Fred Olsen Bolette

Former name: MS Amsterdam V (Holland America)

Fred Olsen Bolette current position

Fred Olsen Bolette current location is at East Mediterranean (coordinates 36.43426 N / 21.57063 E) cruising at speed of 14.5 kn (27 km/h | 17 mph) en route to Cagliari. The AIS position was reported 2 minutes ago.

All Itineraries Current Position

Current itinerary of Fred Olsen Bolette

Fred Olsen Bolette current cruise is 32 days, round-trip Discovering Greece, Turkey the Dalmatian Coast. Prices start from USD 4352 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 25 Feb, 2024 and ends on 28 Mar, 2024.

Specifications of Fred Olsen Bolette

Year of build2000  /  Age: 24
Flag state Bahamas
BuilderFincantieri (Marghera, Italy)
ClassRotterdam
Building costUSD 400 million
Engines (power)Wartsila-Sulzer (57.7 MW / 77377 hp)
Speed25 kn / 46 km/h / 29 mph
Length (LOA)238 m / 781 ft
Beam (width)32 m / 105 ft
Gross Tonnage62735 gt
Passengers1338 - 1656
Crew615
Passengers-to-space ratio38
Decks10
Cabins690
Decks with cabins5
Last Refurbishment2023
Sister-shipsMS Rotterdam (identical), MS Zaandam, MS Volendam
Former namesMS Amsterdam V (Holland America)
Christened byJanet Olczak-Lanterman
OwnerBolette Cruise Ltd
OperatorFred Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd

Fred Olsen Bolette Itineraries

DateItineraryDeparture PortPrice from
2024 Feb 25 16 days, one-way from Southampton to Limassol Southampton $2113
2024 Feb 25 32 days, round-trip Discovering Greece, Turkey the Dalmatian Coast Southampton $4352
2024 Mar 12 16 days, one-way from Limassol to Southampton Limassol $2113
2024 Mar 28 7 days, round-trip Easter Escape to Germany the Lowlands Southampton $1242
2024 Apr 04 13 days, round-trip Islands of the Azores, Crossing the Path of the Solar Eclipse Southampton $3979
2024 Apr 17 2 days, one-way from Southampton to Liverpool Southampton $247
2024 Apr 19 14 days, round-trip Natural Wonders Wildlife of the Azores Madeira Liverpool $2859
2024 May 03 5 days, round-trip Scenic Isles of Scotland in Five Liverpool $1367
2024 May 08 17 days, round-trip Colourful Cosmopolitan Mediterranean with the Amalfi Coast Liverpool $3730
2024 May 25 5 days, round-trip Scenic Scottish Isles in Five Liverpool $1118
2024 May 30 9 days, round-trip Springtime Norwegian Fjords Liverpool $1864
2024 Jun 08 7 days, round-trip Discovering Northern Spain Liverpool $1491
2024 Jun 15 12 days, round-trip Whales Volcanic Landscapes of Iceland Liverpool $2113
2024 Jun 27 9 days, round-trip Norwegian Fjords Falls Liverpool $1740
2024 Jul 06 13 days, round-trip Volcanic Islands Hidden Gems of Portugal Liverpool $2113
2024 Jul 19 27 days, round-trip Scenic Wonders Wildlife of Canada Greenland Liverpool $4725
2024 Aug 15 9 days, round-trip Summertime Norwegian Fjords Liverpool $1740
2024 Aug 24 8 days, round-trip Exploring Irelands Coastal Scenery Liverpool $1989
2024 Sep 01 11 days, round-trip Spain, Portugal the Spectacular Bird Migration Liverpool $2237
2024 Sep 12 9 days, round-trip Whales, Waterfalls Geysers of Iceland Liverpool $1678
2024 Sep 21 9 days, round-trip Scenic Autumnal Norwegian Fjords Liverpool $1553
2024 Sep 30 20 days, round-trip Exploring the Colourful Adriatic Liverpool $3730
2024 Oct 20 7 days, round-trip Discovering Northern Spain Liverpool $1118
2024 Oct 27 14 days, round-trip Natural Wonders Wildlife of the Azores Madeira Liverpool $2237
2024 Nov 10 14 days, round-trip Winter Warmth in the Canaries Liverpool $2113
2024 Nov 24 18 days, round-trip Winter Warmth in the Canaries Cape Verde Liverpool $2735
2024 Dec 12 9 days, round-trip Festive Spanish Break Liverpool $1242
2024 Dec 21 14 days, round-trip Canary Islands Christmas Lisbon New Year Liverpool $3233
2025 Jan 04 2 days, one-way from Liverpool to Southampton Liverpool $434
2025 Jan 04 108 days, one-way from Liverpool to Southampton Liverpool $20151
2025 Jan 04 110 days, round-trip A Voyage of Exploration Around the World - Liverpool Liverpool $20399
2025 Jan 06 106 days, round-trip A Voyage of Exploration Around the World Southampton $19902
2025 Jan 06 108 days, one-way from Southampton to Liverpool Southampton $14553
2025 Apr 22 2 days, one-way from Southampton to Liverpool Southampton $434
2025 Apr 24 8 days, round-trip Springtime Norwegian Fjords the Faroes Liverpool $1491
2025 May 02 5 days, round-trip Scenic Scottish Isles in Five Liverpool $993
2025 May 07 17 days, round-trip Colourful Cosmopolitan Mediterranean with the Amalfi Coast Liverpool $3481
2025 May 24 5 days, round-trip Scenic Scottish Isles in Five Liverpool $993
2025 May 29 8 days, round-trip Mountain Landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords Liverpool $1491
2025 Jun 06 7 days, round-trip Exploring the Iconic Coastline of the Emerald Isle Liverpool $1491
2025 Jun 13 10 days, round-trip Glaciers, Geysers Waterfalls of Iceland Liverpool $2051
2025 Jun 23 16 days, round-trip Discovering the Colourful French Riviera Liverpool $3233
2025 Jul 09 9 days, round-trip Glaciers, Mountains Fjords of Norway Liverpool $1740
2025 Jul 18 7 days, round-trip Dramatic Coastlines of France Britain Liverpool $1429
2025 Jul 25 13 days, round-trip Volcanic Vistas of the Azores Madeira Liverpool $2362
2025 Aug 07 15 days, round-trip Exploring Rugged Remote Greenland Iceland Liverpool $2859
2025 Aug 22 5 days, round-trip Scenic Scottish Isles in Five Liverpool $1118
2025 Aug 27 9 days, round-trip Scenic Landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords Liverpool $1740
2025 Sep 05 9 days, round-trip Exploring the Land of Fire Ice in Nine Liverpool $1864
2025 Sep 14 10 days, round-trip Scenic Isles Landscapes of Scotland the Faroes Liverpool $1989
2025 Sep 24 16 days, round-trip Italyrsquos scenic riviera with charming Cinque Terre Liverpool $3357
2025 Oct 10 13 days, round-trip Volcanic Vistas of the Azores Madeira Liverpool $2362
2025 Oct 23 11 days, round-trip Mountains Valleys of Iberia Morocco Liverpool $1989
2025 Nov 03 14 days, round-trip In Search of the Northern Lights Liverpool $2485
2025 Dec 15 7 days, round-trip Mystery Cruise Liverpool $1118
2025 Dec 22 14 days, round-trip Canary Islands Christmas Funchal Fireworks Liverpool $3357
2026 Jan 05 99 days, round-trip Discovering the Worlds Idyllic Islands Iconic Cities Liverpool $14180
2026 Jan 05 97 days, one-way from Liverpool to Southampton Liverpool $13931
2026 Jan 07 95 days, round-trip Discovering the Worlds Idyllic Islands Iconic Cities Southampton $13682
2026 Apr 14 14 days, round-trip Volcanic Vistas of the Azores Madeira Liverpool $2485
2026 Apr 28 24 days, round-trip Mountains, Islands Lakes of the Dalmatian Coast Liverpool $4601
2026 May 22 5 days, round-trip Scenic Islands Dramatic Coastlines of Scotland Liverpool $1056

