Constant pressure to pay the ship more money detracted from an otherwise beautiful cruise experience. From Sept 23rd to Oct 4th, Venice to Rome, we enjoyed an interesting itinerary on a lovely ship, spotlessly clean, with very good food. Apparently guests and crew remained healthy, all good signs of a good ship.

As experienced travellers and cruisers, we knew that the cost of this cruise was already substantial. The bar and excursion prices were the highest we have ever experienced.

There was continuous pressure to sell us beverage packages (at $159 per person per day), shore excursions (at $50 to $350 per person), specialty restaurant access at $40 to 50 per person), overpriced bottled water, special coffees etc. Upselling became tiresome, for example inside the specialty dining rooms, being asked to purchase additional menu items. Read more