The UK’s largest cruise port and where many will begin their cruise holiday, Southampton has no shortage of maritime and historical attractions. Discover local landmarks on a walking tour including 30 ancient monuments, learn about the tragic story of the Titanic and escape to the great outdoors at the New Forest National Park. With numerous options for seafood dining and even a free art gallery, Southampton is an undoubtedly great destination for a pre or post-cruise stay.
Things to do in Southampton:
SeaCity Museum
Dedicated to the tragedy of the Titanic, SeaCity Museum excellently portrays the aftermath through interactive exhibits. Featuring a 1:25 scale model of the ship, visitors learn about life onboard as well as the disaster that deeply affected Southampton in 1912.
Solent Sky Museum
Home to over 20 aircraft that were integral to the war effort, Solent Sky Museum is dedicated to the history of the RAF. Southampton itself played a large role in producing Supermarine Spitfires, which you’ll learn all about here.
The New Forest
If you’re looking to escape the busy port city, the New Forest National Park is just a short distance away with native New Forest ponies and lush heathland. Visitors can also catch events, activities and workshops throughout the year.
Tudor House and Garden
As Southampton’s most important historic building, this restored home holds over 800 years of history after having numerous owners. Now a museum, it showcases many artefacts once belonging to past residents of Southampton, as well as a Tudor House Café.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Since opening in 1939, this free art gallery has showcased exhibitions of sculptures, photography and traditional paintings. Thanks to an ever-changing programme of activities, you’ll find something here that the whole family will enjoy.
Gijon
DAY 315 Nov 2023
Nestled on the coastline of the Bay of Biscay, Gijon is home to an extensive maritime history. Numerous heritage buildings throughout the city have roots in the Roman age, which will make even a leisurely stroll a fascinating journey through time. Discover the Old Town which offers most attractions in close proximity, including the Roman Baths, Plaza Mayor and a museum. You can also visit the fishing village Cimadevilla for delectable seafood.
Getxo (for Bilbao)
DAY 416 Nov 2023
One of the Basque country’s best destinations, Bilbao is a hub of fascinating architecture, contemporary design and artistic flair in almost every direction you look. Start your exploration in Plaza Nueva for the best sightseeing, shopping and cuisine, as well as museums and galleries. You’ll also find many lush parks in the city and rolling hills in the surrounding areas, making this a truly unique experience in comparison to most Spanish city breaks.
Things to do in Getxo (for Bilbao):
Bilbao Cathedral
Built in the 14th and 15th centuries, Bilbao Cathedral has a Gothic style exterior and interior, though with Renaissance and neo-Classical influences. Despite still being a working church, visitors can take a tour with information provided by an audio guide.
Basilica de Begona
Towering from the top of a hill, the 16th-century Basilica de Begoña can be reached on foot or by an elevator from Calle Esperanza. Its imposing Gothic steeple makes a fantastic photo opportunity while, inside the basilica, you’ll find an intricate gold altarpiece.
Bilbao Fine Arts Museum
Displaying works from the 12th century through to the present day, the Museum of Fine Arts of Bilbao is a must visit particularly for traditional art enthusiasts. Visitors will find paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings and more, organised by topic alphabetically.
Guggenheim Museum
One of the largest museums in Spain, the Guggenheim Museum is dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary art. The building itself is a unique architectural landmark while inside you’ll find countless ever-changing exhibitions.
Plaza Nueva
If you’re in need of some authentic Spanish cuisine after a long day of sightseeing and shopping, Plaza Nueva is the place to be. The square has a reputation as the city’s social gathering spot, hosting markets, bars, cafés and more. This is the place to try a renowned local pinxo!
Santander
DAY 517 Nov 2023
Just west of the Bay of Biscay, Santander has played a vital role in the economy of the region for over 2000 years. Nowadays it is a thriving fishing town and a quiet cruise port, meaning you'll never see too many tourists at once. Architecture enthusiasts will love discovering the 13th century cathedral, while the main square is the place to go for cafes, restaurants and bars. If shopping is the name of your game, the city's two shopping streets will be sure to delight you.
