When we went on Explorer this Christmas out of New York things didn't go exactly to plan. Embarkation would have been illegal if we were cattle, Diamond Crown & Anchor privileges were all but done away with and a host of other niggles very nearly made it our last vacation with the company. A family break with a party of 13 which included loads of kids meant we ended up booking Independence sailing out of Southampton. For most of the group it was their first cruise but I wasn't sure we were going to have a particularly good time.

Day 5 and I can't contain myself any longer. I have to let everyone know what a great time we're having and how Royal Caribbean seem to have waved a magic wand over their cruising experience. It's as though someone has listened to every one of my previous moans and sorted them out.

Embarkation was an absolute breeze. Port staff were courteous, friendly and above all efficient allowing us to sail through, (at exactly the same time of day we arrived at Port Liberty). Read more