We moved to HAL (Holland America Lines) ships and have been very happy with them, particularly the smaller ones. Unbelievable difference in pricing, with larger lovely cabins and far more attractive deck space and lounge areas.

I love the smaller HAL ships Explorations Cafe and Library - stunning windows and spacious compared to the ratty little space Crystal offers. They are very low key, quiet and retain sufficient elegance that one never misses whatever Crystal is supposed to offer. They have superb friendly, smiling, courteous crew.

The entertainment is not as lavish and glitzy as Crystal but it is fine and varied and that has never been a reason to cruise for us anyway. We are usually too tired after a good day in port to stay up that late anyway.

Dining experience are pretty similar, except the HAL double tier dining room with vast floor to ceiling windows and lovely decorative ceilings wins hands down over Crystal's cramped and dark oppressive space.

I am glad I sailed Crystal because now I know why I love my "dam" ships. Stick with the HAL R and S class ships and you can do many more trips with a balcony room for the price of one single, cramped "obstructed" view Crystal room.