We booked this Cruise fairly early as a "Ruby Wedding Anniversary" present. As part of the booking there was a free flight from Glasgow to Southampton.
The flight down was straightforward, though there was a long delay in our suitcases being delivered to the carousel. This seems to be the "norm" at Southampton and can surely be rectified by better planning.
Transfer to the docks was by bus and took no time. A little confusion on where to go next was even more alarming on entering a large area that can be described as a "Hanger". There were queues of people stretching from a large desk to the back of the "room". However, we were led to a queue that had few people and had our papers very quickly processed, photo taken and "Seapass" issued. So straight to our stateroom on Deck 8 Cabin 350. A quick look round to establish where everything was and then a first visit to the "Windjammer/Jade" Buffet. As expected it was busy, but the lay out of the tables around the stern of the ship and of the Buffet serving areas, combined with quick clearance of tables by staff, meant little waiting.
8350, on Starboard, cabin with balcony and was as expected. Adequate in size, with plenty of hanging and drawer space for clothes. Balcony had room for two chairs and table. The shower was better than encountered in other ships and most hotels.Leroy, our Attendant, was so discreet, though there when needed, in keeping our stateroom well maintained and clean, supplying clean towels almost at every time he was tidying or at "turndown".