Fred Olsen a view of small ship cruising!

Rediscovering Fred. Olsen Cruises – My Experience Aboard Bolette

Traditional cruising, exceptional food, wonderful entertainment and a few surprises along the way!

Ship: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines – Bolette

Travel dates: 8–12 October 2026

Itinerary:Liverpool – Honfleur – Pauillac (Bordeaux)

It‘s been 12 years since I last sailed with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and I have to admit, I boarded Bolette with a few preconceived ideas.

Would it be a little too traditional? Would everyone be over 70? Would there be enough to keep me entertained?

Well, I can safely say that after four nights aboard Bolette, my perception of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has completely changed!. Olsen cruising has completely changed!

In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I‘m already looking at booking another short cruise for myself. And I think that says quite a lot!

First Impressions – Small Ship Cruising with a Big Personality

Bolette accommodates approximately 1,400 guests, making her considerably smaller than many of today's modern mega cruise ships.

If you're looking for waterslides, rollercoasters, climbing walls and endless family attractions, then this probably isn't the ship for you.

But if you appreciate traditional cruising, comfortable surroundings, attentive service, excellent dining and entertainment without the crowds, Bolette could be just what you're looking for.

The ship has a lovely, traditional feel, with beautiful lounges, plenty of places to relax, welcoming bars and a layout that doesn't take forever to navigate.

What particularly impressed me was that although the ship appeals to a more mature clientele, it certainly doesn't mean everyone retires to bed at 9 pm!

Quite the opposite, actually. I don't think I made it to bed before 1:30 a.m. on any evening!

My Accommodation – Balcony Suite 6147

I was fortunate enough to stay in Balcony Suite 6147, located on Highland Deck 6.

At approximately 280–290 square feet, the suite offered plenty of space, with a comfortable sitting area, large floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony.

There was a queen-size bed, which can also be configured as twins, along with tea and coffee-making facilities, a safe, hairdryer, mini-bar and a cooler for drinks.

One thing worth mentioning is that some Balcony Suites have had their bathrooms updated, replacing the traditional bath with a walk-in shower. If this is important to you, it's something I would check before making your booking.

The Suite Dreams Extras

One of the lovely benefits of booking a suite with Fred. Olsen is their Suite Dreams package, which adds a few extra touches to your holiday.

Benefits include priority check-in at UK departure ports, a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, fresh fruit, flowers or a plant, bathrobes and slippers, afternoon canapés, complimentary pressing of formal wear, binoculars and umbrellas for use ashore, plus laundry discount vouchers.

It's these little touches that help make a cruise feel special.

Let's Talk About the Food – Because It Was Excellent!

Anyone who knows me knows I appreciate good food, and Bolette certainly didn't disappoint.

The View – Buffet Restaurant

The View is the ship's buffet restaurant, and although it isn't enormous, it doesn't need to be when you're catering for around 1,400 guests.

There was always a good selection, and the quality was excellent.

One thing I particularly liked was the organisation during busy periods.

Rather than walking around with a plate of food desperately trying to find somewhere to sit, staff would direct guests to available tables, communicating with colleagues to make sure everything ran smoothly.

Such a simple idea, but it made the whole experience much more relaxing.

The Main Dining Restaurant

The main dining experience was equally enjoyable.

The Terrace Restaurant is a lovely, light and airy dining venue spread over two levels towards the rear of the ship.

Menus change daily, with a selection of dishes also available every evening for those who prefer something familiar.

The food was beautifully presented, the service was attentive, and dining felt like an occasion rather than simply somewhere to eat.

Colours & Tastes – Speciality Dining

For something a little different, Bolette offers Colours & Tastes, a speciality dining experience with rotating menus.

These include Grill, Asian Fusion and Italian.

We experienced the Grill evening, and although I'm not a steak eater, I had the most amazing prawns!

At the time of my sailing, the supplement was £20 per person when booked in advance or £25 when booked on board.