Fred Olsen Bolette Review

Review of Fred Olsen Bolette

The 2000-built (as "MS Amsterdam") cruise ship MS Bolette is the latest addition to the Fred Olsen Cruise Line's fleet - together with MS Borealis (fka MS Rotterdam). MS Amsterdam was the 4th (and last) R-class ship of Holland America Line, with sisterships ms Rotterdam (Borealis), and also ms Zaandam and ms Volendam.

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

In July 2020, Carnival Corporation (via HAL-Holland America Line) sold 4 liners. MS Amsterdam (Bolette) and MS Rotterdam (Borealis) were sold to Fred Olsen. MS Maasdam (now CFC Renaissance) and MS Veendam (now Aegean Majesty) were sold to Seajets Ferries Greece. All scheduled for the 4 ships voyages were canceled or assumed by other HAL ships.

  • A total of 24x Holland America Amsterdam ship cruises were canceled (December 21, 2020, through October 9, 2021), including 14-day "Southern Caribbean Holiday " (Dec 21, 2020 - Jan 4, 2021), 129-day "Grand World Voyage 2021" (Jan 4 - May 13, 2021), 9-day repositioning (Fort Lauderdale to Montreal, May 13-22, 2021), 7-day Canada and New England cruises (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 for 2022 and assumed by MS Zaandam.
  • On July 26, following the Suez Canal transition, Rotterdam and Amsterdam anchored off Port Limassol (Cyprus).

