Arrived at Southampton Port by car, per-booked parking in the port very near the ship and we were on the ship in record time. Te new online check in works great and they have designated time slots, when you arrive the staff use mobile scanners to check you in, so simple without the need to go to any check in desk.

The ship itself is very high tech, with all I-pad type screens all over the ship for reservations and booking, you can also download the app for your phone or tablet, connected to the ships WI-fi. When this works is actually very good, but unfortunately the system constantly crashes and even the staff are unable to override this and advise you to try later. Word of warning everything on this ship needs to be booked through the system, including restaurants, activities and shows. We were unable to experience the Northern Star, it was busy with over 1 hours wait, other times it was booked out to private parties .The Flow rider was easy to get a go with no waiting time due to the colder weather. The shows were full to capacity even though it was the same show for the 3 nights! Although we per-booked the show on the 2nd night,we were unable to get seats as it was full. There was inadequacy entertainment for a large ship, no Dream Works or Grand Parade Royal Caribbean are renowned for.

On the 3 day Cruise most people seem to have the drinks package, this resulting in all the bars being full every night and takes forever to get served a drink. They do need more staff for sure, in the bars and restaurants. They were clearly unable to serve such a high demand of British boozers on the "all inclusive" package. Read more