Our Travel Academy members and a few of our wider team were lucky enough to visit Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines flagship Bolette recently. For some of them, this was a first-time experience having never stepped foot on a cruise ship before!
As soon as you step on board a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ship, it is clear that everything has been designed and planned with their guests in mind; a smaller ship experience that makes the most of the beauty of the journey and the nature and culture of destinations along the way - our team got a feel for this as soon as they stepped aboard.
Acquired by the Olsen family in 2020, Bolette proudly bears the name of Fred. Olsen’s great-grandmother. Bolette was married to Petter Olsen, one of the three brothers who founded the Olsen shipping business in 1848. Her portrait graces The Morning Light Lounge as a testament to this rich heritage and honouring her legacy perfectly.
The team began the day at The Observatory, which featured breath-taking panoramic views, and provided a signature experience of scenic cruising. They were lucky enough to sit down and enjoy a delicious brunch that featured numerous pastries, cakes and coffee, overlooking Southampton.
After this, they were introduced to their guide Jas who took them on an insightful escorted tour of the ship, this included seeing the spacious pool areas, showing them the specialty restaurant menus, and looking at all of the different types of cabins that were on offer on the ship. This was a fantastic opportunity to get a feel for the size of the ship and the different experiences you could enjoy whilst aboard Bolette as well as ask their guide any questions they had.
With spacious and comfortable public areas and a total of 690 cabins, Bolette exudes classic and elegant style throughout her exterior and interiors ensuring that Fred. Olsen's exacting high standards are met. Kit, from our Thorpe Travel Store, who is part of our current Travel Academy learners said “I had an amazing ship visit exploring the incredible Fred. Olsen ship Bolette. From luxurious cabins to delectable dining and mind-blowing entertainment options, it really exceeded my expectations!”
At lunchtime they enjoyed a delicious 3 course meal in the Bloomsbury & Terrace Restaurant. Gavin, a Travel Consultant from our Travel Norwich Airport store said, “The presentation of the food was immaculate, and the restaurant staff were all very friendly. For my meal, I chose the Lobster Bisque, Steak, and a Raspberry Millle-feuille – it was delicious! .”
After lunch, they headed to the Auditorium, which is usually where cooking demonstrations take centre stage, featuring talented chefs creating Treats of the Region dishes. Guests can not only witness the culinary artistry but also sample the delectable creations. But, our team sat down for an informative presentation from the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Team where they learned even more about Bolette and the brand as a whole. Rosie said, “At the end of the presentation we went around the room, sharing all of the new facts that we have learned about the Bolette and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. This included finding out that Fred Olsen Cruise Lines have the fastest ships in the world.”
The whole team had a fantastic day, not only did they find it incredibly helpful for their own knowledge of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines but they truly enjoyed their time on board. It is clear that the staff on board Bolette really do make it a wonderful ship to cruise on. Their attentive service certainly contributes to an intimate atmosphere on board, which ensures a memorable and enjoyable cruise for all passengers.
Chloe from our Travel Norwich Airport store who is an apprentice as part of our Travel Academy said “Being able to visit and see ships and places with my own eyes and get my own opinion really helps me to learn and build on growing my knowledge.”
Rosie also enjoyed her day and said “Spending the day onboard the Bolette was delightful, and I am so glad that I had the chance to experience it.”
Louise, Assistant Manager of our Ipswich Store said “It was a brilliant experience to see the ship myself. It will certainly help me selling the beautiful Bolette. (I have already made a booking after the visit).”
Gavin also had a fantastic day, he said “I learned plenty from the day about how the itineraries are tailored and changed each year, along with avoiding days when bigger ships are in port. Every interaction we had with the crew on board was served with a smile. Nothing seemed too much trouble and they seemed to be passionate about what they do. This truly was a fantastic first experience of a cruise ship and has now made me want to go on a cruise for my own holiday. It will definitely make it easier to sell Fred Olsen going forward.”
