Alan, our newly found taxi driver, collected us promptly at 9.30 a.m. and drove us without any hitches to Southampton. We were impressed with the smooth queuing system where we were ushered through the various checks before we  got on board. The queueing was soon forgotten with a drink and bar meal in the Golden Lion, an on board pub..

We were welcomed with music from the Imperial Military Band and fireworks set off from a barge moored at the stern. A very civilised start to our cruise.

The evening was spent finding our way around the ship and visiting the many and various venues. A pre-dinner cocktail in the Commodores lounge accompanied by a harpist. Dinner was on a table with an Australian couple and Welsh couple who had both visited family in Droitwich prior to joining the cruise.

We finished the evening with a night cap in the Chart room accompanied by a Jazz trio, then off to bed.