Before you get started let us know which location in North Somerset is nearest to you.
I travelled by train to Southampton from Weston-super-Mare via Bristol (where I met up with Geoff), which turned out to be an excellent way of travelling as it was so easy. Southampton Central station is only about 15 minutes walking distance to the port, and for a few pounds there were an abundance of taxis waiting outside in case you have a very heavy suitcase or it’s raining!
On arrival we were met by very well organised staff to greet you and go through the check in process.
Once on board we were amazed by the light and spacious feel of a grand Ship.
Outside deck space was ingeniously designed with ample sun bathing areas with sumptuous sun beds & patio furniture, jacuzzis & a generous sized swimming pool, with fluffy pool towels ready in abundance for use.
Along from there you come to the lawn club with yes, real grass! Wonderful to wander around, admire and smell!
My personal highlight was the amazing glass covered indoor pool & spa, where you can spend lazy hours relaxing on the comfortable mattress topped sun beds or your own private cabana for two! The pool is open until 11pm so even after eating your evening meal you can still chill out under the stars and moon-bathe! The spa facilities were again 5 star with many treatment rooms & services. There was even a relaxing room with heated tiled loungers which were wonderful, you could even help yourself to tea & coffee and watch the world sail by.
For the more energetic there was a state of the art fitness centre with more than enough equipment including treadmills, bikes, rowing machines, and other weight training equipment. They also do exercise classes, from Yoga to Pilates with expert instructors.
We viewed exceptionally well appointed staterooms from inside cabins to balcony concierge with separate living rooms & bathrooms to die for, butler included! All of their staterooms have flat screen TV’s which are touchscreen so you can view your onboard account and choose your excursions in the privacy of your own room. All have sumptuous beds with 100% cotton linen and real down duvets, plush towels & Robes. They even have iPads & tea & coffee making facilities at your disposal.
With numerous bars & restaurants it is hard to pick out which we preferred, Geoff enjoyed the ice-bar and I enjoyed the lawn club bar. There are many others including a great one for teenagers where they could meet friends in privacy and ‘hang out’.
I thoroughly enjoyed our 4 course lunch in the main restaurant with beautiful chandeliers, pristine tableware & impeccable waiters at your beck and call. Geoff however was most impressed in the Blu Restaurant where your meal is cooked in front of you with inventive cuisine!
Children are very well catered for on board, from Toddlers to Teens they all have their own Clubs and programmes of entertainment if they wish, all of course looked after by highly trained Staff as well as a babysitting service.
West-end style shows entertain you, as well as tribute acts in the grand style theatre. Also comedians, magicians & musicians and even a poolside DJ. Wherever you are onboard you will be in comfortable, sumptuous surroundings.