Azura Baltic Cruise

Day 1    Preston to Southampton

Bad Start

The day started very early about 0630 if my memory serves me correct,  after a quick shower we were up and ready for the taxi.  The taxi was due at 7am so we could get to the bus station for 730 to catch our bus down to Southampton.  However, as the clocked passed 0715 I had a frantic call from my dad saying that the taxi had not turned up and they had been given a lift with a next door neighbour  and we had to make our own way to the station.  I was not impressed, they had basically left us with no time at all to sort out alternative transport.  After a couple of phone calls, a local taxi firm picked us up and we got to the station just in time!  We were he last people on the bus, everyone was waiting for our arrival.  After a short walk of shame to the back of the bus, we soon set off and were on our merry way to Southampton.

After a 6 hour journey we arrived at the port, and i can not begin to tell you how big the boat is. As soon as we entered the ferry terminal we joined a massive queue,  after reaching the front we were all given cards and told to wait for the number on the card to be read out.  After waiting about a hour we joined another queue to check in,  then another queue to go through security and then eventually we made it on board.

Our suitcases were already in our room,  so we quickly unpacked and headed outside to see the ship leave Southampton harbor.  All the posh totti (i am sure they were 50 years ago) were drinking champagne and waving flags.

After a nice 3 course meal evening, we all went to the bar and had a couple of drinks and played some comedy pool.  The reason farcical pool play was because the ship rocks back and forth, which gives the balls a mind of their own.

Below, a picture of the room.