As this was my first cruise I had done a lot of asking around and research about it. Nothing though prepared me for the enormity of the ship. But I am jumping the gun as usual. 14 nights on Indy from Southampton, I would describe the flight down from Edinburgh but as I hate flying I don't wish to recall it.

Went aboard with my mum (we booked it to celebrate her 60th semi retirement, any excuse). Boarding (and disembarking) could not have been easier. We went for a Junior Suite and I thought it was pretty swish. Our room attendant Desmond must be the cheeriest person on the planet and did a great job.

First couple of days were spent navigating the ship and finding the best drinks on board (Dog and Badger/Olive and Twist). I had been on a strict diet since January preparing for a 2 week binge of food and was not disappointed for the most part. I am not a cake/dessert person but found myself after less than 2 hours on board stuffing pastries into my face. Sometimes the food in the Windjammer was a bit to cool for my liking but I got over it and ate my food like a good little glutton. The speciality restaraunts were my favourite by miles, they even have dolfins playing dare with the waves off the side of the ship, you can't get better than that! Read more