Fred Olsen Bolette

The 2000-built (as "MS Amsterdam") cruise ship MS Bolette is the newest addition to the Fred Olsen Cruise Line fleet, together with MS Borealis (formerly MS Rotterdam). MS Amsterdam was the fourth (and final) R-class ship built for Holland America Line, alongside her sisterships MS Rotterdam (now Borealis), MS Zaandam, and MS Volendam.

The vessel (IMO 9188037) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000986) and registered in Nassau.

In July 2020, Carnival Corporation (via Holland America Line) sold four vessels. MS Amsterdam (Bolette) and MS Rotterdam (Borealis) were acquired by Fred Olsen, while MS Maasdam (now CFC Renaissance) and MS Veendam (now Aegean Majesty) were sold to Seajets Ferries (Greece). All scheduled cruises for the four ships were either canceled or reassigned to other HAL vessels.

• A total of 24x Holland America cruises on MS Amsterdam were canceled (December 21, 2020, through October 9, 2021), including the 14-day "Southern Caribbean Holiday" (Dec 21, 2020–Jan 4, 2021), the 129-day "Grand World Voyage 2021" (Jan 4–May 13, 2021), a 9-day repositioning (Fort Lauderdale to Montreal, May 13–22, 2021), 7-day Canada and New England itineraries (between Montreal and Boston), and a 13-day repositioning (Montreal to Fort Lauderdale, Oct 9–22, 2021).
• MS Amsterdam’s "Grand World Voyage 2021" was rescheduled to 2022 and transferred to MS Zaandam.
• On July 26th, following her Suez Canal transit, Rotterdam and Amsterdam anchored off Port Limassol (Cyprus).

Holland America’s MS Amsterdam (IMO 9188037) was originally Netherlands-flagged (MMSI 244370000) and registered in Rotterdam</a). After joining Fred Olsen, she was reflagged to the Bahamas (MMSI 311000986) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd is a UK-based, Norwegian-owned cruise company, part of the Fred Olsen Group (headquartered in Oslo, Norway). The company, headquartered in Ipswich (Suffolk, England), is owned by Bonheur and Ganger Rolf.

Founded in 1848 in Hvitsten, Norway, by brothers Petter, Andras, and Fredrik Christian Olsen, the company started with the purchase of its first ships and grew into an international shipping enterprise. Today, the Fred Olsen Group is managed by the fifth generation of the family and operates subsidiaries in cruise shipping, trade, shipbuilding, aviation, and offshore industries.

The Fred Olsen Group wholly owns Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd, Fred Olsen Travel Ltd (global tours and vacations via independent operators), Fred Olsen Marine Services AS (ship management), First Olsen Ltd (tankers), Dolphin Drilling Holdings Ltd (offshore rigs), Fred Olsen Express (Canary Islands fast ferries/catamarans), Fred Olsen Freight Ltd (cargo and air freight), Fred Olsen Windcarrier AS (offshore wind turbine installation), Fred Olsen Production AS (offshore petroleum production), Fred Olsen Renewables AS, SeaRoc Group Ltd (offshore consultancy), ZephIR Lidar UK (wind measurement), and Ganger Rolf ASA (energy and shipping). Through Bonheur ASA, the group also manages NHST Media Group AS (newspapers and digital media), real estate firms (Stavenes Byggeselskap, Koksa Eiendom, Fred Olsens gate 2), and Timex Group BV (parent of global watchmaking subsidiaries in the USA, India, and the Philippines).

Decks and Cabins

Fred Olsen Bolette staterooms (691 total) include 173 Balcony Suites (no standard balconies), 385 Oceanview, and 133 Inside cabins across 26 categories. Most cabins are 140–320 ft² oceanviews, with about 25% of accommodations featuring private step-out balconies. The ship has 20 wheelchair-accessible cabins, 104 connecting cabins, and 52 dedicated single cabins (offered without a supplement, ranging from Inside to Suite). The largest are the Pinnacle/Owner’s Suites (940 ft² / 87 m² plus a 190 ft² / 18 m² terrace).

