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Islands of the Azores, Crossing the Path of the Solar Eclipse

T2406
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BMB BRIDGE CRUISE
4th April 2024  |  13 Nights  |  Southampton  |  Bolette  |  T2406
From: £1899pp
BMB Host & Team
All of our Bridge Cruises have a Bernard Magee Bridge host and a team of helpers.
Daily Bridge
There is a daily session of bridge available as well as seminars on days at sea. All the bridge sessions are optional.
Partners Found
We have many single players on board and guarantee everybody a partner.
BMB Parties
We also have drinks parties to help players meet and mingle and create a nice atmosphere on board.

Islands of the Azores, Crossing the Path of the Solar Eclipse

4th April 2024   |   13 Nights   |   Southampton   |   Bolette   |   T2406

ABOUT THIS CRUISE

Our team has designed this cruise to cross the path of the passing Solar Eclipse, offering the chance to catch a glimpse of the phenomenon before it finishes its course.

On São Miguel Island you can see the Sete Cidades crater lakes and the Furnas Valley hot springs. Tours also afford the opportunity to go in search of resident dolphins and sperm whales. Also on board will be conservationists from ORCA, who will assist you with spotting whales, dolphins and porpoises from the decks of Bolette.

Your discovery of Portugal’s hard-to-reach archipelago continues as Bolette sails past Santa Maria, a remote island with historical links to Columbus.

After cruising past the mighty Cape Girão sea cliff, Madeira’s levada walking trails and gardens await.

Your BMB Host

Ingrid Boyd

Having first learnt bridge in the late 70s, she had a 20-year break bringing up her two sons and growing her own business. Ingrid then returned to playing social bridge and club duplicate. More recently she has been directing twice a month at a local club.

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CRUISE ITINERARY

EXPLORE THE ITINERARY

Islands of the Azores, Crossing the Path of the Solar Eclipse

4th April 2024   |   13 Nights   |   Southampton   |   Bolette   |   T2406
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Apr 04

Southampton

United Kingdom

Select  ~  Departure - Late Afternoon
Close itinerary
france-st-malo
Anchor Port
Apr 05

ST MALO

France

Arrival - Early Morning  ~  Departure - Late Afternoon

Originally a fortified island, the walled city of St Malo is located at the mouth of the River Rance on the Brittany coast, and is now connected to the mainland by a ‘Sillon’ causeway. The walls were mainly rebuilt after the Second World War. The town is famous for its links with the seafarer Jacques Cartier, who set out from here to discover the New World in Canada, and who is buried in the Cathedral in Saint Malo.

Close itinerary
france-brest
Apr 06

BREST

France

Arrival - Early Morning  ~  Departure - Late Afternoon

Brest has a Celtic maritime history stretching back to medieval times, and today Brittany’s cultural identity is still as strong, often expressed through their customs and folklore, such as playing the bagpipes (known as biniou or cornemuse). Significant landmarks here include Pont de Recouvrance, a huge vertical-lift bridge, which allows ships to sail along the River Penfeld; and the unique Océanopolis marine centre – home to 120 marine mammal species and a thousand different types of fish.

Close itinerary
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Apr 08

SOLAR ECLIPSE

Portugal

Arrival - Early Morning  ~  Departure - Late Afternoon

In April 2024, a full Solar Eclipse will be visible when it passes from the Pacific to the Atlantic oceans, with the peak point located over mainland Mexico and the United States, as it moves Northeast across the country. As the duration of the full eclipse increases to its peak point, it then progresses along a path, with an ever decreasing duration thereafter, until this path ends in the North Atlantic, where it then becomes only partially visible.

Close itinerary
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Apr 10

PRAIA DA VITORIA

Portugal

Arrival - Early Morning  ~  Departure - Early Evening

The Azores are located on three tectonic plates – the Eurasian, African and North American. Volcanic activity in the area led to the creation of these islands, and Terceira sits on a geological structure called the Terceira Rift. Praia da Vitoria has a magnificent natural harbour which served as a port of call for fleets sailing to Africa and the Indies. The beaches here are mainly dark, with volcanic sand and very little waves, making them popular with locals and visitors alike.

Close itinerary
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Apr 11

PONTA DELGADA

Portugal

Arrival - Early Morning  ~  Departure - Late Afternoon

The main town and capital of the island of São Miguel, Ponta Delgada has a history stretching back 500 years, showing its importance as a key trading post between Europe and the Americas. The cobbled streets and colourful houses are undeniably Portuguese, and are a perfect blend of historic and modern buildings. The island is home to many plantations, including tea and also pineapples, introduced to the Azores around 100 years ago, and said to be sweeter than any other kind in the world.

