Aurora - reflections of our Christmas Market Cruise

We docked in Southampton at 7am, needed to be out of our cabins at 8 and breakfast finished at 8:30. Our departure time was due to be 10am so a little waiting around and time for cruise reflections. It was an easy holiday, we didn't need to do much thinking, we could just relax and be taken from place to place. I have developed a habit of taking the tea tray biscuits twice a day so that they are replenish. I'm not sure why, food is available 24 hours a day!

I've fought against the cabin steward every day and the tucking the duvet under the bottom of the bed. Why oh why? When you are 6 feet talk, the tuck is seriously not needed and just a barrier for the feet.

I have become a meerkat mid morning when walking along the corridors when the stewards are cleaning. I've developed a habit of making sure I look in everyone else's cabin to see how flamboyant it is, or how messy they leave their cabin.

I now feel it's acceptable to have pudding for every meal, most days multiple puddings, including at breakfast time. This needs to end when back at home.

Time changes on board ship. When we arrived we were shocked to hear breakfast was from 8am. We get up at 6am and are out the house at 7am for work. Time has changed though, and the addition of morning and afternoon naps was a treat. Likewise, this needs to stop on return to the UK.

Being on such a big ship, I was worried we would feel surrounded by people all the time. But it's not like that. A cruise ship is a bit like London, so many people that you can be invisible most of the time.

A lovely way to start the festive period, weight definitely gained, sea sickness in abundance, but a lovely way to celebrate our anniversary.