Astonishing | P&O Britannia

Growing up in Southampton, I am no stranger to the cruise ships. The summer months are filled with ships from different cruise companies docking in the port of my hometown, and I love seeing them, of all different shapes and sizes. Despite this, I had never been on a cruise ship before - I'd barely even set foot into the dock. So when the invitation to join the Southampton Bloggers onboard the P&O Cruises Britannia*, I couldn't say no! As I read the invitation further, I discovered that we were being invited to celebrate the premiere of the new entertainment show, Astonishing, and I couldn't wait to see what was in store for us.

Last Sunday, I picked up Alice and Tanya, and we arrived at Ocean Terminal, down at Dock Gate 4. On arrival, I was amazed by sheer size of the terminal, let alone the ship. It was mind-blowing! The ship itself was amazing, with its unique flag design across the front of the ship. As we walked into the terminal, I had my first ever red-carpet experience - how mad is that?! There were smoke-filled bubbles and fire, I just didn't know where to look.

Outfit details:
Dress - Matalan * Cardigan - M&S * Shoes - New Look * Bag - Ted Baker

The Southampton Bloggers Gang (L-R):
Bex, me, Kat, Ellie, Tanya, Ellisha, Alice, Brogan, Grace, Anna

Once onboard, we were shown through the Britannia, to the Crow's Nest for a drinks reception. It was a lovely setting to catch up with the blogging girls and take in our surroundings. After some tasty canapés, and a few cheeky glasses of Bucks Fizz, we were shown into the Headliners Theatre for the main event - the premiere of Astonishing.

Astonishing is P&O Cruises' brand-new magic show, produced by BAFTA winning presenter and entertainer Stephen Mulhern and performer Jonny Wilkes. I had never seen a live magic performance, and I didn't really know what to expect. Rather than simply a magic show, Astonishing was a full entertainment show, with singing, dancing, different scenes - as well as lots of illusions. It had my attention from the get go. I just couldn't take my eyes of the stage, constantly wondering how it was done. As well as watching in awe, the VT of Stephen Mulhern, which plays at different intervals throughout the show, gets the audience to participate in their own magic trick. That was when my mind was truly blown. Quite how they managed to get a whole auditorium full of people to participate in a trick, and for it to seemingly work for everyone. Like HOW? I've got a newfound love of magic, that's for sure! My task for the summer holidays might have to be learning a trick or two, rather than prepping for my next class.

Lots of smiles after we'd all been totally amazed by the show (L-R):
Anna, Grace, Ellisha, me, Brogan, Anna, Kristy, Bex, Tanya, Kat
Photo - Southampton Bloggers

After we had all been wowed by Astonishing, and Stephen Mulhern and Jonny Wilkes had thanked everyone for making the show happen, we were treated to afternoon tea. Although I'm not a tea drinker, I love indulging in all the delicious treats, both sweet and savoury, that come with afternoon tea. There were sandwiches, cheese and onion pies, scones and a selection of cakes. It really was delicious, and it was lovely to tuck into some tasty food and discuss the fabulous show we had just watched.

We all had a lovely day onboard the Britannia, being treated to some fabulous food and drink, and watching the truly astonishing show, Astonishing (its name really is truly fitting). A big thank you to P&O Cruises for inviting us onboard, and to Alice for including me as part of the Southampton Bloggers gang.

We all had such a magical time onboard the Britannia
Photo - Brogan

Astonishing is being performed on P&O Cruise ships Britannia, Ventura and Azura.

Have you ever been on a cruise? Are you a fan of magic?

Love Lexie
xo

* This experience was complimentary in return for coverage on my blog and social platforms, but all views are honest and my own.