- Black Watch
- Fred. Olsen
- 11 Sep 2019
Most enjoyable with wonderful staff, excellent food, accommodation and entertainment. Iglu staff arranged everything perfectly for us.
Black Watch has sadly left the Fred. Olsen fleet, but there are several other ships to choose from, including two new vessels Bolette and Borealis.
Fred. Olsen has long been known as a family-run company that provides a classic pedigree of cruise going back to the values of a bygone age. Intimate, relaxed and friendly cruises are what the Fred. Olsen brand personifies, and Black Watch is no exception. Providing traditional cruising in an intimate atmosphere, guests can engage with fellow passengers and forge new friendships.
Since being refurbished in November 2016, the ship has received a major upgrade to cabins, suites and public areas. The refresh covers many aspects and areas of the ship such as new carpets and upholstery, new bathrooms in many cabins and a new à la carte dining venue, ‘The Black Watch Room’. Cabin improvements have been made right down to even the smallest details, such as new plug sockets and hairdryers, brighter bulbs and new bedding.
Black Watch perfectly captures the feel and spirit of a traditional cruise. Her relaxed public areas have been rejuvenated but still maintain many traditional cruise ship features. Large windows, soft tones and elegant décor all contribute to the warm classic feel of this ship and packing in a wealth of entertainment and facilities, every guest will find the perfect ways to spend their time onboard.
There are many dining options onboard Black Watch, each serving menus from experienced and accomplished chefs. Glentanar Restaurant provides waiter service and a fine choice of cuisine. Crab meat salad, grilled fillet of red snapper and pink grapefruit sorbet are just some of the options available that will get your taste buds tingling. If you just want to grab a quick meal, the informality of Brigadoon, the Poolside Café or Marquee Pool Bar provide perfect choice, while the intimate Orchid Room offers the ideal opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal in fabulous company.
The Black Watch Room is the speciality restaurant onboard. This extra special à la carte dining experience offers juicy steaks and the freshest of seafood for you to indulge in. There is a small supplement for dinner reservations, but you definitely won’t regret this extra spend.
In addition, complimentary room service is available for food from 10am - 10pm each day and drinks are available 24 hours per day if you ever find yourself feeling thirsty or a bit peckish.
As the evening draws closer, Black Watch comes to life with a cacophony of conversation and the buzz of entertainment. There are various bars on Black Watch that offer the perfect environment to engage in conversation with your fellow passengers while enjoying a cocktail or two. The nautically-themed Lido Lounge, Scottish Piper's Bar, Braemar Lounge and the Observatory, with its panoramic views, all serve delicious cocktails created with care and attention.
After you have socialised and perhaps made new acquaintances, why not visit the main nighttime lounges providing fabulous entertainment until the early hours. Enjoy cabaret shows in The Neptune Lounge and be dazzled by the lights, costumes and dancing as the ships entertainers put on stunning performances. While the ship is in various destination ports, local entertainers are also welcomed aboard, giving you the chance to experience some memorable evenings. Alternatively, dance the night away or visit the casino to see if lady luck is smiling on you.
The deck space onboard Black Watch is ready for you to enjoy, so why not take in the stunning vistas with a stroll on the sun deck and practice your technique with the onboard golf nets. If you enjoy a spot of tennis in your free time, there's also a tennis court on the sun deck for you to use at your leisure. Other recreational activities include the Card Room, the library and the Promenade, where you can play deck quoits and shuffleboard.
While 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. Recover from your gruelling work out in the sauna and steam room and top off your afternoon of leisure with a luxurious treatment at the Atlantis Spa & Salon.
Fred. Olsen are a leading provider of themed cruises, offering passengers the chance of combining favourite hobbies or pastimes with amazing cruise experiences. Fred. Olsen's brand of themed cruises, The Arts Club, welcomes guest speakers and provides interesting activities related to a particular theme. Whether you want to join in a wine tasting session or attend lectures on ancient history, the choice is yours. Black Watch offers UK passengers fantastic mini cruises with the added convenience of cruises from the UK helping to make your experience even more pleasurable and hassle free.
Most enjoyable with wonderful staff, excellent food, accommodation and entertainment. Iglu staff arranged everything perfectly for us.
It was excellent; everything we wanted and more.
Nice ship very clean with good activities. I enjoyed the ballroom dancing tuition but an hour is needed because it is rushed. The breakfast ordered into the cabin always arrived far too early so why have a half hour slot if its not kept to? The guest services staff are not very helpful.