Again we got to Southampton nice and early, in fact, a bit earlier than expected as the traffic going into Southampton was not as heavy as we thought it was going to be.. So one of the first we thought..... no chance...  at least a couple of rows already in the car park but a very easy transition getting rid of our luggage and parking, and a bit of a wait in the que to get our sea passes but after that straight on board, all this just before eleven oclock..

First port of call (excuse the pun) was the Windjammer for some lunch, we even had to wait a bit for this to open, but the food was wonderful and all the staff eager to help and always smiling.

The ports of call were no so much of an issue this year as it was only one we really wanted to go to for a specific reason...  Our 30th wedding anniversay on the 4th August and as we met in Gibraltar thats were we wanted to be, and we did...

The good bits...

Food.... wonderful and if you did have any problems, the were soon sorted out..

Staff... great. always willing to help and with a genuine smile...

On board entertainment crew,,, excellent

Our waiters - I happen to mention our 30th anniversay and they did us proud..

even getting us a trip around the galley..

Bar prices...  actually were down on last year (at least the drinks that I was drinking)

The not so good bits (falling standards!!)

No chocolate on the pillow at the end of the evening...

No wine waiters... the assistant waiter had to do this job too...

The 'Star' entertainers just didn't seem as good as previous years.

The crown and anchor society 'perks' vouchers....  just rubbish, only a couple we could use.

All that said a great holiday, we knew in august the younger generation would be more than our normal time of cruising and on the whole they were very good, however always a few to spoil it... Always room to find a seat in a quiet spot, mostly in the shade as it was a bit too hot for us.. The organisation worked for us with no problems at all.