Your cruise at a glance
Hand-crafted highlights
On your pre-Christmas getaway on board Bolette, you will have the chance to experience the beauty of España Verde (Green Spain) and its magnificent mountainous landscapes. Discover the unique ecosystem of Picos de Europa, packed with oak and beech groves, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Cantabrian Mountains, and explore the picturesque coastal fishing villages of Northern Spain. Immerse yourself in the festive culture of Spain, where we have timed your visit to Vigo to see the magic of the iconic Christmas lights display, by sampling the Basque Country's Rioja and pintxos, enjoying sidra (cider) in Asturias, and savouring Galicia's fresh seafood. Admire the architectural wonders of the spiritual city of Santiago de Compostela from La Coruña, while Getxo is your gateway to Bilbao and the modern masterpiece of the Guggenheim Museum.
Explore the ItineraryHighlights
Explore the rugged beauty of España Verde
Translating as Green Spain, it's easy to see why España Verde is so revered as it stretches across the rugged coastlines of Northern Spain, distinguished by picturesque bays, traditional fishing villages, and steep cliffs. From La Coruña, you'll have the chance to explore the wild and untamed coastline of striking scenery and charming fishing villages along Costa da Morte, while Gijon is your gateway to the intriguing peaks and valleys of Picos de Europa National Park, where you can discover its diverse range of flora and fauna and learn how species like the Griffon vulture, Iberian wolves, and Cantabrian brown bear inhabit the area. Meanwhile, Getxo is your starting point for exploring the Cantabrian Mountains, known for their rocky terrain and spectacular scenery.
Experience the way of life in Northern Spain
Throughout your Borealis cruise, you will have many opportunities to discover more about Galician culture and the way of life in Northern Spain. The Basque Country is renowned for its delicious pintxos, tapas-inspired snacks showcasing local ingredients like seafood, cured meats, and cheeses, and Pulpo a la Gallega, a traditional dish of octopus cooked in olive oil and paprika. Gijón is home to Asturian sidra, a traditional cider with a crisp flavor and low alcohol content that is often poured theatrically from a great height, while Getxo is your starting point for the Basque Country's verdant vineyards, one of Spain's most recognised wine regions and home to some of the best Rioja wine. You will also have the chance to experience the unique languages and dialects spoken in this region, including Euskara in the Basque Country and Bable, spoken in Asturia, both of which are upheld as key elements of people's cultural identities.
A festive Galician light show
We have timed your arrival into Vigo to coincide with its magical Christmas lights show, where over 11 million LED lights illuminate more than 300 streets, bringing the city alive during the festive season, the centrepiece of which is the giant Christmas tree, whose daily light show is perfectly curated to time with iconic Christmas songs. Other decorations include a snowman and giant ball, so that you can fully immerse yourself in the wonder and magic of Christmas in Vigo. Stroll amongst the streets with fellow guests and residents enjoying the festivities before browsing local shops for souvenirs, or enjoy a ride on the big wheel or Christmas train.
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.
A Taste of Vigo
Immerse yourself in Vigo’s historic streets and culinary delights on this leisurely walking tour. Pass iconic sites before reaching the Vigo Oyster Market, where oyster-shucking locals delight in the fruits of the sea.
££££
Vigo
Santiago de Compostela
Explore the city of Santiago de Compostela and visit the Conventual de San Francisco, the Faculty of Medicine, and the world-famous Plaza del Obradoiro.
££££
La Coruña
Asturian Cider Pouring
Visit the Cider House to explore the family museum and uncover the history of the Cider Tunnel, peruse the apple trees plantations, and enjoy a tasting.
££££
Gijon
Panoramic Tour & The Guggenheim
Journey through Bilbao, passing the Ensanche Area and the bridges over the Nervión River and enjoy views of Bilbao from Artxanda Mountain before visiting the Guggenheim Museum.
££££
Getxo (Bilbao)
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. 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.
Louise Garman
Louise gained a BA Honours Degree in Fine Art at Chelsea School of Art, having visited Spain many times she looks forward to sharing her love of art and knowledge of Spanish art movements on the cruise.
Rosa Vasquez Espinoza
Dr. Rosa Vasquez is a biologist, conservationist, National Geographic explorer and an award-winning artist. Together with her Spanish heritage, Rosa will be hosting a series of talks about Spain’s festive traditions and the influence South America.
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 17:00 09/05/2024, 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 17:00 09/05/2024, 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 £2,199 pp |
|---|
360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £1,699 pp |
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360°
Ocean View (F)
Bolette's F Grade Ocean View cabins have two portholes and are on decks 1 & 2
| Freedom Fare | From £999 pp |
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360°
Interior Cabin (I)
Located on decks 1, 2 & 3, I Grade Interior cabins on Bolette have a bathroom with shower
| Freedom Fare | From £799 pp |
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360°
Single Ocean View (K)
Bolette's K Grade Single Ocean View cabins have large picture windows
| Freedom Fare | From £1,599 pp |
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360°
Balcony Suite (BS)
Located on deck 6, Bolette's Balcony Suites have a private balcony
| Freedom Fare | From £2,999 |
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360°
Terrace Cabin (TC)
Bolette's Terrace Cabins offer access to the Promenade Deck via sliding doors.
| Freedom Fare | From £3,208.10 |
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360°
Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)
CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture view window
| Freedom Fare | From £1,599 |
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Interior Cabin (I)
Located on decks 1, 2 & 3, I Grade Interior cabins on Bolette have a bathroom with shower
| Freedom Fare | From £1,498.10 |
|---|
360°
Single Ocean View (K)
Bolette's K Grade Single Ocean View cabins have large picture windows
| Freedom Fare | From £1,599 |
|---|
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.