Fred Olsen send Bolette into dry dock ahead of World Cruise via South Africa

Fred Olsen Cruise Line has sent its flagship Bolette into dry-dock in the UK for routine maintenance and minor cosmetic updates ahead of her new season of cruise itineraries around Europe, and her upcoming World Cruise via South Africa.

Bolette has entered one of the drydocks of the A&P Falmouth shipyard and is the largest ship in more than 60 years to be dry-docked in the city. The 62,375-ton cruise ship was acquired by Fred. Olsen from Holland America Line in 2020, with whom she sailed as Amsterdam.

Built in 2000, the 23-year-old cruise ship will now undergo routine maintenance, as well as class work, hotel upkeep and technical overhauls before resuming service on March 9th this year.

When she re-enters service, Bolette is set to offer a series of UK cruises to Norway, Iceland, the Baltic, as well as separate itineraries to Western Europe.

In June, the ship is also offering a special 23-night cruise to the Arctic, with planned visits to the Svalbard archipelago, Iceland, Greenland and more. Then in September, she’ll offer a unique 26-night cruise to the Eastern Mediterranean and the Adriatic.

Next year, Bolette is due to sail a 106-night World Cruise from Southampton, which is inspired by the first world circumnavigation by explorers Magellan and Elcano in the 16th century and visits some 40 destinations around the world, including South Africa.

“We have a real passion for curating creative and innovative itineraries, and this Grand Voyages really tells a story – retelling the tales of some of history’s greatest adventurers,” said Martin Lister, head of itinerary planning and destination experience at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.

“There are some incredible highlights, from seeing the mysterious Moai statues on Easter Island or exploring the tropical islands of the South Pacific with their volcanic landscapes, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs and pearl trade,” said Lister.

“There’s chances to delve into the origins of music and dance in the birthplace of some of the greatest art forms in the world, or visit St Helena, the isolated British island that was once a crucial shipping port and the place where Napoleon was exiled…” he added.

Bolette is a sister-ship to Borealis (formerly Rotterdam), which was also acquired by Fred. Olsen in 2020, both vessels carry around 1,300 guests and are described by Fred Olsen Cruise Line as offering a “choice of elegant public areas and restaurants,” as well as an all-season swimming pool and “fantastic entertainment at the bars, lounges and theatres.”