I know this was your first cruise and it seems as though you didn't research enough or query others that have cruised because MANY of the issues you described as disappointing could have been discovered pre-cruise. For instance, none of the 12 cruises I have sailed on EVER included "free" drinks in the casino. It's a cruise ship, not Las Vegas. If you would have asked for a glass of water in the casino, you would have gotten it BUT it would have been tap water. Otherwise, they would have sold you a BOTTLE of water. Tipping can always be reduced, increased or even removed if you went to the customer service desk and handled it, although I can't figure a $48 tip for 2! Don't think that by going on another cruise line that the issues will change. They are common on most of the popular cruise lines.
