tilly27

Britannia sails later, usually at 6pm and muster drill was 5.15 when we were on board.

Tilly27

We have just got back from a week on Britannia in an aft balcony cabin, A274. The balcony was huge compared with the ones on the side, which we saw when we went round her before the maiden. We reckon it was about 10 ft square. Yes it was partially overlooked but that doesn't bother us and we really didn't get any noise from the Sunset bar above. There was some soot at times but no more than the other ships and the steward cleaned it up routinely. The two other balcony cabins next to us,A722 and A723 had even bigger balconies as they spanned an electrical locker, so they were about half as wide again as ours and the same depth. There was some movement but shes a big ship and you could feel movement on deck 5 in the atrium! We wouldn't hesitate to go in an aft cabin again on Britannia and probably A deck or B deck as they have the biggest balconies.

Tilly27

We were watching her this afternoon at Lepe beach. So many tugs! It is becoming very windy now so they need to secure her at the anchorage they are taking her to. The view from the Queens on Saturday might now be limited.

tilly27

Is this in a location that QM2 and QE will be able to see when we leave Southampton Saturday?

You will sail right past her and at night she is being lit up by the two tugs that are there, so you certainly will see her. We saw her from Lepe beach on Sunday and it's a sad sight, but thank heavens she didn't capsize in the main channel.

tilly27

The decision to ground her deliberately was taken by the captain and pilot.

A report of the press conference is here: http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/11701185.Stricken_ship_grounded_deliberately/

tilly27

We went to Lepe this morning,which was slightly busier than normal. A sorry sight to see.

Tilly27

On Oriana in March this year a couple on our dining table didn't go to muster. They said nobody checked their cabin but later that evening they had a letter telling them they had to attend a safety briefing the next morning as they hadn't attended muster. They were the only ones and made to feel very uncomfortable. So somehow it was known they hadn't attended. Daft of them not to go as it was their first cruise for a long time and he was disabled.

Tilly27

There will be lots of taxis waiting as you walk out of the terminal building.

Tilly27

The penthouse suites, as your one is, are huge and absolutely wonderful. There is a large sitting room with settee, two armchairs, dining table and a massive television, which is in a cupboard so you don't have to have it on view all the time! The bedroom is big with masses of hanging space and the dressing table is round the corner which then leads into the bathroom. The bathroom is not the biggest we've had and the shower is over the bath. There is also a guest loo. The balcony is wonderful, doors out to it from the sitting area and the bedroom. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in one, I hope you do as well.

Tilly27

Just got home from watching the fireworks- fabulous.

Tilly27

Whoops! Yes, I got it wrong, footy on Sunday.

Tilly27

The following link might help you with regards to the road works. It's also worth pointing out that Southampton are playing Man U on Saturday with a 3pm kick off, so all routes into town will be busy up until then.

http://www.southampton.gov.uk/s-environment/future/ccplans/cruisepassengers.aspx

Enjoy your cruise.

Tilly27.

Just found this article from Southampton's local paper.

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/10954666.10_interesting_things_you_may_not_know_about_Southampton/?ref=ms

There is so much more to the towns history.

Tilly27

There are a great deal of things in Southampton to do and see, the Medieval walls, Tudor house museum,Seacity and more. This website will give you ideas:

http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/

Southampton is not just about shopping! I am biased, it's my home port. :)

Tilly27

Queen Elizabeth sailed at 20.35 and QM2 sailed at 21.24. Most unusually, QE has gone down the western channel of the Solent rather than via the Nab tower and round the Isle of Wight, they are nearly at the Needles.