News

Black Watch set for multi-million pound renovation

Cabins and public areas of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ ship Black Watch are to be revamped as part of a multi-million pound upgrade.

A new interactive in-cabin TV system will be installed across the ship, bathrooms will be refurbished, and all cabins will feature safes and mini-bars as standard.

The 804-passenger ship’s cinema will be upgraded with the latest ‘3D’ technology.

Other changes will see a café converted into an intimate dining area for up to 54 guests

The Braemar Courtyard will become a separate speciality dining area, called The Club, offering an à la carte dining from a new galley for 46 guests.

The existing grill restaurant will be rebranded and redesigned to offer Mediterranean-themed meals.

The main 340-guest Glentanar restaurant will have new furniture, carpet curtains and layout.

The Morning Light Pub will be moved to the area currently occupied by the Braemar Lounge. The area vacated by the existing Morning Light Pub will be renamed the Neptune Bar.

Similar refurbishments and upgrades are expected to the rest of the fleet – Balmoral, Braemar and Boudicca – in the coming years, according to the line.

The work to Black Watch will be carried out at the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg from November 20 and will last 26 days.

The ship will also undergo engineering works, general maintenance and refurbishment during the dry dock.

The vessel is due to resume its winter cruise season from Tilbury on December 15 with a seven-night German and Danish Christmas Markets itinerary.

The line’s managing director Mike Rodwell said: “Black Watch is one of Fred. Olsen’s most popular cruise ships, and it is important that she always looks her best.

“During her 26-day dry dock in Hamburg, as well as the usual maritime inspections and maintenance work, we will also be undertaking major upgrades to the cabins and public areas throughout the ship, to ensure that we continue to provide the best facilities possible to meet our guests’ expectations.

“Our significant investment in refurbishing and upgrading Black Watch will ensure that our guests will be able to enjoy her classic looks and unique, intimate ambience for many years to come.”

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.