Black Watch, Caribbean, Cuba & South Pacific ex Southampton to Sydney

• Departs Southampton, England
• 8th Jan 2021
• 56 nights

• Black Watch
• Prices from NZ$13,047*

56 Night cruise sailing from Southampton to Sydney onboard Black Watch.

Black Watch is sleek, intimate and harks back to the days when cruise ships were revered for their style and charm. The ultimate home-from-home at sea; Black Watch is spacious with a friendly and familiar feel, and provides guests with a traditional cruise experience rather than gimmicks such as climbing walls and on board bumper cars. This is further enhanced by the ship's attentive staff who strive to offer Fred. Olsen's renowned personal service and remember the important things, such as your name, your favourite tipple and how you like your breakfast.

Having undergone a thorough refurbishment in late 2016, Black Watch features a selection of stylish suites and rooms, restaurants and spacious public rooms that provide up to 804 guests with everything needed for a comfortable, enjoyable and stress-free holiday, while retaining the elegant style of a traditional cruise ship.

Discover paradise islands, captivating cities and an abundance of simply unforgettable experiences as you sail halfway around the world via the Caribbean, Central America and the South Pacific archipelagos on a holiday of a lifetime. Authentic cultures, amazing wildlife, iconic landmarks, out-of-this-world landscapes and beaches, and much more awaits – what a way to start the New Year.

After boarding Black Watch in Southampton and visiting Leixoes for tours to picturesque Oporto, you’ll embark on a memorable glide across the Atlantic, stopping at the gorgeous islands of Madeira, Tenerife and La Palma for fragrant gardens and stunning volcanic landscapes, en route to the Americas. In the Caribbean, you can sample the laidback lifestyle of Barbados; take your pick of Antigua’s 365 sun-soaked beaches; explore Tortola’s fascinating pirate history and try authentic Caribbean rum in Road Town; and indulge in pure relaxation at Grand Turk, before visiting Cuba. Don’t miss the chance to explore Havana via an iconic classic car. You will also visit Colón and experience a memorable journey through the locks, dams and Panamanian jungle of the magnificent Panama Canal, dubbed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’; and call at the Costa Rican port of Puerto Caldera, gateway to lush nature reserves and rainforests such. Carara National Park – a short distance from Puerto Caldera – is a beautiful natural habitat for crocodiles and over 400 bird species.

You will then head for the ‘Land Down Under’, stopping at a string of spectacular South Pacific islands en route. The long list of astonishing destinations includes Nuku Hiva, where you’ll be beckoned ashore to explore by unspoilt volcanic landscapes; and Fakarava, a UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve and breathtaking natural habitat for rare species of land and water-based fauna. Paradise awaits on the idyllic islands of Tahiti, Raiatea and Bora-Bora, renowned for their postcard-perfect beaches, soaring mountains and tumbling waterfalls, while you’ll also visit the ‘island where time begins’, Tonga. An intoxicating mix of uncanny tranquillity and unmolested beauty is yours to experience at uninhabited Mystery Island and Savusavu, Fiji’s ‘best kept secret’, found well off the beaten track. Finally, after a visit to Noumea – the picturesque capital of the South Pacific archipelago – you once-in-a-lifetime holiday concludes in Sydney. You’ll be afforded time to take in Sydney’s world-famous attractions, including the instantly recognisable Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and the revered Royal Botanic Garden; and even tour to Bondi Beach, to capture one of Australia’s most photographed scenes.

Highlights of this cruise:

Liverpool, United Kingdom
Liverpool is one of Britain's most iconic and interesting cities, and famously home to the Cavern Club and The Beatles.

Liverpool - a former European Capital of Culture - is globally-renowned for its music, arts, culture and diverse architecture, and attracts visitors from around the globe.

A busy port city, Liverpool is also known for its historic waterfront district and Albert Dock, where some of the city's best known galleries and museums can be found. The Tate Gallery, International Slavery Museum and 'The Beatles Story' exhibition are easily found on foot, and sit alongside the largest collection of Grade One listed buildings in the UK, including the iconic Liver Building and a number of structures associated with the ill-fated RMS Titanic.

Leixões (for Oporto), Portugal
A short journey from Leixões takes you into the heart of Oporto, with its fortress-like Cathedral and the Baroque Church of Clérigos. Head to the historic Ribeira District, where the narrow, cobbled lanes wind their way down to the Douro River. Don’t forget to visit one of the many wine cellars for a taste of the tipple named after the city, Port. On the ground floor of the Museu Romantico is the Port Wine Institute, where port is served with great ceremony.

Oporto sits deep in the gorge of the River Douro and on the riverside – dominated by the two-level Luis I bridge – it’s possible to look up at the narrow old town streets climbing out of the valley. Pastel-fronted houses with red-tiled roofs line the streets, mixed with neo-classical buildings and wonderful baroque churches. Dominating the centre of the city is the fortress-like Cathedral, which is worth visiting for the views alone.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Sophisticated Santa Cruz - Tenerife's capital - is built around boulevards and wide avenues that link elegant squares and parks. Well-preserved buildings feature in the old town, including the colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception and the 18th century Palacio de Carta, which has impressive Baroque and neoclassical features. Recently redesigned by the architects Herzog & de Meuron, the city’s largest square, Plaza de España, is a pleasant spot to lose a few hours. Lively beaches such as Playa de Las Americas are within easy reach of Santa Cruz too.

