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Fred. Olsen - Black Watch Cruise Ship
- Black Watch Cruise Ship - Intro
- Black Watch Cruise Ship - Specifications
- Black Watch Cruise Ship - Cabins
- Black Watch Cruise Ship - Dining
- Black Watch Cruise Ship - Bars
- Black Watch Cruise Ship - Entertainment & Facilities
- Black Watch Cruise Ship - Dress Code
- Black Watch Cruise Ship - Tipping
- Black Watch Cruise Ship - Guest with Special Needs
- Black Watch Cruise Ship - Smoking Policy
- Black Watch Cruise Ship - Currency
- Black Watch Cruise Ship - Electrical Appliances
A cruise on Black Watch is to experience a classic pedigree that harks back to cruising values of a bygone age. A truly world-class ship, with a warm sense of welcome from the very first moment you step on board. Large windows and the soft tones of a subtle, stylishly elegant décor, broad teak decks, generous promenades, bright and confined public areas and roomy cabins, all contribute to the spontaneous feeling of freedom and comfort that lies at the heart of a cruise on board Black Watch.
Black Watch offers a range of dining choices from the inviting elegance of the Glentanar Restaurant or the more intimate Orchid Room, to the convenience and informality of the delightful Garden Café or a snack in the sun at the Poolside Café or Marquee Pool Bar.
A sparkling array of amenities ensures that boredom is never a problem on board. With two swimming pools, a fitness centre, health and beauty salon, deck sports, library, indoor games, internet access, casino, 150 seat film theatre, glamorous cabarets and shows, discos and dancing, Black Watch boasts a dazzling spectrum of activities to fill your days and nights!
Black Watch came into service in November 1996 - she is the third Black Watch in the company's history. The first was built in 1938 at the same time as the first Black Prince, and both sadly were lost during the Second World War. However, the figurehead from Black Watch, which depicts an officer of The Black Watch regiment, was salvaged and after restoration is now placed in the garden of one of the Olsen estates in Scotland. The second Black Watch was built in 1966 (along with the second Black Prince) and this ship was sold to Nor-Cargo in Bergen in 1986.
The third, and current Black Watch, has already gone through more than one identity. Built originally in 1972 at the Wartsila shipyard in Finland and named Royal Viking Star, she joined sister ships Royal Viking Sea and Royal Viking Sky in what was acknowledged to be one of the finest passenger fleets afloat at the time. With their sleek lines, and elegant overall design, they brought a feeling of traditional sophistication to cruising which, sadly, has been lost in some of the bigger 'floating hotels' that form today's modern cruise fleets.
This elegance and sophistication has not been lost, and her future with Fred. Olsen ensures the continuation of this elegant age of cruising.
Fred. Olsen, a family owned company, is proud of their Norwegian heritage of seamanship and fleet of intimate ships. The Olsen family has been involved in shipping since 1848 and has spent the last century and a half refining the cruising experience.
- Cabins: 421
- Passengers: 868 (max)
- Crew: 320
- Refitted: 2005
- Fully Stabilised: Yes
- Tonnage: 28,613 grt
- Length: 205.47 m
- Beam (width): 25.20 m
- Speed: 20.0 Knots
With just 435 cabins she's a vessel designed with an exceptionally generous ratio of ship to passenger. One where it's always easy to find a quiet corner - and where you certainly won't find yourself having to compete for space with hordes of other passengers!
BC
- Balcony Cabin - Bridge Deck
Cabin Size: Approx.160 sq.ft.
(excluding balcony)
Description: Partially obstructed view
window, balcony, bathroom with shower, hairdryer, television
B
- Superior Outside - Main and Lido Decks
Cabin Size: Approx.160 sq.ft.
Description: Picture window on Main Deck; window
on Bridge Deck and partially obstructed view, bathroom with
bathtub and shower (or shower only), hairdryer, television.
D
- Outside - Atlantic Deck
Cabin Size: Approx.160 sq.ft.
Description: Portholes, bathroom with bathtub
and shower (or shower only), hairdryer, television.
F
- Outside - Atlantic and Marina Decks
Cabin Size: Approx.160 sq.ft.
