We arrived at Southampton just after 2.15 (the instructions had said to arrive after 2pm for easier boarding. That was a mistake as we arrived with seemingly all the coach folk, so had to queue outside the terminal in Disney queue type lines for what seemed like forever. But the upside of this was that once we had been processed we went straight onto the ship and into our cabin. Only to have to come straight out again for a 3.30 Muster drill. But at least that got that out of the way. First impressions were good, and stayed that way. Arguably you could pick holes in the dEcor, etc etc but really apart from some very annoying lifts that would not either stop or take you where you wanted without going the wrong way first we have no complaints whatsoever. The food was fantastic, a really good choice, all freshly prepared, all of the time. Some quirks tho for future cruisers. The waffle person is behind the ice cream person and opens at about 10 to 11.30. They are fantastic, fresh and light, and I only found them on the last day!!! The Cheese board in Horizon Court is only available from 6 pm to 10 pm every evening. On the dot. So cheese addicts need to make a 6.30 pm recce to pick up supplies! We had been allocated anytime dining which we were very unsure of, but it was great. We met some fabulous people, and on the formal nights we had a reserved table of 10 with people we had already met, which was delightful. Our tip would be to share (unless you want a romantic table for two). Our Cabin Princess Guide wasn't complete so info about the served breakfast and lunches available in the Da Vinci Dining Room wasn't in the book - so we discovered that by happy chance on our second day. Entertainment. The dancing/music shows were good. Diana Cousins was very funny and good. Some folk will moan - they always do! BUT for us seeing a show from home involves normally car, train, tube, walk to get there and all the same coming home. We think its great to just go up a few stairs to a lovely bedroom with the sheets turned down (with chocolates) after a performance. There was, we felt, less pressure to buy drinks etc that on our previous cruise with another company. The shops were as you might expect. Nothing riveting, but a good range of clothing, gifts, etc etc . Tipping. Nightmare! We were embarrassed at times to be British. WE knew (from Cruise-Critic) that some Brits do opt out of the blanket tipping system. Which is fine if you then go and tip yourself. But many weren't, and were vocal in their reasons why not. Very very difficult to overhear. Chatting to the Pursers staff it appears its only the Brits that do opt out, and its meant to be totally confidential so crew don't know who has and who hasn't. Except that some passengers make it very clear very loudly why they aren't tipping. !! I wish there was another system. I thikn the Princess view in time will be that they just load the UK prices to compensate. So we all lose out. Ports. We did our own thing everywhere except Zeebrugge. WE can thoroughly recommend doing the Segway Tour in Copenhagen with Seamus. And if you are lucky the ship will dock just opposite his archway. The best fun ever, and also the very best way to get a snap shot of a new city. (but you may need to sit in a Jacuzzi for a while afterwards) ..you find muscles you didn't know you had! Also in Copenhagen don't miss the Tivoli Gardens. It isn't really like the fairground it looks like from outside! It's an amazing place. But unless you want to spend a lot of money don eat there (with the exchange rate at the moment) . We went to the Kon tiki Museum and the Fram Museum by water ferry in Oslo , and there was so much for us to see there that that really was it for Oslo. Onboard things to do. Loads! Just relaxing or joining in. I went on a scrap booking hour. Hilarious and I really enjoyed myself and now, at last, I understand what it's all about. The adults only swimming pools are a good idea. The jacuzzi's were great (especially sitting in one for too long with a keen cold north wind, chatting and drinking beer..!!). A great way to make friends. Disembarkation was great, we carried our own luggage off and were on our way very quickly. Staff. They were lovely. Many looked tired and they seem to work very long hours but they were unfailingly helpful and polite- even the lady on the Dining Line, who initially said I couldn't book a table for anytime dining capitulated in the end.(which is after all what it is meant to be.) Trips. We only did one, and despite a hiccup we ended up having a magnificent hour plus tour of Ghent Canals. (and Ghent is much cheaper than France....) ..and all was good. Only two downsides. Check your Bill carefully, even the Pursers desk couldn't explain why someone else had been charging things to my account, and signing their name against my printed name...but it was all easily sorted out. Second downside the lifts need re programming! The ones near us got quite stroppy at times. But overall a brilliant holiday, a great escape, made extra special by meeting some extra special people! ( and you know who you are