Firstly, we loved the ship. The Solstice is immaculate, well looked after, public and cabins beautifully done. The restaurants were very very good considering the turnover. We never had an even ordinary meal - the food just got better and better. Entertainment was varied, but you could never doubt enthusiasm and we enjoyed all the shows.

A special mention of the room and restaurant staff - always exceptional. Friendly, helpful and very proud of their work.

But hotel management. What a disappointment. As soon as we left Hawaii, the drink prices jumped dramatically. This was widely questioned and Sandra, Assistant Director at Guest Relations regularly had the same answer - it was due to Australian taxes. What! Really!! So a Maltese registered ship selling liquor in international waters, Tahiti and New Zealand is paying Australian consumption taxes?? No Sandra, that is not true. Read more