Shortly after entering my luxurious suite with its marvelous ocean view – all guest rooms aboard the Seabourn Odyssey are suites and all have marvelous ocean views – I was greeted by a knock on the door from my room attendant Timea.

She was carrying a tray with caviar hors d’ouevres, a glass of champagne and some special bath soaps. Gifts from her to welcome me aboard.

My room already had a basket of fruit and a bottle of champagne on ice as welcome-aboard gifts from Seabourn.

Timea then asked if I would like two complimentary bottles of liqueur for my room. Thinking it might be nice to sit on my balcony, watch the ocean roll and savor a nightcap, I asked for a bottle of Kahlua and a bottle of Bailey’s Irish Cream.

Figured they would be those teeny bottles you get on the airlines, good for about one drink.

Imagine my surprise when Timea brought me two huge bottles of the liqueurs. No way would I drink that much on this weeklong cruise. I didn’t even open the bottles. Might as well tell you right away about the drink policy on Seabourn.

Any drink is free. Day or night. Anywhere on the ship. Any kind of drink. Beer, wine, cocktails, fruit juice, fancy coffees, tea, sodas, on and on.

I’ve never been on a cruise like this. I have been on cruises where beer or wine was served with meals. One drink or maybe two. I’ve also been on cruises where soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea are complimentary. But I’ve never been on a ship where the drinks are so graciously served – free.

Another unbelievable Seabourn policy notes that “tipping is neither expected nor required” on the Odyssey. It is an all-inclusive cruise.

From what I’ve seen on my cruise, the service is impeccable. No one is being nice to you because they expect a big tip at the end of the cruise. They are just being nice because, well, they are nice people.

By Jackie Sheckler Finch