Overview
Holidaying on Fred Olsen Black Watch.
Black Watch is sleek, intimate and harks back to the days when cruise ships were revered for their style and charm. Focusing on providing a traditional cruise experience rather than gimmicks such as climbing walls and on board bumper cars, Black Watch feels friendly and familiar. This is further enhanced by the attentive staff who strive to offer service with a smile and remember the important things, such as your name and favourite tipple and how your like your eggs cooked at breakfast.
Able to accommodate up to 804 guests, there are a selection of suites and ocean view rooms to choose from, providing ample room and everything you need for a comfortable enjoyable and stress-free stay; and spacious public rooms bathed in natural light and retaining the elegant style of a traditional cruise ship. Black Watch has four restaurants options, including the stylish Glentanar Restaurant and beautiful Orchid Room which has a wonderful oriental look and feel. Before dinner you could delve into a good book in the well-stocked library, relax in the warmth on the Sun Deck, sample a great selection of premium gin at the Marquee Bar, or even devour a premium afternoon tea. Don’t miss the extravaganza of music, dance and comedy at evening shows in the Neptune Lounge.
Black Watch sails from ports all around the UK, and thanks to her new Terrace Balcony Rooms, offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy unforgettable sights and experiences as you cruise the world’s most spectacular waterways to a string of stunning destinations.
Accommodation.
Interior Stateroom:
Interior Rooms on board Black Watch are approx. 140 sq ft so there’s ample room, and all feature an en-suite with a shower.
All rooms are complete with everything you need for a comfortable, relaxing and enjoyable stay, including a desk, telephone, television, hairdryer, air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities.
The following grades of Interior Rooms are on board Black Watch: H, I.
Ocean View Stateroom:
Ocean View Rooms on board Black Watch are approx. 160 sq ft and all feature an en-suite. Selected en-suites are fitted with a bath (with a shower over the bath), although most are fitted with a shower.
There’s ample room to relax and enjoy the view from either your porthole or picture window, and each room is complete with everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Amenities include a desk, telephone, television, hairdryer, air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities.
The following grades of Ocean View Rooms are on board Black Watch: B, C, D, E, F.
Balcony Stateroom:
Balcony Rooms on board Black Watch range from approx. 160 sq ft to approx. 200 sq ft and feature either a private balcony or a terrace balcony* – the perfect place to indulge in superb ocean views, the soothing sea air and a sense of uncanny peace and tranquillity.
Inside your room you’ll find there’s ample room to relax too, as well as everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Amenities include an en-suite with a shower or bath (with a shower over the bath), a desk, telephone, television, hairdryer, air conditioning and tea and coffee making facilities.
*Terrace balconies lead out on to the open promenade on Lido Deck 7.
The following grades of Balcony Rooms are on board Black Watch: BC, J.
The following grades of Terrace Rooms are available on Black Watch: TC, TCD, TS and TK.
Suites:
Suites on board Black Watch are the ultimate indulgence and range from approx. 150 sq ft in a Single Balcony Suite to approx. 550 sq ft in a Premier Suite. Featuring a private balcony or a terrace balcony* and a separate sitting area, Suites are like a home-from-home from which to enjoy incredible sea views and unrivalled relaxation.
Most Suites feature an en-suite with a bath (and a shower over the bath), although some en-suites are fitted with a shower. All suites are equipped with a television, a telephone, hairdryer, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, refrigerator and mini-bar.
Suite accommodation may offer twin or double beds. Please ask for specific details when making your booking.
*Terrace balconies lead out on to the open promenade on Lido Deck 7. Terrace Balconies are non-smoking.
The following grades of Suite are on board Black Watch: Premier Suite, Marquee Suite, Superior Suite, Balcony Suite, Superior Junior Suite, Terrace Balcony Suite, Junior Suite & Single Balcony Suite.
Single Stateroom:
Single Rooms on board Black Watch range from 140 square feet for Single Interior Rooms, to 150 square feet for Single Ocean View Rooms. All single rooms on board Black Watch have televisions.
All single rooms have a bathroom with shower (some may also have a bathtub).
The following grades of Single Rooms are on board Black Watch: K, L, M, N.
Dining.
