First, a bit about us. We are from Topeka, Kansas. This was our eighth cruise, the fourth consecutive on Royal Caribbean. The earlier recent ones were to the Mediterranean and then Panama both on the Brilliance, then last year (2010) on the Oasis. We booked this cruise over a year in advance, on teh Oasis.

Embarkation.

I was concerned RCCL greeters would be at our terminal or we would need to transfer to another terminal to meet the greeters, but upon leaving the secured area, there they were! RCCL booked our flight, arriving on the day of embarkation, so I think they know who, when, and where we will arrive. We waited with others for about 45 minutes then rode the bus to other terminals. The ride to Harwich from Heathrow is about 2.5 hours. Extra time was required to travel to other terminals. The airport experience was all very good. The cruise terminal in Harwich is small but well organized. Even though we flew in on the same day, we were one of the first to board, at around noon. The terminal could be crowded. Harwich itself is small. Interesting to drive in the country to get to port! Driving to and then flying from Kansas City to London via Chicago then on a bus to the port to catch a ship worked well, albeit tiring. Read more