Recently crusied on the QE on the Black Sea Pearls cruise. There is no doubt that the service is excellent and the food of a high standard. The cruise was let down though by the quality of entertainment which was poor by any standard and the constant subtle and not so subtle quest for your money.
All of the 'extra' services including spa, tours and drinks are highly overcharged. They even charge you for water to travel on shore! The wi-fi is a no go area for anyone who values their money at a rate of 35pence per minute!
Add to this a 15% surcharge on purchases, a space for an additional tip on all drinks and of course the 11 dollars per day gratuity and the costs of this cruise can spiral out of control.
The room stewards and waiters are excellent. There is an over obsession though with the Cunrad stance that people need to be constantly entertained. Just when you fancy a quiet relaxing lie down on the deck up pipes the resident band or infernal pool games more reminiscent of a holiday camp than a five star cruise. Having travelled with other cruise lines the difference is the quality of decor and the whole fabric of the ship which is to a high standard. Watch out for the penny pinchhing though as the additional indirect costs can quickly grow into a considerable amount! Why not just charge whjat it costs and cut out all of the hidden extras?