The ship has 10 passenger decks, five of which contain cabins.

Complimentary suite amenities include:

• priority services (check-in, disembarkation, tendering, dining reservations)
• 24-hour concierge service (assistance, information, reservations)
• exclusive dining venue (complimentary Pinnacle Grill breakfast and Dining Room dinner, plus signature dishes)
• dedicated Concierge Desk (Guest Services and Tours)
• room service (à la carte breakfast menu with complimentary gourmet items such as smoked salmon, steak and eggs)
• sparkling wine on embarkation day, Club Orange tote bag, premium bathrobes (for in-cabin use, available for purchase and monogramming)
• Club Orange Restaurant, part of the Main Dining Room, designed as an exclusive VIP dining section

Shipboard facilities, amenities, and services (review by deck)

Next are reviewed Fred Olsen Bolette ship's venues, facilities and amenities by deck.

Floor 1 (Infirmary)

Forward is the ship's Medical Center (Reception, Doctor’s Office, Infirmary, Pharmacy).

Floor 3

The Promenade Deck has a Walking Track (jogging is not permitted). The 3-deck-high Atrium is an open-floor midship area hosting live music and entertainment.

Floor 4 (Lobby-Lounge1-Dining1)

Forecastle (Observation Area) is an outdoor, forward-facing observation space at the ship’s prow/bow that provides unobstructed views, making it a primary vantage point for scenic cruising and observing natural features and marine conditions as the vessel travels. This area is accessible from the Promenade and is typically left open when weather permits so passengers can watch the ship approaching or departing ports and enjoy bow views.

Neptune Lounge (lower level 1 of 2, capacity 568 seats) is a two-tiered entertainment venue spanning decks 4 and 5. Neptune Lounge is the ship’s principal theatre/show lounge/performance and lecture space. It features tiered seating with a stage at the front and each evening hosts the ship’s main shows. The program includes musical performances, cabaret, magic and comedy acts, and other variety entertainment presented by the ship's Show Team and guest artists. During daytime hours, the lounge functions as a lecture hall/enrichment venue where guest speakers deliver talks and activities as part of Fred Olsen’s Signature Experiences program, often focused on destinations, culture or aspects of life at sea. Some shore excursion briefings also use this space as a meeting point. The Neptune Lounge is positioned toward and is paired with a balcony level (on Deck 5), providing additional seating and sightlines toward the stage.

Photo Gallery & Shop (photo-video services, equipment, accessories)

The Lobby Hall houses Destination Services/Shore Excursions Desk (booking, information, planning) and Front Office (Reception/Guest Services Desk - 24-hour assistance, information, reservations/bookings).

Auditorium/Cinema is a secondary public venue designed as a flexible space for a variety of enrichment and entertainment activities. It is equipped with comfortable seating arranged to face a stage and is used during daytime and early evening hours for events such as cooking demonstrations (including sessions where the ship’s chefs showcase recipes and techniques), educational talks and presentations, movie or film screenings, and other interactive/informative experiences offered as part of Fred Olsen’s enrichment program. The Auditorium provides an alternative venue to the larger Neptune Lounge for smaller-group activities and specialized events.

Colours & Tastes Restaurant is a specialty dining venue that operates at an additional charge. Its menu is centred on modern Asian Fusion cuisine inspired by the culinary traditions of Japan, China, Thailand and the Philippines. The restaurant provides an intimate atmosphere with table service and a focus on dishes such as dim sum, stir-fries, spiced grilled meats, seafood and sushi, reflecting a blend of flavours and cooking styles from across East and Southeast Asia. The restaurant opens only for dinner and reservations are recommended.

