Our Social Media Cruise Specialist Rebecca Kyte boarded Fred. Olsen’s Bolette with one question in mind… Do smaller, older classical cruise ships attract a more mature audience? After putting this to the test, let’s see what she thought of her time on board Fred. Olsen’s Bolette.
My First Impressions
Check-in at Liverpool couldn’t have been easier. It was quick, stress-free, and every single person I met was so warm and welcoming. What really struck me was that the same staff who greeted me at check-in were later the crew looking after us on board. That personal touch carried through the whole cruise, it felt like they genuinely cared.
And then there’s the ship itself. Walking in, you can’t miss the incredible three-storey Astrolabe in the atrium, which still strikes at midday. It’s stunning. For a smaller ship, Bolette really impressed me with how much it offered – plenty of dining choices, lots of entertainment, and cabins that were much more spacious than I expected.
My Highlights On Board
Bookmark Café quickly became a favourite stop for me, not just for coffee, but for the truffles. Honestly, you have to try them.
Afternoon tea in the Observation Lounge felt like a treat straight out of a movie. White-gloved service, dainty sandwiches, pastries, scones, and a string trio playing in the background. It was elegant, but still so relaxed.
The View Restaurant completely changed my idea of what a “casual dining” restaurant on a cruise ship could be. Forget the usual buffet chaos, here, you’re welcomed, shown to your table, and served at the counter. There were even cooking stations and loads of gluten-free and vegan options.
I also loved Colours and Tastes, the specialty Asian fusion restaurant. It’s well worth the small extra charge (£15–£20, or £5 less if you book before you sail). The menu changes, so there’s always something new to try.
My Junior Balcony Suite was another highlight. Spacious, beautifully appointed, and full of lovely touches – from a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival to daily canapés and even a whirlpool bath. Those little extras really elevated the whole experience.
For pure relaxation, I spent a heavenly afternoon in the Thermal Suite. For just £15, I got the steam room, heated ceramic loungers, and a jacuzzi with a view. It was so peaceful and perfect after exploring ashore.
And yes, even in rainy Scotland, I still got to enjoy the main pool, thanks to the retractable roof. With plenty of space and no sunbed hunting, it felt like such a luxury.
On top of all that, the onboard experiences were a lot of fun. I joined a behind-the-scenes tour, wine tasting, and even a martini tasting session. There was always something happening.
The Itinerary
The ports of call were just as memorable as the ship. One of my favourite moments was in Orkney, where I learned to bake traditional oatcakes with a local guide. While the cakes baked, we tasted whisky, gin, and local ales – it was such a genuine and fun way to experience the culture.
So, Who Is Fred. Olsen For?
Yes, Fred. Olsen does tend to attract a more mature crowd but let me tell you, they’re active, social, and really know how to enjoy themselves. At 54, I didn’t feel out of place for a second.
If you love destination-focused itineraries, traditional cruising, excellent food, and service that feels genuinely personal, then Fred. Olsen is absolutely worth considering.
Looking back, a lot of my highlights did revolve around food and drink (no regrets there!), but beyond that, I came home well-fed, well-rested, and full of memories from a cruise that was every bit as fun ashore as it was on board.