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BREAKING: Black Watch Cruise Ship Embarks on Final Journey

Vessel Departs from Liverpool for Scrapping in Turkey

Demolition to Begin in Aliaga Shipyard

The Black Watch cruise ship has embarked on its final journey, departing from Liverpool on Tuesday morning bound for the scrapyard in Turkey. The vessel, which was built in 1972 and has sailed for several cruise lines over the years, is scheduled to arrive in Aliaga on Friday, where it will be dismantled and recycled.

The Black Watch has a long and storied history, having operated under the names Royal Viking Star, Sun Viking, and Black Prince at various points in its career. The ship has hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret.

In recent years, the Black Watch has been operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, which announced in October 2021 that the ship would be retired and scrapped due to its age and the high cost of ongoing maintenance. Fred. Olsen has since sold the vessel to a Turkish scrapyard for an undisclosed price.

The demolition of the Black Watch is expected to take several weeks and will involve the removal of asbestos and other hazardous materials. The ship's hull will then be cut into sections and recycled into scrap metal.

The scrapping of the Black Watch marks the end of an era for cruise ship enthusiasts. The ship was one of the last remaining vessels of its kind, and its demise is a reminder of the changing face of the cruise industry.

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