We planned this trip in Mar/2006. We sold our family farm, decided to go on a trip with my mother, 2 brothers, their wives, sister and her husband. My husband could not miss work(we had already been on a cruise in Jan.) We arrived in London 3 days early. Took the Gatwick Express from the airport to Victoria Station. (4 for 2) Cost was 28GBP($8usd each) for 4 of us. Great way to get to London from LGW. Took taxi at Victoria to Hilton Trafalgar.

Trafalgar Hilton was very modern, great staff. Dinner was included in price, great food. We had the Tenderloin, Fish. The inc breakfast for 15gbp was a little over rated. Better to go the to local coffee houses for a less expensive breakfast. I thought for a London hotel it was great. AIR CONDITIONING!! (would stay again) We were within walking distance of everything. Walked to Buckingham Palace through St James Park at 9:00pm. Very few people out walking. Great time to see the Palace, square. 2nd day we took the hop-on red bus tour. I think these are the best way to see a area. Short but sweet. We got of for the changing of the guard. (wouldn't do that again) too many people, had a hard time seeing the guards. Hopped back on bus went to Tower of London. This was great (my last time in London I didn't get to see), The history is truly amazing. We ate lunch at the shop in the tower, has a nice turkey sandwich, drink for $9.00. We took the river tour (included in bus ticket)back to London eye, walked across the foot bridge, took time going back to Hotel. Enjoyed the sight along the way.

We had booked a small van to take us to the port. (Travel Bound) Traffic was a little heavy(Sat morning, everyone going to the shore?) We arrived at 1:00 pm. When we got to the port Princess baggage handlers were very quick to take our luggage, we went to check in. Our tickets had a express check in sticker on them. This didn't mean anything. We still had to wait in line. After clearing security we on the ship! This was a first cruise for my brothers and their wives, watching their faces was great. In planning I sent them all kinds of information (which they did not read) We separated to find our cabins. My sister and I had adjoining cabins on the Aloha deck, very back of ship we could walk out on balcony or go out door and be on the back deck! We loved being by the back deck. Spent a lot of time sitting on those lounge chairs. Brother were on other side of ship on the same deck. Walked around to get the lay of the ship. Had a bite at the Horizon court. We were a disappointed at the buffet. Food reminded me of leftovers. Not a great selection, cold, although the salad was fresh, not a lot of toppings. We ate in the Traviata Restaurant most of the time. We had the best waitress(Natalia)Our asst waiter had our drinks waiting for us every night when we arrived in the dining room. The food at Cafe' Corniche was great. Pizza, salads, tiramisu was the best.(my sister ate 2 a day, 1 at midnite) The Riviera Grill for a hamburger was okay, ice cream sundaes were good but too pricey($4). Just wait and have ice cream in dining room. Read more