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Apr 11

CRUISING BY SANTA MARIA

Portugal

Arrival - Early Evening  ~  Departure - Late Evening

As the most southerly of the Azores’ nine volcanic islands, Santa Maria is also the sunniest, warmest and most arid, earning itself the nickname ‘Sunshine Island’, which is particularly evident when the sun rises and sets over the island. Its landscapes are much drier and the green hues of the forest valleys, peaks and dramatic cliffs are lighter compared to those of the other eight islands in the archipelago. Known for its white sandy beaches and rock pools, the still-working Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse can be spotted from the sea.

Close itinerary
portugal-cabo-girao
Apr 13

CRUISE BY CABO GIRAO

Portugal

Arrival - Early Morning  ~  Departure - Early Morning

Madeira’s highest sea cliff, Cabo Girao, seems to loom high over the village of Câmara de Lobos. It is the second tallest sea cliff in the world and was created by extensive volcanic activity in this part of the Atlantic Ocean. Translated as Cape of Return, Sea Captain João Gonçalves Zarco is said to have turned his ship around here in the 15th century, as the cliff was so intimidating, he deemed it must be a place of demons and beasts.

Close itinerary
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Apr 13

FUNCHAL

Portugal

Arrival - Early Morning  ~  Departure - Early Evening

Famous for its outstanding natural beauty, the Atlantic island of Madeira is known as the ‘floating garden’, with its array of subtropical flowers and plants – grown from the bulbs and seeds of the British merchants who came to the island after making their fortune from selling Madeiran wine. Produced since the 17th century, Madeira Wine’s historical and maritime links make for fascinating reading, of course accompanied by a glass or two of the ‘liquid history’, as described by Winston Churchill.

Close itinerary
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Apr 15

LEIXÕES

Portugal

Arrival - Early Morning  ~  Departure - Late Afternoon

A short journey from Leixões takes you into the heart of Oporto, with its fortress-like Cathedral – offering stunning views across the city, and the Baroque Church of Clérigos. Head to the historic Ribeira District, where the narrow, cobbled lanes wind their way down to the Douro River, or visit one of the many wine cellars for a taste of the rich and smooth fortified wine named after the city, Port.

Close itinerary
Apr 17

Southampton

United Kingdom

Arrival - Early Morning  ~  Select
Close itinerary

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.
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BOLETTE

Bolette is one of the largest ships, by overall size, in our fleet. With its welcoming atmosphere, timeless style, and classic open deck spaces, 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.

  • 690 Cabins
  • 1,338 Guests
  • 657 Crew
  • 62,735 GT
  • 24.5kts Max Speed
Explore the Bolette Virtual Tour

Bolette Cabins

CABIN OPTIONS ON YOUR CRUISE
SharingSolo
Suite
Terrace
Ocean
Interior

BALCONY JUNIOR SUITE (BJ)


Balmoral’s Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony.

  • Highland deck,Bridge deck,Lido deck
  • Approx. 279 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
From £4749pp
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MARQUEE SUITE (MS)


Situated on deck 10, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area.

  • Highland deck
  • Approx. 472 sq. ft.
  • Double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
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OWNER’S SUITE (OW)


Exclusive Suite.

  • Highland deck
  • Approx. 1181 sq. ft.
  • King size bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
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PREMIER SUITE (PS)


Located on deck 10, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area.

  • Highland deck
  • Approx. 601 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
olsen-suite-OW

SUPERIOR SUITE (SS)


Located on decks 9 & 10, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area.

  • Highland deck,Bridge deck
  • Approx. 341 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
premier-suite-PS

SUPERIOR SUITE (SS)


Located on decks 9 & 10, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area.

  • Highland deck,Bridge deck
  • Approx. 341 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
Premier Suite Adapted (PSD) Borealis cabin
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BALCONY CABIN (BA)


Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area.

  • Bridge deck, Lido deck
  • Approx. 260 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
From £3709pp
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SUPERIOR OCEAN VIEW (A)


Higher on the ship, these cabins offer views from large picture windows.

  • Lido deck
  • Approx. 200 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
From £2279pp
OceanViewA
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SUPERIOR OCEAN VIEW (B)


These cabins feature a picture window offering ocean views.

  • Lido deck, Main deck
  • Approx. 165 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
superior-ocean-view-B

SUPERIOR OCEAN VIEW (C)


Balmoral’s C Grade Superior Ocean View cabins feature a picture window.