Holland America Amsterdam ship (IMO number 9188037) was Holland-flagged (MMSI number 244370000) and registered in Rotterdam Netherlands. For Fred Olsen, Bolette was reflagged to The Bahamas (MMSI 311000986) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd is a Norwegian-owned and UK-based cruise shipping company, part of the Fred Olsen Group (Fred Olsen & Co / shipowner, headquartered in Oslo, Norway). The company is headquartered in Ipswich (Suffolk England) and is owned by Bonheur and Ganger Rolf. The company was founded in 1848 (in Hvitsten, Norway) by the three Olsen brothers (Petter, Andras, Fredrik Christian) who bought their first ships and established an international shipping company. Today Fred Olsen Group is into its 5th family generation and operates subsidiary companies specializing in cruise passenger shipping, trade, shipbuilding, aviation, offshore industries.

Fred Olsen Bolette cruise ship (MS Amsterdam)

Fred Olsen Group wholly owns the companies Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Ltd, Fred Olsen Travel Ltd (worldwide tours and vacations via independent operators), Fred Olsen Marine Services AS (shipowner and vessel management), First Olsen Ltd (tanker ships), Dolphin Drilling Holdings Ltd (offshore drilling rigs), Fred Olsen Express (Canary Islands-based fast ferries / catamarans), Fred Olsen Freight Ltd (cargo shipping and air freight), Fred Olsen Windcarrier AS (transport and installation of offshore wind turbines), Fred Olsen Production AS (offshore petroleum production), Fred Olsen Renewables AS, SeaRoc Group Ltd (offshore and marine consultancy and contracting services), ZephIR Lidar UK (wind measurement devices), Ganger Rolf ASA (energy and shipping). Also part of Fred Olsen Group, the company Bonheur ASA manages several fully-owned companies, among which are NHST Media Group AS (newspapers and online media) and the real estate companies Stavenes Byggeselskap, Koksa Eiendom, Fred Olsens gate 2. Part of Fred Olsen Group is also Timex Group BV - parent of several watchmaking companies, including the subsidiaries in the USA, India and Philippines).

The 1400-passenger ship MS Bolette/Amsterdam has a certain regal note, together with newer conveniences. Holland America travellers still have the opportunity for set-seating dining, though open-seating is also accessible. The cruise liner supports the tradition to serve mugs of warm Dutch pea soup on deck to bundled-up, glacier-gazing cruisers. And the decor in lots of the public areas is anything but understated. An ornate clock in the 3-level atrium is as really a towering piece of art as it is a way to get the running time all over the world - one of the first amenities cruisers see on the vessel and a reminder that Holland America has not forgotten its roots. Size-wise, Amsterdam is solidly in the middle of the Holland America fleet, smaller than the line's Vista and Signature classes and carrying 700 passengers fewer than Eurodam, which is the largest in the lineup. Even on a full voyage, the cruise liner rarely feels crowded, except for the lunch rush at the casual Lido Restaurant on sea days and the irregular, fast-moving line in the La Fontaine basic dining room. The Sea View swimming pool, aft of the Lido Deck, is a quiet retreat that feels like a private oasis.

Decks and Cabins

Fred Olsen Bolette staterooms (a total of 691) include 173 Balcony Suites (no Standard Balcony cabins), 385 Oceanviews and 133 Inside cabins in all 26 grades. Most staterooms are 140-320-ft2 oceanviews. Around 25% of the passenger accommodations have private step-out balconies. The liner has 20x wheelchair-accessible cabins, 104x connecting cabins and 52x single cabins (for solo travellers / staterooms at no single supplement ranging from Inside to Suite). The largest are the Pinnacle Suites/Owners Suites (940 ft2 / 87 m2 plus 190 ft2 / 18 m2 terrace).

The boat has 10 passenger-accessible decks, of which 5 are with cabins.

Exclusive amenities provided complimentary to all Suite passengers include:

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

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

La Fontaine is the ship's 2-level main restaurant venue, which serves open-seating breakfast and lunch, as well as a blend of flexible and set-seating restaurant-style meals at dinner. Breakfast hours in the MDR vary but start as early as 7 AM (on port days) and 8 AM (on sea days), wrapping up by 9:30 AM. Breakfast fare includes bread, cereals, French toast, blueberry pancakes, corned beef hash, egg dishes and yogurt parfaits. Portions are on the smaller side, so better opt for a second pastry. Lunch in the MDR is typically limited to an hour per day (from noon to 1:00 p.m. on sea days; closed when the ship is in port for an entire day). If you see a line of guests waiting to be seated, do not be deterred as the line moves fast and the tables are plenty. Lunch fare includes sandwiches, soups, light salads, fish and heartier entrees.

Follows the complete list of ms Amsterdam restaurants and food bars.

