What can I say... we had a blast.  We spent the night before the cruise at Chubbas' Nanny's house.  We had aimed to get there for around 5pm to be in time for the BBQ.  At just gone 7pm we trundled through the door having been stick on just about every road we took.  Enough said about that, because once we had dumped the luggage in the hallway, a glass of wine was forced in our hand, a burger, some trifle, and suddenly we were on holiday.

We were introduced to the 'neighbours' Pete and Chris, little knowing at the time that these were actually Wakelover members, Retep & Mrs Retep.  What a great surprise!  We had a super evening, especially knowing that the next day we were boarding the IOS for a 4 nighter.

The morning came and we picked up Michelle T on route.  Following retep, the journey to Southampton was around half an hour.  We arrived at the port around 10ish, parked the car, strolled through, filled out the health form and we were in the check in area.

I asked the lady on duty if we could extend our priority boarding to all the members in our group who were there and she said 'yes'.  Unfortunately 3 of our group were stuck in Asda so we boarded without them and we were in the Windjammer by 11.30am for an early lunch.

At 1ish we met up with our friends, had a quick drinkie and then proceeded to our cabins.

Chubbas Nanny and Michelle were in the next door cabin to us.  What a treat to find the balcony door slid back, enabling us to have a double width balcony between us, great for chatting and catching up... and of course entertaining the various visitors we received.

We had agreed to watch sailaway on the top deck so that Michelle could wave of her family.

Soon it was dinner time.  We had already checked our table location earlier in the afternoon and found we had a table for 7 right in the window, which was lovely.

I have to say that our table waiter was not the most forthcoming we have had.  He mumbled most things he said and had a tendancy to throw your plate at you.  I personally believe this was because we didnt purchase a wine package which (much to my annoyance) he spent over 10 minutes trying to sell us on the first night.  I wasnt impressed with this. We were there to dine, not be sold something.  His spirit never lifted throughout the 4 nights but who knows what had happened... so we will disregard it.

We had an assistant waiter on the first night, never had him again, then had a new chap on the second night who barely spoke but was at least happy!

The food was good, service incredibly quick. Wine seemed very expensive so we had water, and on one night I used my loyalty 'buy a glass get one free' voucher.

All I can say about this cruise is that I laughed endlessly.  We had a truly super time.

The ship is in tip top shape (well she is still new really).  Not much difference to Voyager Class it has to be said.  A few extra shops in the Royal Promenade such as the Barbers and Pizza Cafe (frequented mostly in the early hours).

Our cabin was spacious with plenty of storage although no toiletries in our cabin (although apparently they were to be found in our friends cabin). 
The bathroom had a glass screen, much better than those old curtains.
Good storage again... as always with RCI.

The balcony was much deeper than usual so even if we hadnt opened up between the two there was plenty of space.  Two chairs and a table.  Ashtray provided if required.

Flat screen tv, movie and cartoon channels and the radio link - although dont expect to here the 'crew drill' announcement in your cabin.  This caused rather a panic when the whistly blew 7 shorts blasts and 1 long after the Bravo Bravo Bravo announcement... which we DID hear.

We were in an E1 cabin and I have to say it was more than adequate and we would choose this cabin again, over the D1 which we normally have and are more expensive.

The smoking rules have changed AGAIN... no smoking anywhere (including the casino) expect on the starboard side and in the Labyrinth nightclub... a small, dark and dingy room with no natural light or ventilation.  It served its purpose though and we had a many a good laugh in there.

I found the ship to be empty on most days, albeit she was at full capacity apparently.  The children seemed to be enjoying the pools immensely and the sunshine we encountered no doubt assisted in this.

The new 'hot tubs' replace the big round hot tubs to be found on Voyager Class.  My only disappointment was that the large Voyager class hot tub to be found in the spa has been replaced on Freedom Class ships with a Boxing Ring of all things... why I ask you?  Who on earth wants to go on holiday and beat the proverbial out of someone... Surely a hot tub is far nicer but who am I to know.

The sauna and steam were very hot.. the best I have encountered on a ship so far.  Plenty of towels but another change is ‘no shower gel in the showers’ only shampoo.

It used to be that you had shower gel in cabin and spa showers but not anymore.. which to me is ridiculous.

To get a locker key you have to go up to the second spa level desk... on a glass staircase which I didn’t think was particularly safe if folks are going up there dripping from their shower to hand their key back... but again, that’s just me.

The staff were very friendly... I didn’t meet our steward until the second day but when I had cause to ring housekeeping for shower gel it was promptly delivered.  Other than our miserable waiter everyone was polite and courteous although we did comment that in comparison we have never sailed with so many staff that didn’t speak English.  Sometimes I gave up trying to communicate and receiving only a vacant smile, but they were very friendly and helpful when able.

As you come to expect with RCI the ship is constantly being maintained, polished and preened.

To this day I never understood a word that the Captain said over the tannoy and I don’t think I was in the minority.  Even when he had the Captains Gala with free champagne (when you could find a waiter!!) he stood in the Royal Promenade and again I couldn’t understand a word he said.

Formal night we all got dressed up to the nines.  Photos were very expensive at $19.99 for one so we didn’t bother.. however lovely everyone looked. 

When in Cork they held an Italian night... if you can work that out let us know.  We were never offered lobster, although lobster bisque was on the menu.  There were the usual chicken, salmon, steak and Caesar salads available every night in the dining room plus a Fillet Mignon from Chops for an extra $14.95.

Drinks were slightly more pricey than previous cruises.  We bought a soda card between us for $27 and found it invaluable.  We would definitely buy one again.

Pinot Grigio $5.50
Sauvignon $6.50
Miller Genuine Draft (small can) $4.50
French Martini $9
Cosmopolitan $10
Budweiser $5.50
Cigarettes (from the shop) $4 + tax
Cigarettes (from the Labyrinth) $6 + tax which they don’t tell you until its too late!

Bingo was obviously available as was ‘learn to make a Martini’ for $18 – personally I would rather buy Martinis for that price but that’s just me.  There was a ‘spinning’ class for $12 which I thought excessive considering all the equipment is sitting there (albeit this is far to strenuous for me!!)

No choccies on the pillow, no toiletries, no special touches to food prepping (but not surprising for the amount of guests onboard).  Still towel animals and the dreaded ‘what to do to get off’ brochure the night after you’ve just arrived’.  No ice unless we asked... we asked.. we got it so all is well.

It seems that if you ask you get but they aren’t offering it as a matter of course.

Horrendous queues at the Customer Desk encouraged me to phone from the cabin.  It was answered almost immediately and I saved myself waiting inline so would offer this as a tip.

Take an extension cord as yet again the plugs can be inoperable if you have a funny shaped plug.

We had so much of a good time that I barely took any photos or even much notice of the ship... unlike me.  I think it goes to say that you could be on a tug boat and have a super time if you are with the right crowd.

All in all it was one of the best cruises we have had.  Would never do a two nighter again as its over too soon – but a 4 nighter is just the ticket for a long weekend reviver, and IOS certainly makes a great host.

If you have any questions please ask me on the forum.