Celebrating a Quarter Century: Fred Olsen’s Bolette Marks 25 Years of Service
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Bolette has recently marked a significant milestone, completing 25 years of service since its delivery on September 30, 2000.
Originally constructed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, Bolette was initially ordered for Holland America Line under the name Amsterdam. Launched alongside sister ships such as the Rotterdam, Zaandam, and Volendam, Bolette first set sail for North America.
The Amsterdam was ceremoniously christened in Fort Lauderdale on October 30, 2000, by Janet Lanterman, the wife of then-CEO and Chairman Kirk Lanterman. Following its debut, the ship embarked on ten-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Panama Canal, ultimately becoming Holland America’s flagship and hosting world cruise voyages while visiting various destinations, including Alaska, Europe, and New England.
In 2020, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines acquired the Amsterdam along with its sister ship, the Rotterdam, to succeed the earlier vessels, the Black Watch and the Boudicca. After its acquisition, the ship was renamed Bolette and recommenced service for Fred Olsen in August 2021, primarily focusing on national itineraries within the United Kingdom.
Earlier this year, the Bolette embarked on its first world cruise as a new flagship for Fred Olsen, visiting destinations across South America, Africa, Asia, and the Indian Ocean. For the remainder of 2025, the ship will continue to operate from Liverpool, with plans for voyages to the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, and Northern Europe. A special month-long cruise to the Caribbean is also scheduled for February 2026, marking an exciting continuation in its storied history.
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Editorial Team
At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
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