Fred. Olsen launches new 106-night world cruise for 2025Fred. Olsen launches new 106-night world cruise for 2025

Departing from Southampton on January 6, 2025 flagship Bolette will visit Brazil, Argentina, French Polynesia, Mauritius and South Africa. It will also traverse the south coast of Australia as British navigator Matthew Flinders did in 1801, and will call into places visited by the likes of the 18th century British explorer, navigator, cartographer captain James Cook and Alexander Selkirk – the Scottish sailor who is thought to have been the inspiration for the classic Daniel Defoe novel Robinson Crusoe. 

Martin Lister, head of itinerary planning and destination experience at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said, ‘We have a real passion for curating creative and innovative itineraries, and this Grand Voyages really tells a story - retelling the tales of some of history’s greatest adventurers.’ 

Prices for the ‘A Voyage of Exploration Around the World’ cruise start at £11,499 per person with the option of free door to door transfers of up to 250mi on the UK Mainland. An option to sail roundtrip from Liverpool, with transfers, is also available departing January 4, 2025.

The cruise has been unveiled exclusively to members of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Oceans club today, and will go on general sale March 3. 

Fred. Olsen recently revealed details of its 2024 grand voyage. 

Cultural insights and nature spotting 

Lister went on to say that ‘there are some incredible highlights, from seeing the mysterious Moai statues on Easter Island or exploring the tropical islands of the South Pacific with their volcanic landscapes, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and pearl trade.

‘There’s chances to delve into the origins of music and dance in the birthplace of some of the greatest art forms in the world, or visit St Helena, the isolated British island that was once a crucial shipping port and the place where Napoleon was exiled…’ he added. 

During the first half of the voyage, there will be opportunities for passengers to experience the traditional and cultural artforms of South America, with chances to learn more about the Samba beats in Rio de Janeiro or techniques of the Tango in Argentina. From there, passengers will embark on a scenic sailing, encountering the snow-capped peaks and rugged landscapes of the Chilean fjords, and take a tour to see the Iguazu Falls.

Cultural insight into many societies and civilisations can be gained during the voyage. In addition, there will be a variety of native wildlife to see, including Magellanic Penguins in South America, Koalas and Kangaroos in Australia or the ‘Big Five’ in South Africa.

Itinerary 

Southampton, England, Funchal, Madeira, Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Montevideo, Uruguay, and Buenos Aires, Argentina feature on the itinerary.  

In Chile, the vessel will cruise by Cape Deseado and Alejandro Selkirk Island and the Chilean Fjords, and call Castro, Valparaiso, Robinson Crusoe Island, Hanga Roa (Easter Island). 

After cruising by Pitcairn Island, Bolette will head for French Polynesia calling Papeete in Tahiti and Bora Bora in the Society Islands, before visiting Rarotonga in the Cook Islands followed by a crossing of the International Date Line. 

In Australia Bolette will call Nuku'alofa in Tonga, Hobart in Tasmania, Melbourne, Albany and Fremantle (Perth). 

Port Louis in Mauritius and Port Réunion on Réunion Island precede destinations in Africa, starting with Gqeberha and Cape Town in South Africa and Walvis Bay in Namibia, Jamestown. 

 St Helena and cruising by Ascension Island follow, before the ship calls at Dakar, Senegal, Africa. 

The journey ends with Arrecife, Lanzarote, Lisbon, Portugal and Southampton.