Bloomsbury Restaurant is as one of the ship’s two main dining rooms, and it is complimentary. Positioned on the lower level of the two-tiered main restaurant complex (with the Terrace Restaurant directly above/on Deck 5), it offers an elegant, classic setting where guests are typically served a multi-course a la carte menu. The menu changes daily and features a range of international and British dishes prepared by the ship’s chefs. The venue is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner service with allocated table seating.

Floor 5 (Shops-Dining2-Lounge2)

Neptune Lounge (balcony level 2 of 2)

Boutiques/Atrium Shops (Shopping Arcade with boutiques for duty-free liquor and tobacco, perfumes, watches, fashion clothing, logo merchandise, sundries, souvenirs)

Future Cruises Desk (onboard bookings, loyalty program information)

Sea Cove Shop is a retail boutique stocked with a range of exclusive Fred Olsen-branded merchandise, including clothing (t-shirts, jackets, gilets), accessories (tote bags, rucksacks, travel mugs), stationery, water bottles and other practical essentials, along with keepsakes and souvenirs that reflect the cruise experience. The Sea Cove Shop provides passengers with the opportunity to purchase memorabilia and useful items during their voyage.

Floral Blooms Shop is a florist and retail outlet where passengers can purchase cut flowers, bouquets, and floral arrangements. It offers a selection of fresh flowers both as ready-made bouquets and individual stems, allowing guests to add floral decorations to their staterooms or select pieces such as corsages or buttonholes for formal nights and special occasions.

Morning Light Pub & Lounge is a traditional-style British pub venue where guests can order drinks from a well-stocked bar, including a variety of British and international beers and ciders. The comfortable seating reflects a classic pub interior. The venue operates throughout the day into the evening. In the afternoons or before dinner, passengers can gather for drinks. In the evenings, the venue features live music from resident singers and guitarists and hosts activities such as the ship-wide quiz and shuffleboard games part of the onboard entertainment program. The decor includes maritime-themed artwork.

Piano Bar is a bar lounge offering a relaxed, elegant setting where guests can enjoy drinks accompanied by live piano music. It features seating arranged to allow passengers to listen to a pianist perform folk, jazz and other light music. The bar is used both before dinner for cocktails and in the later evening as a quieter spot for a nightcap after the main entertainment. The venue emphasizes panoramic views outboard through large windows along one side of the bar.

Card Room is a quiet relaxation space furnished with tables and comfortable seating where passengers can play popular card games such as bridge, poker, blackjack, and solitaire. It is adjacent to the Bookmark Cafe and is intended as a social area for guests to enjoy competitive or casual card play. Bridge tournaments are frequently organized. On some cruises, bridge tuition is offered to develop skills.

Bookmark Cafe & Lounge is an informal cafe/patisserie and lounge area where guests can purchase and enjoy speciality coffees, teas and light refreshments such as freshly baked pastries and handmade chocolates throughout the day. It is adjacent to the Library, making it a space where passengers can sit with a book from the ship’s collection while drinking a latte, cappuccino, hot chocolate or tea. It also offers the option to pre-book a “Bookmark Bestseller” card that includes a set number of hot drinks and a bag of truffles charged to the cabin account.

The Earth Room is a tranquil lounge focused on environmental and planetary themes. The venue has a curated selection of rare books chosen by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines on subjects such as evolution, climate change, recycling, carbon footprints and fossil fuels. Digital media and occasional guest presentations are available to stimulate discussion or learning about sustainability.

The Botanical Room is a relaxed lounge with lush green and vibrant yellow decor, and filled with plants, magazines and books about gardening, flowers, plant care and global flora. It provides a peaceful retreat for guests interested in nature and botany.

The Oriental Tea Room (aka The Serenity Tea Room) is an exotically decorated lounge offering a refined selection of premium teas from regions such as China, Japan and Taiwan. There are optional tea tasting sessions and a menu including tea-infused beverages and light accompaniments.

