Vision of the seas is one of Royal Caribbean's older ships (1998) and is due to be fully refitted next year 2013. The ship whilst small by today's standards has a very light, open and airy feel about it and whilst it may not have the expanse of facilities of the larger ships it is laid out in a pleasing manner.

Priority check-in had us quickly through the small queue (it was 11:30) unfortunately, the Royal Caribbean check in lady we used was probably the most unfriendly Royal Caribbean employee we have ever come across and definitely should not be in a customer facing job. We checked in and went on board without further incident and proceeded to the pool deck and had some lunch -- food will be reviewed later. Our room was ready at 1pm and our stateroom attendant Carlos was superb -- crew reviews will be later.

The itinerary had to be changed at the last minute (owing to a Pilot strike in Portugal) and whilst disappointing the alternative was interesting; the revised itinerary was Southampton, Gijón, Vigo, La Coruna, The Azores and Fort Lauderdale. Read more