Cruise was 5 nights from Rosyth to Orkney and Shetland then back again. Went with friends so a party of 4. First cruise for our friends who wanted a short one to see how they liked it and asked us to accompany them and "show them the ropes" (this was our 4th cruise with Fred. As usual the cabin, staff, service and facilities were excellent and our friends were very happy - the food in particular impressed them.

Overall we all enjoyed the cruise, the food especially, well up to standards and [our] previous experience. Only niggles were at embarking at Rosyth - no facilities for disabled or people with special needs e.g. wheelchairs as at an airport. However Fred staff were great and fast-tracked my party (with 2 disabled) through when asked about this.

Disembarking from ship was unusually slow and tedious allegedly due to high tide creating a steep gangway. However once again when we enquired Fred staff were apologetic and we were fast-tracked off the ship as were other disadvantaged folk. I suspect these niggles are mainly to do with the port and not Fred as Rosyth is not used much by cruise ships (maybe Fred only?) and perhaps the port considers it not worth upgrading - although legally it may be on shaky ground. Read more