This month I had the opportunity to spend the day on Bolette, Fred Olsen’s flagship. I haven’t sailed with Fred before, so I was keen to get on board to get a better understanding of why Fred Olsen has one of the highest level of returning guests…

1. As new cruise ships move to become ‘floating resorts’ Fred Olsen retains the cruising traditions of formal nights, set dining times and shared tables, things I personally love!
2. Guests love the incredible range of no-fly itineraries, departing from Southampton, Portsmouth, Dover, Liverpool, Newcastle and Edinburgh (Rosyth).
3. There are only four ships in their fleet – and they’re small with around 1200 guests. The trend for cruise ships now is the ‘bigger the better’, you can this see with P&O as it’s new ship Ariva, welcomes 5200 guests, making it impossible to deliver the intimate and attentive service Fred is renowned for.
4. They are all older ships, Bolette was previously Holland America’s Amsterdam which was purchased by Fred Olsen in 2020 and refurbished. You will still find some of the cabins and bathrooms a little dated but they are spacious and well maintained, so I wouldn’t let that put you off, unless you spend a lot of time in your cabin. On Bolette, the amount of public space per guest is very generous, so the ship never feels too busy.
5. Most of the cabins are spacious and light and have tea and coffee making facilities, smart TV, fridge and hairdryer.
6. For breakfast, lunch and dinner you have the choice of the buffet, main dining room or room service. There is also a pool grill and two speciality dining restaurants. The food quality is very good, and the speciality dining restaurants offer great food at a reasonable supplement (only £10 per person if you book before departure). The buffet experience is elevated by your hostess who will seat you at a pre-laid table. I much prefer this than having to scout around for a clean table, and I’m always forgetting my cutlery.
7. Almost all cruise lines have banned smoking on balconies in recent years, but Fred Olsen are one of only 4 lines that do still allow it (not that I approve!).
8. The theatre onboard Bolette is (a little confusingly) called the ‘Neptune Lounge’, however, it is a lovely two-tiered theatre with comfy seats, tables and drinks service! The entertainment includes shows and talks with an interesting array of guest speakers.
9. Your cruise package will include accommodation, dining (excluding the speciality restaurants) and entertainment however, it does not include drinks (except tea and coffee in the buffet restaurant). The drinks package is £25 per person per day, which is reasonable however, it includes a selection of wines by the glass and cava, soft drinks and spirits, but only the cocktail of the day (no good if cocktails are your thing). I tested the included whites and cava and I enjoyed them all!
10. There is no casino and this space has been dedicated to more lounge space on deck 5 which I personally love!
11. Bolette has two heated pools, the inside one has a retractable roof, which makes it a hugely flexible space, and great for those colder destinations.
12. Children’s facilities are limited, but they are offered during the school holidays, so whilst you’ll see a few children on board you won’t be overrun with them!
13. There’s a promenade deck – this is something I really miss. If you’re up early there’s a group ‘walk a mile’ around the promenade deck.
14. Daily activities (if you’re not getting off) include quizzes, game shows, exercise classes, golf putting, bridge classes, cooking demonstrations, and arts & crafts! There was a small charge for a few of the activities – like the crafts where you had to pay for the materials (but it’s really minimal!).
15. Complimentary afternoon tea is served in the buffet but you can treat yourself to a premium afternoon tea in the Observatory with live music playing, your tea is served to you by the crew, who wear white gloves (there is a charge of £13 per person).
16. These older ships don’t have a lot of balconies so on Bolette you can only have a terrace cabin (on to the promenade deck) or a balcony suite, but if you go for a superior ocean view, the cabin is bright and spacious, and it’s great value!
17. Tips are not included in your cruise fare and are charged at £5.00 per person, per day for guests aged 12 and over (though you can have these removed!), but I don’t think you’ll want to as the service is just so good!

I thoroughly enjoyed by time on Bolette, and I can see why so many people love Fred Olsen cruises. If you don’t like the huge ships, and you don’t want to pay Silversea, Seabourn or Regent prices, Fred Olsen is a really good alternative… would I go on a cruise on Bolette, ABSOLUTELY!