Black Watch berthed at Harwich International Port on June 15th 2013
On June 15th 2013, Fred. Olsen Cruises Lines’ agreed for us to visit Black Watch whilst the ship was berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port. We contacted Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines some weeks before and requested permission to visit Black Watch and to meet with the Captain to officially present our brand new especially assigned drawing. Visiting Black Watch on this occasion were Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester. Harry and Gavin arrived at Harwich International Port at approximately 09:50 and before entering the Cruise Terminal they took the opportunity to have a number of photographs taken with Black Watch berthed behind them. Following this photo opportunity they made their way into the Cruise Terminal and to the Passes Office, where they both collected their port passes. After making their way through security and along the passenger boarding gangway they boarded Black Watch at around 10:00 where they were met by the ships on board security team and given their ship board passes. The Chief Security Officer then radioed through to the Captain, who unfortunately was asleep. Harry and Gavin were originally due to meet with Captain Age Danielsen, but Captain Tom Odne Hansen was now in command of Black Watch. The Captain was kind enough to still agree to meet with Harry and Gavin and a member of crew began to escort them both to the bridge on Bridge Deck 8. On the way to the bridge Linda Houseley, Future Cruise Sales Manager, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines caught up with Harry and Gavin and introduced herself to them. Linda was supposed to have met them upon boarding Black Watch, but was running a little late. Harry had met with Linda before during his first visit aboard the ship on August 24th 2010. Linda began to tell Harry and Gavin how a meeting with the Captain was not possible on this occasion, but she was unaware the Captain had already been contacted and that they were already making their way to meet with him on the bridge. Once this confusion had been cleared up, Linda took over from the Security Officer continued to escort Harry and Gavin to the bridge. Coincidentally on the way they crossed paths with Captain Tom Hansen on Lounge Deck 6. The Captain was very welcoming and invited Harry and Gavin, joined by Linda to take a look at his office on Main Deck 5 and meet with other senior crew member before making their way to the Bridge. After meeting with the other senior crew members, the Captain and Linda took Harry and Gavin to the bridge on Bridge Deck 8. Here Harry took the opportunity to officially present his drawing to Captain Tom Hansen joined by Linda Houseley, who was present during the previous drawing presentation on August 24th 2010. Whilst on the bridge Harry and Gavin were also introduced to yet more members of the ship’s crew including 2nd Officer, Sammy Roxas, who also remember Harry’s previous visit aboard Black Watch. He was very intrigued to see the new drawing. Following the drawing presentation Harry and Gavin requested to take some photographs on the port-side bridge wing, together with Captain Tom Hansen, Linda Houseley and 2nd Officer, Sammy Roxas. After the photo opportunity Harry thanked the Captain for meeting with such short notice and their unexpected arrival. After bidding Harry and Gavin farewell the Captain retired back to his cabin.
Gavin was fascinated by the various controls and equipment on the bridge and took countless photos whilst Harry chatted with Linda and Sammy. After spending quite some time on the bridge at around 10:50 Harry and Gavin left the bridge and began their guided tour of Black Watch escorted by Linda. Upon leaving the bridge they made their way through the Officer Mess which is next to the bridge. Linda informed Harry and Gavin that should they wish to that they were more than welcome to enjoy lunch here later, following the guided tour. Exiting the Officers Mess, Linda invited Harry and Gavin to take a look at the Owners Suite 8101 on the other side of the ship. The suite is right next to the bridge and includes two bedrooms and a large lounge and bathroom with his and hers sinks. Next they took a look at The Observatory, which was where Harry officially presented his first drawing aboard Black Watch on August 24th 2010. During his first visit Harry was accompanied by his parents and joined a VIP visit aboard the ship. Outside of The Observatory is a large model of Black Watch, which was a good opportunity to get some photographs with the drawing unveiled in front. Although not up to date like the drawing the model was nevertheless impressive! Continuing their tour along Marquee Deck 9, Harry and Gavin had the chance to view two more cabins, 9002 and 9008, both of which are Marquee Suite category cabins. Following the look at the two Suites they made their way to outside to take a look at the Marquee Pool & Bar, which also offered good views of the stern of the vessel below. Moving down to Lido Deck 7, the tour continuing into the Lido Lounge, where Harry and Gavin got to meet with the Bar Manager, Winniefredo Quebrar. Further along the deck they got to view the Gaming Tables, Explorers Library and the Danreoch Card Room. On this deck there was also the chance to view another of the many different cabin categories aboard Black Watch, this time looking at Junior Suite 7023, which although small then the Suites viewed on Marquee Deck 9, it was still very specious. Before making their way down to the Lounge Deck 6, Harry asked to take a look at the Fitness Centre on Sun Deck 10, which also offers guests Saunas and a fully equipped Gymnasium. After this brief look Linda guided Harry and Gavin down to Lounge Deck 6 to view many of the other facilities