Now that we are into spring it’s time to get ready for an exciting sporting event coming this May. The Monaco Grand Prix was first held on April 14th 1929; an idea founded by President Anthony Noghes in an attempt to create a major car rally in this small nation.
The very first winner of the Grand Prix was William Grover-Williams who went on to win six more championships before his retirement in 1936. Since then, the world of Grand Prix has been flooded with famous names like Schumacher, Senna, Prost, Fangio and Graham Hill amongst others.
Presently, 16 competitors are getting ready for the race of 78 laps. This internationally renowned event is being offered as part of a themed cruise by Fred. Olsen.
THE BLACK WATCH SAILING
The ‘Sun, Sea & Monaco Grand Prix’ cruise will depart from Dover on the 21st of May aboard the Black Watch. This cruise is sure to be the dream and envy of every Formula One fan who has never had the opportunity of experiencing an event this grand.
The ship will sail through the various locations of the Grand Prix route. See exotic Mediterranean delights such as Gibraltar, Cannes, Nice, Barcelona and Alicante. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Fred. Olsen is also offering two exciting tour packages that will enhance your holiday even further. The packages will offer fantastic views of the race. The first package is Grandstand K, which stretches out from the Tabac to the Swimming Pool. The package also comes with tickets to the upper section, offering a complete panoramic view of the race.
The second package Grandstand T is located around Monaco Harbour and offers a view of the Straight Section. It also comes with a view of the pits, allowing you to see some of the “behind the scenes” maintenance of these amazing cars.
Nathan Philpot, Sales & Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:
“This cruise highlights our commitment and focus on bringing our guests closer to the world’s best attractions and finest destinations. We have made this experience really easy, with ready-made shore tour packages, meaning that our guests can be present at one of the sporting world’s most renowned and spectacular events.”
Ports of Call
Gibraltar
The first port of call will allow you to interact with its famous Barbary apes. There are duty-free shopping opportunities galore and you can use sterling! Enjoy the impressive flora and fauna of the Gibraltar Botanic Gardens or board a cable car to stand on top of the ‘rock’ for breathtaking views of nearby Morocco across the narrow strait
Barcelona
Barcelona is captivated by so many landmark Modernists features created by Gaudi including the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Along each turn; history unfolds itself whilst caressing the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the mountains on the other. Museums, parks and Las Ramblas add to the jam-packed Bohemian flavour of Barcelona.
Cannes
Stroll along the famous palm-lined boulevard ‘La Croisette’ which has been used as a backdrop in many a film. Cannes is synonymous with fascination since so many have walked the red carpet during its prominent film festival. The city contains chic beaches, luxury boutiques and casinos, museums and glorious sunshine!
Nice
Known as ‘The Queen of the Riviera’ the ship will remain in Nice overnight. An optional shore excursion has been arranged to Monaco to view the famous street circuit Grand Prix on race day. There is plenty of time to view points of interest on the French Rivera such as the Italian Baroque Church of Saint Giaume or the Musee Matisse.
Alicante
The Black Watch makes a return to Spain at its penultimate stop. Here, visitors can relax on the sandy beaches of Play San Juan or visit the MARQ (Archaeological Museum of Alicante) or even gain views of the surrounding city and mountain on top of Santa Barbara Castle.
Malaga
The final call is in Malaga, the birth place of Picasso. The best thing to do here is to book some private tours which could include the Alhambra Palace in Granada or the stunningly beautiful rural areas of Andalucía.
ABOUT THE BLACK WATCH
The Black Watch was built in Finland on June 26th, 1972 as the Royal Viking Star. It was acquired by Norwegian Cruise Line in 1992 and was sold to Fred. Olsen in October 1996. Ninety percent of her cabins are outside. The mid-size ship holds 807 passengers and has been refurbished and maintained to meet the standards you would expect from Fred. Olsen.
For those that aren’t Formula 1 fans, the Black Watch has more than enough entertainment opportunities to keep you busy. The shows at the Neptune Lounge consist of variety acts every night. At lunch time, there is light piano music at the Lido Lounge, perfect for relaxing. There is also a unique movie a day screened at the Marina Theatre.
Activities include British style sports such as carpet boules and darts as well as traditional games including bingo and bridge. For those that are looking for some fun, dance classes are available, teaching you everything from the waltz to the cha-cha.
For more information on this cruise click here
Written by Veronica Shine
