As most people, we used to go on holidays regularly but not crusing, as we thought it could be expensive and perhaps we could not fit in with, as this was the priviliege of the few. How wrong we were. We took to crusing some 5 years ago, after I was unable to fly long distance due to poor health. We normally embark at Southampton and tracelling by taxi from our home in London, it takes some one and a half hour. As soon as we get out of our taxi, our luggage is taken care of and with wonderful facilities for disable people, we are normally in our cabin within 15 to 20 minutes. Absolutely no stress at all, unlike using airports. So flying is a distant dream for us. So far we have been guests on P & O, Royal Caribean, Princess and Cunard. While we enjoyed every cruise but each one has its own speciality. P & O is more geared for British people, food is excellent and staffs are mostly from former British colonies. Royal Caribbean ships are more spacious and their shows, especially Ice shows are out of this world. Princess had most recent movies, shown in theatre with over 1000 sitting capacity and Cunard ships do not need introduction. Crusing Norway, up to artic circle is "different" and Eastern Med with Venice and Rome do not need introduction. I am looking to my next cruise on 31st October to Canary Islands. Bhupendra