  • Pinnacle Grill (86-seat reservations-only seafood/steakhouse restaurant with fine wines selection; free for passengers under 12 yo). The venue transforms into "An Evening at le Cirque" once per cruise via a partnership with "NYC Le Cirque" French restaurant.
  • La Fontaine Restaurant (835-seat, aft Dining Room; features open seating Breakfast and Lunch, two Dinner options - 2 fixed seatings or "Any Time" dining between 5:15-9 pm.
  • King's Room / Queen's Room (La Fontaine restaurant annex, reservations-only; for private dining)
  • Terrace Grill (fast food pool bar; complimentary)
  • Lido Restaurant (386-seat complimentary buffet restaurant; offers self-service Breakfast 6 am -11 am, Lunch 11:30 am - 2 pm, Afternoon Tea, Dinner 5:30-8 pm)
  • Canaletto Restaurant (Lido Restaurant annex; operates as an Italian restaurant for Dinner, reservations required).
  • Vasco Restaurant (Indian food)
  • Colours & Tastes Restaurant (Asian-Fusion cuisine)
  • Oriental Tea Room
  • Morning Light Pub
  • The Bookmark Cafe (with dance floor and stage for live entertainment)

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Activities on ms Amsterdam kick off right after breakfast and go on through the evening hours. There are shows in Queen's Lounge twice per night, ranging from Vegas-style reviews to sets by magicians and comedians. The 2-level Queen's Lounge is quite opulent with its Bob Mackie gowns and a stage framed by a duo of large female statues. The bars onboard feature entertainment at different hours and guests might catch classical music in Explorer's Lounge and singing in Rembrandt's. Both the Ocean Bar and Explorer's are great for pre- or post-dinner cocktails. There is also a wine-tasting bar situated across from Culinary Arts Center (with very limited hours, usually open just an hour during port days and three hours while at sea). The Sports Bar is adjacent to the Casino and is lightly visited. Other amenities include: complimentary 24-Hour Room-Service, Supervised Kids Program ("Club Hal"), cruise ship weddings, Internet/WiFi Access, Laundry/Self-Serve Laundromats.

Fred Olsen Bolette cruise ship (MS Amsterdam)

Follows the complete list of MS Amsterdam lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

  • Atrium (3-deck high midship open-floor area with live performances)
  • Promenade Deck, Walking Track (jogging is not permitted)
  • Queen's Lounge (568-seat theatre/main show lounge; also serves Holland America Line's enrichment program (via a partnership with BBC Earth)
  • Queen's Room (La Fontaine annex used as a meeting room; hosts digital workshops via Microsoft partnership, computer classes, social networks, blogging, photo editing)
  • Photo Gallery & Shop; Art Gallery
  • Wine Tasting Bar, Gourmet Shops (bottles available for purchasing, wine sampling)
  • Wajang Theatre & Culinary Arts Centre (124-seat cinema, offers culinary classes and cooking shows presented in demonstration kitchens)
  • Atrium Terrace with boutiques; Atrium Shops (boutiques for duty-free tobaccos and liquor, perfumes, watches, clothing, HAL logo merchandise, souvenirs); Marabella Luxury Shop
  • Ocean Bar (115-seat Atrium bar and lounge, with dance floor and stage for live performances)
  • Monte Carlo Casino (served by Casino Bar and Sports Bar)
  • Amstel Cafe (with dance floor and stage for live entertainment)
  • Rembrandt Lounge (75-seat piano bar)
  • Hudson Room (50-seat meeting room; used as Cards Room)
  • Explorations Cafe (65-seat specialty coffee bar and patisserie; also serves as the ship's Library and Online Centre/Internet computers room)
  • Explorer's Lounge & Bar (89-seat lounge with bar; classical concert performances)
  • Neptune Lounge (17-seat club venue for Deluxe Suite and Pinnacle guests only)
  • Fitness Center (gym with separate Aerobics Room); 2 jacuzzis
  • Greenhouse Spa & Salon; Lido Pool area, served by Lido Bar and Terrace Grill; Sea View Pool area served by Sea View Bar
  • Crow's Nest (218-seat observation lounge; bar and dance floor; becomes disco at night)
  • Tennis Court; Basketball Court; Shuffleboard
  • Club HAL (kids lounge, complimentary youth programming)
  • The Loft (teens club lounge area, with Video Games Arcade, computers, PlayStations; teen disco)
  • The Oasis (40-seat teen-only sundeck/outdoor area).

Itineraries

Holland America MS Amsterdam itinerary program was based on Alaskan cruises leaving one-way from homeports Vancouver BC Canada and Anchorage AK/Seward AK USA during the summer months. The ship also operated World Voyages out of Fort Lauderdale Florida USA.

