Many of the mainstream cruise-lines are pretty much the same; although each company has bigger ships, newer ships, older ships, smaller ships. We have cruised NCL, HA, RC, CC, and most of the others, and whereas we find HA to be maybe a half notch more classy, and whereas we had big problems with RC's service and attitude (twice, now) I do think you have to keep your expectations in check, so not to be disappointed. Cruising has gone "mass markets" and it's not as elite as it once used to be, and you get treated pretty much the same as being processed on a greyhound bus tour. But I love it for the ride, the weather, the activities on the ports, and the relaxation. The food is over-rated on most cruise lines (not as great as it once used to be) and by Wednesday everything starts to taste the same. My strongest recommendation is to negotiate for a nice outside cabin with a patio and window -- because it's the journey not the destination.