Over a combined total of 40 years, Black Watch and Boudicca have carried millions of Fred Olsen guests across millions of miles. But, with the arrival of new ships Bolette and Borealis, we anticipated their journey was coming to an end.
The much loved duo have been, as Olsen politely put it, “retired” to make way for the new vessels that will take over existing itineraries when cruising begins again with the company’s “back in the water” plan for next year.
The writing was on Black Watch and Boudicca’s headstones following last month’s acquisition of Rotterdam and Amsterdam from Holland America, boosting Olsen’s overall capacity by about 30 per cent.
The two classic vessels have clocked up almost 100 years of cruising since their maiden voyages for Royal Viking Line as Royal Viking Sky and Royal Viking Star in 1972.
Guests with cruises already booked on the veteran ships will be among the first to experience Bolette and Borealis, with their bookings being automatically transferred to the same itineraries. Additional cabins will go on sale in early September.
Boudicca and, top of page, Black Watch, have carried Olsen guests millions of miles
Says Peter Deer, managing director at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines: “I am pleased to say we are now at the stage of finalising our back in the water plans and we are very excited to be doing this with two new vessels within our fleet.
“While we are still looking at a number of options for Boudicca and Black Watch, what we do know is that they won’t resume sailing with us when we do start to cruise again.
“We know that these ships are much loved among our guests, as indeed they are by us, but it is time to evolve and look ahead to a long and bright future.
“We will soon be revealing more details on our plans to resume sailing again, but in the meantime we hope many of you will join us on our virtual farewell cruises to see our two ships off in style.”
As part of Fred. Olsen’s virtual cruise programme, the company will be holding virtual farewell sailings for both Boudicca and Black Watch on Facebook, with guests and crew invited to share their favourite photographs and memories of the two ships.
The virtual cruises will be held over the next two weeks starting Monday (24 August).
To join in the virtual cruises and to share your memories of Boudicca and Black Watch, search for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines on Facebook or visit www.fredolsencruises.com/memories