With a selection of restaurants to choose from on board Black Watch, each serving a range of indulgent, expertly-prepared dishes, you’re sure to enjoy memorable dining experiences throughout your cruise. At breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll always find delicious treats which will tempt your taste buds. And, as all food is included on your cruise, you can indulge as much or as little as you like.
Start the day with hearty full English, or a lighter breakfast if you prefer; help yourself to a delicious buffet lunch in the Brigadoon, which is also open for late-night snacks if you’re feeling peckish as the evening winds down; and experience formal dining just how it should be in the spacious Glentanar and intimate Orchid Room restaurants.
For an extra special dining experience, visit The Black Watch Room and enjoy made-to-order á la carte dishes including perfectly cooked steak and seafood; or book a table at The Poolside, an al fresco venue offering themed menus based on your cruise destination.
The Glentanar
The Glentanar is the main dining venue on board Black Watch, where up to 332 guests can indulge with tantalising five course á la carte meals while enjoying the spectacular views provided by the restaurant’s large windows.
You can share an intimate dining experience with loved ones on a table for two, or request a table for up to six guests – perfect for making new friends or simply catching up with those you may have cruised with before. No matter where you sit in this stylish and spacious venue, you’ll dine in comfort and ample space while our friendly waiters cater to your every request.
The Orchid Room
The Orchid Room is perfect for guests who wish to enjoy the same, delicious five course a la carte meals on offer in The Glentanar, but in an even more intimate setting.
Located next to The Glentanar on Lounge Deck 6, The Orchid Room is much smaller than Black Watch’s main restaurant and beautifully decorated in an enchanting Oriental style. Large windows along one side of the restaurant provide stunning scenic views to enjoy while tucking into dishes prepared by our expert chefs and served with a smile by our charming waiters.
Brigadoon
Brigadoon is Black Watch’s welcoming self-service restaurant, replacing the former Braemar Garden Café. This venue features contemporary Scottish-themed décor and offers a less formal style of dining compared to The Glentanar and The Orchid Room, with tasty buffets and international cuisine on offer throughout your cruise.
Stop by for a lunchtime treat, or visit in the evening for a delicious dinner or late-night snack – it’s the ideal venue if you prefer to not to dine at a set time. While the style of Brigadoon is a lot more relaxed, you can still expect to find a selection of indulgent dishes, prepared to Fred. Olsen’s renowned high standards.
The Black Watch Room
This speciality dining venue can seat up to 46 guests and offers an extra special á la carte dining experience. Enjoy personal, attentive service from our friendly staff and tuck into a selection of sumptuous, made-to-order indulgences such as juicy steaks and fresh seafood, perfectly prepared by our expert chefs in the dedicated galley.
Please note: A small supplement applies for dinner in The Black Watch Room.
The Poolside
Situated by the main swimming pool area on Lounge Deck 6, The Poolside offers al fresco dining at its finest. Open in warm weather, The Poolside combines the relaxing sounds of the ocean with incredible views and fantastic food – a real feast for all the senses.
Perhaps visit for a satisfying lunch in the sunshine; or book a table for dinner and enjoy a very special themed dining experience. Relax under the moonlight or as the sun sets and treat yourself to a selection of dishes inspired by the destinations on your itinerary – a unique experience that’s not to be missed.
Please note: A small supplement applies for evening dinner at The Poolside.
The Bookmark Café
Black Watch's Bookmark Café has a tempting selection of delicious speciality coffees, teas and luxury chocolates.
Sip on Taylors of Harrogate intensely rich espresso and loose leaf teas or try the sumptuous selection of quality chocolates, from pralines to champagne truffles. All available at reasonable prices.
Room Service
During your cruise holiday, Fred. Olsen offers a complimentary room service for breakfast and light snacks. Our room service menu operates on board all our cruise ships between 10am and 10pm each day, offering light snacks (except during embarkation and disembarkation times) for those occasions when maybe our restaurant times just don't suit your plans for the day or you simply just fancy a bite to eat. Drinks are available 24 hours a day.
Entertainment.
