Day 1 - Southampton

28th September 2021

The great day has arrived.  Away we go to the port of Southampton to join our cruise aboard the Sky Princess.  Definitely a bit of a shock to the system to break our enforced abstinence from cruise ships, not been  cruising since March 2020, just at the start of the pandemic.  Should be safe, everyone double jabbed and tested before boarding.

Entering the port via dock gate 20 drove along to the Covid testing site near the Mayflower Terminal.  Arrived about 11.15 and joined a short queue, quick check of our vaccination records and that it matched our passports, then on to confirm mobile numbers, then on again for the actual Covid test, just a nasal swab.  That all went smoothly and we could exit the port at dock gate 10 and continue to re-enter at dock gate 4 to arrive at Ocean Terminal at about 11.30, very quick. (Luckily only one ship loading today so not too busy).

Joined to the queue for parking, looked ominous but actually only about 10 mins before agent booked the car in, took photos and we could leave taking our luggage to the terminal, cases to the porters and set off to book in, negative covid results arriving as we walked along, hooray.

Booking in very easy, everything done online before we left home, so just a quick check and a negative test result and we could collect our Medallions, whizzed through security and we were on board, reaching our stateroom before 12.15.

Looks like the whole covid procedure is working quite well and the staff remain cheerful and efficient, much less stressful than anticipated.

All new muster drill in use now, just watch a cartoon of what to do, visit your muster station and then later listen to the Captains welcome and pep-talk, and that’s it, every cruise easier and easier.

Time for coffee and a snack then explore the ship.

We are up by the blue wave!

Time to unpack, meet our room steward and take a breather, been a busy day!

Off to the Vista Lounge (Elite Guests only - that’s us!) for delectable delights and to start on our beverage package.

Fortunately today it’s Mexican theme, salsa and guacamole.

No views out so missed the sailaway, no great loss as weather not conducive, no sailaway party on deck today, delayed till tomorrow.

Then it’s off to the buffet for dinner, we were too late to book a table in the restaurant so the buffet substituted.  Coffee and liqueurs in the atrium.

Time to relax back in our stateroom, long day.