available to passengers aboard Black Watch. This began with a look at the Glentanar Restaurant, which is the main restaurant as well as the smaller more imitate Orchid Room. Continuing their tour, moving along toward the stern of the vessel, they passed through the Braemar Lounge, alongside The Braemar Garden. Harry and Gavin were then guided into the Piper’s Bar and Neptune Lounge at the stern on Lounge Deck 6. Having now viewed most of the passenger facilities on board Black Watch they made their way to Main Deck 5, where Linda went to take Harry’s drawing to the Captain Office. On the way they passed to shops and reception as well as the Cruise Sales Officer where Linda works from and the Shore Tours Office. Whilst passing the shop Harry asked if models of Black Watch were sold in the shops and asked if it might be possible to purchase one and have the model sent on via post, as the shop are not allowed to be opened whilst in port. To his surprise a member of crew who worked in the shop gave him with a model of Black Watch and also gave a model to Gavin too! Both Harry and Gavin were very surprised by this kind gesture from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. After receiving their ship models Harry and Gavin waited in the forward passenger stairwell on Main Deck 5 whilst Linda took the drawing to the Captain’s Office. Once Linda returned they had the chance to view another cabin, this time a Superior Outside cabin, 5029. Having now toured the ship for just over an hour Linda now invited Harry and Gavin to join her for lunch in the Officers Mess on Bridge Deck 8. They were joined by a young cadet who had just boarded Black Watch a few hours before hand and is studying at Southampton University. After lunch Linda asked Harry and Gavin if there was anything else they wanted to see before disembarking Black Watch. Having not seen the Beauty Salon on Atlantic Deck 4 or the Marina Theatre on Marina Deck 3 they were taken to have a look at both venues. Now completed their guided tour, Harry and Gavin were escorted to Main Deck 5 to the passenger boarding gangway to disembark the vessel. Linda not only escorted Harry and Gavin to the gangway but also guided them back to the Passes Officer in the Cruise Terminal. After Harry and Gavin had collected their passports having handed back their port passes, Linda officially presented them each with their own model of Black Watch outside the Cruise Terminal with the ship berthed behind. The photographer from the ship was also there to capture the presentation! Once Linda had presented the ship models to Harry and Gavin she thanked them for visiting Black Watch and bid them farewell as they left Harwich International Port. Harry Cotteirll, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said: Soon you'll be able to view more photos for our visit to Black Watch by visiting the new 'June 15th 2013' page in the 'Our History' section of our website!ENDS
For more information please Contact Us on the following details below Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester Mobile: 07778940245 E-mail: [email protected]
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5th Cruise Booked!!! 1 Night Mini Cruise, Harwich - Hull aboard Cruise & Maritime Voyages' Discovery22/6/2013
Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Discovery
It is with great pleasure that we take this opportunity to officially unveil our latest cruise booking! Earlier this week we took the decision to book a 1 night mini cruise aboard Cruise & Maritime Voyages' Discovery. The 1 night cruise will set sail from Harwich International Port on July 4th 2013, before arriving in Hull the next morning. Booked on the cruise are Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photograpehr, Dream Designs Colchester. We showed a great level of interest in this particular cruise and Cruise & Maritime Voyages very kindly offered us an irresistible deal, so we simply could miss this fantastic opportunity. This unusual overnight cruise experience will feature a five course gala dinner with the opportunity to meet the Captain in the Seven Continents Restaurant and entertainment throughout the night, including a first class performance in the Carousel Lounge, followed by a late night disco and cabaret. After arriving in Hull the following morning guests will be able to enjoy breakfast aboard Discovery before disembarking the ship. Following this there is an optional free coach transfer back to 13 convenient drop off points in Essex. The journey home also features an en-route stop in historic York. Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said: Want to join us on this 1 night party cruise aboard Discovery? |
Deck 13 also made for an impressive view of the iconic funnel aboard Queen Mary 2 and Harry and Gavin both took the opportunity to have a number of photographs taken here.
Harry and Gavin were escorted into the area by a member of the ship’s crew, who had also seen our drawing displayed aboard Queen Victoria.
Harry and Gavin then made their way to Sir Samuel’s to meet with Michael Gallagher again and enjoyed a drink and snack together, before continuing their look around Deck 3.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:
" It was a great pleasure to visit Cunard Line's flagship, Queen Mary 2 again and have the opportunity to tour the vessel with our Chief Photographer, Gavin Pamment. It was particularly pleasing to be able to tour the ship at our leisure and be able to view my drawing displayed aboard in The Zone on Deck 6."
He added:
" I am extremely thankful to Cunard Line, particularly their Public Relations Manager, Michael Gallagher for helping to arrange the visit. At Dream Designs Colchester we are very proud of our connection with Cunard Line and this visit was a great opportunity to continue our close friendship!"
