What to Expect - My First Cruise Experience
Some years ago my wife and I decided to take a cruise. We
headed for Southampton to join our cruise ship, weighed down
with luggage. (Why do women take twice as much as men?) Not
knowing what to expect, we arrived at the terminal whereupon our
cases were taken from us and firmly assured that they would be
sent to our cabin. We checked in with one of the many
assistants, boarded the ship and that would be it.
As this was our first cruise, we had been advised to choose an
outside cabin which had natural light coming through the 2
portholes in our cabin. (See inside or outside). Once we
boarded, we were escorted to our cabin by one of the many cabin
stewards. Our luggage had not yet arrived so we decided to
wander around the ship to get our bearings. This is always well
worth doing as this also helps to get a feeling for the ship and
its luxurious surroundings. We had also been advised that we
would have to attend a lifeboat drill just after departure that
was mandatory.
We wandered back to our cabin to find our luggage had arrived
and proceeded to unpack. Yet again my wife managed to take most
of the wardrobe space, although space in cabins has increased
significantly since our first cruise. The cabin also had a TV,
and private facilities that were more than adequate.
The ships alarm sounded and we made our way with life jacket to
our muster station, generally shown on the rear of your cabin
door. Once finished, we could sit back and totally relax.
The ship had lots to offer with two swimming pools, a casino
with Black Jack and Roulette, a card room, show lounge which
also doubled up to give advice on forthcoming ports of call and
the excursions available, plus a well stocked library.
A misconception of cruising is that it is solely for the
elderly. This is far from the truth with many younger couples
and even families on board. There are also clubs and meetings
for single travelers.
Our first port of call was La Corunna and we arrived one and a
half days after departure. We arrived early in the morning which
gave us the whole day to explore the Atlantic City. Others had
taken the full or half day excursion that are bookable on board.
(Prices vary according to content but as a guide