Around the World in 106 Days

Curious travelers with eyes set on a world cruise may want to sign up for a voyage that celebrates the spirit of British explorers in a unique way. When Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' m/s Black Watch departs Southampton on January 5, 2004 she will call at many isles and continents that were explored, settled or founded by intrepid Brits with a thirst for adventure.

Take the World Cruise port of Nuku'Alofa, Tonga for instance. Tonga's 171-strong archipelago scattered across some 250,000 square miles of ocean were dubbed the "friendly isles" by Captain James Cook, the 18th Century Pacific Explorer who circumnavigated the Globe and added new lands to the British Crown.

Captain Cook's trail
Captain Cook's explorations extended to New Zealand and Australia, as does the World Cruise itinerary. Shore excursion guides in Auckland recount how British settlers on a Maori site founded the city in 1840. But Sydney had a less auspicious start. One can only image what life was like for inhabitants of "the Rocks", the original British penal colony. Nowadays the area's former warehouses and Victorian buildings have been converted into smart restaurants and boutiques and world class shopping malls. And Sydney's Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens are reminiscent of their counterparts in London.

Black Watch also calls at Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, a dazzling archipelago of over 50 beach-fringed islands and cays and a favorite haunt of pirates. Tortola is yet another piece of Britain, complete with right-hand driving, High Teas and exemplary manners. When passengers tour Durban and Cape Town in South Africa, they will learn how Brits shared culture and tradition with Afrikaans, Zulu and Indians in a land framed by inspiring scenery.

In addition to British lore and legend the Around the World cruise will find a kaleidoscope of impressions and scenes from the mesmerizing colors and cultures of Polynesia to the heady magic of Africa.

The Routing
Black Watch departs Southampton on January 5 and returns April 19. From England, she cruises to Tenerife and then transatlantic to the Caribbean and transits South America at the Panama Canal. The Marquesas, French Polynesia, Tahiti and Western Samoa lie ahead. And there's a "Lost Day" at sea when Black Watch crosses the International Date Line on Feb 16. Calls at Tonga, Fiji, New Zealand, Australia and Tasmania offer a breathtaking experience of Pacific islands and the lands "Down Under". Mauritius and Renunion precede the journey to South Africa (Durban, E. London, Cape Town) before the ship heads north for Namibia and The Ivory Coast. Black Watch visits Senegal before a refreshing cruise through the Canary Islands and the journey homeward.

Formerly the Royal Viking Star, Black Watch was custom built for world cruising. Passengers praise both her spacious cabins with voluminous storage space and her gracious and abundant public space that create a roomy environment. Yet her small size, 761 passengers, assures intimacy. Sought after for its smaller ships, unusual itineraries and British clientele, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is legendary for its high level of service, fine cuisine, out of the ordinary shore excursions and novel on board activities.

Lots to do
Black Watch passengers will be at ease. Fellow travelers speak the Queen's English and activities are plentiful. One may attend educational and lively lecturers, hone one's golf skills (using practice nets and putting greens), take up ballroom dancing, exercise classes, arts and crafts, bridge and a host of European-style games (such as carpet boules, a variation on the court game) that enrich and entertain. The Steiner Spa, Internet Center, club like library, sweeping lounges, casino, swimming pool and the luxuriously wide promenade are also popular.

Published rates for the 106-day cruise range from $20,320- $56,890 per person based on double occupancy and include port charges. These rates may be discounted up to 50%. For those seeking a partial voyage, segments are available. Air/cruise packages from select US gateways are available in conjunction with the World Cruise on Fred. Olsen.

For details visit Fred. Olsen Cruise Line's web site: www.fredolsencruises.co.uk. Browsers will also find deck plans, "virtual" ship tours, rates and other worldwide itineraries including the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Norway, Scandinavia, Spitsbergen & Iceland, Baltic, Caribbean and Canaries.

For brochures and reservations call: 800 843 0602.