Previously Holland America Line’s Amsterdam, Bolette hosts 1,308 guests in style and comfort. Named after the current head of the fleet’s great-great grandmother and following a proud tradition of naming previous Fred. Olsen ships after her, Bolette joined her sister ship Borealis in 2020. When it comes to destinations, Bolette sails a variety of unmissable itineraries. From shorter voyages from Southampton around the British Isles or to the Mediterranean, to more adventurous journeys to South America, you're guaranteed to find the perfect cruise onboard this exceptional ship.
If you want to learn a little more about what life is like aboard Bolette, you can during Susan Calman's Cruise of a Lifetime on Channel 5! To find out more, check out our blog on Susan Calman's Cruise of a Lifetime right here.
Top Bolette Deals
The ship in numbers
- Launched 2000
- Tonnage 62735
- Wheelchair accessible cabins 10
- Decks 10
- Lifts 12
- Pools 2
- Restaurants 5
- Formal nights Yes
- Maximum capacity 1656
- Crew 645
- Refurbished 2020
What's onboard
Dining
With Fred. Olsen offering fantastic cuisine across their fleet, Bolette maintains the same high level of food and service across all restaurants. As well as the two-tiered main restaurant, where guests will be able to sit down for exemplary meals served by attentive crew at breakfast, lunch and dinner, there are a variety of other eateries to enjoy, with speciality venues on hand to make your meals even more special.
- Orchid Room - An Oriental style restaurant in an intimate setting with stunning views and the service of a large restaurant
- Tea & Coffee Station - Providing your favourite teas and coffees, this station is open 24 hours a day
- The Bookmark Cafe - A quiet location with many sweet secrets, with an array of treats to satisfy your sweet tooth
- The Poolside - Combining stunning views and al fresco dining, you’ll be treated to delicious cuisine that matches your destinations
- The Secret Garden Cafe - Serving food for breakfast, lunch and dinner or just for snacking, you’ll find just about anything you might need to hit the spot
- Colours and Tastes - Get your taste buds dancing with delicious Asian fusion at this elegant restaurant
Entertainment
From live entertainment to relaxing evenings spent with a drink in hand, Fred. Olsen's Bolette has it all. Once the live shows are over, be sure to head to one of the bars and lounges located across the ship where the expert bartenders will be more than happy to whip up your favourite drink. Round the night off with a visit to the casino and see if it's your lucky day.
What's more, if you're looking for something a little different, be sure to catch a demonstration at the culinary theatre where the experts are on hand to showcase food and wine from the destinations visited along the way.
- Lido Bar - With the best views on the ship, this is without a doubt a fantastic place to get a refreshing drink
- Morning Light Pub - In the style of a traditional English pub, this is the ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks or an evening out with family and friends
- Neptune Lounge - Brimming with entertainment you’ll be in for a treat every night with outstanding performances and your favourite drinks available
- Observatory Lounge - Perfect for a pre-dinner drink accompanied by the light tones of piano music with friends or family
Things to do
Between shore excursions and evening entertainment, there's plenty to keep you busy during your time at sea onboard Bolette. If you're looking to enjoy a pampering session, the spacious spa invites you to enjoy a few hours of luxury in the hydrotherapy pool, thermal spa and treatment rooms. Alternatively, why not spend the afternoon lounging by the main pool, where the weather won't be able to deter you thanks to a retractable roof, or head to one of the lounges and mingle with other guests.
Spa
Make sure to stop by at the Turkish bath-style thermal suite to have all your muscle aches soothed and ready you for your next day of excursions or nights of partying. Here you’ll be treated to heated ceramic beds, aromatherapy steam rooms and mineral baths as well.
Journey Navigators
Book yourself a Journey Navigator to get extra out of your cruise. Navigators include:
- Nature Scouts who can provide you with a wellspring of knowledge and take you on star gazing tours
- Culture Curators whose job is to help you get stuck in with the culture and history of the destinations you stop at
- Entertainment Hosts who lead fun packed programmes on the ship with nights of music, dancing and quizzes
- Maritime Guides will show you the inner workings of the ship and provide Q&A sessions with the crew
Bolette Image gallery
Iglu Cruise customer reviews for Bolette
Excellent ship, very clean and well maintained. The food is very good and the service second to none. We really enjoyed our cruise on Bolette and will definitely sail on her again.
As a solo traveller I feel very safe on Fred Olson cruises. It's like a warm hug when you board. The staff are fantastic and they member you instantly, I don't know how they do it. Everything from food, entertainment and the cabins run like a well oiled machine. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, they go above and beyond for you. I can't wait to board again.
The boat is very well maintained and has great lounges for you to enjoy. The Cabins are large and very comfortable. Good swimming areas and good entertainment The food is wonderful and the staff are amazing making your stay on board a lovely experience The only down side was the changes to the schedule. The changes were needed, but the decisions were poor and not well described. It was a scenic tour and the alternatives were cities. I thought not enough care and contingency planning went into alternative routes
Best cruise we have been on for a long time. Last Fred, 2014, on Balmoral. Food and service brilliant then but entertainment poor. entertainment now brilliant. Plus, the staff remember your names. Plus, we also had one member of staff who remembered us from Balmoral. Enrichment activities brilliant. Jeanette Yuille, an expert on Norway delivered 4 really interesting, informative and entertaining lectures. We didn't go to the photography talks but watched them in our room. Very informative and we learned how to take photos of the Fjords and how to edit them. Would recommend Fred Olsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cabins
What are the main types of cabins on Bolette?
You can choose from standard Inside, Oceanview, and Balcony staterooms, alongside a selection of spacious, premium Suites.
Families and Kids
Is Bolette family-friendly?
Families are welcome, but there are no dedicated kids' clubs or major youth facilities onboard.
Does Bolette have waterslides?
No, this ship does not have waterslides. The ship does have two swimming pools and two hot tubs.
Food and drink
What are the main dining options on Bolette?
Enjoy complimentary, multi-course meals in the elegant Main Dining Room, or visit the casual buffet for relaxed, flexible dining.
What speciality dining is there on Bolette?
The ship offers premium dining venues like steakhouses, Italian trattorias, or Asian-fusion restaurants. Cover charges usually apply.
Itineraries
Which ports does Bolette usually sail out of?
The ship typically sails from UK ports such as Southampton, Dover, Liverpool, or Newcastle.
Ship Features
What are the top highlights onboard Bolette?
Its elegant, two-tiered main restaurant and classic Olsen cruising style.
