This was our first cruise and after reading some dreadful reviews of the similar itinery on the 28th June sailing I was a bit apprehensive to say the least.However we enjoyed the holiday which has prompted me to write this review to address some of the points raised in those reviews.Okay we sailed a month later on the 26th July but I don't think there would have been any major policy changes in that time SERVICE CHARGES we were aware of these and chose to pre pay with the balance of the holiday-we did overhear some people saying they had had these taken off their account as they did not see why they should have to pay them.Okay each to their own but I had no issue with that.The bar drinks had a 15% gratuity but the waiters were very efficient and attentive so I didn't begrudge them their 80 cents!

PRICE OF DRINKS yes these were expensive.6 dollars for a beer or wine and 2 dollars for a soft drink[iced water was freely available] there was a soda package available which was well taken up but I was very disappointed with the wine package-even with the advertised 20% savings a bottle of wine was still 28 dollars

SEARCHES AND SCANS When boarding you passed all bags through an Xray machine which would obviously show up any bottles however I never saw any evidence of "humiliating" searches as most people were upfront about buying it so there was no need to be humiliated unless you were trying to sneak it on!they are very clear about handing in alcohol and have a desk for you to get a receipt for your purches which are given back on the last night of the cruise.You are given the option of taking bottles of wine on board which will incur a 15 dollar per bottle corkage charge .So if you've been to a local winery and bought some really cheap or good wine and don't like the stuff served on board it could still work out cheaper than 28 dollars a bottle, although sitting at the bar listening to the live entertainment was much more enjoyable than being sat in your cabin drinking a bottle of wine anyway! Read more