This was our first cruise and probably the last. It had some real highlights that made it a special holiday but let's go through the negatives first:

1. Tipping. Once upon a time, cruising was the privilege of the rich and famous and they left a trail of large tips behind them as the staff pampered to their every need. Now Jo Bloggs can go cruising but the tipping culture has remained. In fact the tipping expectancy is out of control. For a family of 4, the cruise line will automatically add over 600 dollars to your bill for tips. Even if you have opted out when you make the booking it will still happen. So you have to go to customer services on-board and get these 'gratuities' removed. When have you ever stayed at a hotel for 2 weeks and left 600 dollars in tips? It is better to make the tips yourselves in cash at the end of the cruise. The staff appreciate 'cash in hand' but I'm sure you won't leave them 600 dollars!

2. Smokers. There are dedicated smoking areas on deck for smokers but of course I should have known that smokers would choose rooms with balconies so they could light up as close to their cabin as possible. We had smokers either side of us and we had the pleasure of their exhaled smoke and chesty coughs every time we used the balcony. Thanks. Read more