Fred Olsen Bolette ship's inaugural cruise program consisted mainly of voyages previously scheduled for Boudicca, plus new itineraries. The UK-based vessel is predominantly homeported in Dover England. MS Bolette"s Maiden Voyage was originally planned as a 7-night "Scotland and Northern Ireland Cruise" (roundtrip from Southampton England) leaving on March 5, 2021. It was to be followed by two ex-UK voyages before visiting Portugal's Azores and Madeira islands over Easter break. Program's highlights included:

  • (maiden voyage/CANCELLED) 7-night "Scenic Scotland with Belfast" was planned as a roundtrip from Southampton (March 5, 2021) with prices from GBP 700 pp (with double occupancy) and call ports Belfast, scenic cruising by Fingals Cave and Dutchman"s Cap, Lerwick, Kirkwall.
  • (maiden voyage/CANCELLED) 5-night "Waterways of Belgium and France" roundtrip from Dover (May 29 - June 3, 2021) with call ports Antwerp Belgium, Honfleur France, Saint-Malo France. Prices started from GBP 750 pp.
  • August 16, 2021 (inaugural/first cruise for Fred Olsen) 3-night "Bolette's Maiden Voyage" (cruise to nowhere from Dover/booking code T215), with prices from GBP 485 pp. The itinerary (without stopping at any ports) featured scenic coastal cruising, including passing through Isles of Scilly (Cornwall England), Channel Islands (coastal navigation).

MAIDEN VOYAGE 2021 (5-days "Netherlands and Belgium City Break") from GBP 605 pp

Date / TimePort
02 NovDeparting from Southampton
04 NovAmsterdam, Holland
05 NovAntwerp, Belgium
07 NovArriving in Southampton

Customers who booked by September 30 (2020) any Fred Olsen Bolette cruises 2021-2022 received free onboard gratuities and up to GBP 100 per person in OBC (onboard credit).

MS Bolette's 2022-2023 schedule included homeporting in the UK (Southampton, Dover, London-Tilbury, Newcastle) and roundtrips visiting port cities in Iceland, Norway (5-6-7-night Norwegian Fjords), British Isles, Mediterranean, Madeira-Azores-Canaries, city breaks (5-6-8-days long mini-cruises).

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

Fred Olsen Bolette - user reviews and comments

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Fred Olsen Bolette Wiki

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

The vessel (Fincantieri Marghera yard/hull number 6052) is powered by 5x Wartsila-Sulzer marine diesel engines (models 16ZAV40S/12ZAV40) with total power output 57,7 MW.

The vessel's fuel consumption is 140 tons (39,500 US gallons) per day at 24 mph / 39 kph cruising speed. The ship has a fully operational Astrolabe (inclinometer used in the past eras by astronomers and navigators) installed in the Atrium area. This elaborate device is 3-story tall - and working!

Holland America MS Amsterdam cruise ship (Bolette)

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

By Holland America, the boat was last drydock refurbished in 2018. The drydock (for vessel inspections) in 2020 was at Damen Shiprepair's yard in Rotterdam (Holland).

For Fred Olsen, MS Bolette entered drydock for the first time in 2020, following the acquisition. Drydock 2023 (February 23 - March 9) was conducted by A&P Falmouth Shipyard in Falmouth England. A&P Falmouth is part of A&P Group Ltd (1954-founded, the UK's largest ship repair and conversion company). The drydocking in 2023 was for routine maintenance and included regularly scheduled classification works, as well as hotel and technical overhauls (Azipods, bow thrusters), and hull cleaning/painting.

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

 

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

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

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

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

On March 3, 2025, Fred Olsen opened for general public booking MS Bolette's World Voyage 2025. The roundtrip from Southampton departs on January 6th (2025).

The itinerary (themed "A Voyage of Exploration Around the World") is similar to the one of the Magellan–Elcano expedition (1519-1522) which is recognized as the first world circumnavigation in written history. Fred Olsen Bolette's voyage visits destinations in South America (Argentina, Brazil), pacific Ocean (French Polynesia), Indian Ocean (Mauritius, South Africa), Australia's south coast following the route of Captain Matthew Flinders' 1801 expedition with HMS Investigator sailship), as well as routes navigated by the Scottish privateer Alexander Selkirk (1676-1721) and the British explorer James Cook (1728-79).

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

Date / TimePort
04 JanDeparting from Liverpool, England
06 JanSouthampton, England
09 JanLisbon, Portugal
11 JanSanta Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands Spain
14 JanPraia, Santiago Island, Cape Verde
21 JanRio de Janeiro, Brazil
22 JanIlhabela, Brazil
25 JanMontevideo, Uruguay
26 JanBuenos Aires, Argentina
31 JanPunta Arenas, Chile Antarctica
05 FebValparaiso-Santiago, Chile
07 FebRobinson Crusoe Island Chile
12 FebHanga Roa, Easter Island Chile
19 FebPapeete, Tahiti Island, French Polynesia
20 FebBora Bora Island, French Polynesia
22 FebRarotonga Island, Avarua, Cook Islands NZ
26 FebNukualofa, Tongatapu, Tonga
03 MarSydney, NSW Australia
06 MarMelbourne, Victoria Australia
08 MarHobart, Tasmania Australia
12 MarAlbany, Western Australia
14 MarFremantle-Perth, Western Australia
23 MarPort Louis, Mauritius Island
24 MarSaint-Denis, Reunion Island
29 MarPort Elizabeth, South Africa
31 Mar - 02 Apr (overnight)Cape Town, South Africa
04 AprLuderitz, Namibia
05 AprWalvis Bay, Namibia
09 AprJamestown, Saint Helena Island UK
14 AprDakar, Senegal
17 AprSanta Cruz de la Palma, Canary Islands Spain
18 AprFunchal, Madeira Island Portugal
21 AprSouthampton
24 AprArriving in Liverpool

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.

