The Fred Olsen Bolette, launched in 2021 as the flagship of the Fred Olsen fleet, accommodates up to 1,338 guests to a refined yet relaxed cruise experience. With its elegant design, spacious public areas, and just 690 cabins, this ship offers a warm, intimate atmosphere with exceptional reception areas, dining venues, entertainment options, accommodations, and hospitality services, ideal for those seeking a traditional English cruise.
Guests can anticipate a traditional yet approachable cruise, with the ship’s smaller size fostering a sense of community. The fare includes dining in main venues, most entertainment, and daily activities, allowing travellers to focus on relaxation. Options like the Atlantis Spa, heated pools, or pickleball cater to diverse interests, while the Flower Shop offers bouquets to personalise cabins. The ship’s formal nights and English-style touches, like afternoon tea, add a classic charm, with shore excursions tailored to regional cultures.
Traditional and approachable
The Bolette delivers a polished yet welcoming atmosphere. From the warm welcome in the Grand Hall to the crew’s attentive service, guests feel valued. The ship’s layout, with spaces like the Observatory for panoramic views or the Compass Lounge for board games, encourages socialising or quiet relaxation. Whether dining in elegant restaurants, enjoying a show in the Neptune Lounge, or unwinding in a spacious suite, the experience blends traditional English cruising with modern comforts tailored to individual preferences.
Reception Areas: A Welcoming Hub
The Grand Hall, a three-storey atrium with an ornate astrolabe sculpture, greets guests with a sense of timeless elegance. Soft lighting and comfortable seating create a warm space for socialising or seeking assistance at the Guest Services desk. The nearby Morning Light Pub, adorned with a portrait of Bolette Olsen, offers a cosy English pub atmosphere with live music, perfect for casual gatherings or planning the day’s activities.
Dining: A Culinary Delight
Bolette offers a range of complimentary dining venues catering to diverse tastes. The Bloomsbury and Terrace Restaurants, spread across two tiers with classical décor, serve a five-course à la carte menu with regional specialities and daily-changing dishes, featuring fixed or open seating. The View Restaurant provides a casual buffet with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, including a late-night supper club, with al fresco seating overlooking the aft. Specialty restaurants, Vasco and Colours & Tastes, offer Indian and Asian fusion cuisine for a fee, with dishes like Goan curries crafted by expert chefs. The Australia Room, linked to the Terrace Restaurant, provides an intimate setting for tastings or small gatherings.
Entertainment: Engaging and Varied
Entertainment caters to a range of interests. The two-tiered Neptune Lounge on decks 4 and 5 hosts daytime talks by guest speakers on topics like photography or regional history, transforming into a theatre for evening shows by the Show Team, featuring music and comedy. The Auditorium offers cooking demonstrations showcasing regional dishes, with opportunities to sample creations. The Piano Bar provides a sophisticated setting for cocktails and live piano music, while the Lido Bar near the pool offers a lively spot for daytime drinks. Guests can enjoy deck games like shuffleboard, arts and crafts workshops, or the wraparound Promenade Deck for leisurely strolls.
Accommodation: Spacious and Thoughtful
Bolette’s 690 cabins, ranging from 182 to 1,181 square feet, include 173 suites, 385 oceanviews, and 133 interiors, with 25% featuring private balconies. Interior cabins offer cosy retreats with en-suite bathrooms, interactive TVs, tea/coffee facilities, and ample storage. Ocean View cabins feature large picture windows or portholes for natural light. Terrace Cabins provide direct access to the Promenade Deck, while Balcony Suites and Junior Suites, sized up to 290 square feet, include private balconies and whirlpool baths. The Olsen Suite, the largest, offers a king-size bed, separate living and dining areas, and a complimentary Suite Dreams package. Over 50 single cabins and 20 wheelchair-accessible cabins ensure inclusivity.
Hospitality: Attentive and Personalised
With a high crew-to-guest ratio, Bolette delivers warm, attentive service. Stewards provide daily housekeeping and turndown, while suite guests enjoy added touches like the Suite Dreams package, including priority services. Complimentary tea, coffee, and water are available at The View, with 24-hour room service for all cabins. The crew’s friendly approach ensures guest needs are met, from dietary requests—catering to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets—to assistance at the Destination Services desk. A user-friendly app provides access to daily schedules and cabin accounts, enhancing convenience.
