Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has welcomed guests back on board its flagship vessel, Bolette, following the successful completion of a 16‑day dry dock programme at APCL A&P Falmouth.
*All details correct at time of publish (10 February 2026)
Bolette entered the facility on 18th January for scheduled maintenance, technical inspections and a series of guest-focused enhancements, underscoring Fred. Olsen’s ongoing commitment to maintaining its fleet to the highest standards and continually improving the guest experience.
During the dry dock, interior refurbishments were carried out across guest spaces. These included refreshed finishes in The Observatory and The Ocean Bar, new carpeting in the main dining room, and revitalised guest corridors and stairwells. More than 50 guest cabin bathrooms were also renovated.
Bolette’s speciality restaurant, Colours & Tastes, has undergone a complete interior transformation as part of a wider fleet refresh. The redesigned space now features refined textures and warm, neutral tones that highlight the restaurant’s curated artwork collection, creating a more elevated and intimate dining setting.
From 2026, guests can look forward to a new rotating menu inspired by global flavours – including Grill, Italian and Asian cuisines – offering greater culinary variety throughout their cruise.
Enhancements were also made to the Neptune Lounge to support Fred. Olsen’s new entertainment partnership with RWS Global.
Upgrades include the installation of a new LED wall and aerial performance structures, enabling higher production values and an enriched evening entertainment programme. Brand‑new theatre productions will debut on Bolette from June.
In addition to interior refurbishments, APCL A&P Falmouth completed an extensive programme of technical work and thorough inspections to support the vessel’s continued performance.
This included hull blasting and repainting, tank cleaning, and refurbishments to the tender platforms and ship’s stabilisers.
Bolette has also been fitted with more efficient propeller blades, helping to maintain strong operational performance while supporting the line’s environmental targets.
Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said: “We are delighted to welcome guests back on board Bolette to enjoy her refreshed spaces and enhanced onboard experiences following a successful dry dock period.
“We greatly value our long-standing partnership with APCL A&P Falmouth, whose expertise is instrumental in helping us maintain our fleet to the high standards our guests expect while ensuring Bolette continues to operate efficiently and responsibly.”
Bolette’s return marks the completion of her second refit at APCL A&P Falmouth the seventh dry dock project completed across the APCL Group.
This long-standing partnership reflects Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ commitment to supporting UK shipyard capability, regional economic investment, and the development of maritime skills by providing valuable experience for A&P’s workforce and apprentices.
A dedicated team of 350 people, including subcontractors and more than 40 apprentices, supported the completion of Bolette’s refit.
Mike Spicer, Managing Director of APCL A&P Falmouth, said: “APCL A&P Falmouth was delighted to see Bolette return to our facility, marking the seventh Fred. Olsen vessel to drydock across the APCL Group.
“Contracts such as these make a significant economic contribution to the prosperity of the South West and help to support our workforce and apprenticeship programme.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, welcoming their cruise ships for dry dockings across our Group.”
Bolette has now resumed sailing and is welcoming guests back on board for her next programme of voyages, beginning with a 32-day round-trip Caribbean cruise from Liverpool.
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