Robin,

That's super helpful. What I'm thinking about is this: I prefer the
'Residence Inn' concept to the 'Hyatt' concept in terms of how they
give fridges and parking and internet, and I don't care so much about
the fanciness of the restaurants or expensiveness of the TVs in the
rooms. On the other hand, I cringe at the 'Motel 6' concept because it
is so low frills in terms of comfort and cleanliness and service. But
I'm not really sure how to translate any of this into the cruise world.

My sense is that Carnival might be too loud/"fun" for our taste. My favorite
things on the HAL cruises (my only cruising experience) have been the
nerdly pursuits (quizzes, games, comedy/juggling, cooking demos) and
maybe swimming/sunning. With the kids now, a good youth program is
key, though I would feel guilty about over-using it since it is the little
ones' vacation too and I don't want them to miss us.

I am not remotely interested in: smoking, drinking, gambling, fancy steaks
(we only eat kosher)

I am moderately interested in: dressing up, seeing shows, massage kinds
of spa activities, relaxing places to sit in relative peace and do nothing

Some of the lines, like Disney, seem to me that although they have great
family suites, it might be a bit like seven days inside Chuck-E-Cheese....

I think we might have to go with price/location, but that doesn't give me
enough of a push one way or the other in terms of NCL-BOS or HAL-NYC.
I think if the Spirit had self-laundry that might push me over, but they
don't.

--LG