I have only cruised once on Holland America--the Westerdam back in 1980/90...and could only afford an inside cabin U/L! --The brand has a long passenger ship history. And many ships. Crystal will be 20 years old in 2010 and the line had had 3 and now only 2 ships.--I missed out on sailing with Royal Viking lines and caught a Sitmar cruise that was morphing into a Princess brand. -- They are history. Folks who have sailed on those fine lines, speak highly about the service and food...like what current Crystal cruisers speak about Crystal. --I want Crystal to be successful and continue to please its passengers.

After I have decided upon my trip/destination, I do look into the pricing. Once the trip commences, I refuse to talk about cost of trip with shipmates. I am not interested in ruining THEIR trip nor OURS with $$ comparisons. Bargain shopping should be done beforehand.