This was our first cruise. We chose this cruise line and this particular cruise based on a recommendation of my college alumni association (through a brochure we received in the mail. The travel company they used for this cruise was GoNext). Based on their endorsement, we had traveled with a different tour company (Orbridge) to Africa in 2014 and then to the the Nat'l Parks and Lodges of the Old West (USA) in 2015 , so when we got this opportunity and could fit it into our schedule, we jumped on it.

It was amazing. Many will say we have nothing to compare it to as it was our first cruise, but every single person we told aboard that had cruised before, that it was our first, said you are now "spoiled." Everything about it - including the prices - were great. The food was extra special with four specialty restaurants and the standard grand dining room and buffet restaurant (as well as the pool terrace grill). The rooms were awesome, as were the excursions, the entertainment and the overall feeling aboard - there's even a cooking school on board. Most impressive of all was the service, with only 1250 passengers and 730 crew. And the ship was pristine.

We didn't buy an alcohol package but didn't need it. Had a couple bottles of wine with dinner and also brought wine aboard at port calls. No issues. Happy hour was twice a day (like 5:30-6:30 PM and 1030:-11:30 PM) with all drinks half-price, along with the travel company cocktail party and then the Captain's Party. We also got drinks while ashore at the ports. Certainly not the fuss I've seen on many of the boards about alcohol on cruise ships and people sneaking it aboard, etc., unless they wanted to be drunk the entire time.