Visit our new 'June 8th 2013' page in the 'Our History' section of our website to see even more!!!
For more information please Contact Us on the following details below
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester
Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: [email protected]
The visit took place just four days before Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge officially named the 141,000 tonne ship.
Princess Cruises extended an invitation to Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and a guest of his choice to join the group of visitors on media and press visit aboard Royal Princess, whilst berthed alongside Ocean Terminal in Southampton.
This invitation was received after Princess Cruises became aware of our especially assigned drawing of Royal Princess, which we requested to present to the Master of Royal Princess, Captain Tony Draper.
Joining Harry on the visit was Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester. Harry and Gavin travelled to Southampton one day prior to the visit aboard Royal Princess and stayed overnight in Southampton.
Venues included the brand new and exciting Princess Live studio, the somewhat famous Wheelhouse Bar and Crown Grill which Princess Cruises’ passengers have grown fond of and not forgetting the spectacular Princess Theater!
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Both Julie and Karen have offered their help and support on our previous drawing presentation by our Volunteers @ Sea or website supporters aboard ships in the Princess Cruises fleet, including Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Sapphire Princess and Golden Princess.
Finally just before 14:45 they both disembarked Royal Princess on Deck 5 (Plaza Deck) via the crew gangway which was also used to embark the vessel earlier. On the quayside both Harry and Gavin took the opportunity to capture some close up photographs of Royal Princess which towered above them.
After an awe-inspiring visit aboard Royal Princess, Harry and Gavin decided to watch the vessel depart Southampton on the first of two preview cruises, before the maiden 7 night cruise.
Harry Cotterill, President & Manging Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:
" It was a true honour to visit Princess Cruises' brand new Royal Princess in Southampton with Gavin Pamment just days before the 141,000 tonne vessel was officially named. We were both extremely impressed by the ship and would like to extend our appreciation and thanks to Princess Cruises.
He added:
" I am particularly thankful to Princess Cruises for arranging the official presentation of my drawing to the Master of Royal Princess, Captain Tony Draper. I was very surprised to receive a plaque in return!"
He concluded:
" Finally I would like congratulate Princess Cruises on their spectacular new ship and take this opportunity to wish Royal Princess, her Captain and crew a very successful future!"
Visit our new 'June 9th 2013' page in the 'Our History' section of our website to view even more photos from Royal Princess!!!
For more information please Contact Us on the following details below
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester
Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: [email protected]
The drawing was presented on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester, by our Volunteers @ Sea, Debbie & Earl, during their 5 night cruise.
Debbie & Earl met with the Master of Carnival Victory, Captain Andrea Viacava at the Captain’s Celebration and it was here that they informed the Captain about our drawing.
Captain Andrea Viacava gave Debbie & Earl one of his business cards and instructed them to go to Guest Services to arrange a visit to the bridge to officially present the drawing of Carnival Victory.
Although this was somewhat sort notice Debbie immediately called back Guest Services and accepted the invitation to the bridge. At 15:00 Debbie & Earl made their way to Guest Services on Deck 3 where they were both escorted to the bridge.
Debbie informed us that the Captain was very impressive and he at first did not realise the drawing was for him to keep.
Volunteer @ Sea, Debbie, said:
“I took the drawing out of the tube and had the Captain hold of one end while I started unrolling it. You could see the amazement on his face when he saw it. Of course, no one got a picture of that. He stood there looking at it for a while and then I started rolling it back up and put it back in the tube and started to hand it to the Captain and he said, "this is for me?" Yes, sir it is.”
Debbie, added:
“I'm glad he sent you a note. I had asked him to send you a note when they got the drawing hung up but, that was nice that he went ahead and contacted you already. He said he was going to hang it by his desk.”
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:
“I would like to congratulate our Volunteers @ Sea, Debbie & Earl on another successful drawing presentation! It was pleasing to see that they got to meet with Captain Andrea Viacava on the bridge and officially present the drawing of Carnival Victory.”
He added:
“It was very nice to receive an email from Captain Andrea Viacava directly on the same day as the drawing presentation and we hope that he will fulfill his promise of displaying the drawing aboard Carnival Victory.”
You can read even more on the new 'May 29th 2013' page in the 'Our History' section of the Dream Designs Colchester website!
For more information please Contact Us on the following details below
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester
Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: [email protected]
Later today, June 8th 2013, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester are to visit Cunard Line's 148,000 tonne flagship Queen Mary 2, whilst berthed in Southampton.
Harry and Gavin will be travelling to Southampton early this morning before staying overnight in the City Center.
On June 9th 2013, they are to visit the brand new Royal Princess to officially present Harry's especially assigned drawing to Captain Tony Draper.
Although Gavin is aware of the planned visit and drawing presentation aboard Royal Princess he is unaware of the forthcoming visit aboard Queen Mary 2.