Southampton
DAY 719 Nov 2023
The UK’s largest cruise port and where many will begin their cruise holiday, Southampton has no shortage of maritime and historical attractions. Discover local landmarks on a walking tour including 30 ancient monuments, learn about the tragic story of the Titanic and escape to the great outdoors at the New Forest National Park. With numerous options for seafood dining and even a free art gallery, Southampton is an undoubtedly great destination for a pre or post-cruise stay.
Things to do in Southampton:
SeaCity Museum
Dedicated to the tragedy of the Titanic, SeaCity Museum excellently portrays the aftermath through interactive exhibits. Featuring a 1:25 scale model of the ship, visitors learn about life onboard as well as the disaster that deeply affected Southampton in 1912.
Solent Sky Museum
Home to over 20 aircraft that were integral to the war effort, Solent Sky Museum is dedicated to the history of the RAF. Southampton itself played a large role in producing Supermarine Spitfires, which you’ll learn all about here.
The New Forest
If you’re looking to escape the busy port city, the New Forest National Park is just a short distance away with native New Forest ponies and lush heathland. Visitors can also catch events, activities and workshops throughout the year.
Tudor House and Garden
As Southampton’s most important historic building, this restored home holds over 800 years of history after having numerous owners. Now a museum, it showcases many artefacts once belonging to past residents of Southampton, as well as a Tudor House Café.
Southampton City Art Gallery
Since opening in 1939, this free art gallery has showcased exhibitions of sculptures, photography and traditional paintings. Thanks to an ever-changing programme of activities, you’ll find something here that the whole family will enjoy.
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Customer reviews for Bolette
4.4
Based on 47 reviews
Cabin
4.7
Service
5
Excursions
3.6
Dining
4.6
Activities
4
Value for money
4.5
Entertainment
4.2
The staff from "The Land of the Smiles" are amazing - nothing is too much trouble.
user
10+ cruisesInterior Room
31 Oct 2023
Excellent cruise to Azores, Maderia and Canaries.
The Bolette is a nice mid size ship..plenty to do on sea days.
Food choices and restaurants very good.
Staff were extremely helpful and attentive.
Rate very highly.
couple
2-5 cruisesOcean View
31 Oct 2023
I had a fantastic holiday all staff I encountered were so nice. My cabin was wonderful and the cabin stewardess was so nice nothing was too much trouble for her.
The food in buffet was nice and as I'm diabetic the sugar free cakes were so delicious, congratulations to chef and his staff.
The evening meals were very nice and our waiters were fantastic and the birthday cake again was lovely, thank you to chef and the waiters singing happy birthday and Mr guitar man.
Fred Olsen cruises are really good and I would recommend them to family and friends.
user
10+ cruisesSingle Ocean View
21 Aug 2023
Bolette is a beautiful ship, the cabin was spacious as well as shower room. Staff were lovely and so hard working, the meals were wonderful I didn't stay in the shows as they were not what I like, so I joined in quizzes and dancing.
It was well worth the money and I would recommend Bollette and Fred.Olsen cruises to friends and family.
user
10+ cruisesSingle Ocean View
17 Aug 2023
Terms and Conditions
All offers and prices are subject to change and availability at time of enquiry. Prices are based on two passengers sharing unless otherwise stated and are subject to the Tour Operator's terms and conditions. Cabin and Flight supplements may apply. Other supplements may apply in addition to the price shown above. Flight details, timings and routing may be subject to alteration. Other tour operator charges may also apply. Any Onboard Spending money or drinks package value shown will be per cabin, again based on two sharing.
Note: On 13 January 2018, new European legislation is being adopted in the UK which as result will mean that we may change our required method of payment at our discretion, irrespective of how any deposit or prior payment was made.