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.

Date / TimePort
19 NovDeparting from Southampton, England
23 NovTanger-Ville, Morocco
26 NovValletta, Malta
29 NovAlexandria, Egypt
30 NovPort Said-Cairo, Egypt
30 NovSuez Canal
02 DecSharm El Sheikh, Egypt
03 DecSafaga-Luxor, Egypt
05 DecJeddah, Saudi Arabia
09 DecSalalah, Oman
12 DecMumbai, India
13 DecMormugao-Goa, India
14 DecMangalore, India
15 DecCochin, India
16 DecHaa Alif Atoll, Maldives
18 DecAddu Atoll, Gan Island, Maldives
21 DecMahe Island, Seychelles
23 DecPraslin Island, Seychelles
24 DecLa Digue Island, Seychelles
28-29 Dec (overnight)Mombasa, Kenya
30 DecZanzibar, Tanzania
31 DecDar es Salaam, Tanzania
02 JanMamoudzou, Grande-Terre Island, Mayotte
03 JanNosy Be Island, Madagascar
04 JanAntsiranana/Diego Suarez, Madagascar
07 JanSaint-Denis, Reunion Island
8-10 Jan (overnight)Port Louis, Mauritius Island
12 JanToamasina/Tamatave, Madagascar
14 JanTolagnaro/Fort-Dauphin, Madagascar
17 JanMaputo, Mozambique
19 JanRichards Bay, South Africa
20 JanDurban, South Africa
22 JanEast London, South Africa
23 JanPort Elizabeth, South Africa
24 JanMossel Bay, South Africa
26 JanCape Town, South Africa
31 JanWalvis Bay, Namibia
04 FebSanto Antonio, Principe Island
06 FebCotonou, Benin
07 FebLome, Togo
08 FebTakoradi, Ghana
12 FebDakar, Senegal
15 FebSanta Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands
16 FebFunchal, Madeira Island, Portugal
20 FebArriving in Southampton

Prices started from GBP 10595 (EUR 12680 / USD 13800) per person with double occupancy.

(Holland America) MS Amsterdam refurbishment 2018 review

During drydock 2018 (April 29 - May 9, done at Freeport Bahamas) the boat received the following Suite cabin upgrades:

  • furnishings (sofas, chairs, headboards), carpeting, wall coverings, privacy curtains, draperies, bed runners, bed skirts, (vanity), new make-up vanities (quartz stone tops, modern lighting), dressers, dressing tables, nightstands, LED reading lights, wardrobes (with lighted closet rod)
  • cabin decors and amenities (espresso coffee machine, binoculars, free mimosas with in-cabin breakfasts)
  • USB outlet (on the bed's headboard), power outlets, LED ceiling lights
  • BOSE SoundDock (iPod stations) were added only in PS-Pinnacle Suites.
  • interactive HDTV system (Internet capabilities, free movies on demand)
  • All Suite bathrooms were also renovated.
  • Standard cabin upgrades included new (wall-mounted) smart TVs in all staterooms.
  • The old Crow's Nest (panoramic bar lounge located forward on Deck 9) was replaced by EXC (Explorations Central).

Amsterdam ship's 2016 refurbishment was part of Holland America Line's USD 300 million fleet renovation program (scheduled for 2016-2018) that also included updating onboard entertainment, dining and suites fleetwide.

In 2016, Holland America updated MS Amsterdam's shipboard programming (enrichment, entertainment and children) replacing the old "Dancing With the Stars" with "BBC Earth" content.

The theatre lounge started hosting daily expert lectures, presentations, a nature-themed game show with BBC Earth screenings and introductions by the crews that filmed these series. A signature concert in the evenings was based on the "Frozen Planet" program (polar regions-themed) - a spectacular multimedia show with live musicians.

The children (Club HAL) facilities featured an explorer trail, workshops (including on journalism and filming), fact shows (animals, dinosaurs).

MS Amsterdam "World Cruises" 2019-2020

In 2015, MS Amsterdam sailed on a "World Cruise" roundtrip from Florida. The Around The World Voyage visited Europe (Mediterranean) on a westbound route with Suez Canal transition.

Next table shows the ports sequence and times (arrival/departure) of MS Amsterdam's "World Cruise 2019" - 114-day itinerary "Grand World Voyage" roundtrip from Port Everglades.