Bridgetown, Barbados
With its balmy climate, buzzing atmosphere, glorious azure waters and incredible beaches, Bridgetown is a tropical city that epitomises paradise. There is rarely a dull day in the capital and largest city of Barbados. This very British Caribbean island is a favourite with tourists; the city’s streets are lined with shops, boutiques, street vendors, bars and places to eat – there is always something to do. Broad Street, the main street of Bridgetown is often packed with welcoming locals. It's easy to see why Barbados is known as Little England given Bridgetown’s Georgian houses, the horse-racing track, Parliament Square, and a statue of Nelson.

Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Island
Grand Turk Island is the capital island of the Turks and Caicos archipelago, and a sun-drenched paradise. With pristine beaches and clear, turquoise sea, Grand Turk is a haven for diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, boat cruises or simply relaxing in the sun. The island is dotted with the remains of salt ponds and windmills from the island’s sea salt industry, active from the 17th to 20th century.

Havana, Cuba
Havana, the capital city, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba, is famed for its colonial history and vibrant culture.The city is home to exquisite Spanish colonial architecture, classic American cars, irresistible rhythms of mambo and a confusing jigsaw of grand avenues and cobbled streets.

Papeete, French Polynesia
Papeete, on Tahiti, is the capital of French Polynesia, a group of islands in the South Pacific. Its very name conjures up images of Gauguin paintings, palm trees, golden beaches and blue seas, and this near-perfect Polynesian island does not disappoint.

Noumea, New Caledonia
Often described as the ‘St Tropez of the Pacific’, the French controlled territory of New Caledonia combines a wonderful Pacific climate with European inspired culture and heritage.
An easy-going city spread out over a large peninsula, Noumea – New Caledonia's capital – is surrounded by pretty bays and lagoons, and offers something to please every visitor. There are some excellent museums, including the City Museum, the National Museum of New Caledonia – which has a fine collection of Melanesian and Kanak artefacts – the Geological Museum and the Maritime History Museum. The latter celebrates three millennia of seafaring, and includes displays of finds from ships wrecked on the coral reefs.

Sydney, Australia
Sydney, Australia is one of the world's most exciting, must-see modern cities. Home to the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House – two of the most iconic cityscapes on Earth – the capital of New South Wales has a visual wow factor that most other cities can only dream of. Defined by the rugged Pacific coastline that surrounds it, Sydney is a timeless, cosmopolitan metropolis that is easy to fall in love with. The imposing Darling Harbour, plus the smaller Circular Quay Port are the hubs of waterside life, with the revered Royal Botanic Garden nearby.

Itinerary & Port Information

Cruise Itinerary
Date	Activity	Arrive	Depart
08/01/21	Southampton, England		Late Night
09/01/21	At sea	-	-
10/01/21	At sea	-	-
11/01/21	Oporto (Porto), Portugal	EarlyAM	EarlyPM
12/01/21	At sea	-	-
13/01/21	Funchal (Madeira), Portugal	EarlyAM	LatePM
14/01/21	Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands	EarlyPM	Late Night
15/01/21	Santa Cruz de La Palma, Canary Islands	EarlyAM	EarlyPM
16/01/21	At sea	-	-
17/01/21	At sea	-	-
18/01/21	At sea	-	-
19/01/21	At sea	-	-
20/01/21	At sea	-	-
21/01/21	At sea	-	-
22/01/21	Bridgetown, Barbados	EarlyAM	LatePM
23/01/21	St Johns, Antigua & Barbuda	EarlyPM	LatePM
24/01/21	Road Town, British Virgin Islands	EarlyAM	LatePM
25/01/21	At sea	-	-
26/01/21	Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos	EarlyAM	Late Night
27/01/21	At sea	-	-
28/01/21	At sea	-	-
29/01/21	Havana, Cuba	EarlyAM	Late Night
30/01/21	At sea	-	-
31/01/21	At sea	-	-
01/02/21	Colon Panama	EarlyPM	Late Night
02/02/21	At sea	-	-
03/02/21	At sea	-	-
04/02/21	Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica	EarlyAM	Late Night
05/02/21	At sea	-	-
06/02/21	At sea	-	-
07/02/21	At sea	-	-
08/02/21	At sea	-	-
09/02/21	At sea	-	-
10/02/21	At sea	-	-
11/02/21	At sea	-	-
12/02/21	At sea	-	-
13/02/21	At sea	-	-
14/02/21	Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands	EarlyAM	LatePM
15/02/21	At sea	-	-
16/02/21	Fakarava, French Polynesia	EarlyAM	LatePM
17/02/21	Papeete, Tahiti	LateAM	Late Night
18/02/21	Raiatea, French Polynesia	EarlyAM	Late Night
19/02/21	Bora Bora, French Polynesia	EarlyAM	LatePM
20/02/21	At sea	-	-
21/02/21	At sea	-	-
22/02/21	At sea	-	-
23/02/21	Date Line Crossing
24/02/21	Nuku'alofa, Tonga Islands	EarlyAM	LatePM
25/02/21	At sea	-	-
26/02/21	Savusavu Fiji	EarlyAM	LatePM
27/02/21	At sea	-	-
28/02/21	Mystery Island, Vanuatu	EarlyAM	LatePM
01/03/21	Noumea, New Caledonia	EarlyAM	EarlyPM
02/03/21	At sea	-	-
03/03/21	At sea	-	-
04/03/21	Sydney, NSW, Australia	EarlyPM
05/03/21	Sydney, NSW, Australia
06/03/21	Sydney, NSW, Australia

Itinerary may vary by sailing date and itineraries may be changed at the cruise line's discretion. Please check itinerary details at time of booking and before booking other travel services such as airline tickets.