The MS Black Watch is a former Royal Viking Star-class cruise ship with a notable history spanning five decades. Originally built by Wärtsilä Helsinki Shipyard in Finland, she was launched in 1971 and entered service in 1972 as the Royal Viking Star, marking the debut vessel of Royal Viking Line. The ship exemplifies luxury cruising, being among the top tier of its time, alongside other prestigious vessels like Sagafjord and Vistafjord. Constructed as a purpose-built luxury cruise ship, she was part of a trio that included the Royal Viking Sky and Royal Viking Sea, all designed to offer high-end global cruises. In 1981, she was lengthened by approximately 27.77 meters (91 feet 1 inch) at Seebeckwerft in Bremerhaven, Germany, to improve her capacity and amenities. Throughout her service, the vessel underwent several ownership and name changes, reflecting her evolving role in the cruise industry. In 1991, she was transferred to Norwegian Cruise Line and renamed Westward, serving routes from New York to Bermuda and the Caribbean. By 1994, she was acquired by Royal Cruise Line, renamed Star Odyssey, and cruised the Mediterranean. In 1996, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines purchased her, rebranding her as Black Watch, a traditional name within their fleet. She served with Fred. Olsen until her decommissioning, with notable incidents including engine problems in 1997, a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in 2007, and a norovirus outbreak in 2013. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she was affected in 2020, with eight crew members testing positive. Her final days saw her sold for use as accommodation ships, and she was last beached at Alang, India, in June 2022 for scrapping. As the last surviving vessel of her original Royal Viking Line trio, she holds a significant place in maritime history as a symbol of luxury cruising from the early 1970s through the 2000s.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.