A rare occasion that an English Cruise ship drops its line in Cairns.

I had the opportunity get a private invite on MS “Black Watch”. To have a good look around and experience the ship.

She is currently owned and operated by Fred Olsen Cruise lines.

She was built in 1972 and the last renovation was 2016. She looks great for her age.

There are 450 Cabins apparently all nicely refurbished. Unfortunately the ship was booked out and I couldn’t see a Cabin.

There is a choice is between:

Inside – Ocean view – Balcony – Junior Suite – Terrace Balcony suite – Premier and Marquee Suites.

The ship attracts mostly mature aged British passengers. The currency on Board is British Pounds.

The Main Restaurant has 2 dinner seatings. 1. Dining 6.15pm, 2. Dining 8.15pm.

A drink package is available for 15 Pounds per day per passenger. (AUD $27 approx.)

Some great Bars are around the ship with British and international Beer also a Gin Bar is available not to forget the Barrister coffee.

Dress code is fine dining and on formal nights they expect males to wear suits and ladies long evening dresses.

If you are not into the formal night there is a choice of the new Buffet Restaurant formally known as the Garden Cafe with open dining from 6.30 to 9.00 pm..

A small section has been coordinated off for small functions speciality nights for groups

There are 2 fine Dining Restaurants with a 20 British pound surcharge.

The Oriental room is a decorative Tea room in soft colours with flowers on the fabric.

A 24 hr Coffee and Tea station with a selection of Biscuits is free of charge.

The Neptune lounge has two production shows every night to cover both Dinner sittings. There is no stage this is used by the residence band, the performers show their talents on the dance floor… The Marina Theatre shows feature Films and also hosts lectures.

Black Watch has 2 swimming pools, one on the Lounge Deck with a Spa and even with a small exercise pool…… also a smaller Pool and a Spa are located on the Marquee Deck.

Some shady spaces were available.

A Tennis court was located on Deck 9, but in my own opinion that was in need of an upgrade, especially the floor. As it is quite bumpy and easy to twist an ankle.

The library on board was well stocked, lots of shops to spend some extra money on duty free was also available.

Hairdresser, Spa, Internet, Photo gallery, guest service are all a well maintained.

To my surprise a large Fitness room with Sauna was on the upper deck.

Some very interesting art work is also to bee seen.

All together it’s a well maintained ship with very friendly service.