I was recently fortunate to attend a ship visit on Fred. Olsen’s Bolette. Embarking onto Bolette was very quick and smooth and we were certainly given a warm welcome. Escorted up to Deck 9, The Observatory, we were provided with a delicious variety of pastries and drinks. Perfect start to our pending tour.
We then began the tour on deck 8 (Lido Deck) which is home to the Atlantis Spa and Fitness Centre. Here you can treat yourself to a selection of treatments for great prices and in the most serene of places. Or take spot on the treadmill which is located at the back of the fitness centre with superb panoramic ocean views.
The restaurant choices on board Bolette are mouth-watering to say the least. From their 2 speciality restaurants, Colours & Tastes and Vasco, both of which change their signature menu twice during a 7-day period. So, for a low £10pp (if booked before you depart) you can eat in these restaurants. However, if you don’t fancy a night in one of these, you have a selection of other restaurants, from buffet to a 5 course a la carte menu. I am a huge foodie, so I know how crucial food is when going on holiday, whether it be flying or a cruise, and I can assure you that Fred. Olsen will not disappoint. I was grateful enough to sample three courses off the speciality lunch menu. No course left me wanting anything other than more. Delicious!
The cabins are very bright, even the inside options. All smartly laid out and very nicely decorated. I would like to highlight the ‘TC’ grade of cabins, known as the Terrace cabin. They are a spacious 218sqm and offer floor to ceiling windows with one-way glass. You get all that natural outside light, with the security of knowing that no one outside on the promenade deck can look in. These cabins are a great option if the balcony grades are no longer available or maybe outside your budget. They also come with reserved seats outside the window on the promenade deck. Perfect for an afternoon of relaxing.
One thing I was very pleasantly surprised with onboard Bolette, was how mobility/wheelchair friendly it was. From a range of cabins that have been designed for a wheelchair to move around with plenty of space, to wet rooms with fold down seats and railings, to designated tables in all restaurants and seating in the Neptune Lounge. All things have been thought of with Fred. Olsen for wheelchair users.
Waking up on board Bolette, you can enjoy a filling breakfast in The View and not quite sure to do for the rest of the morning. How about calling to The Auditorium where they host a range of activities from cooking demonstrations, educational events, or even a cinema showing. Alternatively, pop to The Bookmark Café and Lounge where you will find the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of breakfast tea, read a book or even listen to a range of podcasts, which are supplied onboard via a fixed tablet and headphones.
On board Bolette (and Borealis) there is a purpose-built art studio. Fred. Olsen’s ships have artwork running through its veins. Art is a huge aspect of these ships so of course the art studio would reflect this. It is fully equipped with all the art materials needed for guests to take part in a painting or drawing class as well as learning new crafts such as block-printing. The entertainment team here are spot on and run a wonderful programme jam packed with activities through the cruise, such as Quoits, Deck Tennis and Shuffleboard. There is even a dedicated card room for Bridge tournaments. You will never be bored onboard Bolette.
Offered onboard Fred. Olsen’s ships, you have the Suite Dreams Package which is a great value for money. This package comes with any bookings of suite cabins and contains few luxuries to make our guests time on board even more special. You get a range of ‘extra’s’ such as priority check in, sparkling wine on arrival, daily canapes, bath robes, slippers and even Binoculars to have a better view out at sea and in dock.
It is safe to say that on my day visit, I was welcomed with warmth, friendliness, care and elegance. When you book with Fred. Olsen, you will certainly receive an abundance of this and make many memories. If you have any questions about Fred. Olsen or their ships, you can pop into Abergavenny and say hello or send me an email, [email protected].
