 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.  Fred. Olsen Cruise Line's Black Watch seen berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port on June 15th 2013 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.  Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Black Watch seen berthed at Harwich International Port from the passenger boarding gangway 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.  Captain's and Senior Officers' office and desks seen aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Black Watch 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.  Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester seen unveiling his drawing of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Black Watch to the Master of the vessel, Captain Tom Odne Hansen on the bridge of the vessel 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.  Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester officially presents his brand new drawing of Black Watch to the Master of the vessel, Captain Tom Oden Hansen, joined by Linda Houseley, Future Cruise Sales Manager, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines 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.  The Master of Black Watch, Captain Tom Odne Hansan, Linda Houseley, Future Cruise Sales Manager and Senior Officers seen with Harry Cotterill, President & Maanging Director, Dream Designs Colchester with his drawing on the vessel on the bridge 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.  Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester seen with 2nd Officer, Sammy Roxas, showing him his portfolio folder, which included photographs from his visit aboard Black Watch in August 2010 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.  The fruit, dessert and juice buffet in the Officers Mess aboard Black Watch on Bridge Deck 8 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.  The Owners Suite (8101) aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Black Watch 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.  Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester in The Observatory aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Black Watch with Linda Houseley, Future Cruise Sales Manager 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.  The lounge and balcony in Marquee Suite 9002 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.  The Explorers Library aboard Black Watch on Lido Deck 7 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.  Junior Suite 7023 aboard Black Watch 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.  The Fitness Center and Gymnasium aboard Black Watch 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.  The Glentanar Restaurant aboard Black Watch 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.  A view of the Piper's Lounge aboard Black Watch looking stern towards the Neptune Lounge 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.  Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Linda Houseley, Future Cruise Sales Manager, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines seen passing the shops aboard Black Watch 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.  A close up view of one of the two models of Black Watch which where presented to Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester 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.  Superior Outside cabin 5029 aboard Black Watch 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.  Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester seen in the Officers Mess where he enjoyed lunch aboard Black Watch with Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester joined by Linda Houseley, Future Cruise Sales Manager and a cadet 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.  The Marina Theatre aboard Black Watch 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.  Linda Houseley, Future Cruise Sales Manager, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines seen escorting Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester along the passenger boarding gangway at Harwich International Port 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: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk
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Harry CotterillHarry 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! Blog Archive
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