits and flora, and opportunities to experience all four seasons in one day. Ponta Delgada is home to a Pineapple Plantation, where you can witness the sweet-tasting fruit at each stage of its development in specially-made greenhouses. Europe's oldest tea plantation, Gorreana Tea Factory is also located on the island of Sao Miguel, producing exotically flavoured leaves for green, black and oolong tea. In Funchal, explore Palheiro Gardens, one of the most botanically rich landscapes in Madeira; or the exotic plants of the Botanical Gardens, dedicated to preserving endangered plant species; before wandering amongst the vineyards of the Madeiran Wine Route.
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.
David Winpenny
Garden and landscape ethusiast David has extensive experience in leading garden tours and will be joining us to talk about the gardens of this cruise.
Glynda Easterbrook
A Fellow of the Geological Society and an Earth Scientist, Glynda will be on board speaking on a range of topics which relate to the natural world in the destinations we will be visiting.
Go Stargazing
Acting as tour guides of the heavens, the Go Stargazing astronomers will share their knowledge with group sessions learning interesting and amazing facts about our Universe. The friendly and approachable team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and to help you spot planets and stars.
Orca
Founded in 2001, ORCA is a group of Ocean Conservationists. Join them out on deck to search the seas for marine life.
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 11:00 20/12/2024, 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 11:00 20/12/2024, 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 £4,299 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,499 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 £2,099 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 £1,799 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on Marina deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,099 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on Highland deck, Bolette's Balcony Suites have a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £6,598.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £6,648.10 |
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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 £3,598.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Bolette are located on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,323.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on Marina deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,099 |
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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.