Description: Portholes, bathroom with bathtub
and shower (or shower only), hairdryer, television.
G
- Outside - Marina Deck
Cabin Size: Approx.160 sq.ft.
Description: Portholes, bathroom with shower,
hairdryer, television.
H - Inside - Atlantic Deck
Cabin Size: Approx.sq.ft.
Description: Approx.140 sq.ft.Bathroom with
shower, hairdryer, television.
I - Inside - Marina Deck
Cabin Size: Approx.140 sq.ft.
Description: Bathroom with shower, hairdryer,
television.
As you would expect from a ship of her size, Black Watch offers
her passengers an impressive range of dining choices. At lunch and
dinner you can ring the changes between the inviting elegance of
the air conditioned Glentanar Restaurant, the more
intimate Orchid Room - or, if the moment calls for
informality or you would like a quick meal, then try the delightful Garden
Café or a snack in the sun at the Poolside
Café or Marquee Pool Bar. You can
be confident that throughout your voyage, the imaginative and
well-practised culinary skills of our accomplished chefs and the
excellence of our wine cellars, will add an especially palatable
dimension to your many cruising memories. Service in the Garden Café is
Buffet Style at all times.
Sample
Dinner Menu
Appetisers
- Crab Meat Salad
- Crab meat served on a bed of lettuce, accompanied by smooth avocado dressing
- v. Lychee Cocktail
- Chilled Chinese "love fruits" served in passion fruit juice
The Soup Kettle
- v. Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Cream of mushroom soup flavoured with port wine
- Clear Salmon Soup
- Salmon consommé flavoured with white wine, served with vegetable julienne and salmon quenelles
Salad
- v. Roasted Greek Salad
- Thyme and garlic scented roasted vegetables with feta cheese and black olives, marinated with olive oil, lemon juice and balsamic vinegar
- v. Today's Mixed Salad
- Tossed green salad with a choice of lemon or American dressing
Main Course
- Grilled Fillet of Red Snapper
- Grilled fillet of red snapper served with mashed sweet potatoes, and a spicy Mexican salsa with tomatoes, onions, avocado, chilli and coriander, garnished with lime
- Seafood Chow Mein
- Chinese noodles with squid, prawns, scallops and mangetout
- Pork Tenderloin "Choron"
- Whole roasted pork tenderloin served with mangetout, cauliflower, grilled tomato, Choron sauce and Parisienne potatoes
- Braised Oxtails in Burgindy Red Wine
- Accompanied by steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes
Cold Main Course
- Roast Duck
- Cold roast duck platter served with Waldorf salad
Vegetarian Main Course
- v. Quorn Stroganoff
- Served with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables and pickled beetroot
- v. Spicy Cauliflower and Lentil Ragoût
- Served with saffron rice and mixed vegetables
Cheese
- International Selection of Cheese
- Served with grapes and radishes
- Vegetarian cheese is also available
Desserts
- Brandied Prune Tart "Royale"
- Tart with prunes soaked in Cognac, glazed with apricot jam and served with créme fraiche
- Tropical Fruit Salad
- Combination of tropical fruits in a passion fruit sauce, served with coconut ice cream
- Walnut Cake
- Served with vanilla custard sauce and whipped cream
- Pink Grapefruit Sorbet
- Strawberry Ice Cream
- Soya & Diabetic Ice Creams
v. - suitable for vegetarians
There's
a choice of bars, their ever changing mood the perfect compliment
to the moment on board - morning, noon and night. The contrasting
venues of the nautically-themed Lido Lounge and popular Scottish
Pipers' Bar provide congenial settings. The popular Observatory Lounge
provides a panoramic view on the world going by whilst a complimentary
cup of tea or coffee can be enjoyed in the relaxing Braemar Lounge.
Pools
- Marquee and Lounge Decks
Whether relaxing on a poolside lounger, having an invigorating jacuzzi, an energetic swim or just splashing about in the water, the pools are sure to be a major attraction.
Dalreoch Card Room - Lido Deck
Whether it's a quick game of whist or a serious game of Bridge, the Dalreoch Card Room provides the perfect peaceful setting.
