August 5 Disembarkation and final thoughts

private back of ship adult only pool- 

outdoor movies- in rain and cold!

I have not said much about the ship. This cruise was intense with 10 stops in 12 days so no nightlife as I left the casino at 10 each night and we were out preparing for the next day. Princess ships have the kitchen in the middle- making going from one end to another interesting. There were parts we did not explore- something new for me.  Overall it was quite nice. The back had this great pool area that was adults only- very private and we enjoyed sitting back there and watching us sail away. Two floors up were hot tubs but it was just too cold to use them. The activities were normal, perhaps Ive cruised to much to enjoy many anymore (I think this is 56). Here are my highlights and disappointments

Highlights

1. Room location at back under buffet and near adult pool was perfect

2. Lily was great roommate and travel buddy- tolerant of this awful cough I got a couple days ago and so much fun watching her treasure shop! I shall never look at a charity shop the same. I am thankful for our chance encounter 17 years ago!

3. Steve and Susan were so much fun, great to see Steve relax, we had lovely dinners.

4. Edinburgh was my favorite stop without question. Steves birthday was also fun- Belfast lunch and special dinner on board.

5.  Buckingham Palace was a new adventure

6. Casino- many games although not many drawings etc. Let it Ride, Baccurat, Texas Hold Em, Black Jack, and 3 card poker- quite a selection. I also only spent $300 in 12 days- a great investment. Leaving money for next cruise!

7.

8. Beverage package- great deal on Princess for my sodas etc only $8 a day paid for itself

9. A s always a sense of history- of heritage and of appreciation for all things English and American. Enjoy their monarchy but glad they have it, so glad for our food and ice!

10. Now my 6th and soon to be 7th cruise without David, he would be proud I continue. It is of course bittersweet but I have found I can do it and have enjoyed many cruising companions.

Disappointments

1. Food- Princess does not offer much variety and it can only be called average-

2. Weather- not the cruise for those who like warm and sun

3. No French souvenirs for Ollie and Parker! We did not find one shop and I did not find one thing for him and I saved the whole time hoping to get them French things! Hoping something special comes on next cruise.

4. Cold- Steve and I both caught it- not fun last 3 days- especially at night. Hoping sun will cure on next cruise- will pick up a mask so as not to give too Tina in our room! Hoping Lilly does not catch it!

5. Tragic news from Becky making me miss her and Justin and just want to wrap them in mothers arms and fill their sad hearts with love. A reminder life is short- tell people you love them!

I disembark apprehensive because I could not check into my flight and there was no sign of it on the BA website. Tina helped me with back up plans in case a mistake was made- I worried all morning. Got to the airport to discover my flight cancelled but I had enough time too make a direct flight to Miami instead. Ill stay tonight in Miami with Tina instead of Chicago alone- better deal! Excited about cruise 2!!