Neptune Lounge
When you’ve finished every last morsel of your sumptuous five course meal or tempting buffet, retire to the Neptune Lounge, settle into a comfortable chair and enjoy fantastic entertainment from a wide range of performers over a glass or two of your favourite tipple, served with a smile by our ever-friendly waiters. There’s ample space in the Neptune Lounge and shows are performed after each dinner sitting every evening, so there’s no reason to miss out on the feast of music, dance, comedy and costume.
Morning Light Pub
The Morning Light Pub is your ‘local’ on board Black Watch, featuring soft, comfortable furniture, a large bar and friendly, attentive staff. Decorated to resemble a British Pub or Inn but with a Scandinavian twist, the Morning Light Pub has a welcoming atmosphere and charming traditional style.
Open throughout the day and the evening, this spacious venue is the perfect place to socialise with your friends and fellow guests. You could enjoy a quick pint or a glass of wine at lunch before spending the afternoon ashore; stop by for a pre-dinner drink; or settle into your seat and relax long into the night while live bands and musicians perform for your enjoyment.
The Observatory
Located towards the bow of the ship on Marquee Deck 9 and boasting spectacular panoramic views, the Observatory Lounge is a wonderful place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink. Sit around the bar in the centre of the lounge, or perhaps take a seat by one of the large windows and lose yourself in the stunning sights while listening to the twinkling sounds of a grand piano.
The Observatory Lounge is also the venue for our premium Traditional Afternoon Tea service, which offers guests a selection of delicious sandwiches, cakes, pastries and scones accompanied by premium teas and unforgettable views.
Lido Lounge
Always a popular venue, the Lido Lounge is a great place to sit, relax and catch up with friends over a cold pint, an exotic cocktail, or even something light, refreshing and non-alcoholic.
Located towards the aft of the ship on Lido Deck 7, the welcoming Lido Lounge features comfortable furniture, soft fabrics and an impressive full-width sliding door, which when open creates an appealing open space leading out towards the aft of the ship. This means that the sunshine and sea breeze can be enjoyed here during the day; then by night the dance floor can be extended – weather permitting – to offer even more space in which to enjoy the fantastic live music.
The Bookmark Café
Located on Lido Deck 7, the Bookmark Café is an indulgent delight that’s not to be missed. You’ll find an assortment of delectable chocolates to devour here, from extravagant champagne truffles to melt-in-your-mouth caramel hearts, alongside a tempting menu of specialty hot drinks – choose from Taylors of Harrogate’s intense coffees and a selection of traditional teas such as earl grey and English breakfast.
Satisfy your sweet tooth and cater to your caffeine cravings in the most unforgettable way while cruising the world’s waterways aboard Black Watch.
Marquee Bar
The Marquee Bar – located towards the stern of the ship on Marquee Deck 9 – is the ideal place to take a break from relaxing in the sunshine next to the nearby pool. Find shade under the awning at the bar, where you could chat to your hearts content with the friendly staff; or perhaps grab a table with friends and watch the world sail by over a glass of your favourite tipple.
Enjoy a cold beer, a fruity wine, exotic cocktail or treat yourself to premium gins such as The Botanist Islay or Bols Jonge, perfectly complemented by Fevertree tonic water. Delicious light bites can be ordered at the Marquee Bar too – perfect if you’re peckish but don’t want to head inside and leave the sunshine behind.
Marina Theatre
The Marina Theatre is Black Watch’s on board cinema. Featuring plenty of comfortable seating and the latest ‘4K’ and ‘3D’ technology, the Marina Theatre will show a fantastic selection of standard and high definition films, 3D movies and other 3D programmes throughout the day.
Take a seat, settle down and relax with a good film – it’s the perfect way to while away a few hours at sea.
Gaming Tables
Feeling lucky?! Try your hand at the Black Jack table or Roulette wheel at the gaming tables. There is even the chance to learn how to improve your skills, with daytime sessions teaching you how to win big.
Atlantis Spa & Salon
We’re confident you’ll feel thoroughly relaxed and spoilt on board Black Watch, but if you’re after a little extra pampering, head to Atlantic Deck 4 and immerse yourself in the soothing surroundings of the Atlantis Spa and Salon. Here you’ll find everything to refresh and revitalise you, including manicures, massages, waxing and hair styling and colouring. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a busy day ashore or treat yourself to a new look ready for formal night, the experts in the Atlantis Spa and Salon will have you covered.