Date / TimePort
22 Jan 21:00Departing from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) Florida
25 Jan 08:00 - 17:00Santa Marta, Colombia
26 Jan 12:00 - 18:00San Blas Islands, Panama
27 Jan 05:00Panama Canal
27 Jan 20:00Panama City
31 Jan 03:30 - 17:00Salaverry-Trujillo, Peru
01 Feb 10:00Callao-Lima, Peru
04 Feb 08:00 - 18:00Arica, Chile
10 Feb 08:00 - 18:00Easter Island, Chile
13 Feb 08:00 - 12:00Pitcairn Island, UK
16 Feb 08:00Papeete, Tahiti-French Polynesia
17 Feb 08:00 - 17:00Moorea Island, French Polynesia
18 Feb 08:00 - 23:00Bora Bora Island, French Polynesia
23 Feb 08:00 - 17:00Nukualofa, Tonga
26 Feb 07:00 - 18:00Auckland, New Zealand
27 Feb 07:00 - 19:00Tauranga, New Zealand
01 Mar 08:00 - 23:00Wellington, New Zealand
02 Mar 07:00 - 14:00Picton, New Zealand
05 Mar 07:00Sydney, NSW Australia
09 Mar 08:00 - 17:00Townsville, Queensland Australia
10 Mar 09:00 - 19:00Cairns, Queensland Australia
14 Mar 08:00 - 18:00Darwin, NT Australia
17 Mar 07:00 - 16:00Komodo Island, Indonesia
18 Mar 08:00 - 23:00Benoa, Bali Indonesia
20 Mar 07:00 - 18:00Semarang, Java Indonesia
22 Mar 10:00Singapore
27 Mar 06:00 - 18:00Colombo, Sri Lanka
29 Mar 08:00 - 18:00Cochin, India
31 Mar 07:00Mumbai, India
04 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Muscat, Oman
10 Apr 08:00Aqaba-Petra, Jordan
13 Apr 06:00 - 06:00Suez Canal
16 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Naples, Italy
18 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Barcelona, Spain
20 Apr 07:00 - 17:00Cadiz, Spain
21 Apr 09:00 - 18:00Lisbon, Portugal
22 Apr 08:00 - 16:00Leixoes-Oporto, Portugal
24 Apr 07:00 - 17:00Cherbourg, France
25 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Zeebrugge-Bruges, Belgium
26 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Amsterdam, Holland
28 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Copenhagen, Denmark
29 Apr 10:00 - 18:00Oslo, Norway
01 May 08:00 - 18:00Flam, Norway
03 May 08:00 - 18:00Portree, Isle of Skye, Scotland
04 May 10:00 - 23:00Belfast, Northern Ireland
05 May 10:30 - 22:00Dublin, Ireland
06 May 10:00 - 23:00Cobh-Cork, Ireland
07 May 08:00 - 17:00Glengarriff, Ireland
16 May 07:00Arriving in Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale

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).

Date / TimePort
04 Jan 17:00Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
08 Jan 08:00 - 17:00Roseau, Dominica
09 Jan 08:00 - 17:00Castries, St Lucia Island
11 Jan 12:00 - 18:00Iles du Salut, French Guiana
13 Jan 08:00 - 17:00Belem, Brazil
16 Jan 08:00 - 17:00Recife, Brazil
19 Jan 08:00 - 20 Jan 17:00 (overnight)Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
23 Jan 08:00 - 16:00Punta del Este, Uruguay
24 Jan 08:00 - 18:00Buenos Aires, Argentina
25 Jan 08:00 - 17:00Montevideo, Uruguay
28 Jan 08:00 - 17:00Port Stanley, East Falkland Island
05 Feb 07:00 - 14:00Ushuaia, Argentina
06 Feb 08:00 - 20:00Punta Arenas, Chile Antarctica
09 Feb 08:00 - 17:00Puerto Montt, Chile
11 Feb 07:00 - 17:00San Antonio, Chile
16 Feb 08:00 - 18:00Easter Island, Hanga Roa, Chile
19 Feb 08:00 - 12:00Pitcairn Island, Adamstown, UK
22 Feb 08:00 - 18:00Papeete, Tahiti Island, French Polynesia
24 Feb 08:00 - 17:00Rarotonga Island, Cook Islands NZ
28 Feb 08:00 - 17:00Nukualofa, Tongatapu, Tonga
02 Mar 07:00 - 03 Mar 18:00 (overnight)Auckland, New Zealand
04 Mar 08:00 - 16:00Bay of Islands, Russell, New Zealand
07 Mar 08:00 - 08 Mar 19:00 (overnight)Sydney, NSW Australia
11 Mar 08:00 - 17:00Townsville QLD, Queensland Australia
12 Mar 08:00 - 18:00Cairns, Queensland Australia
16 Mar 08:00 - 17:00Darwin, NT Australia
19 Mar 07:00 - 16:00Pulau Komodo Island, East Nusa Tenggara Indonesia
20 Mar 08:00 - 18:00Benoa, Bali Indonesia
22 Mar 07:00 - 16:00Surabaya, Java Indonesia
23 Mar 07:00 - 18:00Semarang, Java Indonesia
25 Mar 09:00 - 26 Mar 17:00 (overnight)Singapore
30 Mar 08:00 - 23:00Colombo, Sri Lanka
01 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Male, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
04 Apr 12:00 - 05 Apr 17:00 (overnight)Mahe Island, Victoria, Seychelles
08 Apr 08:00 - 09 Apr 17:00 (overnight)Mombasa, Kenya
10 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Zanzibar, Tanzania
12 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Mamoudzou, Grande-Terre, Mayotte
13 Apr 08:00 - 16:00Nosy Be Island, Madagascar
16 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Maputo, Mozambique
17 Apr 08:00 - 23:00Richards Bay, South Africa
18 Apr 08:00 - 23:00Durban, South Africa
21 Apr 08:00 - 22 Apr 23:00 (overnight)Cape Town, South Africa
24 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Luderitz, Namibia
25 Apr 08:00 - 16:00Walvis Bay, Namibia
28 Apr 10:00 - 18:00Saint Helena Island, Jamestown, St Helena UK
30 Apr 10:00 - 18:00Ascension Island, Georgetown, St Helena UK
07 May 08:00 - 18:00Bridgetown, Barbados
08 May 08:00 - 15:00Pointe-a-Pitre, Grande-Terre Island, Guadeloupe
09 May 10:00 - 23:00San Juan, Puerto Rico
12 May 07:00Arriving in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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).

