Set sail to the spectacular Norwegian Fjords with Fred Olsen onboard Bolette. Credit: Fred Olsen

Fred. Olsen: New ships Bolette & Borealis have undergone exciting renovations

Author: Sophie Chichester

Published on:

Updated on:

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is returning to the waterways of the world in early July. Two of the cruise line's ships have undergone exciting renovations as they prepare for their inaugural sailings - this is what you can look forward to onboard.

Fred. Olsen boasts two new cruise ships Bolette and Borealis.

Bolette is the line's new flagship and exudes classic, elegant style in her exterior and interior design, while Borealis is stylish, spacious and comfortable.

The pair have been revamped in anticipation of the sailings which start from July 5, so guests are in for a fresh treat.

The Oriental Room is just one spot on the ships that has been given a new lease of life. The venue - also found on Balmoral - is the perfect place to enjoy a selection of oriental teas - or perhaps even a tea-infused cocktail.

On Borealis, the room now has a delightful green scheme while Bolette's equivalent is decked out in a clay tone with a stunning red carpet - with chairs in both venues decorated in a charming floral pattern.

Related articles

The Bookmark Cafe – a well-loved venue on Fred. Olsen’s ships – can now also be found on Bolette and Borealis.

This relaxing and sociable area serves a delicious selection of speciality coffees and teas from world-renowned Taylors of Harrogate, as well as high-quality Pralines, Champagne Truffles and other hand-made chocolates.

Fred. Olsen is renowned for its bright, elegant and statement carpets, and those aboard Bolette and Borealis are certainly no different. The Bookmark Cafe, for example, boasts colourful poms with a coffee bean design. Fred. Olsen's signature doodle carpet plays a starring role on board, too.

Also renovated are the restaurants and livery, with the cabins also refreshed throughout both ships.

Fred. Olsen is renowned for its bright, elegant and statement carpets - and these have been re-laid onboard. Credit: Fred. Olsen
Fred. Olsen guests will also be treated to a number of other new features such as the demonstration theatre. Credit: Fred. Olsen

Fred. Olsen guests will also be treated to a number of other new features, with the demonstration theatre and two-tiered show lounge just two of these.

On Bolette and Borealis, the cruise line will host cookery demonstrations where you can learn how to make your favourite Fred. Olsen dishes.

Further activities range from talks by expert speakers and tutorials to fun activities on deck.

As for the evening, guests can settle in with a selection of live shows spanning music, cabaret and quick-fire stand-up comedy, all enjoyed in the space and comfort of Bolette and Borealis' stylish lounges and theatres. The ships’ resident bands will also be sure to get your foot tapping.

Bolette and Borealis both boast stylish lounges and theatres where guests can enjoy live shows. Credit: Fred. Olsen

And, should you fancy something quieter, you can sit throughout the ship, relax and enjoy a glass of your favourite tipple accompanied by the gentle sounds of live acoustic music. Alternatively, why not stroll under the stars on deck?

What's more, Borealis is home to the fully refurbished 'The Crow's Nest' bar and lounge. Located on deck 9, this stylish venue features large panoramic windows and plenty of comfortable seating. It's the perfect space to watch the world go by, sip cocktails and take in the scenery.

Bolette and Borealis also expand the choice of restaurants in the Fred. Olsen fleet.

All Fred. Olsen ships have two or three main restaurants serving à la carte breakfast and lunches, as well as sumptuous five-course à la carte dinners every evening. Both breakfast and lunch are open-seating while there are two sittings for dinner.

Bolette houses Bloomsbury & Terrace Restaurants while Borealis boasts Aurora & Borealis Restaurants which features classical, elegant décors.

Both ships will also feature a buffet restaurant, to be served by Fred. Olsen’s friendly crew during the Welcome Back programme, and also offer some smaller speciality dining venues too.

What’s more, Bolette will feature a new Orchid Room, and Borealis an Indian Ocean Room.

Additionally rejuvenated ahead of the summer sailings is the all-season swimming pool - complete with a retractable roof - if you fancy a dip no matter what the weather.

So, where will these gorgeous ships take you in the coming months?

There are 10 sailings between them across July and August, with scenic-only sailings and those offering ports of call. Of course, both also having exciting Maiden Voyages for the summer.

Borealis is home to the fully refurbished 'The Crow's Nest' bar and lounge. Credit: Fred.Olsen
Iconic ports

Dover

Known as the gateway of England, Dover welcomes millions of visitors from all over the globe each…

Read more

Jersey

The largest island in the Channel Islands, Jersey is a wonderful fusion of French and British…

Read more

Scotland

The home of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Loch Ness monster, J.K. Rowling and whisky, Scotland has so…

Read more
Fred: Olsen: Delight in the sight of the historic Duart on Borealis' British Isles cruise. Credit: Fred. Olsen

Borealis

Borealis is sailing on July 5 from Liverpool on a three-night British Isles cruise which will take in some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery.

Look forward to special diversions into dramatic waterways and past remote isles, beautiful coastal scenery and natural wonders.

Admire the remarkable basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave, the unique island of Dutchman’s Cap, and the verdant rolling hills and countryside of Loch Fyne, the Firth of Lorn and Sound of Mull.

Delight in the sight of the historic Duart, Culzean and Inverary castles too, and look out for diverse British wildlife on your adventure – a team from ORCA will be on board to help you spot a variety of native fauna.

Fred. Olsen: Spend a restful few hours gliding around the Isles of Scilly on Bolette's British Isles cruise. Credit: Fred. Olsen

Bolette

Bolette sets sail on her Maiden Voyage from Dover on August 16, also on a British Isles cruise taking passengers on a relaxing journey of scenic discovery amongst beautiful archipelagos along England’s south coast.

During a restful few hours spent gliding around the Isles of Scilly, you’ll enjoy views of their picturesque, golden-beach-framed lands, bays and craggy islets, while there’s also a day of revelling in the beauty of the Channel Islands.

See the countryside scenes and dramatic coasts of Jersey, Alderney and Guernsey, plus view historic sites such as Fort Brecqhou.

As with Borealis, a team from ORCA will be on board to help you watch out for native marine and birdlife.

If this wasn't all tempting enough, Fred. Olsen’s summer British Isles sailings on Bolette and Borealis currently come with an exciting offer of up to £100 per person On Board Spend included. There’s also a range of fabulous solo offers included too.

For more information fredolsencruises.com/welcomeback

UK and Ireland

UK cruises enjoyed a renaissance in summer 2020 thanks to Covid-enforced travel restrictions and,…

Read more

Northern Europe

When most people think of travelling to Europe, they immediately think of countries such as Italy,…

Read more

Western Mediterranean and Atlantic

Western Mediterranean cruise holidays take passengers to three of the world’s most popular getaway…

Read more

Eastern Mediterranean

There’s no cruise destination quite like the Mediterranean. Nowhere else in the world allows you to…

Read more

Africa

Africa cruises whisk travellers off to a vast, beautiful and diverse continent. It has been…

Read more

Caribbean

Caribbean cruises are hugely popular and are an excellent way to explore this incredibly diverse…

Read more

Alaska

Alaska cruise holidays take passengers up close to vast forests, national parks the size of nations…

Read more

Far East

Rich culture, stunning landscapes, outstanding beaches, and flavoursome cuisine – nothing comes…

Read more

North America

North America cruises offer a diverse range of experiences. Whether you’re dreaming of the bustling…

Read more

Antarctica

Aboard an Antarctica cruise, discover a glacial world of glistening icebergs and frosty mountain…

Read more