Our second cruise on this ship, we arrived at Southampton around 1.30 pm which we know is a busy time. Embarkation very straightforward and the queues were dealt with very efficiently (security checks, etc.) Terminal parking was very simple after offloading our cases for transfer to our staterooms.
The Windjammer self-service cafe was already open with a very wide selection of hot & cold foods. The safety drill was carried out at the individual muster stations before sailing, so everyone knew where to assemble in an emergency.
This was our first time staying in a promenade stateroom overlooking the Royal Promenade. This was very roomy and well equipped with plenty of storage space and a large comfortable bed, with the added bonus of an electric kettle.
The promenade stateroom was very roomy and with plenty of seating having a chair and two settees, one in the bay window. However being at one end of the promenade meant we could not see the parades or shows as we were overlooking the bridge; we did realise this when we booked the stateroom.