Balmoral Official Drawing Presentation

This year is really flying by... Back in March (Nearly 2 months ago now!) I spent 9 nights on board Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' flagship, Balmoral along with our Non-Executive Director, Gavin Pamment. We were originally booked on board for 7 nights, but extended our time on board by booking the mini cruise which followed.

During our 7 night cruise, whilst docked in Hamburg, Germany, Gavin and I were invited to the bridge to meet with the Captain and present my drawing. The Chief Officer met us in reception shortly after 10:00 and escorted us to the bridge, where ​Captain Lars Juel Kjeldsen and the Hotel Director greeted us.

​The Captain and Hotel Director seemed very impressed with the drawing and pointed out that it was the first time Balmoral had been depicted in Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' new livery, the grey hull with red stripe. They promised to find a place on board to display the drawing and mentioned that there was a suitably sized space in the midship passenger stairwell.

As we left the bridge I was a little cheeky and asked the Chief Officer if there was anyway I could have a ship model in return for my drawing. For the majority of my drawings which I present, I am presented with a gift in exchange for the drawing. So I asked if it was possible to have one of the ship models, as I have one of Black Watch and Boudicca. (I didn't get one of Braemar). The Chief Officer said he would see what he could do and that it shouldn't be a problem.

On the last night of the 7 night cruise, the Hotel Director presented him with a ship model after the Captain's Farewell Cocktail party. So it was worth asking. I believe you don't get far in life without asking and being a little cheeky from time to time. 

​If you're on board Balmoral at some point, keep a look out for my drawing as you explore the ship. Maybe even send us a photo!

Harry Cotterill - Chairman & Artist

Harry has always had a passion for ships and started drawing and visiting them whilst at school. As Chairman & Artist of Cruise Cotterilll, he is responsible for producing the countless detailed drawings featured on his website and is very proud to have had them presented aboard so many ships.