Recently crusied on the QE on the Black Sea Pearls cruise. There is no doubt that the service is excellent and the food of a high standard. The cruise was let down though by the quality of entertainment which was poor by any standard and the constant subtle and not so subtle quest for your money.

All of the 'extra' services including spa, tours and drinks are highly overcharged. They even charge you for water to travel on shore! The wi-fi is a no go area for anyone who values their money at a rate of 35pence per minute!

Add to this a 15% surcharge on purchases, a space for an additional tip on all drinks and of course the 11 dollars per day gratuity and the costs of this cruise can spiral out of control. Read more