For us this cruise was absolutely perfect - we feel like we have been on holiday with a few hundred friends both fellow passengers and crew who were, without exception, extremely friendly. Leaving from Newcastle was very easy with lots of help with baggage at Port of Tyne from cheery porters. Black Watch is an elderly ship but was lovely - high standards, very clean and comfortable with a very happy crew that is clearly well managed by the excellent Captain, Jozo Glavic, and his team.
The food, activities, lectures and entertainment were all first class - we had no complaints at all. and felt that there was something for everyone on board whatever their likes/interests.
The itinerary for this trip was wonderful and full credit to Fred Olsen for this. The Captain stayed close to land throughout Norway, pretty much following the Hurtigruten route which was an unexpected bonus. The ports of call were all interesting and the Captain also took us to the Svartisen Glacier, into the narrow Trollfjord and also to see North Cape from the sea. We thoroughly enjoyed our excursions, particularly to Grip Island and Strandafjellet Viewpoint - Nusfjord on Lofoten was good too but we would have like more time there. We have visited Tromso before and it was excellent to have a good amount of free time there - we used the local service bus to go to the cable car (public transport is easy in Norway with drivers speaking English which helps - you may have to purchase ticket from local shop before boarding, tourist information office will always advise and printout timetables for you).
Cabin was fine and comfortable with everything we needed L shaped beds, shower room - no noise from adjoining cabins. We didn't actually spend much time in the cabin!