Aurora - all aboad for our Christmas Market cruise

The first day of our first cruise together. We chose a Christmas markets cruise to celebrate our 10 years together and 5 year wedding anniversary, because it was easy. No airports, no hirecars, just a simple drive to Southampton. With valet parking, it was simple. We just drove straight to the terminal and our bags were unloaded from our car and the car driven to its home for the next 10 days. Everything was super efficient to get everyone on board with little fuss.

We decided on an inside cabin after our experience in Antarctica. We rarely spent time in the cabin, so £2000 extra for a window wasn't worth it. Instead, we would rather spend the money on trips. Our cabin on Aurora is huge! I surprised Ali with a dozen white roses waiting for us in the cabin.

We did the compulsory fire drill which asks us to return to our cabin, pick up our life jacket, a warm hat and coat. You could tell the people who have done it before, they were still in their tshirts and just going through the motions. Ali and I were decked out in woollies and hat, ready to muster.

We had a wander around the ship, which was the same evening entertainment as everyone else so it was a little crowded. We aren't used to theatres, bars, golf, tennis courts and three swimming pools on a ship...but we can get used to it.