Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
Portugal’s islands boast landscapes bursting with flora and fauna, making this the ideal sailing for nature enthusiasts. As the early morning mist clears, you’ll have chances to go whale and dolphin watching and witness volcanic wonders such as the Sete Cidades crater lakes in the Azores and the mighty Cabo Girão sea cliff in Madeira. You can embrace the Portuguese way of life by bathing in the hot pools of Furnas Valley, exploring the capital via tram, and savouring culinary delights such as sardines, custard tarts and Madeira wine. Delve deeper into the islands’ rich agricultural and horticultural history by immersing yourself in the intricacies of local farming practices, pineapple cultivation, winemaking and flower growing.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Rich volcanic landscapes
Your cruise aboard Bolette has been designed for you to witness the magnificent volcanic vistas of the Azores. During your time in Ponta Delgada, you can witness the twin crater lakes of Sete Cidades, one in shades of brilliant blue and the other jade green; or relax in the hot springs of Furnas Valley and the thermal pool at Terra Nostra Park. Join us on a tour to explore the deep volcanic cave at Algar do Carvao on Terceira, and wander through its magma chambers to discover awe-inspiring stalactites and rock formations. You'll also have the opportunity to experience outstanding panoramas from Caldera de Gulherme Moniz crater, with its rocky outcrops, lava domes, and springs of crystal clear water.
Embrace the Portuguese way of life
The way of life in the Azores and Portugal is based upon traditional activities and a strong sense of community. In Lisbon, experience the haunting strains of Fado music, where musicians tell stories of heartbreak and longing; take a ride on the city's wooden trams through the historic centre and colourful neighbourhoods, and sample the mouth-watering pasteis de nata. Madeira's wine is renowned for its characteristic tones of caramel and toffee and can be enjoyed on tour from Bolette or at a tasting session on board with our Sommelier.
The perfect sub-tropical climate for agriculture
The islands of the Azores are perfectly placed in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, offering the perfect sub-tropical climate for the growth and cultivation of flora and fruits. When in Ponta Delgada, you're perfectly placed to explore the greenhouses of a pineapple plantation and see how these intensely flavoured fruits thrive in the rich, volcanic soil; and the oldest tea estate in Europe - the Gorreana Tea Plantation. The climate and lush pastures of Terceira are also ideal for the island's dairy farms, and its production of high-quality milk and cheese, although you may well experience each of the four seasons in one day. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the botanical gardens of Madeira, walking amongst the colourful and sweet-smelling exotic plants and flowers.
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.
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 £4,499 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,799 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 £2,299 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 £1,999 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on Marina deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,299 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on Highland deck, Bolette's Balcony Suites have a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £7,048.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £7,218.10 |
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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 £3,898.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Bolette are located on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,673.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on Marina deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,299 |
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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.