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Shipspotters all over the world => Shipping News and information => Topic started by: ftakma on July 27, 2020, 09:19:10 PM

Title: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: ftakma on July 27, 2020, 09:19:10 PM
Black Watch and Bouddica are sold to the breakers in Aliaga.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Angelgreat on July 27, 2020, 09:24:38 PM
I knew this was going to happen! First the Sovereign and Monarch, next the Fantasy and Imagination, now this!
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Clive Harvey on July 27, 2020, 10:53:41 PM
Unlike the other ships that have recently been sold to breakers, both Black Watch and Boudicca are almost 50 years old. What ever way you look at it that is old for a cruise ship. They are both lovely and I have sailed on Black Watch three times and twice on board Boudicca. I am sad to see them go but present circumstances apart these ships would not have been around for very much longer.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Angelgreat on July 28, 2020, 01:49:58 AM
Unlike the other ships that have recently been sold to breakers, both Black Watch and Boudicca are almost 50 years old. What ever way you look at it that is old for a cruise ship. They are both lovely and I have sailed on Black Watch three times and twice on board Boudicca. I am sad to see them go but present circumstances apart these ships would not have been around for very much longer.

Yes, but it will leave Phoenix Reisen's Albatros as the remaining sister ship.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Emmanuel.L on July 28, 2020, 03:01:58 AM
It does look as it is survival of the fittest, but rather the survivors do not carry the charm and beauty of these Corona victims. So the seas will inherit the "floating apartment blocks" as one by one these majestic old vessels will sail on their final journeys to the scrap yard leaving only memories and photos. No longer will these vessels charm our harbours thus leaving us ship lovers and photographers orphans by their demise.
regards
Emmanuel.L.(Malta)
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: DoverT on July 28, 2020, 09:12:12 AM
I can't find any official confirmation of their sales.

Any links?

Rgds
Nigel T
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Bob Scott on July 28, 2020, 05:54:22 PM
I have seen conflicting reports about the Fred Olsen "oldies", including reports from Fred Olsen that Black Watch and Boudicca are remaining in the fleet and that the Holland-America pair are additions to it. There is a lot of (too much?) speculation on this and other sites. Can someone come up with something official. In the last eight years or so I have spent the equivalent of over six months on the 1972-built pair and will be very sorry to see them go, regardless of how old they are.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Markus K on July 28, 2020, 06:26:50 PM
This does not speak for the early scrapping:

The Royal Viking-Veteran-Cruise in April 2021 with BLACK WATCH:

https://www.fredolsencruises.com/group-travel/royal-viking-line-veterans
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Angelgreat on July 29, 2020, 01:05:27 AM
Well according to Fred Olsen, the Black Watch and Boudicca don't leave the fleet until September 2020 when the fleet recieves Amsterdam and Rotterdam and renames them MS Bolette and MS Borealis respectfully, so we still have around a month left to save the vessels!

Here is a link: https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/23248-fred-olsen-buys-amsterdam-and-rotterdam.html
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Kyle Stubbs on July 29, 2020, 01:05:55 AM
Fred Olsen's parent company Bonheur ASA put out a press release on July 15th regarding the purchase of the two vessels from HAL in conjunction with the coming "divestment of two vessels within the current fleet."

https://www.bonheur.no/latest-news1?SelectedRelease=http://publish.ne.cision.com/Release/GetDetail/7CDB812CA7F9D5C5

That in itself doesn't specify which vessels will be divested of, but I suppose some have seen the writing on the wall.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Angelgreat on August 04, 2020, 04:37:44 PM
There's still time to save the vessels.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: old sailor on August 14, 2020, 09:40:04 AM
the fact of the matter - is simple - take a motor car - you buy it - drive it - and eventually sell it - for a newer and or better model - ships are the same - the nostalgic ocean liners of yesterday would be totally out of place or standards in today's cruise market - yes their are exceptions - ie marco polo which i believe is well past 60 in age - we change and adapt our lifestyle to today's market - and the fact that the modern cruise ships attract more passengers because the cruise ships of today are the destination unlike classic passenger ships and ocean liners - where they were traveled on to reach a destination - sad as it is to see the oldies reaching their end - fyi - i am more traditional 
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: rd77 on August 14, 2020, 09:41:47 AM
There's still time to save the vessels.

