This was my first cruise on the Fred Olsen Black Watch with my husband and 7 year old son.
The journey was for 16 nights around the Canary Islands over Christmas and New Year. From our 1st steps onto this lovely quaint and elegant ship we were all made to feel very welcome by crew and passengers alike. I didn't get the impression that it was like this just because it is a Christmas cruise, I have been assured that there is a feeling of being part of a big family on the Black Watch all year around.
There was an excited anticipation on board as we set sail, leaving a very cold and wintery Southampton. Every public area was tastefully decorated with a wonderful array of gingerbread houses covered in sweets and icing. Twinkling lights and traditional trees.
Very quickly we all settled in, nothing was too much trouble for the staff, they are very attentive yet not overpowering and in no time at all on first name terms. It was by choice I preferred to be by 1st name, being a Madam was not something I feel comfortable with yet my husband was quite happy to be Sir.
(for once in his lifetime anyway)
I was concerned that this may not have been a cruise for young children, however the very small handful that were onboard were very well behaved. No special entertainment facilities are provided for the children, however, they did give them puzzles, arts and crafts to amuse themselves if they so wished. The crew also had daily games on the Wii console, table tennis and darts as much for the adults than children. ( there was a lot of fierce competition for reindeer points)
We arrived in La - Coruna on day 3. It was pouring down with rain, however, I needed to escape the ship! Don't worry, the escape was only to stop me eating non stop. Every meal was packed with flavorsome calories that made me feel like Verucca Salt from Charlie and the Chocolate factory, closely followed by Augustas Galloop AKA my husband. We waddled off the ship with the young one in tow ....to have a look at the local town. After 30 minutes of getting our barings and being soaking wet I was beginning to wish I had not avoided the tour lectures ..... to eat more food. That was one lesson learned very quickly.
The themed evenings onboard were embraced by everyone...The ship was buzzing ... a constant jolly atmosphere that was very addictive. The entertainment, the food, the drinks all carefully thought out and well planned.
The itinerary that we followed was fantastic. Madeira on Christmas Eve brought all the magic back to the festive season I had not truly felt since my childhood. The Christmas Carol Service with all the guests and staff brought " Joy To Us All" We had a suprise visit from Santa baring gifts for the children, with reindeer racing and live music to celebrate the festive day.
The next 7 days were perfect weather wise. Exceptionally calm seas and a relaxed atmosphere with a slower pace onboard as we all wound down from the Christmas celebrations. However, it didnt stop the amazing food - oh no ! not a chance there !. Infact, we made several delibrate journeys back to the ship for lunch to savour the Fish and Chips at the Marque cafe.
As the cruise neared the end, we left Tenerife a few minutes after the clock struck midnight and we welcomed in the New Year to a magnificant fireworks display and drifted off into the ocean to ...."we are sailing" .........
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