Firstly - check in ... FANTASTIC! As we were classified as "VIP" passengers - once we passed through the security scanners we were whisked into a side room where we were quickly "processed" and then personally escorted to a VIP lunch at Cagneys Steak House ...

After lunch we had a quick (and confusing!) walk around several decks and waited for our room to be ready ... and we weren't disappointed. 9002 is one of the four penthouses at the bow of the ship (on the ships' webcam you can be viewed around the world as it is one of only 2 decks visible!). The room is large and well equipped including a 32" satellite TV, Lavazzo coffee machine, well stocked (but pricey) minibar and drinks cupboard with lots of cupboard and shelf space and a large double wardrobe. The bathroom was small but did the job. One word of advice ... there was 1 UK 3 pin 240V socket - the rest are mainly EUROPEAN round pin sockets (not the straight pin US ones we had taken with us!). The deck was fantastic - large but private and with 2 very comfortable loungers and a small table. We met our Butler who tried to look after us constantly - but we made little use of his specialised services (although the automatic delivery of chocolates or canapes around 4pm every afternoon was eagerly anticipated!)

The bed was huge and very comfortable ... the air con in the room was more than sufficient - altogether it was a very nice start to our first ever cruise Read more