And who is going to pay for that???
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Clive Harvey on August 14, 2020, 10:14:21 AM
.... and save them for what role? From my own experience I know that it costs a fortune to keep a classic car on the road so keeping a classic ship in operation must be a huge expense - and then you have to attract passengers to it.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: GordonC on August 21, 2020, 06:00:20 PM
Latest marketing email from Fred. Olsen (21 August) informs us that "We would also like to let you know that when we return to the waters in 2021 our new ships Bolette and Borealis will be taking on itineraries sailing from UK ports for sister ships Black Watch and Boudicca, which we plan to retire from our fleet. Both vessels have served us very well over the years and we know they are dearly loved by many of our guests. We will be celebrating their time with us over the coming weeks so please keep an eye on our official Facebook page, where you will be able to share your memories."
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: jimmcquarrie on August 22, 2020, 10:34:55 AM
Have to agree with Clive-Done 2 Black Watch-1 Boudicca ♫time to say goodbye♫
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Angelgreat on August 30, 2020, 09:28:11 PM
Today, the Black Watch and Boudicca have been officially retired from the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines fleet in favor of the Bolette and Borealis. They are also for sale online.

Black Watch: https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1972/cruise-ship-799-passenger-3709079/

Boudicca: https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1973/cruise-ship--853-924-passengers-3709080/
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Angelgreat on September 04, 2020, 05:24:09 PM
The Borealis (ex. Rotterdam) has arrived at Rosyth, Scotland to be handed over to Fred Olsen.

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/23464-borealis-joins-fred-olsen-fleet-in-rosyth.html
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Krispen Atkinson on September 04, 2020, 10:27:26 PM
Just so there is no confusion, she arrived as ROTTERDAM. The renaming (to Borealis) will be undertaken once she is handed over, during her stay at Rosyth.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Bob Scott on September 05, 2020, 12:58:04 AM
Over the past eight years I have spent the equivalent of about six months aboard BLACK WATCH and BOUDICCA and have come to love them both. However, I have not failed to notice the maintenance that these two old ladies need, particularly the sometimes quite intensive measures needed to combat corrosion around the vessels
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Tony Martin on September 05, 2020, 07:43:18 AM
Bob, no need to be concerned, I have sailed on both Rotterdam and Amsterdam in recent times. Believe me they are fantastic ships. Not sure why HAL let them go as I think future cruise passengers will favor smaller ships.   
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Angelgreat on September 06, 2020, 02:25:39 PM
Bob, no need to be concerned, I have sailed on both Rotterdam and Amsterdam in recent times. Believe me they are fantastic ships. Not sure why HAL let them go as I think future cruise passengers will favor smaller ships.   
Carnival Corporation needed money to sustain themselves during the pandemic, so they sold 15 of their ships.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: DoverT on September 25, 2020, 05:11:45 PM
25/09/2020:
"Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has found a buyer for the classic Black Watch and Boudicca ships as the company modernizes its fleet with the addition of the former Rotterdam and Amsterdam from Holland America Line.

The Black Watch and Boudicca will leave the Fred. Olsen fleet with immediate effect, and will not be scrapped, but instead serve as hotel ships.

The ships are believed to be heading to Miray International, according to sources speaking to Cruise Industry News on the condition of anonymity.

The Turkey-based company specializes in ship management and also providing accommodation vessels for large-scale projects. Miray did not return a request for more information.".

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/23554-black-watch-and-boudicca-sold-will-serve-as-hotel-ships.html?fbclid=IwAR1FmTKYeg1YJ-CAi5eR_gOGPDR85YNxC7r4KDHjIxy6Ny5oknIlA87ASdA
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Angelgreat on September 25, 2020, 05:17:33 PM
25/09/2020:
"Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has found a buyer for the classic Black Watch and Boudicca ships as the company modernizes its fleet with the addition of the former Rotterdam and Amsterdam from Holland America Line.

The Black Watch and Boudicca will leave the Fred. Olsen fleet with immediate effect, and will not be scrapped, but instead serve as hotel ships.