On most days, the Atlantis Spa and Salon is open from 8am till 8pm whilst at sea and in port, but occasionally it will stay open until 10pm. Services and treatments are often in high demand, so be sure to book early and check you Daily Times for offers and special promotions.
Fitness Centre
With so much time to relax on board and sumptuous meals to enjoy every day, we know it’s important for you to have somewhere to stay in shape. Black Watch’s Fitness Centre – located on Sun Deck 10 – is fully equipped with all the modern facilities and equipment you’d expect to find in your gym back home, including treadmills, rowing machines, exercise bikes and free weights. Classes including yoga, aerobics and pilates regularly take place in the Fitness Centre too, catering to all levels of fitness and experience.
Start the day with a quick run or row, or perhaps enjoy a full workout while enjoying the view – perfect for burning-off those indulgences from the night before!
Swimming Pools & Jacuzzis
There are four heated swimming pools to choose from on board Black Watch, so you’ll always find somewhere to cool down after topping-up your tan on deck or keep in shape with a few early morning lengths.
The Marquee Pool on Marquee Deck 9 is perfect for a quick dip after soaking up the sunshine and also features two bubbling Jacuzzis; while the large swimming pool located at the stern of the ship on Lounge Deck 6 is ideal for working-off those delicious indulgences from the night before. There are two smaller exercise pools on Lounge Deck 6 too, suitable for water-based exercises such as aqua aerobics.
Sauna & Steam Room
After a workout in the fully-equipped gym or a few hours of the exploring ashore, the sauna and steam room is the perfect place to relax and recover.
Boutique
Spend some time browsing in the Boutique - the perfect place to pick up a treat for yourself or a gift to take home. There's a selection of fine fragrances and cosmetics from brands such as Dior, Clinique, Marc Jacobs and Estee Lauder as well as a range of fine and costume jewellery pieces. If you're after a new outfit whilst on board then the Boutique also hosts a range of casual clothing, evening wear and logo merchandise.
Port Shop
Located on the main deck, the Port Shop offers a wide range of essentials you may require throughout your holiday such as sun cream, shampoo, toothpaste and shower gels. There's confectionery and savoury snacks too.
Photo Gallery
See if you can spot yourself in our photo gallery, where our friendly photographers can help you with any queries.
Photos are displayed each day and can be viewed and purchased in the Photo Gallery. Your digital images can be printed or transferred to disc, or other storage devices.
The photo shop has a range of media cards, digital cameras, batteries, and other photographic-related items for sale. As a special souvenir of your cruise, we produce a DVD each cruise with highlights of your cruise and all ports of call.
Library
Relax with a good book in our well-stocked library, whose striking decor will make an impression on you.
With an array of novels, historical, geographical, autobiographical and many more books, this is a true haven of peace and tranquility.
Card Room
The light and airy Card Room always proves to be a popular area for Bridge or even just a game of Snap!
Maybe you're after a game of Bridge or backgammon with friends, then the Dalreoch Card Room is the perfect setting with plenty of card tables and comfortable chairs.
Promenade
The teak-lined open promenades on Lido Deck 7 are ideal for starting your day with a relaxing stroll in the sea breeze, catching some sunshine on an afternoon meander, and enjoying romantic after-dinner strolls under moonlight – the pleasures of cruising on a smaller, traditional-style cruise ship.
There are often games of shuffleboard or deck quoits taking place on the Promenade too, which you’re always welcome to join. Just don’t forget to look up from time to time, as you never know what stunning sights are coming up on the horizon.
Sun Deck, Golfing Nets & Tennis Court
Head to Sun Deck 10 to enjoy the most spectacular ocean vistas and bathe in the unbroken sunshine, or hone your skills and perfect your technique in the golf nets. Drive, chip and putt to your hearts content, taking in ever-changing scenery and incredible sights that your local golf course back home simply can’t match!
Black Watch also features a tennis court on Sun Deck 10, so don’t forget to pack your racquet when preparing for your cruise! Playing a casual set or two is a great way to keep fit, or you could play competitively against your friends and decide who buys the next round at the bar.