The Australia Room and the Orchid Room are smaller, more intimate dining spaces linked to the Terrace Restaurant. The Australia Room is decorated with artwork and design elements inspired by the natural wonders of Australia. It is used for small group dinners, tastings or gatherings. The Orchid Room provides a calm, refined setting for similar uses such as private meals or small events connected to the main dining experience.

Terrace Restaurant forms the upper tier of the ship’s 2-level main dining room, together with the Bloomsbury Restaurant (Deck 4). The complimentary venue offers a multi-course a la carte menu throughout the day for breakfast, lunch and especially for the formal dinner service. It follows a traditional two-sitting system with menus that change daily and include a variety of British and international dishes. The Terrace Restaurant’s decor and seating arrangement are designed to be elegant yet comfortable, and its elevated position offers panoramic views through large windows. This restaurant is integrated with smaller adjacent spaces such as the Australia Room and the Orchid Room, which provide additional dining or private-dining options linked to the main venue.

Floor 7 (Wheelhouse)

The fore-located Navigation Bridge/Wheelhouse and the adjacent Captain’s Suite and officers' quarters are inaccessible to passengers.

Floor 8 (Lido-Pools-Wellness-Sundeck1)

The Atlantis Spa comprises a range of beauty and treatment rooms where professional therapists provide services including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and hairdressing. Large windows in the spa area offer unobstructed sea views. Adjoining the Spa, a Thermal Suite styled on a Turkish-bath concept includes aromatherapy steam rooms, heated ceramic relaxation beds and a body-temperature mineral bath. Access to the spa treatments and thermal facilities requires pre-booking, while use of the gym facility and fitness classes are complimentary.

The Fitness Centre is a fully equipped gym fitted with cardiovascular machines such as treadmills, cross trainers and exercise bikes, free weights and strength equipment. It also offers scheduled group classes including yoga, Pilates and stretch sessions. Personal training sessions with qualified trainers are also available.

The Lido Pool area is covered by a retractable roof. The sundeck is open 7 am - 10 pm, and comprises a swimming pool, 2 Whirlpools/Jacuzzis, Tennis Tables, Deck Chess, a bandstand (for live music entertainment). The sundeck is served by Lido Bar and Poolside Cafe, and there are also Tea & Coffee Stations.

The Poolside Cafe is a complimentary dining spot that serves light meals and snacks throughout the day, between mid-morning and early evening. It offers a selection of late-breakfast items and informal food options that guests can enjoy without formal reservations while spending time at the pool or relaxing on the loungers and deckchairs.

View Buffet Restaurant is the ship’s main casual, self-service buffet dining venue with panoramic sea views through large windows. It operates throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and late-night supper, offering a continually refreshed buffet selection of hot and cold dishes, salads, desserts and regional specialties. There are also tea and coffee stations.

Sea View Pool is the aft, adults-only swimming pool and sundeck, served by the Sea View Bar. It consists of a swimming pool surrounded by sunbathing areas with loungers. The aft pool sundeck is served by the adjacent Sea View Bar.

Floor 9 (Sports-Observatory-Sundeck2)

The Observatory is a forward-located indoor bar lounge with large panoramic windows that wrap around the front of the ship. It is designed as a scenic cruising vantage point where guests can sit with beverages and observe landscapes such as fjords and coastlines as the ship travels. The lounge is furnished with comfortable seating and is sometimes used for scheduled events including live music and entertainment (singing or silent disco in the evenings). Special experiences include the enhanced Afternoon Tea service. During daylight hours, the Observatory functions primarily as an observation lounge. At other times, it is used for social and entertainment purposes.

Sliding Dome Cover is the retractable glass roof over the ship's Lido Pool area below (on Deck 8).

Deck 9 also houses two full-sized Sports Courts - Tennis Court (portside) and Basketball Court (starboard),and the  Shuffleboard / outdoor deck games area.

