Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offers its first-ever Caribbean sailing from Scotland in 2015

For the first time ever, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering Scottish guests the chance to take a convenient, no-fly cruise to the Caribbean from ‘right on their doorstep’. The 32-night ‘Caribbean from Scotland’ cruise, W1521, on board 804-guest Black Watch, will depart from Greenock (Glasgow) on 10th November 2015, and will take in 12 sun-drenched islands, including Barbados, the West Indies, St. Maarten and Antigua, to name but a few.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“This very special Caribbean ‘island-hopping adventure’ offers our valued guests in Scotland the chance to travel further afield on a sunshine, ex-UK holiday, without having the hassle of flying. Not only is Fred. Olsen embarking on its first-ever sailing from Scotland to the Caribbean, but we are also the first cruise line ever to do so.

“This ‘Caribbean from Scotland’ cruise has been met with huge popularity amongst our Scottish guests, and is fast becoming one of our best-sellers, so we would recommend booking quickly to secure your place!”

As an added incentive to book, Fred. Olsen is offering guests the chance to save on multiple cruise bookings; if they book before 7th May 2014, they can benefit from 20% off two cruises, and if they buy three or more cruises, they can save 30%.*

First port of call is to Leixoes in Portugal, for trips to Oporto – which has been voted as the ‘Best European Destination 2014’ by European Consumers Choice – before stopping at Santa Cruz, Tenerife. Here, guests can indulge in some shopping at one of the local markets, or take a trip to bustling Playa de Las Americas or Puerto de la Cruz.

Black Watch will then sail to its first visit in the Caribbean – Bridgetown in Barbados, where guests can relax on the sandy bays, sit under a palm tree canopy or visit the historical Chamberlain Bridge and Cheapside Street Markets.

Next port of call is St. George's in Grenada, known as the ‘Spice Island’, which boasts 45 pristine beaches.

Black Watch will then call at Bequia, the second largest island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A serene and tranquil port, Admiralty Bay hosts an abundance of grand yachts and lavish sailboats for guests to admire.

Castries on St. Lucia is the next port of call; a classic Caribbean resort with white sands, crystal clear waters and a tropical rainforest backdrop. Guests can ‘walk on the wild side’ and take the aerial tram through the treetops of the rainforest, or relax in the sunshine whilst enjoying a fruity cocktail!

Black Watch then cruises onwards to St. Kitts, calling at the island’s capital, Basseterre. Offering a varied collection of shops, bars and restaurants, as well as an array of Georgian architecture, beautifully restored from bygone eras, there is plenty for guests to see.

Gustavia in St. Barthelemy is next. Here, guests can take a trip up to Fort Gustave, where the amazing panoramic views are mesmerising.

Black Watch will then arrive in Philipsburg in St. Maarten. Staying here for an overnight stay, guests will have the opportunity to soak up all that this stunning island has to offer. Guests can ‘bob to the rhythm’ at an evening of steel drums and dancing, or relax on deck looking out to the calm, blue sea.

Next stop is Road Town in Tortola, in the beautiful British Virgin Islands, before a day in St. John’s (Antigua). Discover English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard, or take a catamaran around the island.

Black Watch will then stay overnight on Ponta Delgada, in the alluring Azores, before returning to Greenock (Glasgow).

Prices for this exotic Caribbean cruise start from just £2,799 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin, ‘Inside’ cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues.

Fred. Olsen was delighted to be voted ‘Best Affordable Cruise Line’ and runner-up ‘Best Cruise Line’ in the ‘Cruise International Awards 2013’, and ‘Best Value for Money’ in the Cruise Critic ‘Editors’ Picks UK Awards 2013’.

Fred. Olsen’s Black Watch was also named ‘Best Small Ship for Shore Excursions’, in Cruise Critic’s prestigious ‘UK Cruisers’ Choice Awards 2014’, chosen entirely by cruise guests.

Fred. Olsen is proud to be the only UK travel company to receive a coveted ‘Gold Award’ from leading consumer review website Feefo, having achieved a 95% service rating of 'Excellent' or 'Good' in over 5,600 genuine, independent guest reviews in 2013.