The ships are believed to be heading to Miray International, according to sources speaking to Cruise Industry News on the condition of anonymity.

The Turkey-based company specializes in ship management and also providing accommodation vessels for large-scale projects. Miray did not return a request for more information.".

https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/23554-black-watch-and-boudicca-sold-will-serve-as-hotel-ships.html?fbclid=IwAR1FmTKYeg1YJ-CAi5eR_gOGPDR85YNxC7r4KDHjIxy6Ny5oknIlA87ASdA


It's nice that there's a buyer for Black Watch and Boudicca that will save them as floating hotels, after all they're still classical vessels. It's sad that the Sovereign class and the Fantasy class didn't get to be preserved the same way that the Fred Olsen vessels will be preserved, they ended up on the beaches of Aliaga where they were turned to metal scrap.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Richard Paton on September 28, 2020, 04:46:49 PM
I'd take the news on the Boudicca & Black Watch being accomodation vessels with a massive pinch of salt - it looks to me like a smokescreen until they hit the beach but time will tell.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Angelgreat on September 28, 2020, 04:48:49 PM
I'd take the news on the Boudicca & Black Watch being accomodation vessels with a massive pinch of salt - it looks to me like a smokescreen until they hit the beach but time will tell.

We just have to wait and see.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Clive Harvey on September 28, 2020, 05:07:17 PM
I'd take the news on the Boudicca & Black Watch being accomodation vessels with a massive pinch of salt - it looks to me like a smokescreen until they hit the beach but time will tell.

We just have to wait and see.

As it was reported that they were both being stripped of all useful items, including teak decking, the idea of them being used as accommodation vessels does seem unlikely.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: rene2805 on September 28, 2020, 05:33:33 PM
Boudicca today left the port of Rosyth in Scotland.
Her AIS says she is on her way to Tuzla Turkey.
Reported ETA is october 9
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: DoverT on October 09, 2020, 07:05:27 AM
Third of the trio now gone

Albatros (ex Royal Viking Sea) Has also been sold. Allegedly "to Egyptian Pick Albatros Group and will use it in the future as a hotel and event ship in the Red Sea."
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Angelgreat on October 13, 2020, 06:18:19 PM
Any discussion on Phoenix Reisen's Albatros is to be done in the topic I have linked instead. http://forum.shipspotting.com/index.php/topic,17027.0.html
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: David Walker on October 15, 2020, 11:25:12 AM
Third of the trio now gone

Albatros (ex Royal Viking Sea) Has also been sold. Allegedly "to Egyptian Pick Albatros Group and will use it in the future as a hotel and event ship in the Red Sea."

Sorry to see her go, she was an infrequent regular into Torbay in recent years, always looked nice against the Devon coast :)
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Patrick Hill on October 21, 2020, 08:00:37 PM
Black Watch has sailed from Rosyth bound for Tuzla.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: davidships on January 05, 2021, 12:10:46 PM
Any word on BLACK WATCH or BOUDICCA since they arrived at Pendik Shipyard in November (AIS apparently turned off soon after arrival)?  I suppose modifications for Miray Interntional under way.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: ftakma on January 06, 2021, 07:11:06 AM
I was there two days ago. So far, nothing new.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: blodders on March 18, 2021, 09:01:12 PM
Black Watch and Bouddica are sold to the breakers in Aliaga.
the marco polo now is for scrap another great ship from yesteryear
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Angelgreat on March 18, 2021, 09:23:45 PM
Black Watch and Bouddica are sold to the breakers in Aliaga.
the marco polo now is for scrap another great ship from yesteryear


The Black Watch and Boudicca alongside Albatross are currently accommodation vessels at Tuzla, Turkey.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: DoverT on April 16, 2022, 04:19:26 PM
BLACK WATCH renamed ODIN and has sailed (Own Power?) to Yalova Anchorage!

Beach or not?

Rgds
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: citroncore on April 17, 2022, 02:36:21 PM
She now leave the anchorage bound for SUEZ with an ETA of 20/04/22.

So looks like an Indian beach awaits.

Will follow with interest.
Title: Re: Fred Olsen Cruises disposals
Post by: Bob Scott on April 17, 2022, 06:56:16 PM
AIS shows destination as Dubai