We chose Celebrity after another booked cruise was cancelled, booking days before sailing. We picked an Aqua class cabin with roomy corner balcony, and filled in what seemed to be endless precruise information. Finally we hurriedly booked PCR tests at a local pharmacy, and were given the go ahead and our “ sea pass” . We took a taxi from our home village to Southampton, a distance of 160 miles +, arriving early afternoon where our Covid vaccinations and PCR negative tests were scrutinised. We had not a single word of anticipated welcome, but were pointed in the direction of our deck 11 forward cabin.

The cabin was of standard size , with a rounded bed which proved to be very hard and uncomfortable. I requested a mattress topper, but was bluntly told that it already had one!

The sofa was “ pleather” covered and equally hard, the mesh balcony chairs fine for sitting reading, but as we were beneath a deep overhang, the sun did not reach the balcony. The tiny bathroom had a multi jet shower, standard toiletries and rather hard towels. We were glad we’d brought a supply of preferred brand toiletries! The fridge had a range of beers and soft drinks, with attached price list. There was a bottle of an unknown brand sparkling wine, which when served elsewhere on the ship was described, erroneously, as champagne! Luxury this was not! Read more