We couldn’t be more excited about Fred. Olsen’s new Voyage of Exploration Around the World aboard its magnificent ship Bolette. Setting sail on 6 January 2025 for a glorious 106 nights, it’s been expertly planned by the cruise line’s dedicated team of Journey Planners, piecing together destinations and voyages of discovery linked to famous explorers. Book now to benefit from a launch offer of door-to-door transfers of up to 250 miles and up to £600pp on board spend (T&Cs apply).
You’ll take in geological wonders including waterfalls, fjords and volcanic islands as you sail in the wake of the first recorded circumnavigation of the globe: the 16th-century Magellan–Elcano expedition. What’s more, each port of call and area of scenic cruising has been hand-picked for having received fantastic feedback from Fred. Olsen guests on existing cruises.
Family run and insistent on doing things its own way, Fred. Olsen welcomes discerning guests interested in nature, wildlife and culture, including local art and literature – people who value its fascinating talks, visits and workshops and the in-depth information that staff provide on the destinations visited.
Fred. Olsen also operates smaller ships that sail, at capacity, with only 1200 guests, allowing them to dock at smaller ports in the most compelling of destinations and to avoid overcrowding onboard and on shore. This new world cruise follows a reposition from Liverpool, meaning you get the choice of joining it from a northern or a southern departure port (Southampton).
There’s something on this new cruise for everyone, from culture vultures to nature lovers. The first part of the journey gives guests the chance to visit places that have strongly influenced the culture, especially music and dance, of their destinations. The second part takes in remote islands as well as cities that all give an insight into the communities and civilisations that have shaped them, as well as taking in sites of great natural beauty with the opportunity for epic wildlife spotting. The final stage takes you to some off-the-beaten-track destinations as well as giving you the opportunity to learn about the history of trading.
To take just a few examples of the incredible experiences in store, you’ll learn about the importance of Tenerife’s banana trade during a stop in the Canaries, discover Cape Verde as an maritime hub between continents, and immerse yourself in the world of samba in Rio de Janeiro. In Uruguay you’ll find out all about local farming, while in Argentina you’ll visit the Iguazu Falls as well as lose yourself to the rhythms of the tango.
Other unforgettable sights and experiences on the agenda are the Chilean fjords, the Moai statues of Easter Island, several of the iconic islands of the South Pacific, some of the highlights of Australia, and the Indian Ocean favourites Mauritius and Reunion Island. After all that, you’ll proceed to the thrilling destinations of South Africa, Namibia, Saint Helena and Senegal, finishing back in the Canaries, in La Palma, and in Madeira, before returning to Southampton.
And of course there are plenty of days at sea on this wonderfully leisurely itinerary to make the most of the fantastic onboard facilities. Launched to great acclaim and excitement in 2021, your vessel Bolette – along with her sister Borealis – fitted seamlessly into the Fred. Olsen fleet while bringing with them a number of new and exciting facilities - including grand two-tier theatres, culinary demonstration venues and all-weather pools.
To book your Voyage of Exploration Around the World with Fred. Olsen with a launch offer of door-to-door transfers of up to 250 miles and up to £600pp onboard spend, call your Travel Counsellor today.
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The personal experiences of our Travel Counsellors, together with their combined insider knowledge of hotels, resorts, and destinations, ensure that they can hand-pick the very best holidays for your needs.
Continuing the pioneering spirit of the innovative, award-winning Virgin Voyages cruises, Brilliant Lady is set to cross the United States in her highly anticipated 2025 debut season. Highlights among the once-in-a-lifetime five- to 16-night journeys will include a voyage through the Panama Canal and a trip through the glaciers and fjords of Alaska.
