Probably as good as October/November gets
5
A trip on the Fred. Olsen ship Bolette to The Azores, Madeira, Spain (Cadiz) and Portugal (Lisbon and Oporto).
Anyone embarking on an Atlantic cruise in October should be aware that there are likely to be more showers than sunshine weather-wise. However, the friendly welcome and the smooth arrangements for embarkation, lifeboat drill and dining were second-to-none.
The choice of excursions and the local guides engaged was also well-planned and interesting, as was the range of talks and activities arranged by onboard experts.
We failed to see any whales, porpoises or dolphins - maybe the message that we had arrived on deck clutching binoculars prompted a chain of undersea cetacean communication, "Ok, they're back again - dive, dive!"
The evening shows were generally very good, although some singing voices were more tuneful than others!
All-in-all a very pleasing cruise experience and value for money.