Southampton gets gridlocked at busy times. Allow plenty of time to get through. I find it embarrassing that visitors might see this as their first experience of Britain. Considering the amount of money that cruising must bring to Southampton, they should do something about it.
We parked with Purple parking (half the cost of P&O) and they were superb. You phone them when you are 20 minutes away (that's about 100 yards in Southampton!). They tell you to drop off your cases and go to the short stay car park. You cannot miss this. You phone again and they were with me in 20 seconds. Departure was even smoother. they even give you �£2 for the car parking.
Embarkation was brilliant. They give you a card with a letter on. You sit and relax until your letter is called and then go straight through. No long snaking queues.
E734Right at the back overlooking the stern. I thought about complaining when we were given it but we loved it. Balcony was enclosed but with the sun being low in the sky in the mornings and evenings we got a fair bit of sun and did some sun bathing. Some brilliant sunsets. If I was a bit more competent, I would add a photo. It was light until after midnight in the far north. Large balcony and very private. Cabin size OK. Bathroom, especially the shower, was small - but OK. Lovely and clean. Every time you left the room the steward seemed to clean the room, make the bed and leave clean towels. You got reluctant to touch the towels as they would be replaced. Where was he hiding to know you had left the room?