Date / TimePort
04 Jan 17:00Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades, Florida
08 Jan 08:00 - 17:00Scarborough, Tobago
10 Jan 08:00 - 17:00Iles du Salut, French Guiana
12 Jan 06:00 - 10:00Macapa, Brazil
13 Jan 11:00 - 18:00Santarem, Brazil Amazon
14 Jan 07:00 - 14:00Boca da Valeria, Brazil Amazon
15 Jan 08:00 - 17:00Manaus, Brazil Amazon
16 Jan 10:00 - 18:00Parintins, Brazil Amazon
17 Jan 08:00 - 17:00Santarem, Brazil Amazon
21 Jan 08:00 - 17:00St Georges, Grenada
23 Jan 08:00 - 17:00Oranjestad, Aruba Island, Dutch Antilles
25 Jan 05:00 - 05:00Panama Canal
27 Jan 08:00 - 18:00Quepos, Costa Rica
31 Jan 08:00 - 17:00Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
07 Feb 07:00 - 22:30Hilo, Hawaii Island
08 Feb 08:00 - 20:00Lahaina, Maui Island, Hawaii
09 Feb 07:00 - 17:00Honolulu, Oahu Island, Hawaii
15 Feb 08:00 - 17:00Marshall Islands
18 Feb 08:00 - 17:00Chuuk Lagoon Islands, Micronesia
20 Feb 08:00 - 17:00Guam Island, USA
21 Feb 08:00 - 17:00Saipan Island, Marianas
25 Feb 08:00 - 17:00Sakishima, Ishigaki Island, Japan
26 Feb 08:00 - 23:00Naha, Japan
01 Mar 08:00 - 02 Mar 18:00 (overnight)Tokyo, Japan
03 Mar 07:00 - 14:00Shimizu, Japan
04 Mar 08:00 - 05 Mar 17:00 (overnight)Kobe, Japan
07 Mar 08:00 - 17:00Hakata-Fukuoka City, Japan
09 Mar 08:00 - 17:00Dalian, China
10 Mar 08:00 - 11 Mar 18:00 (overnight)Tianjin, China
14 Mar 09:00 - 15 Mar 18:00 (overnight)Shanghai, China
18 Mar 08:00 - 19 Mar 15:30 (overnight)Hong Kong, China
21 Mar 08:00 - 23:00Da Nang, Vietnam
23 Mar 06:00 - 18:00Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
25 Mar 08:00 - 26 Mar 17:00 (overnight)Singapore
30 Mar 08:00 - 23:00Colombo, Sri Lanka
02 Apr 06:00 - 03 Apr 17:00 (overnight)Mumbai, India
06 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Fujairah, UAE
07 Apr 07:00 - 23:00Dubai, UAE
08 Apr 08:00 - 23:00Abu Dhabi, UAE
10 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Muscat, Oman
12 Apr 08:00 - 17:00Salalah, Oman
17 Apr 07:00 - 18 Apr 23:00 (overnight)Aqaba-Petra, Jordan
20 Apr 06:00 - 06:00Suez Canal
21 Apr 08:00 - 23:00Ashdod, Israel
22 Apr 08:00 - 22:30Haifa, Israel
24 Apr 08:00 - 18:00Kusadasi-Ephesus, Turkey
25 Apr 16:00 - 26 Apr 16:00 (overnight)Istanbul, Turkey
27 Apr 11:00 - 23:00Mykonos Island, Greece
28 Apr 07:00 - 17:00Piraeus-Athens, Greece
30 Apr 08:00 - 19:00Naples, Italy
03 May 07:00 - 17:00Malaga, Spain
06 May 08:00 - 17:00Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel Island, Azores
13 May 07:00Arriving in Fort Lauderdale