Brian Claridge and his family check out the delights of cruising around the Western Med on the Black Watch

Built in 1972, Black Watch has cruised to many corners of the world during her illustrious career. This year, for example, she has voyaged to South America, the Canary Islands, Baltic, Norway, Spitsbergen, Iceland and Greenland - to name but a few of her exciting destinations. My wife and I settled for a 13-night Western Med cruise, which fitted in with our children's school holidays.

After an extensive refit and refurbishment programme, the ship has been given a new lease of life, with new engines, more balcony suites and many improvements throughout.

We booked two Outside Cabins on Main Deck, one for my wife and I and the other for our sons, aged 11 and 18.

The accommodation was basic, but adequate for our needs. Each cabin featured two single beds, bathroom with bathtub/shower, hairdryer and satellite television.

After unpacking, we went on deck to watch Black Watch prepare to leave Dover and took part in the compulsory lifeboat drill.

We had two days at sea to relax and take advantage of the ship's facilities before our next port of call. There are plenty of activities throughout the cruise, if you want to participate. These include guest lecturers, deck sports, dance classes, quizzes, bingo, golf lessons, health and beauty classes, etc.

Guest lecturers on our cruise included Kris Hird, ex-footman to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother; also author and defence expert, Dr Saul Kelly. When you've had enough sunbathing, you can cool off in the main swimming pool on the lounge deck, or in the "plunge" pool on the marquee deck. There are also several Jacuzzis and SwimEx Pools where you can swim against the current by pressing a button. It's great exercise and enormous fun.

All activities are listed in the ship's bulletin, The Daily Times, including time zone changes and dress code guidelines for each night (formal, informal or casual).

Black Watch offers an impressive range of dining facilities. You can start the day with a full English breakfast in the main restaurant, the Glentanar, or in the Garden Caf, a brasserie-style caf. Lunch can be al fresco at the poolside Lido, in the Marquee Grill, or with waiter service in the restaurants. The quality and selection of food was excellent, and wine and other drinks in the restaurants and bars are reasonably priced.

Nightly entertainment on Black Watch takes place in the Neptune Lounge. The standard of entertainment is good, with performances taking place at 8.45pm and 10.30pm to allow passengers on first and second dinner sittings to see the show without rushing to finish their meal.

Facilities on board include a gift shop selling a wide range of duty free products, a port shop which stocks essentials like camera film, sun cream and toiletries; a beauty salon and spa; fitness centre, casino, Internet centre, library/card room and Marina Theatre where you can see all the latest blockbusters.

Our cruise from Dover called at Cadiz, Mahon, Sete, Barcelona, Malaga and Guernsey. You can book shore tours, which are fairly pricey, or do your own thing. We booked a few tours and also went ashore on our own to do some sightseeing and buy some souvenirs.

Our overall impression of Black Watch was very good. Most of the passengers I spoke to during the cruise remarked on the friendliness of the ship's officers and crew and the excellent service. On the last night, the Black Watch singers, dancers and entertainers invited passengers to link hands for a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne - the perfect finale to a memorable cruise covering 4,121 nautical miles.

FACT BOX Black Watch are operating two Western Med cruises next year in May and August. Other destinations include Africa, Canary Islands, Adriatic, Norway, Baltic, Lapland, Morocco and North America. To book, or for further information call Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines on 01473 742424