Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ new flagship Boletteis setting sail on her first venture from Southampton, marking the start of its inaugural season of sailing from the city.

Between now and August 2022, Bolette will offer 26 hand-crafted sailings from Southampton, including opportunities to witness the Northern Lights in Norway and the Geminid Meteor Shower in the Canary Islands.

The ship will set sail to Antwerp and Amsterdam on Bolette’s five-night ‘Netherlands & Belgium City Break’ this evening, with future destinations including the Amalfi Coast, Norwegian fjords, European cities and Iceland. Durations range from four to 19-nights.

Martin Lister, Head of Destination Experience and Itinerary Planning, said:

“Bolette’s inaugural programme from Southampton has been hand-crafted to offer guests aboard some really special opportunities. Whether that’s seeking out the phenomenal Northern Lights, discovering the history of the Balkan regions or sailing into the heart of the Norwegian fjords to witness their beauty direct from the ship.

“We’ve also timed a number of our cruises to coincide with special events ashore, for example our call into Amsterdam in April will allow guests to enjoy the world-renowned Floriade Expo, and we will visit Monaco in time for the Grand Prix in May. Guests joining us in the Canary Islands in early December will also have the chance to witness the Geminid Meteor Shower during their cruise.

“Plus, for those who prefer to sail from Southampton, it will be their first chance to explore our new flapship Bolette and enjoy her many facilities for themselves. We can’t wait to welcome guests, both new and returning, on board from today.”

Highlights of Bolette’s inaugural programme from Southampton include:

Bolette’s 14-night T2129 ‘Landscapes of the Canaries’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 6^th December 2021. Prices start from £999 per person.

Guests aboard will have the chance to witness the Geminid Meteor Shower during this cruise.

Itinerary: Southampton, England – Las Palmas, Gran Canaria – Santa Cruz, La Palma – Santa Cruz, Tenerife – San Sebastian, La Gomera – Funchal, Madeira – Lisbon, Portugal – Southampton, England

Bolette’s seven-night T2210 ‘Norwegian Fjords & Mighty Waterfalls’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 15^th May 2022. Prices start from £1,099 per person.

Sail size-restricted Lysefjord on this sailing, only accessible to smaller ships, steeped by mountainous cliffs including the famous Pulpit Rock.

Itinerary: Southampton, England – cruising Lysefjord, Norway – cruising Jøsenfjord, Norway – Eidfjord, Norway – cruise Hardangerfjord, Norway – cruising Maurangerfjord and Furebergfossen (to see Fureberg Waterfall), Norway – Olden, Norway – cruising Nordfjord, Norway – cruising by Hornelen, Norway – Haugesund, Norway – Southampton, England

Bolette’s 18-night T2213 ‘Discovering the Balkans’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 14^th June 2022.Prices start from £2,999 per person.

Visit cities of deep historical importance in shaping the Balkan’s fascinating history, as well as lesser-known destinations off the beaten tourist trail.

Itinerary: Southampton, England – Cartagena, Spain – cruising Strait of Messina, Italy – cruising Bay of Kotor, Montenegro – Kotor, Montenegro – Dubrovnik, Croatia – Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Split, Croatia – Durres, Albania – cruise Strait of Messina – Cagliari, Sardinia – Tangier, Morocco – Southampton, England