Gonna be a bit long winded but here we go.
We left our Southampton hotel at 11.30 and walked across with our cases to Gate 10. We were met by staff before reaching the departures building and were relieved of our cases.
We were guided by port staff who seemed to be placed every 10 metres to the departures lounge. Here we went straight to a booth. We had pre printed our setsail passes , except for a slight hiccup with the computer shutting down when they were taking our card details ( Very quickly rectified) we were issued with our boarding cards . Even though we were early they said it was fine for us to go straight onboard. We passed through security ( X-ray) The usual boarding photograph was taken also the security photo for use with boarding card.
Have to say that this was the most efficient boarding I have had thus far.
We were advised that the cabins would not be ready till 1pm but that the windjammer was opened for refreshments. We ate our lunch there and then proceeded to our cabin after 1pm.
Thanks to the upgrade fairy we were in cabin 8678 a balcony cabin ( instead of our booked inside)
In the cabin was a large double bed most comfortable bed on a cruise ship to date. Our Son sharing the cabin had a sofa bed which was not as comfortable, thus when we went to breakfast and he was having a lie in we always came back to find him in our bed. The room had a fair amount of space during the day, though when the sofa bed was put out at night was a bit difficult getting across to our bed. Been a long time since we have travelled as a threesome and have to admit storage space appeared a little limited for three adults over 11 days. Would have been fine for two.
There was a fair sized safe in the wardrobe which locked using a code. The hair dryer was hidden in a top drawer.
There was a fridge stocked with soft drinks and snacks( payable) we found this useful to keep milk in.
Telephone by side of bed. Plug sockets were two pin both US and EU so those from the UK will need an adapter. The television was flat screen had loads of channels Film/news/children’s/documentaries/ ship information etc. There was also an interactive menu, allowing you to keep an eye on your shipboard account ( a necessity when travelling with a 21 year old) you can also order things. I ordered excursions, though Son did have problems ordering breakfast as after going through all the motions it said unable to process.
Kettle with assortment of tea/coffees/sugars/creamer. They provided cardboard cups and wooden stirrers. There was an icebucket filled up daily at night.
The Bathroom was an adequate size a shaver point was integrated in the mirror. Towels/flannels were nice and soft. There were small tablets of soap provided and shampoo in the shower. The Shower was good and always hot.
The balcony was a good size we had two full size chairs and one a little smaller. The plastic table was small and low so no good for playing cards on. There was opaque glass to the sides and clear glass out to sea so great to sit and watch the world go by. They advise you to keep the balcony door shut to aid the air conditioning, this can be difficult as tends to slide open with the ship movement. Easily aided by a correctly placed trainer. The balcony was a haven when the decks were blustery. Our cabin steward George kept everything clean and provided towel animals after the first night which my Son just loved.
Dining. We had a table for 8 on deck 5 at night shared with another group of four. Our waiter Milan and assistant Olga were extremely efficient and always cheerful, RCI should be proud to have such employees. As with our last RCI cruise the bread served at evening dinner was great and varied each night. We always found something to eat and it was always hot though the menu did seem to appear a little repetitive, my son did ask for extra vegetables this was no problem and Milan produced them every evening once he knew. We ordered a wine package at the table on the first night.
Windjammer, well named cause it has jam as in traffic in it. Except for the first day before all were aboard, it always seemed to be busy, did once have to eat my soup stood up. Decided then not to get any food unless we found a table. The staff were great, clearing the tables immediately providing assistance when needed, they also brought drinks to the table. ( Tea/coffee/water/lemonade/fruit punch ) Jam was caused mainly by the amount of people. Don’t think it is aided by the wonderful views you get from window seats. Nice place to sit and observe.
Food was good, especially liked Jade. Though Hubby would have liked the carvery beef to have been cooked a bit more.
When the main dining room was open at lunch we used that if we were back on ship in time as always shown straight to a table.. We also used the main dining room for breakfast after the first morning.
We used Cafe promenade for Tea/coffee as you could help yourself but alas could not walk past the counter without picking up at least one of the cookies. They have sandwiches and cakes there.
Did get coffee once from Sorrento’s though did not try any pizza.
Used our C&A coupons and visited Johnny rockets once. Surprised by how small it was. All beware that if you eat all the chips and onion rings before your burger arrives they keep replenishing them. Not good for the diets. They did two dances whilst we were there, most of the staff were good at it though a couple just looked uncomfortable. I did enjoy the milkshake ( payable) but burger was nothing special can’t say that I would repeat the experience unless I had tokens. Not a great burger fan, though did enjoy the background music.
We all used the library on Deck 7, lots of brand new hardback books. Both me and Chris finished a novel during the cruise. All you need to do is sign the book in and out. There were some seats in the library for those who wanted a quiet read.
The Computers were on Deck 8. Dan used the internet a little, not that cheap, we did have some tokens which reduced the bill a little. He did not complain of any connection problems.
The swimming pools are heated but I do advise strongly that you check each one out they all seemed to be at different temperatures some freezing, but they alternated so you needed to check each day. The jacuzzi’s are nice and warm tried the overhanging ones a couple of times. Towels are available on deck you have to have your card swiped thus if you don’t return them you will be charged the value. We got one at the beginning of the week then swapped them for dry ones.
Hubby and Son went each evening and did a stint in both the Sauna and Steam room, which they really enjoyed. They waited until first sitting had gone into dinner always a quiet time on a ship.
Son visited and used the Gym daily, plenty of equipment to keep him occupied.
Played crazy golf once, was a little crowded, not the best design sure they are gonna loose a few balls.
We did not attend most of the show or the two ice shows. We did watch the two comedians one of which was David Copperfield ( Three of a kind. )
Did have a little flutter on the bandits in the casino. You put dollars in but it gives you out a ticket not cash for winnings which you get changed at desk. Strange not hearing coins falling out. They also run a points system as you are playing, if you get enough points then you can get a gift.
Ports of call.
Madeira. They provided a transfer bus to take you around the port at a fee. But if your mobile and need to stretch your legs like us we just walked into town. Just had an amble about, getting my duty paid cigs. had a drink and returned.

Tenerife. Here we booked a tour, we went to Loro park had a great time. You get to see shows by Sealions Dolphins and Orcas. Also there are loads of Parrots, Apes, tigers and not to be missed the Penguin world.

Gran Canaria. We chose to have a day aboard as it was Sunday and shops are frequently shut, worked out we made the right decision as it was also a special holiday so there was even less open.

Lanzarote, Succumbed yet again to the tour of Timanfaya. Great place.

Lisbon. Took the transfer bus into town came to $30 for the three of us, had a wander around the shops and found a nice cheap internet access for Daniel. The queue for the transfer bus back was somewhat long. Though they did seem to have coaches coming n regularly. think when we joined we were about four bus loads back.

Vigo, you stop right in town so we just got off and had a wander.

As it was the first time that we visited all the ports we had the water spouting tugs and entertainment in most ports. Tenerife put on a spectacular show with dancers, special carnival things. Was women in dresses but they looked more like carnival floats. Also had paper streamers and confetti like stuff that got all over the ship also a few fireworks.

Overall we had a good time with the right price and itinery we would sail her again, but if there were a smaller ship offering the same, the small ship would win, just not good at crowds (our sailing was somewhat short of it's maximum capacity.)