quote:

---

Fred Olsen finalises deal for new ship
by Phil Davies
October 19, 2005

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has completed the purchase of cruise ship Grand Latino from Spanish company from Grand Latino de Navegacion. 

As previously reported, the vessel will be renamed Boudicca and start cruising in February 2006 as the line’s fourth ship.

A full refit and refurbishment will begin in Tenerife before the ship is moved to the Blohm and Voss shipyard in Hamburg for the major part of the refurbishment process in early December, prior to sailing to Dover for its inauguration next year.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines managing director Mike Rodwell said: “We are delighted that we are now in possession of this fine vessel, sister to the Black Watch and are looking forward to transforming her to the Fred. Olsen style.”

Travelmole

---

******

I too am excessively fond of Black Watch, and have been on her before and after the refit !

Oh Dear, it pains me to say this but I was disappointed by the changes.
We went on the mini-cruise that immediately followed the refit. The ship was unprepared for passengers with incomplete work etc., but I wont go into that.
The engines were indeed quieter, unfortunately the dreaded vibration was worse. Whether this has been reduced since, I know not.

Re that cruise :-
She was fairly full & the increased capacity was felt, particularly at breakfast & lunch in the restaurant, and the evenings in the bars. One buffet table had gone ( the centre piece sails also) to make way for more tables and it was all a bit manic.

The absence of library/card room on deck 9 attracted less passing trade to to the Observatory, which seem much quieter and - regrettably - a bit dull. Possibly the smoking ban up there has reduced some trade too.

Some larger windows have been fitted to the new library, there was some degree of 'distraction' from traffic in the corridor and on the deck outside. The room itself is quite nice though.

The relocation of those rooms and the reduction in public space is most likely to be felt by those on longer cruises with a lots of sea days, such as the 'World' cruises/sectors rather than a cruise of a week or two.
We went on lovely sector through Polynesia last year and, as I recollect, the Bridge players took over the card room each afteroon at sea and the whist players the 'Star Club' (as was).
Dear me, what a fiercely competetive game Bridge is !

I would cruise on Black Watch again of course, the staff/crew are increadibly friendly and welcoming.
Oh, but I did miss deck 9 facilities.

Lux.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Lux:
Oh Dear, it pains me to say this but I was disappointed by the changes.

---

I'm not surprised. The only people that benifit from such major refit is the Cruise line and those few lucky souls who are booked into the new suites. Mind you they are still on a more crowded ship.

At one time Olsen was even thinking of turning the Marina Theatre into six inside cabins!

Have you tried the charming Braemar, yet?

The engines were indeed quieter, unfortunately the dreaded vibration was worse.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:

I'm not surprised. The only people that benifit from such major refit is the Cruise line and those few lucky souls who are booked into the new suites. Mind you they are still on a more crowded ship.

At one time Olsen was even thinking of turning the Marina Theatre into six inside cabins!

Have you tried the charming Braemar, yet?

The engines were indeed quieter, unfortunately the dreaded vibration was worse.

Well that is ridiculous! Fred should ask for his money back!

---

Who know what they paid for - do I remeber right, that the propellers are still the same? (they are usually the main source of vibrations)

I also heard this rumours about the theater - in my case it has been said that the Gym / Spa would be moved down there and suites would be added to the top - luckily this did not (yet) happen. (I guess one can not add that much weight up there - at least not without adding some sponsons - but I better shut up here )

quote:

---

Originally posted by mec1:
And actually, when I cruised on Black watch, I thought there was too much Public Room space - the nightclub was deserted every night and the library underutilised. It's interesting because John Maxtone Graham points out in one of his books that crowded public rooms make for a more convivial atmosphere (I think he is talking about the difference inatmosphere between First Class and Tourist).

---

I have to admit that it was more the open deck space and some public rooms which were 'crowded' - it was still possible to find some 'quiet' places.

Empty public rooms - often found on 'balcony ships' - are also not ideal. I often tought that a theater with boxes would therefore be ideal for a ship as it appears full even if the places behind the first row in the boxes are empty.

[ 10-21-2005: Message edited by: Ernst ]

He also made the same comments re the dining room & also joked about the number of bridge players.. LOL, not for me thanks [on QM2 I witnessed so much bitching between players of 2 different sets of rules used, I could not understand why they bothered!]. Not for me thanks.

I just like the open decks..

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ernst:
Who know what they paid for - do I remeber right, that the propellers are still the same? (they are usually the main source of vibrations)
.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by mec1:
And actually, when I cruised on Black watch, I thought there was too much Public Room space - the nightclub was deserted every night and the library underutilised.

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:

No. I'm sure that they are new.

---

She apparently arrived there yesterday and is due to leave for Hamburg on 30th Nov.

Wonder what they are going to do with her there for five weeks before the restructuring?

Thanks Lux.. along with "Seadream II, Silver Cloud, Oceana y Van Gogh".

Pam

[ 10-23-2005: Message edited by: PamM ]

I haven't set up an album. Bit apprehensive of putting in personal details etc after having a bit of bother when I was with freesrve some years ago. Perhaps I'll think about it for Boudicca.