  • Atlantic deck
  • Approx. 165 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
Superior Ocean View adapted (BD)

SUPERIOR OCEAN VIEW (C)


Balmoral’s C Grade Superior Ocean View cabins feature a picture window.

  • Atlantic deck
  • Approx. 165 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
superior-ocean-view-C

SUPERIOR OCEAN FULLY OBSTRUCTED VIEW (CO)


CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.

  • Lido deck
  • Approx. 165 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
superior-ocean-view-CO

OCEAN VIEW (D)


Balmoral’s D Grade Ocean View cabins have a picture window.

  • Atlantic deck, Coral deck
  • Approx. 165 sq. ft.
  • Twin bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
superior-ocean-view-D

OCEAN VIEW (E)


The E Grade Ocean View cabin on Balmoral features a picture window.

  • Coral deck
  • Approx. 165 sq. ft.
  • Twin bed
  • Shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
superior-ocean-view-E

OCEAN VIEW (F)


Two portholes in Balmoral’s F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views.

  • Atlantic deck, Coral deck, Marina deck
  • Approx. 165 sq. ft.
  • Twin bed
  • Shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
superior-ocean-view-F

OCEAN VIEW (F)


Two portholes in Balmoral’s F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views.

  • Atlantic deck, Coral deck, Marina deck
  • Approx. 165 sq. ft.
  • Twin bed
  • Shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
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SUPERIOR INTERIOR CABIN (G)


G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise.

  • Bridge deck, Lido deck
  • Approx. 160 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
From £1899pp
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INTERIOR CABIN (H)


These cabins feature a picture window offering ocean views.

  • Main deck, Atlantic deck
  • Approx. 160 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
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INTERIOR CABIN (I)


I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.

  • Atlantic deck, Coral deck, Marina deck
  • Approx. 160 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
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Singles Fares

SINGLE OCEAN VIEW (L)


Balmoral’s L Grade Single Ocean View cabins offer ocean views from the porthole

  • Marina deck
  • Approx. 140 sq. ft.
  • Twin or double bed
  • Shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
From £4339
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SINGLE BALCONY CABIN (J)


On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral’s J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window.

  • Lido deck
  • Approx. 160 sq. ft.
  • Double bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
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SINGLE BALCONY SUITE (JB)


Balmoral’s Single Balcony Suites have a private balcony and airy inside area

  • Bridge deck
  • Approx. 274 sq. ft.
  • Twin bed
  • Bath and/or shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
Single Superior Interior (M) Borealis

SINGLE OCEAN VIEW (K)


K Grade Ocean View cabins on Balmoral offer scenic views from the picture window.

  • Lido deck, Coral deck
  • Approx. 165 sq. ft.
  • Twin bed
  • Shower
  • Mini Bar / Fridge
Call 01344 205 120 for latest prices
Single Interior Cabin N
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Your BMB Bridge Cruise Coupon

Don’t forget to quote the code GRP0295, when booking a BMB Bridge Cruise. Call our friendly booking experts on: 01344 205 120.

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So Much Already Included

Everything listed below is included within the price of your BMB Bridge Cruise holiday.
  • DINING & LOUNGES
    • À la carte dining
    • Daily buffet dining options
    • Late night Supper Club
    • Afternoon tea
    • Self-service tea & coffee
    • In-cabin dining & snacks
  • ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
    • Daily bridge sessions
    • Bridge seminars*
    • Evening shows
    • Live music & dancing
    • Dance classes
    • Lectures & talks
    • Cookery demonstrations
    • Traditional deck games
  • RELAXATION & FITNESS
    • Swimming Pools
    • Jacuzzis
    • Fitness Centre
    • Fitness Classes

DINING & LOUNGES

  • À la carte dining
  • Daily buffet dining options
  • Late night Supper Club
  • Afternoon tea
  • Self-service tea & coffee
  • In-cabin dining & snacks

ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT

  • Daily bridge sessions
  • Bridge seminars*
  • Evening shows
  • Live music & dancing
  • Dance classes
  • Lectures & talks
  • Cookery demonstrations
  • Traditional deck games
* Days at sea.

RELAXATION & FITNESS

  • Swimming Pools
  • Jacuzzis
  • Fitness Centre
  • Fitness Classes

Call a Cruise Expert Today

Call our friendly cruise experts to help you choose the cabin that’s right for you and talk you through available add-on packages.

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Quote Your BMB Code GRP0295

Call our friendly cruise experts to help you choose the cabin that’s right for you and talk you through available add-on packages.

Fred .Olsen Terms & Conditions