Pretty Port of Guernsey
We embarked from Southampton on a Friday afternoon and we were able to enjoy the ship and the facilities plus a buffet lunch before we set sail.
After a mandatory emergency drill, the ship started to make its way to Guernsey. We took advantage of the fantastic spa facilities, with steam rooms, sauna, hydrotherapy pool and hot beds.
The first evening was a black tie event so everyone on the ship was smartly dressed and made their way to dinner. Dinner consisted of a seven course menu where there was plenty of choice and the food was delicious.
There are lots of entertainment choices on board with music, magicians, quizzes, tribute acts and much more. In your cabin daily, you are given an information sheet of the daily schedule so you can plan your day and evening. We had an inside cabin on deck 7, which was a good size with tea and coffee making facilities. One plug socket in this day and age was a bit of a struggle, but no major dramas in that area. There was plenty of cupboard space so for those travelling for a week or two this would be sufficient.
In the morning we used the gym which had fantastic facilities including free weights, kettle bells and a yoga area. We could see Guernsey in the distance and headed off to breakfast after out workout.
As the ship is too large to moor up in the port, you have to purchase a tender ticket. This means that life rafts ferry you to and from the boat to the Guernsey dockside. The life rafts can hold approximately 120 so you wait until your number is called and board the craft.
You can spend all day in Guernsey which is a pretty town and they have a main market square where you can enjoy lunch, do some shopping or just sit and do a bit of people watching whilst having a coffee or an ice cream. There is a castle you can visit if you wish and I understand you can spend £2 on a bus ride that takes you round the whole island.
For the second evening on the ship, it was a more casual affair and again a 7 course sit down meal, we found our way after dinner to one of the bars where you can sit and have a drink.
In the morning we tucked into breakfast, where the choice is endless and you can eat as much as you like before disembarking.
A word of advice; the queues to get off the boat are quite long, either leave early or leave late. There is no rush so you can enjoy breakfast and take your time before you need to disembark.
If you hadn’t thought of doing a cruise before then a two night duration will give you the experience of life on board an ocean cruise liner.
The price was just over £200 and considering that is 2 nights’ accommodation, 24 hour food is available and a day in Guernsey, it is amazing value for money.
If you think you might like to give it a try, then please do not hesitate to contact me on 01622 807980.