Black Watch
The MS Black Watch, a Royal Viking Star-class cruise ship, began its service with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines on 15 November 1996. The ship has a rich history, having been built by Wärtsilä Helsinki Shipyard, Finland for the Royal Viking Line as the Royal Viking Star and entering service in 1972 as the line’s first ship.
Throughout its lifetime, the MS Black Watch has sailed under different names for various cruise lines, including Norwegian Cruise Lines as the Westward and Royal Cruise Line as the Star Odyssey.
In a significant announcement on 21 August 2020, Fred. Olsen revealed that the MS Black Watch was sold to serve as an accommodation ship for workers. This decision came amidst changes in the cruise industry and the need to repurpose vessels in response to evolving demands.
However, as of June 18, 2022, the MS Black Watch has been beached for scrapping as the Odin at the Alang shipbreaking yard in India. This marks the end of an era for the vessel, which has seen various iterations and provided countless memorable experiences for passengers over the years.
Notably, the MS Black Watch holds a unique position as the last surviving ship of the original Royal Viking Line trio, following the scrapping of its original sister ships. This fact underscores the historical significance of the vessel and its enduring legacy within the cruise industry.
While its physical presence may come to an end, the memories and stories created on board will continue to live on in the hearts of those who experienced the magic of sailing aboard this iconic ship.