This was our second Celebrity cruise, having previously had a week on the Solstice in the Caribbean. That was impressive and relaxing. This time, it was two weeks around the Mediterranean. Two weeks is long time on a boat you might think but luckily we enjoy the opportunity to do nothing. This cruise attracted a much older demographic (I'm mid 30's) and don't underestimate what that means, although it's beyond the control of Celebrity.

So, the basics. We embarked at Southampton. Really smooth operation. Cases taken in the car park and the terminal is literally across the street. Check in was a breeze (make sure you setup everything online) and we perhaps waited 20mins in the lounge until we were allowed on. So by 12.30pm we were across the gangplank.

For cruises novices (some in our party were) the 'going aboard' process is a little chaotic. Celebrity offer you a glass of fizz and then you're allowed throughout the ship. But there is often a bottle neck and alot of confusion about where to go. We knew the layout of the boat, so headed aft for the elevators. I find it's best to go topside as quick as possible and if you can find a corner for lunch in the buffet, even better. Read more