The above picture shows the start of our walk around the old town and exploring the walls. Southampton was brilliant; better than I had anticipated. We headed towards the docks. Remember, I blogged about the competition I entered to win a cruise on the new Ventura... alas, I did not win but was invited to join a tour of a fleet ship of our choice and enjoy lunch on board.... ok.... I settled for that 
So, the day before the event, I wanted to go to the River Test viewing points and see the cruise ships in dock.
To my delight, the Sun Princess was just sailing in passed the Royal Pier and Mayflower Park. I was so excited (nearly as excited as actually boarding a ship!!!) http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00570/2723580
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OK, excitement over, we made our way along Town Quay to the marina where the Hythe Ferry terminal is based (very busy area!) http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00573/2736513
While strolling, I spotted a business name but how cool; thats the name of my blog! http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/around_the_world/2723592
There was another viewing point for cruise ships at the quay. Here you could look over to the Eastern docks to where the Titanic was docked all those years ago the ship of dreams! Later we visited the memorial site at dock gate 4 (Queen Elizabeth the II Cruise terminal), off Canute Road.
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We ended up as far as the marina off Riverr Itchen and near to the yacht club. Very nice and a lot of development still underway. Another cruise ship was seen sailing in at a distance. Walking back we went along Oxford street and Bernard street and came across the Holyrood church ruins
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http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2736631 the gate has flying seagulls on it. I was moved by this.
Now the day I had been building up to
a tour or Arcadia http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00586/2723617
Checking out the Lido deck and pool http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/checking_out_the_top_deck/2723619
Bit too cold for the Aquarius pool! http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00593/2736517 http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00592/2736518
A tour to the Orchid bar and restaurant, fantastic. Would love to spend some time in there! http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00587/2723618
Another place I would love to experience, the spa http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/dsc00597/2736519
I quiet fancy myself in one of the suites. Hmmm yes please. http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=2736520
Sail out for Arcadia; sadly we were not on it, nor stowed away!! Im saving my pennies for my next adventure!
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The beauty of internet and webcams; you can follow a ships destinations http://www.pocruises.com/Ships/Arcadia/Webcam.axd