Olsen Art Studio is a creative space dedicated to arts and crafts activities. It is a purpose-built area stocked with a variety of art materials, including paints, easels and craft supplies. It accommodates both guided classes and open-studio time, where guests can work independently on their own art projects. The studio hosts instructor-led workshops on subjects such as painting and drawing, and also provides an open environment for guests who wish to pursue individual creative work during their cruise. It embodies the Fred Olsen family’s appreciation of art and serves as an enrichment venue part the ship’s daily program of complimentary activities.

The Sports Deck also provides some of the best vantage points to take photos and enjoy the port- and sea views along the cruise route.

Floor 10 (Sundeck3)

Deck 10 is accessible only by stairs.

Forward, there is a spacious sundeck/sunbathing area with loungers and deckchairs.

The aft section is used mainly for top-deck observation.

On each of the cabin decks, there is a Launderette (passenger use self-service laundry facility).

(Holland America) MS Amsterdam ship review

La Fontaine is the ship's two-level main dining room, serving open-seating breakfast and lunch, along with both fixed and flexible dinner seating. Breakfast hours vary, starting as early as 7 a.m. on port days and 8 a.m. on sea days, ending by 9:30 a.m. The menu includes breads, cereals, French toast, blueberry pancakes, corned beef hash, egg dishes, and yogurt parfaits. Portions are modest, so a second pastry is often welcome. Lunch in the MDR is usually limited to one hour (noon–1 p.m.) on sea days and closed when the ship is docked all day. Although queues may form, they move quickly and seating is plentiful. Lunch options range from soups, sandwiches, and salads to fish and heartier entrées.

Complete list of MS Amsterdam dining venues and food bars:

• Pinnacle Grill (86-seat reservations-only seafood/steakhouse with fine wine selection; free for children under 12). Once per cruise, it hosts "An Evening at Le Cirque" through a partnership with New York’s Le Cirque restaurant.
• La Fontaine Restaurant (835-seat aft dining room; open-seating breakfast and lunch, dinner with two fixed seatings or "Anytime" dining between 5:15–9 p.m.)
• King's Room / Queen's Room (La Fontaine annex; reservations-only for private dining)
• Terrace Grill (poolside fast-food bar; complimentary)
• Lido Restaurant (386-seat buffet venue; self-service breakfast 6–11 a.m., lunch 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., afternoon tea, dinner 5:30–8 p.m.)
• Canaletto Restaurant (Lido annex; Italian specialty restaurant, dinner only, reservations required)
• Vasco Restaurant (Indian cuisine)
• Colours & Tastes Restaurant (Asian-fusion)
• Oriental Tea Room
• Morning Light Pub
• The Bookmark Café (with dance floor and live entertainment stage)

Onboard activities begin after breakfast and continue into the late evening. Queen’s Lounge hosts two nightly shows, ranging from Vegas-style revues to comedy and magic. This two-level theater is lavish, with Bob Mackie gowns and a stage framed by large statues. Bars feature live music at various times, from classical performances in Explorer’s Lounge to piano and vocals in Rembrandt Lounge. Ocean Bar and Explorer’s are popular for pre- and post-dinner cocktails. A small wine-tasting bar opposite the Culinary Arts Center opens briefly—usually one hour on port days and three hours on sea days. The Sports Bar, next to the Casino, sees light traffic. Other amenities include complimentary 24-hour room service, supervised youth programs ("Club HAL"), cruise ship weddings, Internet/WiFi, and self-service laundromats.

