Originally Posted by ijkh

Have you cruised with a top end line? Mass market is very different The per diem for our cruise is $266/day. That is cheaper than airfare, a stay at a 5 star hotel and meals in the Caribbean. You have to be smart about it. If you just go low ball you will have what you describe. Picking a well priced top end trip will make sense and be relaxing. Not all airlines and all classes are the same neither are cruises. Emirates is different from Spirit.

We select smaller ships, all inclusive at a good price. The exploration cruises are our favorites. Sometimes visiting unique destinations like the northern coast of Australia and isolated islands in Indonesia are most comfortable by small ship. Cruises can be exciting.