The Fred Olsen Black Watch is an older ship that captures the feel and spirit of traditional cruising in an intimate atmosphere. After receiving a refit in the spring of 2007 her relaxed public areas have been rejuvenated but still maintain many traditional cruise ship features. Black Watch is sleek and intimate, with cabins and suites for 804 people, and has a warm welcome waiting for you. With 90% of her cabins being outside, this is a bright and roomy ship, ideal for the more independent-minded and reserved travellers who usually sail on her. Children are welcomed but not very commonplace and if you like to party, this is not the ship for you. However, if you enjoy quieter pursuits, find it easy to amuse yourself and enjoy excellent low-key service, you will be well satisfied by Black Watch.
Black Watch was voted 'Best for Entertainment' in the 2012 Cruise Critic 'Cruisers' Choice UK Awards’ so be prepared to be captivated by the options onboard. There are various bars that offer the perfect environment to engage in conversation with your fellow passengers whilst enjoying a cocktail or two, such as the nautically themed Lido Lounge, Scottish Piper's Bar, Braemar Lounge and Observatory, with its panoramic views. You can enjoy cabaret shows in the Neptune Lounge and be dazzled by the lights, costumes and dancing as the ships entertainers put on stunning performances. Also, whilst the ship is docked in various destination ports, local entertainers are welcomed aboard to give you a taste of local culture.
Fred. Olsen Cruises is a leading provider of themed cruises that offer passengers the chance of combining favourite hobbies or pastimes with amazing cruise experiences. The Arts Club welcome guest speakers and provide interesting activities related to a particular theme. Whilst taking in amazing views on Mediterranean cruises, you can relax by one of the two swimming pools onboard and let your stresses melt away. For a more challenging pursuit why not keep up your fitness regime or try something new in the well equipped fitness centre with its supervised group fitness classes. There is also shuffle board, darts, table tennis and deck quoits onboard and quizzes and Bingo are organised by the cruise staff and take place in the Braemar Room.
There are many dining options onboard Black Watch, each serving menus from well-practised and award-winning chefs. The stylish Glentanar Restaurant is the main restaurant where you will find a huge choice of freshly prepared dishes. However, if you just want to grab a quick meal the informality of the Garden Café, where ethnic-themed nights include Indian, Thai or Chinese cuisine, the Poolside Café or Marquee Pool Bar provides perfect choice. In warm weather, light lunches with dishes such as hamburgers, excellent fish and chips, salads and ice cream are available at the Marquee Grill and high tea with white glove service is offered on sea days in the Observatory Lounge with an esoteric selection of tea.
Summary
Line: Fred Olsen Cruises
Launched: 12/05/1971
Tonnage: 28221
Length: 205
Total Crew: 330
Occupancy: 820
Ship Rating:
Facilities
Facilities
Entertainment
- Braemar Lounge
- Casino
- Childrens Play Area
- Dance Floor
- Lido Lounge
- Marina Theatre
- Neptune Lounge
- Theatre
Fitness
Food and Drink
- Gelentanar Restaurant
- Marquee Pool Bar
- Orchid Room
- Pipers Bar
- The Garden Cafe
Other
Recreational
- Card Room
- Library
- 2 x Outdoor Pools
Relaxation
- Marquee Pool & Jacuzzi
- Spa
- 3 x Whirlpools
Technology
- Internet Access Lounge
- Photo Shop
Decks
Decks
Marina Deck 3
Deck Plans
Cabin Codes
A Superior Outside Cabin (Outside)
B Superior Outside Cabin (Outside)
BC Balcony Cabin (Balcony)
C Superior Outside Cabin (Outside)
D Outside Cabin (Outside)
E Outside Cabin (Outside)
F Outside Cabin (Outside)
J Superior Single Balcony Cabin (Balcony)
JB Single Balcony Suite (Suite)
K Single Outside Cabin (Outside)
L Single Outside Cabin (Outside)
M Single Inside Cabin (Inside)
N Single Inside Cabin (Inside)
SS Superior Suite (Suite)
Cabins
Cabins
H - Inside Cabin (Inside)
Atlantic deck
Bathroom with shower, hairdryer, television this cabin is Approximately 140 square feet
I - Inside Cabin (Inside)
Marina deck
Bathroom with shower, hairdryer, television this cabin is Approximately 140 square feet
M - Single Inside Cabin (Inside)
Main deck
Bathroom with shower, hairdryer, television. Approximately 140 square feet
N - Single Inside Cabin (Inside)
Atlantic deck
Bathroom with shower, hairdryer, television. Approximately 140 square feet
A - Superior Outside Cabin (Outside)
Lido deck
Picture window on Main Deck; window on Bridge Deck and partially obstructed view, bathroom with bathtub and shower (or shower only), hairdryer, television.
