In fairness, Steve (above) is correct, to a point. For some kinds of special purpose cruises, that big floating hotel is n early the only choice. He's also correct that some of th e annoying add-ons can at least be reduced, if one is extremely careful. And please, don't get me started on the "Mandatority" gratituties that seem to begin at 18%. Last I heard, a gratituity was a gift of appreciation for superior service, not a mandatory odd-on imposed by management as a substitute for paying fair wages! I've always been a generous tipper, at least when good service is recieved - and I'm happy to do so. That said, nothing will curdle my blood faster than being told that it is mandatory, rates begin at 18% etc. In the end, crusing is decidedly not my thing unless I really need a boat to get to some exotice destination. I'm also not a huge fan of flying, even in First Class and also view it as necessary transportation toward another, far more important objective. At least most of the attendants on interenational airlines are not yet hustling tips from their customers. That too shall come once of these days. I wonder who will be first: RyanAir or Aeroflot. With the latter, one can perish 'with' the thought. Ouch!