It wasn’t a good start. Communication with Saga was very very difficult. Eventually promised faithfully that labels and pick up time would be advised a minimum of 5 days before departure, but nothing came until 2 days before. They were sent only to my daughter, as ‘Lead’, there was no time for her to post my labels on to me, so I had to set off with unlabelled luggage. On arrival at Southampton my taxi was directed to a concrete jungle car parking area and there we sat in the hot sun for literally hours. Eventually some testers turned up and we then travelled slowly and tortuously around this huge car park for Covid19 testing. Over 3 hours after arrival I was deposited at the terminal by a very cheesed off taxi driver. My luggage could not be taken away from me as it was unlabelled, so I, 87 and disabled, had to struggle on without even a trolley. It was hell.

The ship is new and attractive, the cabins spacious and comfortable, but I wouldn’t recommend travelling until Covid restrictions are lifted. Mask wearing at all times is very strictly enforced. Excursions are by coach only. Only dinner is waiter served so at other meals you have to ask the hatchet faced, impatient, serving staff to dish you up something from the many dishes on offer at the buffets. On the plus side, in spite of there being no petrol available in my home area, a taxi did arrive at disembarkation to take me home! Well done Saga!