Embarkation at Southampton was smooth, orderly and very quick, grill passengers being boarded first. We embarked just after midday, and were in our deck 8 penthouse suite within minutes. The suite was beautiful - very large, elegantly furnished with a separate sitting room area and bedroom area, a large walk-in dressing room area with more than adequate hanging space and drawer space, superb marble bathroom with jacuzzi bath, glass-fronted shower room, and separate toilet area and marble coutertop with washbasin. Superb large balcony the full width of the suite with french window and large picture window, furnished with 2 sunloungers and a table, and ample room to walk around.

Our butler Marshall and stewardess Dexie introduced themselves. Dexie kept the suite spotless throughout the cruise, and Marshall looked after us in a 5 Star way, regularly replenishing our bar with our choice of alcohol and our fridge with our requested soft drinks and twice daily ice bucket. Canapes were promptly delivered at 5pm.

We dined in the Queens Grill which was absolutely superb - intimate and elegant. We had requested a table for two which we got, but were pleased that we got on so well with the couple at the next table who were a delight and great fun. Most tablew were for two, with only perhaps 2 or 3 for six. Our main waiters Joe and Andrew were so attentive - nothing was too much trouble. Our wine waiter vellen was always on hand, smiling and keeping the wine flowing. Our head waiter Ali was always on hand to give recommendations and oversee the presentation and quality of the food. Both the table d'hote and a la carte menus were superb, and you could interchange between the two. The quality and presentation of the food was equal to top-class restaurants in both London and New York, and because the surroundings were so elegant and the standard so high there was no need to sample any other eating venues on the ship. The Grills Lounge was superb, and the Grills Concierge Thiago was most helpful. Read more