We were on IOS sailing on 6thMarch2012 to Spain&Canaries,we had done this same itinerary last March.We were informed by email followed up by a phonecall from Virgin travel (who we booked with)about the later embarkation due to thorough deep clean of ship.We travelled by train to Southampton and were surprised to find a very helpful man who was to take our luggage to the ship so we could then have a wander around shops&have some lunch.We then made our way to the ship courtesy of shuttle bus to start embarkation.

It didn't take too long to get people onboard and we made our way to our stateroom to find luggage already there.After unpacking we made our way to muster station for lifeboat drill.This was carried out professionally and as quickly as was possible.We went back inside to change for dinner,we ate in Macbethh dining room 6pm sitting.We had a table for 6 people which was great as it gave us chance to chat without having the feeling someone was being neglected.Our waiters were Hilal and Carlos who were most attentive,Hilal taking our christian names and using them for the rest of our cruise.The food was of very good quality,and if you chose something you didn't like Hilal would let you select another choice.The desserts were to die for,some night's our dining companion's had two!

We had breakfast in our stateroom everyday bar the last one,this arrived usually on the dot of our time slot and was always hot. Read more