Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' new flagship sets sail from Dover

New flagship Bolette had the White Cliffs of Dover as her backdrop when she set sail on a scenic maiden voyage with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines on Monday afternoon (16th August). Bolette's departure from the Port of Dover was marked with fireworks and farewell sprays from the port's water tugs before she set sail on the first of eight departures from the town in 2021.

The inaugural cruise will offer scenic sailing of the Isles of Scilly’s 140 islets, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the dramatic coastlines of the Channel Islands on her maiden cruise.

This milestone sailing follows an extensive refurbishment programme that has seen public areas revamped, cabins updated, new bathrooms installed and carpets laid throughout.

The project introduced popular Fred. Olsen venues the Morning Light Pub, Bookmark Café and Oriental Tea Room, alongside many new additions to Fred. Olsen, including an all-weather pool, two-tiered theatre and culinary demonstration and lecture venue, The Auditorium.

There will be opportunities for guests to tantalise their taste buds in new specialty dining venues. For a fresh, modern take on Indian food there is Vasco, named after the famous explorer Vasco Da Gama, who was the first European to reach India by sea. Meanwhile, Colours & Tastes offers modern Asian Fusion dishes.

Plus, with fewer than 1,400 guests on board even at full capacity, Bolette will continue to offer the same small ship experience for which Fred. Olsen and their crew are renowned.

Peter Deer, Managing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Today is a very important day for us, as we introduce our new flagship, Bolette, to the world. The team on board has worked incredibly hard to add our own Fred. Olsen touches to the ship, with every element designed with the elegance and attention to detail that we are so well known for".

“After many weeks of successful cruising, I am so proud to enhance our offering with a second new ship in the fleet today. I know that guests will love her just as much as we do, and our wonderful crew can’t wait to welcome guests, both new and returning, on board".

“I would like to thank the Port of Dover for all of their support during our pause. We have offered sailings from Dover for many, many years and it is the perfect homeport for our new flagship this summer. Here’s to many more happy years of sailing from Dover to come.”

Captain Mikael Degerlund, who will be sailing Bolette for her Maiden Voyage, said: “Launching a new ship always brings a buzz of excitement, but launching a new flagship is even more special. There has been a real energy on board as the final preparations have been made over the past few weeks. When we welcome our first guests on board we will do so with great pride".

“It is a huge honour to Captain Bolette for her Maiden Voyage, and I look forward to many happy sailings aboard our new flagship in the future.”

Sonia Limbrick, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover said: “We have shared some special moments with Fred. Olsen, and are so happy to be celebrating with them again here on another milestone day for Bolette’s Maiden Voyage.

“We are delighted that Fred. Olsen have chosen us as the homeport for their beautiful new flagship vessel, and we look forward to our excellent relationship with them reaching new heights as Bolette begins her exciting new adventures from Dover.”

Bolette, named after the great-great-grandmother of company Chairman, Fred. Olsen Jnr, is the second in the fleet to set sail, following on from sister ship Borealis in early July. Both ships were purchased by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in the summer of 2020.