UK: Harwich International Port Celebrates Additional Calls in 2013

Harwich International Port is celebrating following the announcement that Ipswich-based Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will commence calls from the Essex port in 2013, with 804-guest Black Watch making four turnaround visits in May and June 2013.

Paul Davey, Head of Corporate Affairs at Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, which owns Harwich International Port, said:

“We are thrilled that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has decided to commence turnaround calls at Harwich International Port after the successful visit by Black Watch in 2010, and Balmoral in 2011. The port has developed into one of the UK’s leading cruise ports, and we look forward to working with Fred. Olsen to offer its guests the highest quality facilities and customer service, which we are sure will rapidly earn Harwich a place in their esteem.”

Black Watch will be offering three cruises from Harwich in May 2013, to the Baltic, Norway and Lapland – through the Gulf of Bothnia – and a mini-cruise in June 2013. The cruises will range in length from 3 to 14 nights.

Matt Grimes, Director of Planning for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“Harwich International Port has long been on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ radar as a turnaround port following a series of successful transit calls in recent years. Its direct rail connections from London – whereby guests alight right next to the Cruise Terminal – make this an extremely easy port to access.

“The addition of this new regional departure port means that Fred. Olsen is able to operate a vessel within only 100 miles of over 90% of the UK population, which will enhance further our reputation as the UK’s local cruise line with a global choice of itineraries.”

Black Watch is no stranger to Harwich, and welcomed a delegation of local VIPs on board when she made her inaugural call at the Port in August 2010, as part of an ‘Around UK’ cruise. The local dignitaries visiting Black Watch included the Mayor of Harwich and regional trade and tourism bodies, such as the Haven Gateway Partnership.

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World Maritime News Staff, December 14, 2011; Image: Harwich