Queen Mary 2 has always been Harry's favourite ship and he has for sometime promised to arrange for Gavin to join him on a visit aboard the transatlantic liner.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:
" I would like to extend my great appreciation to Cunard Line for helping to arrange this visit aboard Queen Mary 2 today. I am very much looking forward to being back aboard my favourite ship once again almost exactly a year after my last voyage in June 2012 during which I celebrated my 18th Birthday."
He added:
" Gavin will hopefully remain unaware of the planned visit to Queen Mary 2 until we arrive in Southampton later this morning! He believes we have a meeting at Carnival UK's Headquarter which is my explanation for the early arrival to Southampton prior to our visit aboard Royal Princess tomorrow. I am confident he will be impressed by Queen Mary 2's vast size and elegant interiors."
However, it is hoped that Harry and Gavin will have the chance to view Harry's especially assigned drawing of Queen Mary 2 which is officially displayed aboard the vessel on Deck 6 in The Zone. The drawing was officially presented to Captain Kevin Oprey on June 6th 2012, when Harry was invited to the bridge to sound Queen Mary 2's noon whistle on the occasion of his 18th Birthday.
For more information please Contact Us on the following details below
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester
Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: [email protected]
On June 15th 2013, Dream Designs Colchester are due to visit Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Black Watch at Harwich International Port.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester will be joined aboard Black Watch by Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester.
Following this first visit, later on August 17th 2011, we were delighted to be invited to visit Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' flagship, Balmoral at Harwich Internationally Port and officially present our especially assigned drawing to the Captain during the vessels inaugural visit.
We were truly delighted when Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines accepted our request and agreed to grant us permission to visit the ship again with our new drawing.
Rachael Jackson, Public Relations Manager, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
" I have received confirmation from Captain Age Danielsen, Master of Black Watch, that he will be delighted to host you aboard the ship at Harwich International Port on Saturday 15th June 2013, and receive your new drawing of the ship. "
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:
" We very much looking forward to visiting Black Watch again during her final visit at Harwich International Port in 2013 and we are delighted that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and Captain Age Danielsen have agreed to host us aboard the ship."
He added:
" Following the previous presentation of our drawing aboard Black Watch on August 24th 2010, we are very much looking forward to presenting a brand new drawing of the vessel! "
For more information please Contact Us on the following details below
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester
Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: [email protected]
Dream Designs Colchester has had a connection with Costa Cruises for some time now and we were able to arrange this visit aboard Costa Fortuna with the help of another Costa Cruises’ Captain who we had met during a previous drawing presentation on September 4th 2012.
Visiting Costa Fortuna were Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and his father Brian Cotterill.
Harry and his father arrived at Harwich International Port at approximately 10:30. They had been asked to board the vessel at 11:00 but had arrived early to get some photographs of the ship from outside the Cruise Terminal.
At 10:40 they entered the Cruise Terminal and were directed to the gangway after passing through security. Once aboard they were met by a made of the ship’s own security staff who escorted them to the Staff Captain’s Office on Deck 8. A short while later Harry and Brian were met by Staff Captain, Federico Sias who invited them on a guided tour of Costa Fortuna.
Harry also took the opportunity to informally unveil his especially assigned drawing of Costa Fortuna to Staff Captain, Federico Sias, who was very keen to view the drawing!
During the guided tour they also stopped in the Costa Atrium on Deck 3. Here Harry took the opportunity to officially present his drawing of Costa Fortuna to Staff Captain, Federico Sias.
Following the tour at approximately 12:15 Staff Captain, Federico Sias invited Harry and his father to enjoy lunch on board with him in the Cristoforo Colombo 1934 Buffet Restaurant on Deck 9. The Safety Trainer and Safety Officer also joined them for lunch.
Before disembarking Costa Fortuna, Harry requested to view the Costa Atirum from above on Deck 9, which was certainly an impressive view. Harry and Brain together with the Staff Captain then took one of the panoramic lifts down to Deck 2 as they were escorted to the gangway before disembarking the vessel.
Harry Cotterill, President & Maanging Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:
“It was fabulous to visit Costa Fortuna whilst the vessel at berthed at Harwich International Port. Both my father and I really enjoyed our visit and are particularly thankful to Staff Captain, Federico Sias, for his guided tour of Costa Fortuna and for making us feel so very welcome. I was delighted to also be able to officially present my drawing of Costa Fortuna to the Staff Captain."
You can view more photos from our visit aboard Costa Fortuna on our new 'May 30th 2013' page in the 'Our History' section of our website!
For more information please Contact Us on the following details below
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester
Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: [email protected]
Harry Cotterill
Harry Cotterill set up his blog when he was just 16-years old, making him one of the youngest cruise bloggers in the world. In later years he became known across the world for his amazing talent of drawing cruise ships!
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