Really? I've found mostly the opposite, that CEL is as good if not a better value than RCI, HAL and PCL. My boss, for instance, found a Feb 2012 two week sailing in a balcony for around $1800 incl taxes per person and while I can't recall the exact cabin category and that doesn't include air USD$128/day per person for a balcony in the middle of winter/peak Caribbean cruise season is to me a very good deal. The boss thought so too so she put a deposit on it to lock in the price. Obviously prices on CEL sailings will vary but I'm of the opinion that CEL isn't overpriced and is one of the better cruise values. YMMV, of course.