Sailed Ncl, celebrity, carnival, costa, and royal and there is definitely something to paying a bit more up front. Celebrity frequently has sales if your a bit flexible about when your going it can be quite competitive with the rest. Definitely not worth twice as much but if you can grab something for 25% higher and appreciate a friendly staff, fine dining, activities such as art class or speakers about history, etc, it's worth it.
At the minimum give it a try once.
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11 cruises in 2012 finished!
Total: 90nights at sea visiting 15 countries
BOOKED: Princess Diamond May 25th for 28nights to Alaska
PM me if you need a cruisemate for any Panama Canal cruises in 2013
Celebrity preferred but not required
Date, ship, cost pp