Fred's cruises offer a lot of what I want, selection of ports from UK, friendly small ships with interesting itineries. This was a well paced cruise, with overnight in the three ports, Hamburg, Copenhagen and Oslo. The selection of tours was comprehensive, if expensive.

However, the only reason I have a suite is to get what is usual on other ships, ie a fridge and balcony! Fred is no cheaper than other newer ships, and the time has come to invest in new ships. Although on the surface to passengers they look reasonably attractive and clean and cheerful, behind the scenes, the air con doesn't work effectively, the plumbing is past its sell by date, having to be switched off for a couple of hours for maintenance, there is a constant smell of fuel in various places, and the communication is dreadful. To make people pay for an Internet connection which rarely works, and is only available in certain parts of the ship, when it is supposedly working, is unforgivable in the 21st century. The televisions are small and old, and the variety of programmes are small, the satellite off for more times that it is on. With the Norovirus being a problem for all cruise ships, I would hate to be trapped in my cabin, with such limitations. It is also very annoying with constant major maintenance taking place during all of the cruise.

Fred has a very loyal following, but they are all getting very old, and will eventually change into a younger group, who will not put up with such antiquated ships. Fred has a good niche programme to offer, just get newer ships please.