Cruise passengers in the East of England are welcoming the news that Ipswich-based cruise operator Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will be launching its first season of ex-UK cruises aboard Black Watch from Harwich, in Essex, starting in spring/summer 2013. 
Black Watch will be offering three cruises from Harwich International Port 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 three to 17 nights. 
Paul Davey, Head of Corporate Affairs at Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, owners of Harwich International Port, said: 
“We are delighted that Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has decided to commence turnaround calls at Harwich International Port after such successful visits by Black Watch in 2010, and Balmoral in 2011.  
“Harwich International Port has developed over a number of years 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 will surely see the Port rapidly gain popularity with them.” 
Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director 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.”
The inaugural sailing from Harwich International Port will be a 14-night cruise to the Baltic, departing from Harwich on 7th May 2013.