For cruises booked after 5 January 2027, the published charges are £25 in advance or £30 on board.

My advice? If you enjoy speciality dining, book in advance where possible.

Entertainment – Definitely Not Just for Early Nights!

This was probably one of my biggest surprises.

I'd expected fairly traditional entertainment, and while there was certainly plenty of that, there was also a really good variety.

The Neptune Lounge hosted some fantastic production shows performed by Bolette's talented in-house entertainment team.

One of my favourites was *Moments*, featuring songs from the musicals – absolutely my kind of evening!

We also enjoyed a brilliant performance from Brian Connolly Jr., son of The Sweet's lead singer, who entertained us with a fabulous 1970s glam rock set and had people up dancing.

Elsewhere around the ship, there was live music, easy listening performances in the Morning Light Pub & Lounge, karaoke in the Observatory, an ABBA cabaret and even a late-night disco.

So if you're worried that smaller ship cruising means there's nothing to do after dinner, think again!

And During the Day? Plenty to Keep You Busy

One of the things I love about cruising is that you can do as much or as little as you please.

Bolette offers a varied daytime programme, including quizzes, craft sessions, line dancing, yoga, Pilates, culinary demonstrations, bridge, dance classes, classical concerts, films and talks.

There are also gatherings for solo travellers and former members of the armed forces, along with Sing at Sea choir sessions.

For those wanting to stay active, there's a gym, fitness classes and spa facilities.

Or, if your idea of the perfect sea day is finding a comfortable chair with a good book and watching the ocean go by, there are plenty of lovely lounges for that too.

I also enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea, available for an additional £13.50 per person during my cruise.

And I treated myself to a wonderful full-body massage in the Atlantic Spa, which was the perfect way to unwind.

There really is something for everyone who enjoys this style of cruising.

Drinks Packages – Do You Actually Need One?

One thing worth considering when booking Fred Olsen. Olsen is whether a drinks package represents good value for you.

Tea, coffee and chilled drinks are available in the buffet, and beer, wine and soft drinks at mealtimes are included with the Freedom Fare offering I experienced.

Additional drinks packages were priced at approximately £32–£44 per person per day, depending on cruise length.

However, if you're not a particularly big drinker, you might find you don't need one.

To give you an idea of the individual bar prices during my sailing:

- Glass of wine (175ml): from £7

- Pint of lager: from £5.80

- Pint of cider: from £6.40

- Cocktail: from £7.85

- Mocktail: from £5

- Glass of prosecco: from £9

- Spirits (25ml): from £4.50

- Soft drinks: from £2.50

For speciality coffee lovers, the Bookmark Café offered drinks such as Americanos from £3.20 and cappuccinos around £4.

There was also a coffee card costing £25 for seven speciality hot drinks, which could be used in bars and lounges.

Of course, prices and inclusions can change, so I'll always check the latest options for your particular sailing.

The Destinations – Honfleur and the Gateway to Bordeaux

My four-night experience was actually part of a longer cruise, with our group joining Bolette in Liverpool and leaving the ship in Pauillac, near Bordeaux.

Honfleur, France

Our first port was beautiful Honfleur, and what a lovely destination!

We arrived late morning and took the complimentary shuttle bus into town.

Honfleur is exactly the sort of place I love exploring, with its picturesque harbour, cobbled streets, independent shops and cafés.

There was a local market during our visit, so naturally there was time for a wander, a glass of wine and a crêpe.

I even managed to buy some French cheese to bring home!

Later that afternoon, we joined an organised Calvados and Camembert excursion.

It was interesting, but if I'm being completely truthful, it wasn't really my thing. Personally, I would have been just as happy spending more time exploring Honfleur independently.

That's the beauty of cruising – you can choose the excursions that appeal to you or simply enjoy a destination at your own pace.

