The cruise ship featured this month is Fred Olsen Cruise Line’s Bolette and pictures taken of the ship’s recent call into Cartagena.
The Bolette has only recently changed ownership from being Holland America Cruise Line’s Amsterdam to being purchased by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines with a complete change of livery and renamed Bolette.
As a matter of interest, sister ship of Holland America’s Rotterdam was purchased at the same time by Olsen’s and, renamed Borealis, with both ships now fully operational following the dreaded virus situation.
Passenger capacity of Bolette is reported as 1380 and number of crew 647. Recent cruises of Bolette commenced from Dover and programmed to 1st November, then they switch to a Southampton base where cruises will continue until August 19th 2022 when they will return to Dover.
One of the many features on board Bolette is ‘Morning Light Pub’, advertised with comfortable seating, friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere. It is open throughout the day and evening when live bands and musicians perform.
A typical cruise has resulted on the ship now, having been into Cartagena twice recently.
One of my pictures here was taken on board by a friend – a professional photographer who coincidentally was a passenger – cruising together with parents when calling here. They have now returned home and are full of praise for the cruise they have just completed; ports visited and entertainment together with the service by the staff. They are thoroughly recommending the Line and the vessel.
I am delighted that the number of cruise ship visits into Cartagena has increased considerably and the programme for the remainder of this year is quite substantial. This will result in future contributions hopefully being of interest.
Fred Olsen Cruise Line is a Norwegian Company, but its ships are operating largely within the UK cruise market – hence the Norwegian flag seen on a number of pictures alongside the UK maritime flag.
Regards to all
Mike Smith