Summer of 23 - Transatlantic Cruise - Day 12 - Disembarking and our first day in England

Friday May 12th, 2023  

The day arrived when we had to leave our home for the last 12 days and the amazing service we received from our room steward, waiters and Maitre D. We had said our goodbyes and given them a little something for their good service, which they truly appreciated. They were always very helpful and always smiling. I would love it if we got them on our cruise back but they weren't sure if they would still be on our ship then.

At the end of this blog I've posted what one of our Daily Compass Newsletters looks like. 

We had left our suitcases out the night before, and waited in our cabin until our number was called. We proceeded toward the gangway but there was a very long line. We noticed people in line that had later numbers than us and obviously just decided they were leaving before being called. It didn't take too long for us to get off the ship and collect our luggage which was exactly where they told us. 

We went to a waiting room to wait for our car. We were about an hour earlier than we had told them but that was ok. We sat and waited.  They were lots and lots of people and the area became very packed. As the time got near to when our driver was due we went to the curbside pickup. There were a lot of people and a lot of cars waiting to pick up. We got a message saying he was there but we couldn't see him and he couldn't find us, although we told him exactly where we were. Finally with both him and Bryan on the phone to each other, Bryan walked and found him and then came back to me and we took all our luggage to him. It was not ideal!!! We found out later that four cruise ships had docked that morning and caused gridlock. It was on the BBC News!!

He took us to Norbury, south west London, to pick up the car we rented through Turo.  The car was waiting for us in the driveway and we found the key where we were told it was. There was no meeting the owner.  He sent us pictures showing all parts of the car and it was in good condition. We checked everything and then we were off.

We were heading to Andover for our first stop. On the way there I needed the bathroom. As we didn't know when the next services were, we pulled off at the next exit.  Unfortunately we were in the middle of the countryside with no sign of shops or habitation. After what seemed like an eternity and me crossing my legs I saw a pub.  I told Bry to stop and let me out. I went into the pub and asked if I could use their toilet. Of course they said yes. Phew, thank goodness for that.  When I came out Bryan had parked the car and come in.  He also used the toilet.  I ordered a half bitter shandy but he didn't want a drink, so we sat while I drank mine. It tasted so good. I'd said I was going to get a bitter shandy when I got to England but didn't realize it would be my first day!!! 

We got back on the road.  As we got nearer to our destination we stopped and got some groceries and necessities for our stay.

Finally we arrived. We had directions on accessing the property and the key location and we were in.  Phew, what a day!!!

Thankfully it was a nice place.  Unfortunately I didn't take inside pictures until we had unloaded everything, so it looks a bit of a mess!!

We quickly got to work doing our laundry as there was a washer and dryer here we could use. 

Not a bad end to the day after a chaotic start. 

Daily Compass Newsletter for May 4th, 2023. The pictures are not that clear and I'm not sure you'll be able to read them easily but maybe it'll give you some idea of the vast range of activities, foods and shows you could do/eat or see!!!  I've posted the full page and then underneath that page, some enlarged sections of that page!!!