Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette Sets Sail Following Successful Dry Dock

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has welcomed guests back on board its flagship vessel, Bolette, following the successful completion of a 16‑day dry dock programme at APCL A&P Falmouth.

Bolette entered the facility on 18^th January for scheduled maintenance, technical inspections and guest-focused enhancements, underscoring Fred. Olsen’s ongoing commitment to maintaining its fleet to the highest standards and continually improving the guest experience.

During the dry dock, interior refurbishments were carried out across guest spaces. These included refreshed finishes in The Observatory and The Ocean Bar, new carpeting in the main dining room, and revitalised guest corridors and stairwells. More than 50 guest cabin bathrooms were also renovated.

Bolette’s speciality restaurant, Colours & Tastes, has undergone a complete interior transformation as part of a wider fleet refresh. The redesigned space now features refined textures and warm, neutral tones that highlight the restaurant’s curated artwork collection, creating a more elevated and intimate dining setting. From 2026, guests can look forward to a new rotating menu inspired by global flavours – including Grill, Italian and Asian cuisines – offering greater culinary variety throughout their cruise.

Enhancements were also made to the Neptune Lounge to support Fred. Olsen’s new entertainment partnership with RWS Global. Upgrades include the installation of a new LED wall and aerial performance structures, enabling higher production values and an enriched evening entertainment programme. Brand‑new theatre productions will debut on Bolette from June.

In addition to interior refurbishments, APCL A&P Falmouth completed an extensive programme of technical work and thorough inspections to support the vessel’s continued performance. This included hull blasting and repainting, tank cleaning, and refurbishments to the tender platforms and ship’s stabilisers.

Bolette has also been fitted with more efficient propeller blades, helping to maintain strong operational performance while supporting the line's wider environmental targets.

Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“We are delighted to welcome guests back on board Bolette to enjoy her refreshed spaces and enhanced onboard experiences following a successful dry dock period.

“We greatly value our long-standing partnership with APCL A&P Falmouth, whose expertise is instrumental in helping us maintain our fleet to the high standards our guests expect while ensuring Bolette continues to operate efficiently and responsibly.”

Bolette’s return marks the completion of her second refit at APCL A&P Falmouth and the seventh dry dock project completed across the APCL Group. This long-standing partnership reflects Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ commitment to supporting UK shipyard capability, regional economic investment, and the development of maritime skills by providing valuable experience for A&P’s workforce and apprentices.

A dedicated team of 350 people, including subcontractors and more than 40 apprentices, supported the completion of Bolette’s refit.

Mike Spicer, Managing Director of APCL A&P Falmouth, said:

“APCL A&P Falmouth was delighted to see Bolette return to our facility – marking the seventh Fred. Olsen vessel to drydock across the APCL Group.

“Contracts such as these make a significant economic contribution to the prosperity of the South West and helps to support our workforce and apprenticeship programme.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, welcoming their cruise ships for dry dockings across our Group.”

Bolette has now resumed sailing and is welcoming guests back on board for her next programme of voyages, beginning with a 32-day roundtrip Caribbean cruise from Liverpool.

Standout sailings guests can look forward to aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette include:

Bolette’s 14-night T2608 ‘Volcanic Vistas of the Azores & Madeira’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 14 April 2026. Prices start from £1,599 per person, plus, enjoy £150 of on-board spend per cabin when booked before 11 March 2026.

• Discover the spectacular flora and fauna of the Azores
• Enjoy hot pool bathing, tram rides and sipping Madeiran wine
• Learn about the islands' unique horticultural practices

Itinerary: Liverpool, United Kingdom – Praia da Vitória, Portugal – Ponta Delgada, Portugal – Funchal, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal – Liverpool, United Kingdom

For more details: Visit T2608 Volcanic Vistas of the Azores & Madeira

Bolette’s 10-night T2611 ‘Waterfalls & Fjords of Norway’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 27 May 2026. Prices start from £1,549 per person, plus, enjoy £100 of on-board spend per cabin when booked before 11 March 2026.

• Admire the scenic landscapes of Maurangerfjord and Nordfjord
• Immerse yourself in outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking
• Experience innovative ways of travelling, such as the Rauma Railway

Itinerary: Liverpool, United Kingdom – Ålesund, Norway – Åndalsnes, Norway – Olden, Norway – Bergen, Norway – Ulvik, Norway – Liverpool, United Kingdom

For more details: Visit T2611 Waterfalls & Fjords of Norway

Bolette’s 14-night T2612 ‘River Cities of France, Spain and Portugal’ cruise, departing from Liverpool on 6 June 2026. Prices start from £2,099 per person, plus, enjoy £150 of on-board spend per cabin when booked before 11 March 2026.

• Explore the iconic rivers of Gironde, Douro, and Tagus
• Sample wine in Bordeaux and Rioja and fortified wine in Madeira
• Experience Madeira's celebrated annual Atlantic Festival

Itinerary: Liverpool, United Kingdom – Pauillac, France – Getxo (Bilbao), Spain – Funchal, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal – Matosinhos, Portugal – Liverpool, United Kingdom

For more details: Visit T2612 River Cities of France, Spain and Portugal

For further information, visit https://www.fredolsencruises.com/
Book online or call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm) or contact your ABTA travel agent.