Press release - 14 December 2011 13:58

Cruise from Harwich in 2013

Cruise from UK departure ports for your convenience to Worldwide destinations. Ipswich-based Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will commence calls from Harwich International Port in 2013, with 804-guest Black Watchmaking four turnaround visits to the Essex port in May and June 2013.

Matt Grimes, Director of Planning for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“Harwich International Port has long been on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ radar as a turnaround port following a series of successful transit calls in recent years. Its direct rail connections from London – whereby guests alight right next to the Cruise Terminal – make this an extremely easy port to access.

“The addition of this new regional departure port means that Fred. Olsen is able to operate a vessel within only 100 miles of over 90% of the UK population, which will enhance further our reputation as the UK’s local cruise line with a global choice of itineraries.”

Black Watch will be offering three cruises from Harwich in May 2013 – to the Baltic, Norway and Lapland, through the Gulf of Bothnia – and a mini-cruise in June 2013. The cruises will range in length from 3 to 14 nights.

Paul Davey, Head of Corporate Affairs at Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, owners of Harwich International Port, said:

“We are delighted that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has decided to commence turnaround calls at Harwich International Port after such successful visits by Black Watch in 2010, and Balmoral in 2011.

“Harwich International Port has developed over a number of years into one of the UK’s leading cruise ports, and we look forward to working with Fred. Olsen to offer its guests the highest quality facilities and customer service, which we are sure will see the Port rapidly gain popularity with them.”

Black Watch is no stranger to Harwich, and welcomed a delegation of local VIPs on board when she made her inaugural call at the Port in August 2010, as part of an ‘Around UK’ cruise. Amongst the local dignitaries visiting Black Watch were the Mayor of Harwich and regional trade and tourism bodies, including the Haven Gateway Partnership.

Topics

Regions

England

Fred. Olsen Cruise Line operates in the UK with four intimately sized ships for a more personal cruising experience.

Contacts

Ellis Orchard

Press contact Public Relations Manager Public Relations ellis.orchard@fredolsen.co.uk 07557672265

Georgina May

Press contact Public Relations Executive Public Relations georgina.may@fredolsen.co.uk

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

At the heart of the Fred. Olsen experience is our exceptional crew, whose warm and attentive service is a hallmark of our cruises. Each team member goes above and beyond to offer personalised attention, forging genuine connections with guests to create truly memorable journeys.

Our smaller ships contribute to this friendly atmosphere, with their intimate size allowing for a relaxed yet engaging experience on board. You can enjoy a variety of curated activities, from regional cooking demonstrations to stargazing sessions, each designed to enhance your enjoyment and deepen your understanding of the destinations we visit.

And when it comes to our itineraries, our team of Journey Planners meticulously crafts each cruise, ensuring that we sail the most imaginative routes and visit the world’s most incredible destinations at the best possible times to experience them. Whether witnessing the Northern Lights or exploring hidden fjords, our expertly designed itineraries promise unforgettable adventures.

Join us on a Fred. Olsen cruise, where you’ll discover the warmth of a family at sea and the legacy of 175 years of sailing heritage.