This is our 11th cruise on Princess Ships. We were thinking about this cruise itinerary for the past 2 years. We made a reservation about 6 months ago for a guaranteed balcony and we got an upgrade 2 months after we reserved. We made our own air arrangement and flew on British Airways on 23rd of August arriving London Heathrow on 24th morning. Custom and immigration was a breeze. We made arrangements with Smith Airport service. The driver met us at the exit gate and drove us to Southampton Premier inn at West Quay, not too far from Cruise terminal. The hotel is a 3 star budget hotel with a restaurant and next to a Mall with comfortable accommodation.

On 25th we took a taxi to the Princess terminal. Being platinum members we got the priority boarding and within 30 minutes we were in our state room on Deck 10 starboard side mid-ship ideally located between the mid elevators and AFT elevators. To our surprise our luggage was there even before we reached our room. The room itself was very spacious with separate closet space for clothes and storage of luggage away from sleeping area. Balcony was very spacious too.

Once on board we found the new atrium/piazza to be a pleasant space beautifully decorated. We enjoyed the many spaces to find a place to sit and enjoy a drink or read a book. Read more