The Bolette entered the facility on January 18 for scheduled maintenance, technical inspections and a series of guest-focused upgrades, underscoring Fred. Olsen's to maintaining its fleet to the highest standards and constantly improving the onboard experience.
During the dry dock period, interior renovations were carried out in various guest areas. These included refreshed finishes in The Observatory and The Ocean Bar, new carpeting in the main restaurant, and the revitalization of hallways and staircases. In addition, more than 50 stateroom bathrooms were renovated.
Bolette's specialty restaurant, Colours & Tastes, has undergone a complete interior transformation as part of a broader fleet renovation. The redesigned space now features refined textures and warm, neutral tones that enhance the restaurant's carefully curated art collection, creating a more elegant and intimate dining environment. Beginning in 2026, guests can enjoy a new rotating menu inspired by global flavors—including grilled, Italian, and Asian cuisines—offering greater culinary variety during their cruise.
Upgrades were also made to the Neptune Lounge to support Fred. Olsen's new entertainment partnership with RWS Global. These upgrades include the installation of a new LED wall and structures for aerial performances, enabling higher production values and an enhanced evening entertainment program. New theatrical productions will debut onboard Bolette starting in June.
In addition to the interior refurbishments, APCL A&P Falmouth completed an extensive program of technical work and thorough inspections to support the vessel's continued performance. This included sandblasting and repainting the hull, cleaning the tanks, and refurbishing the tender platforms and the ship's stabilizers.
The Bolette has also been fitted with more efficient propeller blades, helping to maintain strong operational performance and support the shipping company's environmental goals.
Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are delighted to welcome guests back aboard Bolette to enjoy its refreshed spaces and enhanced onboard experiences following a successful drydock.”
The return of the Bolette marks the completion of its second refurbishment at APCL A&P Falmouth and the seventh dry dock project completed in the APCL Group. A dedicated team of 350 people, including subcontractors and more than 40 apprentices, supported the completion of the Bolette refurbishment.
Bolette has resumed sailing and is once again welcoming guests for its upcoming travel program, starting with a 32-day round-trip Caribbean cruise from Liverpool.
Featured cruises aboard the Bolette
– Volcanic views of the Azores and Madeira. 14-night cruise, departing from Liverpool on April 14, 2026. Itinerary: Liverpool, United Kingdom – Praia da Vitória, Portugal – Ponta Delgada, Portugal – Funchal, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal – Liverpool, United Kingdom.
– Mountains and fjords of Norway. 10-night cruise, departing from Liverpool on May 27, 2026. Itinerary: Liverpool, United Kingdom – Ålesund, Norway – Åndalsnes, Norway – Olden, Norway – Bergen, Norway – Ulvik, Norway – Liverpool, United Kingdom.
– River Cities of France, Spain and Portugal. 14-night cruise, departing from Liverpool on June 6, 2026. Itinerary: Liverpool, United Kingdom – Pauillac, France – Getxo (Bilbao), Spain – Funchal, Portugal – Lisbon, Portugal – Matosinhos, Portugal – Liverpool, United Kingdom.
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