First, Southampton is fabulous for the easy of embarkation! Great job!!! So easy. We boarded early and it was about 8 GBP (pounds) fare from Southampton Central Station to the ship. Easy to get on and reacquaint ourselves with Indy. We had an inside cabin overlooking the Royal Promenade which saved us hundreds off the original balcony room that we had.

Guest Relations was FANTASTIC! They teased us (and vice versa) with their Unicorn (the mascot who has her own crew badge) and our Petunia (a hippopotamus) and Eeyore (a donkey). Our waiter was the ultimate GREAT buddy every evening. Malachi and Mr. Thomas (the back waiter) were Fantastic.

Now - -for the grim news. WHERE was our Captain?? Absent without leave??? We NEVER saw him except for the mandated appearance (Captain's Corner and photo night). Marc the Cruise Director???Toooooo busy to talk with us mortals! Almost EVERY RCI ship that we've been on has either the CD or Captain visit the lounges, walk the ship or just say "hi" but NOT these two! Read more