We left Canada on a red eye flight to London direct from Edmonton, Alberta. Having been to London recently we decided to stay in Southampton and traveled there directly from Heathrow. We hired a private car to take us to our hotel and I have to tell you that after a long flight it was worth every penny. Once we got to the hotel it was all my wife and I and seven year old son could do was stay up for a couple of hours before calling it a day.

We stayed at the Novotel which is right next to the pier for two nights prior to the cruise. The hotel is nice enough and the staff was very friendly. There are lots of amenities close to the hotel so we spent our time looking around and buying some items for the cruise.

Embarkation Day was a breeze. It is a very short taxi ride to the pier and as we arrived after 1:00 p.m. it was a breeze to get on board. The staff ashore is very friendly and most helpful. Don't worry if you forgot or did not receive your luggage tags as their are porters on the pier that can make them on the spot. We were on the ship in no time and our room was ready and our luggage got to the room very quickly so we set about unpacking. Read more