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Fred Olsen Cruises

MS Black Watch

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: S. B.
# previous cruises: 2
Date of Trip: August 15, 2008
Itinerary: Mediterranean

We, myself, husband and 14 year old daughter, enjoyed the perfect holiday. Fred Olsen treated us very well and we will certainly be returning to travel with them again soon. Our trip took place during the school holidays but the ship was not full of cavorting children. In fact all the children on board were well behaved and respectful of others. They did not 'take over' the pool, neither did we encounter groups of children 'hanging around'.

The public areas were well appointed. All places were immaculately clean and general cleaning took place throughout each day.

Plants and flowers were kept clean and were well tended. The promenade area was clutter free and enabled circuits to be walked or just a stroll taken without having to dodge sun beds and games.

We liked the Braemar room - listening to the piano player or joining in the quiz. Daily crosswords and Sudoku could be found here also. The waiting staff were 'on the ball' and quickly arrived with refreshments. Plenty of choice of seating from sofas to upright chairs meant that everyone could find somewhere comfortable to sit.

The food available was excellent. We were served by Apirat, Rommel and Dante - their service was out of this world. Nothing was too much trouble and they worked with a smile on their face. We tried to be served by them at breakfast and lunch too! Breakfast consisted of a wide range of cereals, different types of milk, yoghurts, fresh and canned fruit, cold meats, cheese, bread, rolls, croissant, brioche, pancakes, syrup, and 'Full English' of bacon, sausage, eggs (anyway you like), hash browns, mushrooms, grilled toms and toast.

There was also a menu to choose from that included kippers and grilled sardines. At lunchtime we ate buffet style, but 'bar food' was also available. Plenty of people were choosing this option although we did not try it.

There was plenty of choice for our evening dinner - always able to find something we liked and enjoyed. Sometimes asking for the accompanying sauce to be omitted - we always got what we asked for. The Baked Alaska parade was quite special.

Fred Olsen kindly upgraded us from a Superior outside to a Junior Suite. What a treat! It was roomy and clean. For the three of us it contained plenty of wardrobe space, however I would have preferred more drawer space too. Cora kept our stateroom spotless, clean towels, beds made and then turned down in the evening - including pillow chocolates.

The shower was powerful with plenty of hot water and the bath was full sized. The complimentary toiletries were useful and well used.

When inside our stateroom we heard NO noise from other passengers or staff despite being directly opposite one of the crew rooms and linen cupboard.

Inside the stateroom there was an annoying creak coming from one of the ceiling panels. This did not stop our enjoyment and part of the ship experience for us.

We enjoyed the shows by Bob Webb and found the mixture of his stories and jokes to be just right.

There was a mixture of generations on board Black Watch for this trip. Some families with younger children, some with teenagers, extended families of all ages, grandparents and grandchildren and singles and couples of all generations.

I can't wait to go again.