I wish I’d seen several of the recent comments before I booked on Black Watch. There is so little to merit this ship apart from a very loyal and overworked crew. I have no idea why it has such an apparently loyal following from passengers, although maybe I will when I’m in my 80s which seemed to be the average age on board!
The itinerary seemed good when I booked but we spent the minimum amount of time in several ports which seemed to be to save money rather than give passengers a real chance of seeing anywhere. They then sailed slowly to the next port to save money on fuel I guess? I wasn’t the only one who felt this!
The food is only just above average unless you like traditional bland food. The fixed dining is out of date – we were allocated the 8.30 sitting which is far too late and the earlier sitting would have been too early! Thankfully they do have a café style restaurant Brigadoon which was generally very good and rarely crowded in the evening. It was packed by day especially as this is the only place to get afternoon tea!
See above. The cabin layout is good and the bathroom better than on many cruise ships although the water supply to the shower was pitiful.
As stated the aircon was set far too high and as it was on maximum cool, we couldn’t adjust it.
Our cabin staff was a new member so didn’t want to engage in conversation much. She was efficient but I saw no signs of her being monitored by senior staff. We didn’t get a review form at the end which may have been down to her lack of experience.
very good clean and bright city with interesting historic district right next to the ship. we walked to the tower of Hercules lighthouse which was a good walk (c2km each way) taking in the coastline and other attractions on the way. We were told about the cruises4you independent tour for c17 Euros for 2 hours who met the ship which would have been a good option if you didn't want to walk.
This is the port where we lost half a day due to Fred seemingly being unwilling to pay for us to dock earlier. Being very close to the capital of Tenerife was excellent including seeing the Carnival which was well worth it. It is mainly an event for the locals which was good to see. Why were Black Watch the only ship in port on the day?! Well done to Fred for this.
The next day we walked around the town starting with the large concert hall close to the sea which has an excellent open air café / restaurant facing the swimming complex and Palmetum. We then walked up hill to the shopping centre with a large El Cortes Ingles department store which is good value for Brits! Back through the excellent traditional market and some of the old town.