B - Superior Outside Cabin (Outside)
Lido and Main decks
Picture window on Main Deck; window on Bridge Deck and partially obstructed view, bathroom with bathtub and shower (or shower only), hairdryer, television.
C - Superior Outside Cabin (Outside)
Main deck
Picture window, bathroom with bathtub and shower (or shower only), hairdryer, television. Approximately 160 square feet
D - Outside Cabin (Outside)
Atlantic deck
Porthole window, bathroom with bathtub and shower (or shower only), hairdryer, television. Approximately 160 square feet
E - Outside Cabin (Outside)
Atlantic and Marina decks
Portholes, bathroom with bathtub and shower (or shower only), hairdryer, television. Approximately 160 square feet
F - Outside Cabin (Outside)
Marina deck
Portholes, bathroom with bathtub and shower (or shower only), hairdryer, television. Approximately 160 square feet
K - Single Outside Cabin (Outside)
Lido, Main and Atlantic decks
Portholes, bathroom with bathtub and/or shower, hairdryer, television. Approximately 150 square feet
L - Single Outside Cabin (Outside)
Atlantic and Marina decks
Portholes, bathroom with shower, hairdryer, television. This cabin is Approximately 150 square feet
BC - Balcony Cabin (Balcony)
Bridge deck
This cabin is approximately 160 square feet in size. This cabin has a balcony, bathroom with shower, hairdryer and television.
J - Superior Single Balcony Cabin (Balcony)
Bridge deck
Balcony, bathroom with shower. This cabin is Approximately 150 square feet
BS - Balcony Suite (Suite)
Marquee & Bridge decks
Bedroom and sitting area, picture windows and balcony, bathroom with bathtub and shower (or shower only), hairdryer, television, refrigerator. Approximately 210 square feet
DS - Deluxe Suite (Suite)
Lido and Main decks
Bedroom and sitting room, picture window, bathroom with bathtub and shower, hairdryer, television, refrigerator. Approximately 260 square feet
JB - Single Balcony Suite (Suite)
Marquee and Bridge decks
Balcony, bathroom with bathtub, fridge, mini bar and safe. Slightly larger than J and K grade cabins
JS - Junior Suite (Suite)
Lido and Main decks
Sitting area, picture window, bathroom with bathtub and shower, hairdryer, television and refrigirator. This cabin is Approximately 240 square feet
MS - Marquee Suite (Suite)
Marquee deck
Bedroom & sitting room, floor to ceiling windows, bathroom with bathtub and shower, hairdryer, mini-bar, television, refrigerator and balcony. Approximately 440 square feet
PS - Premier Suite (Suite)
Marquee deck
Bedroom & sitting room, floor to ceiling windows, bathroom with bathtub and shower, hairdryer, mini-bar, television, refrigerator and balcony. Approximately 550 square feet
SS - Superior Suite (Suite)
Marquee & Bridge decks
Bedroom with sitting area and balcony, bathroom with bathtub and shower, hairdryer, television, refrigerator. Approximately 300 square feet
Life on Board
Facilities
Features
- Dining: Very good cuisine on this little ship is presented largely through two, two-seating venues plus a smaller cafeteria style area
- Family amenities: There’s quite a lot of family accommodation but not a lot of programming or activity for the under sixteens
- Top accommodation: A refit in 1996 brought this ship up to date for then, but it’s still pretty old by any standards. The Owner’s Suite is substantial but the second bedroom has only bunk beds, there’s a nice large balcony though
- Entertainment and facilities: The show lounge only seats half the passengers at a time and the small lounge shows are pretty traditional. The cinema is a particular feature and well worth visiting
- Tipping: At your discretion