Pauillac – Gateway to Bordeaux

Our next port was Pauillac, situated on the Gironde estuary and approximately an hour from Bordeaux.

This is where the advantages of smaller ship cruising become apparent, with the ability to visit ports and waterways that larger vessels may not be able to access.

Unfortunately, this was where our time aboard came to an end, so we didn't have the opportunity to visit Bordeaux.

Bolette was staying overnight, giving continuing passengers plenty of time to explore the region, take excursions or travel independently into Bordeaux.

We transferred to Bordeaux Airport for our flight back to Manchester.

I have to say, Bordeaux Airport wasn't my favourite airport experience, but that certainly didn't take anything away from the wonderful cruise!

Behind the Scenes – One of My Favourite Experiences

One of the real highlights of my trip was the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes tour of Bolette.

We visited the bridge, engine room, laundry, galley and crew areas, giving us a fascinating insight into everything that happens out of sight of the passengers.

It really is like another small city operating beneath the passenger decks.

The organisation involved in keeping a cruise ship running smoothly, feeding everyone, maintaining the facilities and ensuring guests have a wonderful holiday is incredible.

It also gave me an even greater appreciation for the hardworking crew.

And speaking of the crew...

Service with a Smile

The staff aboard Bolette were absolutely wonderful.

Everyone I encountered was friendly, approachable and genuinely happy to help.

Nothing seemed too much trouble, and there was a lovely atmosphere throughout the ship.

For me, good service can make or break a holiday, and Fred. Olsen certainly delivered.

Is Fred. Olsen Cruising Good Value for Money?

Fred. Olsen isn't necessarily the cheapest cruise line, particularly when comparing headline prices with some of the larger cruise operators.

However, I always encourage my clients to look beyond the initial price.

Consider the quality of the food, the level of service, the entertainment, the smaller ship experience, the interesting itineraries and what's included in your fare.

For guests who enjoy a more traditional style of cruising, the overall experience can represent very good value.

There are also some excellent shorter itineraries, which are perfect if you're trying Fred. Olsen for the first time or simply want a few nights away.

Who Would I Recommend Bolette To?

In my opinion, Bolette is particularly well suited to couples and solo travellers, perhaps aged 50 upwards, who appreciate a relaxed, traditional cruising experience.

It's ideal for those who want excellent food, friendly service, interesting destinations and a good choice of entertainment without the scale and bustle of a mega cruise ship.

You can spend your days joining activities, attending talks, enjoying afternoon tea or simply relaxing with a book.

And if you enjoy a lively evening, there's certainly enough happening to keep you entertained well beyond dinner.

Although children are permitted on Bolette and Balmoral, there aren't dedicated children's facilities, so personally I wouldn't recommend these ships for families looking for a traditional family cruise experience.

My Final Verdict – Would I Sail with Fred. Olsen Again?

Absolutely, without hesitation!

This cruise has genuinely changed my perception of Fred. Olsen.

Yes, it's traditional. Yes, the clientele generally tends to be more mature. And no, you won't find the latest high-tech attractions or enormous shopping promenades.

But what you will find is a beautiful ship with real character, excellent food, attentive staff, varied entertainment and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

I loved the smaller ship experience, the friendly feel on board and the fact that there was always something happening without ever feeling overwhelmed.

And perhaps the biggest compliment I can pay Fred. Olsen?

I'm already planning to book another cruise for myself!

After more than 35 years working in travel, I know that no single cruise line is right for everyone. That's why experiencing ships personally is so valuable.

I can now recommend Fred. Olsen with renewed confidence, not simply from reading a brochure or attending a training session, but from having experienced the ship, food, entertainment and service firsthand.

Thinking About Trying Fred. Olsen?

Whether you're considering your very first cruise, looking to move away from the larger ships or simply fancy a relaxing short break sailing from a UK port, I'd love to help.

I can talk you through the different ships, itineraries, cabin options and fares, and help you decide whether Fred. Olsen is the right fit for you.