Black Watch Refurbishment

Cruisers’ favourite ship “Black Watch” will undergo a multi-million pound refurbishment on the 20 November 2016 to get ready for the 2017/2018 cruises. The ship will be undertaking upgrades to the public areas as well as the cabins, also the usual maintenance work will take place. As Mike Rodwell, Managing Director of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“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.”

Are you curious to see what is going to change on Black Watch?Don’t miss the boat and explore all the upgrades that will take place.

What are the major changes of the Black Watch of the future?

After the refurbishment, Black Watch will certainly have a fresher look and everyone is looking forward to seeing the end result. The main areas to be tackled will be the public lounges.

• A new Interactive TV system will be installed in the 423 cabins across the ship
• All the bathrooms are due to be refurbished
• Safes and mini-bars as standard will be located in the cabins
• The Garden Cafe is being converted into a new restaurant, ‘Brigadoon‘ in keeping with Fred’s scottish connections: The new restaurant will offer a stylish dining experience (for up to 54 guests)
• The Braemar Courtyard will turn into a speciality dining restaurant called ‘The Black Watch Room’, providing an à la carte menu: for example steaks cooked to order (for up to 46 guests)
• The Glentanar restaurant will be also transformed completely with a new organisation and new look
• The Morning Light Pub will be relocated on the actual Braemar Lounge, a new bar will be installed and there will be new furniture and fabrics
• New Neptune bar in place of the old Morning Light Pub, and all the bars will be modernised
• 3D movies and shows will be projected in the Marina Theatre

Black Watch will depart soon to the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg, she will be refitted in 26 days. Her first sailing will be a festive cruise to the German Christmas market on December the 15th from London Tilbury.

Similar upgrades are expected to the rest of the fleet – Balmoral, Braemar & Boudicca in the coming years.

Image credit: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines