We were very 'price led' and as experienced cruisers opted for the offer including the drinks package and select dining (four nights inclusive), which many of you will know saves you a fortune if you drink anything, at all. Being from the UK our currency is worth the same a Charmin loo roll at the moment.

That choice turned out to be a God send because I've never been on a ship where even water is hidden from you, there's more to drink for free in a prison and even on shore days you get an inch of water in a plastic cup on re-embarkation. Bit of a joke really and not so much as water in your stateroom, all sold at a premium and that is where this ship stands out in wringing your pockets for everything you have. There's not much inclusive and even the usual double entree option or champagne with dinner is where sparkling wine is available that nasty Prosecco which is 'on trend' at the moment - it's not even matured in a cask, horrible stuff. There's a distinct lack of lobster and if you add that to your entree in the main restaurants expect a hefty surcharge exceeding or equal to that of the speciality dining upgrade cover. However you can get champagne at Ocean Blu so call in for a small meal a'la carte and get the $14 glass of Louis Roederer down your neck (many glasses of) which is included in the drinks package, if you have it.

Our initial embarkation was hellish and I was on the limit of going to find a seat after being in line for well over an hour, the child who checked us in uttered no less than two sentences and if he'd moved any slower he might have taken root. The staff upstairs were no better, as there was no signage we had to (along with others) ask where we were to go and the half-hearted response was a wiggling hand gesture and a smile like the back of a camels dirty hump. Really nasty welcome and not so much as a smile of complimentary welcome on board drink, not even one they usually try and sell to you in a souvenir glass upon embarkation with that tacky photo. Overall I'd comment that the majority of front of house staff were suffering from depression and some looked positively suicidal, in a polar reply the speciality dining staff were extremely friendly as were the entertainment staff. Read more