Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
From fields in shades of purple and yellow to skies in hues of orange and red reflecting over azure waters, a tapestry of vibrant vistas awaits on this cruise. We’ve timed your visit to Provence when lavender and sunflowers are usually in bloom and included a scenic cruise past Cap de Formentor at sunset. Experience the Provençal lifestyle, where the unhurried village pace sets the scene for locals playing petanque. The bouillabaisse of Marseille and niçoise cuisine will tantalise your taste buds, while lively markets like Cours Lafayette burst with colours and flavours. Discover the allure of Marseille, beloved by painters like Cézanne and Van Gogh, and Villefranche, a playground for the rich and famous.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Vivid Vistas
This cruise aboard Bolette presents the opportunity for you to experience the vivid colours of the French Riviera in summer, as sunsets paint the sky in warm hues of pink, red and purple. From Marseille, join us on a tour to witness the breathtaking lavender and sunflower fields of Provence; while from Nice, the colourful gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild must be explored. The deep azure waters of the Cote d'Azur lap against the shores of Villefranche, home to beautifully pastel-shaded houses, while the compact and cultural town of Nice is bathed in opulent shades of gold and red as the sun dips beyond the horizon.
The Provençal lifestyle
Immerse yourself in life in Provence, and explore picturesque villages where life is taken at a slower pace, and is packed with fragrant cuisine, renowned wines and artistic inspiration. Culinary traditions here include the traditional stew of Bouillabaisse, said to have originated in Marseille; Niçoise salad and ratatouille, often enjoyed at sunny outdoor cafés; and the rich, full-bodied flavours of Bandol red wine, crafted from Mourvèdre grapes in the region. Venture on a tour to the Lavender fields of Luberon when they are in bloom, as their scent glides over the blanket of purple and fills your senses; while in Toulon, experience lively Pétanque games as locals compete in a wonderful centrepiece of French social activity before you explore the nearby markets for local produce in an array of colours and flavours.
Enticing the rich & famous
The French Riveria is synonymous with the rich and famous, and as Bolette sails into Nice, you will have the chance to discover how it became a fashionable resort town for wealthy English aristocrats, enticed by the almost year-round sunshine and miles of golden coastlines. The vivid colours of the Mediterranean seduced many well-known artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Henri Matisse, who lived in Nice for a time; and Pablo Picasso, who enjoyed many summers there. Paul Cezanne is said to have used the rugged landscape of his native Provence in his paintings thus leading the way for other artists. More recently, the region has been an exclusive haven for Hollywood actors, singers and even royalty.
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.
Bernie Raffe
Retired professional photographer, Bernie will be joining us throughout our sailing, ready to assist in capturing unforgettable moments of the destinations we will cruise by.
Sue Wilmot
Sue, who lived in France for seven years, speaks fluent French and has travelled the country extensively, particularly Provence, embracing its rich culture and delicious cuisine. Accompanied with a background in Classics and History of Art from Cambridge University, Sue aims to illuminate the wonders of the Riviera.
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 £5,899 pp |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,699 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 £2,699 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 £2,399 pp |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on Marina deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,399 pp |
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Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on Highland deck, Bolette's Balcony Suites have a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £9,148.50 |
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Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £8,928.10 |
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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 £4,798.50 |
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Interior Cabin (H)
H Grade Interior cabins on Bolette are located on decks Marina & Coral deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,373.25 |
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Single Interior Cabin (N)
Bolette’s N Grade Single Interior cabins are situated on Marina deck.
| Freedom Fare | From £4,399 |
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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.