We booked our holiday over a year ago for a birthday celebration, we looked forward to our holiday and over the months read reviews on our particular cruise, and I must say they were very mixed so we were a little bit concerned, however as it turns out we had nothing to worry about at all.

We left the north east and were transferred to Southampton via inter cruise coaches the coach was great very spacious and comfortable arrived after 6 hours, which we thought very quick, after 30 mins at terminal we were standing on our balcony, fantastic minus luggage though that was transported to us by cruise line shortly after - no carrying of luggage which my husband appreciated - 4 cases - after all no luggage allowance so why not!!!

We left Southampton in good weather but that soon changed after a couple of hours, apparently there were 79 mile per hour winds, the ship did roll a bit but we were both fine took travel pills just in case. the captain said that 2 ships did not leave Southampton because of weather but as Independence is so large and can go quickly he did exactly that and we missed worst of bad weather. Read more