By
Laura Hyde |
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette has returned to service following a 16-day drydock refurbishment at APCL A&P Falmouth shipyard in the UK. The ship underwent scheduled maintenance and inspections and received a series of guest-focused enhancements.
The shipyard team carried out an array of technical work on the 1,338-guest ship, including hull blasting and repainting, tank cleaning and refurbishments to the tender platforms and stabilisers. New, more efficient propeller blades were also fitted to maintain the ship’s operational performance.
News, Building and Refurbishment, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Bolette, A&P Falmouth
Interior refurbishments were carried out across multiple guest spaces, including The Observatory and The Ocean Bar, as well as the main dining room and corridors and stairwells, which now feature new carpets.
Bolette’s speciality restaurant, Colours & Tastes, was redesigned as part of a wider fleet refresh to incorporate refined textures and warm, neutral tones to highlight the curated artwork collection. The restaurant now offers a rotating themed menu, featuring grilled, Italian and Asian-fusion cuisine.
The refurbishment project included the installation of new carpets in multiple guest spaces onboard Bolette
As part of Fred. Olsen’s entertainment partnership with RWS Global, an LED wall and aerial performance structures were installed in the ship’s Neptune Lounge to improve the evening entertainment programme.
“This drydock has been a great success in partnership with APCL A&P Falmouth, allowing us to maintain the high standards our guests expect while ensuring Bolette continues to operate efficiently and responsibly,” said Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. “We look forward to welcoming guests back onboard from the 8 February to enjoy her refreshed spaces and enhanced onboard experiences.”
This refurbishment, which was carried out by a team of 350 people, including subcontractors and more than 40 apprentices, is the second carried out on Bolette at APCL A&P Falmouth, and the seventh completed for Fred. Olsen across the APCL Group.
“Contracts such as these make a significant economic contribution to the prosperity of the South West and helps to support our workforce and apprenticeship programme,” said Mike Spicer, managing director of APCL A&P Falmouth. “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, welcoming their cruise ships for dry dockings across our group.”
Read more: Why Fred. Olsen is taking a guest-led approach to itinerary planning