CUNARD QUEEN ELIZABETH CRUISE BLOG DAY 1

Ben Montgomery, our junior cruise blogger, today embarked Cunard's Queen Elizabeth.

Join us as we share in his stories and observations on his cruise to the Canary Islands and back.

Well today has been rather busy...

Left home at 10am, got caught up in traffic at Arundel then again on the M27.

Arrived here at the Mayflower Terminal in Southampton where I was greeted by Melissa from CruiseSouthampton.com who arranged a very special surprise for me...

I got to visit the VTS Tower in Southampton which controls all the shipping movements in and out of the port and up to the NAB tower, just off the Isle of Wight.

It was an interesting visit and to see just how much work goes into ensuring the safety of a vessel when coming in or out of port is fascinating! The views were also spectacular!

Some photos are avaliable on the CruiseSouthampton website.

I checked in at 14:30 and was on board Queen Elizabeth by 15:00!

First impressions when walking along the gangway... WOW! The decor inside is brilliant!

I will be taking a lot of photos!

Our stateroom is a Brittania Club (Corner) Balcony located on Deck 8. Which is the same as the bridge!

I have just finished lunch here in the Lido Buffet, located on Deck 9 and the servers are serving you your food in the Lido for a couple of days. Just as a precaution that no-one catches the dreaded Norovirus.

Well, we are due to set sail at 16:30 out of Southampton along with the grand Queen Mary 2. We will then sail for two days to the port of Lisbon, where we arrive on Good Friday.

But for now, it is time for the important passenger emergency drill... Always important!

I will be back tomorrow continuing with the rest of today's events and tomorrows relaxing day at sea.

But for now,

Bon Voyage!