Explorers'
Library - Lido Deck
To sit and watch the world go by, borrow a book or catch up on the news the Explorers' Library provides the perfect setting.
Neptune
Lounge - Lounge Deck
The Neptune Lounge is the place to head after enjoying your evening meal. With shows, reviews and evenings of cabaret guaranteed to have you shouting "encore". The revue programme of comedy and music features guest stars from television and theatre, and surprise, internationally known artists; plus on board dancers and singers. Additionally, when the ship is in port there's also usually a chance to enjoy the bonus of some memorable evenings of song and dance as local performers are welcome abroad to entertain you with their
Launderette - Main Deck
Black Watch also has a very well equipped launderette with washing machines and tumble dryers as well as irons and ironing boards.
Hairdressing & Beauty
Salon - Atlantic Deck
Whether to look your best for that special occasion or simply to give yourself a well deserved treat why not pamper yourself with a visit to the beauty salon. The Atlantis Salon treatments include hairdressing, make-up, manicure, pedicure, hand and foot spas, massage and heat therapy.
Shops
- Main Deck
From stylish fashion and famous name perfumes to those everyday essentials and gifts you're sure to want to keep; the shops on board offer a wide range of products at duty free prices.
Casino
- Lido Deck
Why not see if lady luck is smiling on you with a quiet game of Blackjack or Roulette in the casino.
Marina
Theatre - Marina Deck
The 150-seat theatre shows the latest movie releases.
Internet Room - Lido Deck
The Black Watch has moved fully into the 21st Century with its very own Internet Room allowing access to the World Wide Web for its passengers. Access to the Internet is chargeable with the purchase of a "smart card" from Reception. The smart card is charged with a period of time, usually 30 minutes, and it is inserted into a card reader on the computer which then allows access to the Internet.
Medical Centre - Marina Deck
Onboard doctor and fully trained nurses are always on hand to help with any ailment.
Daily Programme Sample
Morning Events |
Venue |
Time |
Daily Quiz |
Library / Braemar Room |
8.00 am |
Stretch & Relax with Wendi in the Gym - Deck 10 |
Fitness Centre |
8.30 am |
Walk & Chat Walk a Mile - meet Wendi aft of the Lido Deck |
Deck 7 |
9.00 am |
Navigational Bridge Visit |
Bridge |
9.00 am |
Newcomers Host - Derek will be available to answer any questions from 9:30am to 10:30am |
Reception |
9.30 am |
Absolute Beginners Bridge |
Card Room |
9.45 am |
Golf Putting - Join the staff for a friendly game |
Deck 11 |
10.00 am |
Port talk on Funchal, Madeira with Stein Dyb - The talk will be screened live on your cabin TV's and will be repeated at: 1.00pm, 2.00pm. 3.00pm & 4.00pm |
Neptune Lounge |
12.00 pm |
Deck Tennis |
Tennis Court - Deck 11 |
10.15 am |
Trim & Tone - Join Wendi to Trim & Tone in the Gym - Deck 10 |
Fitness Centre |
10.30 am |
Shuffleboard |
Deck 7 |
10.30 am |
Darts Ladies Singles Competition |
Deck 10 |
11.00 am |
Morning Quiz |
Lido Lounge |
11.00 am |
Guest Lecture From Rags to Riches - They Did it Their Way.The story of Ray Croc, the milkshake salesman who built the McDonalds restaurant chain from nothing to the 23,000 branches there are today.Presented by Barry Marcus |
Neptune Lounge |
11.00 am |
Intermediate Bridge |
Card Room |
11.00 am |
Afternoon Events |
Venue |
Time |
Lunchtime Music - Join Anna-Tina at the Grand Piano until 1:00pm |
Observatory Lounge |
12.00 pm |
Piano Melodies - Join John at the Grand Piano until 1:30pm |
Lido Lounge |
12.30 pm |
Short Tennis |
Tennis Court - Deck 11 |
2.00 pm |
Talent Show Sign-up & Rehearsal - If you can sing, dance, recite poetry, tell a joke then why not join us for our Passenger's Talent Show |
Neptune Lounge |
2.00 pm |
Duplicate Bridge |
Card Room |
2.15 pm |
Whist |
Star Night Club |
2.15 pm |
Dance Class |
Neptune Lounge |
2.30 pm |
Deck Quoits |