Complete list of MS Amsterdam lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues:

• Atrium (three-deck midship open space with live performances)
• Promenade Deck with walking track (jogging not permitted)
• Queen’s Lounge (568-seat theater and main show lounge; also hosts Holland America enrichment programs in partnership with BBC Earth)
• Queen’s Room (La Fontaine annex; used for digital workshops, computer classes, and social networking)
• Photo Gallery & Shop; Art Gallery
• Wine Tasting Bar and Gourmet Shops (sampling and sales)
• Wajang Theatre & Culinary Arts Center (124-seat cinema, with cooking shows and culinary demonstrations)
• Atrium Terrace and Shops (duty-free goods, perfumes, watches, clothing, souvenirs, HAL merchandise, luxury boutique)
• Ocean Bar (115-seat atrium lounge with dance floor and live music)
• Monte Carlo Casino (with Casino Bar and adjacent Sports Bar)
• Amstel Café (dance floor and live entertainment)
• Rembrandt Lounge (75-seat piano bar)
• Hudson Room (50-seat meeting and card room)
• Explorations Café (65-seat coffee and pastry bar, also library and Internet center)
• Explorer’s Lounge & Bar (89-seat classical music venue)
• Neptune Lounge (exclusive 17-seat lounge for Deluxe Suite and Pinnacle guests)
• Fitness Center with aerobics room; two Jacuzzis
• Greenhouse Spa & Salon; Lido Pool with Lido Bar and Terrace Grill; Sea View Pool with Sea View Bar
• Observatory Lounge/fka Crow’s Nest (218-seat observation lounge with bar and dance floor; nightclub at night)
• Tennis court, basketball court, shuffleboard
• Club HAL (youth lounge with complimentary programs)
• The Loft (teen lounge with arcade, computers, PlayStations, and disco)
• The Oasis (teen-only 40-seat outdoor sundeck)

Itineraries

MS Bolette’s inaugural program included voyages originally planned for Boudicca plus new itineraries. Homeported mainly in Dover, England, her maiden voyage was initially scheduled as a 7-night "Scotland and Northern Ireland Cruise" from Southampton on March 5, 2021, followed by two more UK departures and Easter sailings to Madeira and the Azores. Program highlights included:

• Maiden Voyage (cancelled): 7-night "Scenic Scotland with Belfast" roundtrip from Southampton (March 5, 2021), visiting Belfast, scenic cruising by Fingal’s Cave and Dutchman’s Cap, Lerwick, and Kirkwall. Prices from GBP 700 pp.
• Cancelled: 5-night "Waterways of Belgium and France" roundtrip from Dover (May 29–June 3, 2021), calling at Antwerp, Honfleur, and Saint-Malo. Prices from GBP 750 pp.
• Inaugural Cruise for Fred Olsen (Aug 16, 2021): 3-night "Bolette’s Maiden Voyage" from Dover (code T215), a cruise to nowhere featuring scenic coastal cruising (Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands). Prices from GBP 485 pp.

Maiden Voyage 2021: 5-day "Netherlands and Belgium City Break," from GBP 605 pp

Guests booking by September 30, 2020, received free gratuities and up to GBP 100 per person onboard credit for 2021-2022 Bolette cruises.

Bolette's 2022-2023 schedule included UK homeports (Southampton, Dover, Tilbury, Newcastle) and roundtrips to Iceland, Norway (5–7-night fjords), the British Isles, the Mediterranean, Madeira, Azores, Canaries, and short city-break cruises (5-8 nights).

In November 2023, MS Bolette embarked on a 93-night World Voyage, "The Intrepid Beauty of Africa and the Indian Ocean," roundtrip from Southampton, calling in Morocco, Malta, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, South Africa, Madagascar, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, and more.

Holland America's MS Amsterdam itinerary program focused on Alaska cruises during summer, operating one-way voyages from Vancouver BC and Anchorage/Seward, Alaska. She also sailed World Cruises from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

MS Amsterdam (named after Amsterdam City, Holland) was the last R-class ship built for Holland America Line, with sisterships Rotterdam, Volendam, and Zaandam. Her Maiden Voyage was on October 30, 2000. The ship’s Godmother was Janet Olczak-Lanterman, Founder of "Cruise Specialists" (a brand owned by the US company Travel Leaders Group LLC).

