Despite all the jet lag, we feel extremely blessed to have been on this cruise! We flew into LHR and had self-booked a National Express bus to Southampton (you can change itinerary for 10 English pounds-a hefty price), nice service, and a good time to take a nap. Next, we walked to our B&B (Argyle House: small rooms, hallway bathroom that no-one seemed to share, fantastic English breakfast) and then took a stroll to a local pub for some draught beer and meat pie with peas and chips. We had thought about buying champagne in UK to bring aboard since we almost never check luggage (really!), but with the UK prices we decided against it. Cabs around town in Southampton will cost you around 10-15 pounds.

The embarkation was remarkable. We booked concierge for the first time (usually we stay in veranda), and we were placed ahead of every line that had formed. We must have been checked in within 10 minutes. We waited to board since it was still so early and once that process was started it all went quickly. We arrived to a bottle of Celebrity label vineyards sparkling wine, and it was good enough we asked for another bottle - at $28, very reasonable.

Unfortunately, after a full English breakfast we weren't hungry at all and by the time we did want to eat, everyone made a run for it. The Ocean View Cafe can get very busy and the drink stations /crazy/ -on such a modern ship an awful design. Read more