After spending five nights onboard Bolette, there was one thing that really stood out: the crew. From the friendly service to the excellent food and comfortable cabin, there was plenty to enjoy—but it was the people who made the experience particularly memorable.
A crew who are a credit to Fred. Olsen
The crew were amazing: friendly, helpful and always happy to assist. Nothing seemed to be a problem, and that welcoming attitude made a real difference throughout the trip.
They are a credit to Fred. Olsen, and deserve a special mention in any review of my time onboard.
My cabin: a Superior Ocean View
I stayed in a Superior Ocean View cabin on Coral Deck, Deck 2. It was lovely and spacious, immaculately clean and had plenty of storage space, making it easy to unpack and settle in properly.
The bathroom was a good size too, with a walk-in shower. Overall, I was very impressed with the cabin—it was a comfortable base for my five nights onboard.
Excellent food and plenty of choice
Dinner in the main restaurant was a highlight. Each evening, there were around seven choices for each course, giving us plenty of variety across starters, main courses and desserts.
My favourite dish was the duck à l’orange, although the “always available” selection of British favourites also deserves a mention. One evening, I chose the rump steak from that menu. It was cooked exactly to my taste and perfectly seasoned—a meal I thoroughly enjoyed.
Having that regular selection alongside the changing evening menu meant there was always something appealing to choose.
Possibly the best steak I’ve had in a restaurant
We also tried one of the speciality restaurants, which carried an additional charge.
I chose the Wagyu steak, and I can honestly say it was possibly the best steak I have ever had in a restaurant. With the main restaurant already setting a high standard, that was quite an achievement.
For me, this meal was one of the standout experiences of the trip.
Music, shows and evenings onboard
There was plenty of entertainment to enjoy, with live singers performing in different bars and around the pool during the day and evening.
The theatre offered a different show each night, and I thought the performances were very good and professional. Across the live music and theatre shows, there was a good variety of entertainment throughout our five nights.
Take a dip
Bolette has two swimming pools, both on Deck 9. The main pool sits beneath a retractable roof, which can be opened in warm weather. There are plenty of seating areas and sun loungers, along with a poolside restaurant serving fish and chips and burgers—both of which I found very tasty.
The second pool is outdoors at the rear of the ship, with a bar and lovely views out to sea. There are plenty of sun loungers and seats here too, making it a great spot to relax and watch the world go by.
My overall impression
My five nights on Bolette left me particularly impressed by the standard of service, the food and the comfort of my cabin.
The Wagyu steak was a memorable highlight, but the crew deserve the final word. Their friendliness and willingness to help were what really made the trip.
Thinking about a cruise on Bolette? She is based out of Port of Tyne from February 2027. Get in touch with JLM Travel. Having spent five nights onboard, I can share my own experience and help you decide whether she’s the right ship for your holiday.
Martyn was on a Fred Olsen educational and sailed from Liverpool, with two days spent at sea, with a day in Lisbon and another in Cadiz before flying home from Malaga.
