Back to Back Crossing of North Atlantic with Day in New York. Photo Andy.

We had thought about a back to back cruise and this was available, 14 days of luxury with a day shopping in New York.

Arrived at 12noon at the port. CPS let us unload our suitcases (5) and hand baggage, then removed the car. Portering took the luggage and we found it outside our stateroom. Great service by all the portering staff.

Delay of 1 hour in embarking, efficient processing of paperwork and photos for "shipboard card", through security and then on board. Everybody was pleasant and helpful in directing us to our stateroom.

We dined in Kings Court as the variety of food was good and we could sit at our table and take our time eating each food course. There was a good choice of food for each course and the chiefs were happy to cook steaks to our specification - medium well in my case.

My wife went to the watercolour art classes each sea day morning (special thanks to art tutor Chris Tatam) whilst I went to the Royal Court theatre or Illuminations for the lectures. Lectures on various aspects of World War 2, Vikings, safety at sea, Cold War, death of Princess Diana, Magna Carta, slavery and building skyscrapers in New York, very useful on the way to NY.

We booked the Cunard transfer to Macys on the Friday am leaving the ship at 7-30am and being collected at 2-30pm. NY on your own is fine, with plenty to see, shop, eat and drink.

We would do this cruise again as it is a delightful, relaxing holiday and NY was great.

Disembarkation in Southampton was fine, off the ship after a lovely breakfast setting us up for the travel home to NE UK.