The journey down was fine. I got to the hotel about 2:30, on the way I saw the Oriana waiting to leave on her cruise. On my way from the car park (£10 a night ) the strap on my laptop bag broke. It had only been put on the bag for the first time this afternoon. I checked in, eventually, only to find that my room wasn't ready, sigh. So I drove back the way I came in, to find a garage and fill up the car, ready for return tomorrow. I got back to the hotel a...

I slept quite well. I thought I'd be awake most of the night but I did manage a good few hours. Got up at 7.30, an hour earlier than usual. My washing machine was grinding away by 8.00. After breakfast I packed my last case. Everything has just about fitted in and the case weighs a shade over 20 kg, so I think I'll be OK tomorrow at check in. There wasn't enough room for my suit, so I've decided not to take it. I could put it in a suit carrier, but I alrea...

One more sleep in my own bed, then it'll be time to pack my final case and leave for Southampton. A couple of people from the cruise went down today and the Balmoral and Queen Victoria have set off on their world cruises. The P&O Arcadia is also due to sail for South America today. I picked up my hire car today. I'd booked a Corsa, but when I got there I'd been upgraded to a Kia Cee'd estate. I'll be able to get absolutely everything in there, with ease....

Two bags collected. Just looked at the tracker online and they've arrived at the carriers' depot. I'll check tomorrow to see if they've arrived in Southampton. Looking at the stuff I have left to take and the weight restriction per item, I think I may well be taking a fourth bag! If I do, I'm hoping to get away with just a small carry on size case, if the stuff I have is still too much, then I have a fourth case in the garage that I can use. I'll find out on...

It's New Years Day. I'm now officially going on a world cruise THIS YEAR . I've booked to send two suitcases down to Southampton with the Baggage Handling Company. I'm nervouse about whether or not the bags will arrive by my cabin, but I'll find out soon enough, I guess. The bags are being collected tomorrow, so I've packed them today. There still seems to be an awful lot of stuff left to pack, including both dinner suits and dress shirts. I've tried to spl...