Have just returned from our trip.  Joined ship and was greeted by a waiter with a tray of cocktails. Very nice until we realised that we had to pay for them. We thought it was a welcome on board free drink instead another ruse to get some money out of us. What a welcome!!!!

The pool area was shabby and tacky and the cabins were rather small even with a balcony. The dining was of a high standard and the main restaurant was very spacious and elegant. However there were other restaurants where you had to pay extra which seems very miserly. We found all the staff to be very nice on board the ship. We were required to pay $12 per person per day towards tips for the crew, however each receipt had a space for an extra tip, this put you on the spot and made you feel mean if you didn't give something. If you are going to charge $12 then leave it at that, that's the whole point not to put you in the awkward position of not knowing whether to tip or not.

My partner was very disappointed by some of the attire worn by fellow passengers, although to be fair it was advertised as casual, but this needs to be emphasised more, because a dinner suit or evening dress would appear to be out of place. We spoke to other passengers who agreed with this point of view. This is not the first cruise I have been on the last being the Sapphire Princess which was a totally different experience being far superior in every way.