My family and I were very excited to be cruising from Southampton which is some 15 minutes from my home. A far cry from the transatlantic flights to cruise in the Caribbean that we normally have to endure. Although only 3 nights, we were as excited as we are to be cruising a long way from home. We have cruised with RCCL many times as well as Princess and the traditionally English P&O. RCCL has always been our favorite. We were accompanied by our friends - also a family of 4 who have never cruised before. How lovely it was too to travel with such good friends that were easily impressed by what they saw.

We picked up our friends at 1030. My husband dropped us and the luggage at the terminal and within a few minutes was able to join us at the check-in. We were there with sea passes in hand and directed straight to a check-in desk. We were given priority passes along with our friends who were able to board with us. We were then put into a waiting area where there was free coffee and cakes. The cruise terminal in Southampton is new and by far the best one I have ever come across. Very efficient and very clean. It was an extremely pleasant experience.

At 11.30 we were the first to board. Fantastic! We were lucky enough to have the most fabulous weather - the best the English summer had to offer this year. It has been a terrible summer, so what a treat for us sun starved Brits!! We took a few steps onto the ship and even though this is the third Voyager class ship I have been on, I am never beyond being impressed. Our friends just stood there and just said 'WOW'. The word 'WOW' came up many, many times during this first cruise for them. They were completely bowled over, even though I had shown them lots pictures and explained many times about the facilities (much to my husband's annoyance who insisted they find out for themselves). The first thing we did was purchase the soda package for the kids - this is always a great saving for us and it's great not to have to limit them as to what they buy to drink. This was the last time we saw the kids until dinner. We then went to the Windjammer for a quiet lunch. Again, more 'wows' from everyone. The food was OK to good. I don't think I have ever been very impressed with the food on RCCL. It's not bad and plenty of it, but not their best point. However, no complaints, but just very nice. Read more