The vessel (Fincantieri Marghera yard/hull number 6052) is powered by five Wartsila-Sulzer marine diesel engines (models 16ZAV40S/12ZAV40) with a total power output of 57.7 MW.

Her fuel consumption is 140 tons (39,500 US gallons) per day at a cruising speed of 24 mph / 39 kph. The ship features a fully operational Astrolabe (an inclinometer used by astronomers and navigators in past centuries) displayed in the Atrium. This impressive, three-story device is in working condition.

In July 2020, the vessel was sold to Fred Olsen Cruise Lines (owned by Fred Olsen & Co, based in Oslo, Norway), renamed "MS Bolette," and reflagged to the Bahamas (Nassau registry). Under Holland America, MS Amsterdam was Holland-flagged (MMSI number 244370000) and registered in Rotterdam.

For Fred Olsen, Bolette first entered drydock in 2020 following her acquisition. In 2023 (February 23 - March 9), she drydocked at A&P Falmouth Shipyard in Falmouth, England. A&P Falmouth, part of A&P Group Ltd (founded in 1954, the UK’s largest ship repair and conversion company), carried out routine maintenance, scheduled classification works, hotel and technical overhauls (Azipods, bow thrusters), and hull cleaning/painting.

On August 16, 2021, the ship started passenger operations for Fred Olsen with her Maiden Voyage from Dover, England.

MS Bolette refurbishments review

Drydock 2026

The ship's last drydocking was in 2026 (January-February) at A&P Falmouth.

The 16-day drydocking was mainly for routine maintenance, classification and safety inspections, machinery overhaul, hull cleaning/repainting, tank cleaning, refurbishment of the tender platforms and stabilizers, replacement of the propeller blades, and hotel upkeep/updates to passenger cabins and public areas.

The project featured the full renovation of the restaurant Colours & Tastes, the installation of an LED screen wall in the Neptune Lounge, new carpeting in the restaurant Bloomsbury and the Main Dining Room (La Fontaine), and new floor tiling in the Thermal Suite.

Renovations received The Observatory and The Ocean Bar (sanding and varnishing of the dance floors), all corridors and stairwells, 50+ cabin bathrooms.

The Galley's equipment was also updated.

Drydock 2023

Bolette's drydocking in 2023 (Feb 23-Mar 9) was also at A&P Falmouth.

The project was for general maintenance and classification works, hotel and technical overhauls (Azipods, bow thrusters), hull cleaning/painting.

(Holland America) MS Amsterdam refurbishments 2016-2018 review

During the ship's 2018 drydock (April 28 - May 10, at Freeport, Bahamas), the ship received the following Suite cabin upgrades:

• new furnishings (sofas, chairs, headboards), carpeting, wall coverings, privacy curtains, draperies, bed runners, bed skirts, make-up vanities (with quartz stone tops and modern lighting), dressers, dressing tables, nightstands, LED reading lights, wardrobes (with lighted closet rods)
• enhanced décor and amenities (espresso coffee machine, binoculars, complimentary mimosas with in-cabin breakfasts)
• USB outlets on headboards, additional power outlets, LED ceiling lights
• BOSE SoundDock (iPod stations) added in PS-Pinnacle Suites only
• interactive HDTV system (with Internet capabilities and free movies on demand)
• renovated Suite bathrooms
• new wall-mounted smart TVs in all staterooms
• replacement of the old Crow’s Nest (Deck 9 forward panoramic bar lounge) with EXC (Explorations Central)

MS Amsterdam's 2016 refurbishment was part of Holland America Line’s USD 300 million fleet renovation program (2016-2018), which modernized entertainment, dining, and suites fleetwide.

In 2016, Holland America updated MS Amsterdam’s onboard programming (enrichment, entertainment, and children’s activities), replacing “Dancing With the Stars” with “BBC Earth” content. The theatre lounge began hosting daily expert lectures, presentations, and a nature-themed game show with BBC Earth screenings, featuring introductions by the filming crews. Evening entertainment included a signature concert inspired by “Frozen Planet” (polar regions-themed), a multimedia show with live musicians.

