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