We embarked in Southampton on 23rd November 2009. Everything went smoothly from the the time we were met at Heathrow by the RCI rep. We actually embarked at about 3.30pm and walked wide-eyed around the ship. It was like a floating city, absolutely HUGE. First stop was the bar for a drink, it had been a long trip from Edinburgh. I nearly fainted at the size of the measures and pretty cheap too, no more than what you would pay in a wine bar in any big city. Then we went to find our stateroom. I was a little worried about how much space we would have, but my fears were allayed very quickly. We quickly introduced ourselves to the stateroom attendant(Marko) who was brilliant all the way through the cruise.

We were also a little worried about who we would be seated with for dining, but RCI must be psychic, because they sat us with an American couple who we had so much in common with.

Our waiters Tyrone and Ladislav were so friendly and nothing was too much trouble. I had to tell Tyrone not to pull my chair out for me, I'm quite and independent woman and although it's nice once or twice, I felt it was something I could do for myself. After assuring him it was not a slight on his skills as a waiter he deferred to my wishes. And we became the best of friends. Ladislav however was very gracious and had a wicked sense of humour. He had to have really from the ribbing he took from both my husband and his partner in crime (our tablemate). Read more