Apart from a one-way trip on the QEII to New York this was our first proper cruise and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The Grand Princess visited seven west Mediterranean ports in a fortnight.
Firstly, the good points: -
We were advised of embarkation times at Southampton of 1 - 3 pm, but not to arrive until 2 pm to avoid queues. We spent 30 minutes sitting in the car in the traffic queue at the terminal, and a further 90 minutes queuing for passport and boarding detail checks. The timing was fortuitous because earlier arrivals claimed to have spent at least two hours in the queue. We were on board by 4.05 pm with a further 30 minutes of queue behind us, and were just in time to hear the closing words from the emergency lifeboat drill being broadcast over the public address system. A cabin notice informed us that the lifeboat drill instructions would be repeated for late arrivals. Fortunately this never took place and so saved valuable time, a well judged decision by the captain as we did not need to act on this drill during the cruise.
Outside cabin, with window, restricted view due to lifeboats. Small. Twin comfortable beds, good ensuite layout, the 240V power sockets were UNDER the bed. Generally comfortable. Good TV. Good underbed storage for suitcass.