Deck 7 |
2.30 pm |
Art Class - A personal recipe for colour. How many colours can you make from red, blue and yellow? Find out more with Jan Roddick. Equipment available. |
Lido Lounge |
2.30 pm |
RNLI Raffle |
Neptune Lounge |
2.30 pm |
Table Tennis |
Deck 10 |
3.00 pm |
Talent Show - Music, song, comedy and dance performed by our guests |
Neptune Lounge |
3.30 pm |
Carpet Boules |
Star Night Club |
3.45 pm |
Afternoon Quiz |
Lido Lounge |
4.00 pm |
Advanced Aerobics - Join Wendi in the gym for advanced aerobics |
Fitness Centre |
4.00 pm |
RNLI Raffle Draw |
Neptune Lounge |
4.30 pm |
Bingo |
Neptune Lounge |
5.00 pm |
Exercise to Music - Exercise to music with Wendi in the Gym |
Fitness Centre |
5.00 pm |
Service Clubs Meeting - Informal gathering of service clubs, Lions, Rotarions, etc |
Lido Lounge |
5.30 pm |
Evening Events |
Venue |
Time |
Early Evening Dance - with the Black Watch Orchestra |
Neptune Lounge |
7.30 pm |
Early Evening Cabaret - with the outstanding vocal talents of Martin Flett |
Neptune Lounge |
8.00 pm |
Showtime - featuring Comedian Dave Evans; Illusionists Tensai; The Black Watch Theatre Company |
Neptune Lounge |
8.45 pm |
Music & Song - with Rebound |
Lido Lounge |
9.30 pm |
Music - with Anne Tina |
Lido Lounge |
10.00 pm |
Evening Dancing - with the Black Watch Orchestra |
Star Nightclub |
11.45 pm |
During the day, dress on board Fred.Olsen cruise ships is, naturally, casual and what you wear depends largely on the season and destination of your chosen cruise holiday.
In the evenings the dress code will be more formal. It is expected that gentlemen will wear a jacket and tie (lounge suit or sports jacket is fine), and ladies will look informally smart. On formal evenings many gentlemen like to wear dinner jacket and ladies cocktail or long dresses. Casual wear is the norm on the first and last evenings of the cruise.
Cruise prices do not include gratuities for cabin or restaurant staff. This will be at the discretion of individual passengers. A 15% service charge is automatically added to all transactions in the ship's bars and lounges. Guidance will be given on board, but as a general rule you should allow £2.00 per passenger per day for your cabin stewardess, and the same amount for your restaurant waiter.
Wheelchair access is unsuitable. This is an older ship so facilities
for disabled passengers are few.
Wheelchair cabins: 4
Lifts: 5
All vessels have medical centres offering primary care, comparable to that offered by your local GP, with a doctor and trained nurse in permanent attendance.
Please note it is the responsibility of the individual passenger to ensure they are fit to undertake a cruise holiday. Any pre-existing conditions that could adversely effect you during the cruise should be declared in writing for assessment by our medical advisor.
The ship is fitted with stabilisers. Passengers wishing to try "prevention rather than cure" are advised to bring seasickness pills with them, however, these can also be purchased on board.
All restaurants on the vessel are strictly non-smoking.
Smoking is also prohibited on the balconies of those cabins or suites which have them. In the interest of both your safety and the enjoyment of subsequent guests, we would always request you to refrain from smoking in your cabins, when at all possible. We would also ask passengers to refrain from smoking pipes and cigars on board.
The currency on board all of our ships is sterling. For your convenience, we suggest that sterling travellers cheques are used and cashed on board. Personal cheques may be cashed on board when presented with a valid cheque guarantee card. You can change sterling into foreign currencies on board; please ask at the Reception Desk if you have any questions.
Black Watch Ship's current is 110 volt-60 cycle (a US style 2-pin plug is required); and 220 volt-60 cycle (a Continental style 2-pin plug is required). The use of hairdryers and curlers is permitted; (travel irons are NOT permitted).