The children’s facilities (Club HAL) were also refreshed, featuring an explorer trail, workshops (including journalism and filmmaking), and fact-based shows (focused on animals and dinosaurs).

Fred Olsen World Cruise 2026 (Discovering the World’s Idyllic Islands and Iconic Cities)

In February 2024, Fred Olsen announced two Grand Voyages scheduled for 2026: Bolette’s “Discovering the World’s Idyllic Islands and Iconic Cities” itinerary (99-night and 95-night options) and Borealis’ “Exploration of South America and Antarctica” itinerary (76-night).

Bolette’s World Voyage 2026 is offered as two ex-UK roundtrip itineraries – a 99-night voyage from Liverpool and a 95-night voyage from Southampton.

Bookings for Fred Olsen’s 2026 Grand Voyages opened on February 7th for Oceans Members and on February 9th for the general public.

Fred Olsen World Cruise 2025 (A Voyage of Exploration Around the World)

On March 3, 2023, Fred Olsen opened general public bookings for MS Bolette’s World Voyage 2025. The roundtrip from Southampton departs on January 6, 2025.

The itinerary, themed “A Voyage of Exploration Around the World,” retraces routes inspired by the Magellan–Elcano expedition (1519-1522), recognized as the first circumnavigation in written history. Bolette’s voyage includes destinations in South America (Argentina, Brazil), the Pacific Ocean (French Polynesia), the Indian Ocean (Mauritius, South Africa), Australia’s south coast (following Captain Matthew Flinders’ 1801 HMS Investigator expedition), as well as routes navigated by Scottish privateer Alexander Selkirk (1676-1721) and British explorer James Cook (1728-1779).

The voyage was offered as a 110-night roundtrip from Liverpool and a 106-night roundtrip from Southampton.

Prices for the Southampton roundtrip (106 nights) started from GBP 11500 per person with double occupancy, inclusive of door-to-door land transfers (max 250 mi / 400 km UK Mainland distance) and up to GBP 600 pp in OBC/onboard credit.

In July 2024 were opened for booking these smaller segments - 87-night "Exploring South America & Australia" itinerary (Jan 4th/Liverpool to Cape Town), 58-night/56-night “Exploring South America & the Pacific Islands” itinerary (Jan 4th/Liverpool to Sydney, Jan 6th/Southampton to Sydney), 29-night “Australian & South African Discovery” itinerary (Mar 3rd/Sydney to Cape Town), 21-night “Scenic Vistas & Diverse Cultures of Africa” itinerary (Apr 1st/Cape Town to Southampton).

World Cruise 2023

The scheduled for 2023 MS Bolette's 93-night "World Voyage" (titled "The Intrepid Beauty of Africa and Indian Ocean", roundtrip from Southampton) visits Morocco, Malta, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, South Africa, Madagascar, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania and other countries.

Prices started from GBP 10,595 (EUR 12,680 / USD 13,800) per person, based on double occupancy.

MS Amsterdam World Cruises 2019-2020

In 2015, MS Amsterdam operated a “World Cruise” roundtrip from Florida. The Around the World Voyage visited Europe (Mediterranean) on a westbound route via a Suez Canal transit.

The table below shows the port sequence and times (arrival/departure) for MS Amsterdam’s “World Cruise 2019” – the 114-day “Grand World Voyage” roundtrip from Port Everglades.

Next table shows Holland America's ever-longest world cruise (MS Amsterdam's 129-day "Grand World Voyage 2020" itinerary) as call ports and port stay times (arrival/departure).

Unfortunately, this voyage was affected by the Coronavirus pandemic and eventually (in mid-March) canceled.

Next table shows HAL Amsterdam's 129-day "Grand World Voyage 2021" itinerary. Prices started from USD 22700 pp (double-occupancy Interior Cabin rates).