We choose this cruise first and foremost for the itinerary so it was less of a concern that much of what we enjoyed when we started cruising with RCI 15 years ago was absent.

No greeting with a glass of bubbly on embarkation day. No big production shows each night, ice shows on when most people are ashore, the large lounges empty due to lack of good entertainment and the popular musicians crammed into the Schooner bar (for example) with not enough room.

The bar staff were generally great when not under pressure, cabin steward was excellent, dining staff likewise and the Voyager class ships are still beautiful. But if it were our first ever cruise it's likely we would think again about another considering the cost. For example, my Deluxe Drinks package cost £375 due to exchange rates and adding 18% gratuity to the $55 dollars a day. Internet, which was flaky at times, was $77 for the week. For a little extra there are 5* cruise lines that provide drinks. internet, gratuities and speciality dining all in the same price and probably cheaper when all said and done. Plus they still provide cold drinks and cold towels when coming back on board. Read more