Sure you can compare these two lines because most of the time you spend sleeping on the ship so there is no difference there between the two except costs. Nor is their any difference between the itineraries since they both go to basically the same places and share the same port excursion possibililities.

And when someone has travelled on both types of cruise lines, one very much can compare what you get for the costs --- what you call "extras" or premium services. ZERO difference between the two lines besides costs. And that HAL ships service is probably more consistently and genuinely friendly.

Which gets us down to comparing food which was the point of the entire comparison. Is Crystal food worth $300 a meal more? Not by a long shot.

Yes, you do get more high-end finishings in decor with Crystal. But a $1000 a day better when most of the time you are off the ship or sleeping? Oh well, if you live in a shabby environment, then high end finishings for a few hours a day might be worth paying Crystal that $1000 a day extra.

But coolers minds would say spend that $4000 extra for a new carpet and sofa for your own house or a bathroom remodel. Bonus is you get to keep it a lot longer at home for yourself, than you will enjoy a few hours a day enjoying Crystal's higher end finishings.

Crystal marketing creates snob appeal. And if you want that for your $4000 extra, then look deeply into your heart and wonder if a $4000 donation to a prestigious charity might garner you snob appeal to. Or send a kid to college for a year. Or something else that would reflect glory back on to yourself for $4000.

And there you have it. You pay more for Crystal but get nothing more in return. Such a deal, as they say.