[stomachmonkey]

I like cruises.

They are the perfect vacation if all you want to do is "stare at air"

When I take a vacation it's because I need it for downtime.

I like that the choices are limited.

I don't want to have to decide where I'm eating.

I want to be catered to.

I don't want to spend a week or two bouncing from hotel to hotel.

There is a consistency and predictability to them that forces you chill.

As far as lines, Carnival has a reputation for "fun". You'll find a younger crowd and kids.

Royal Caribbean is a step up, more mature crowd, not sophomoric like Carnival.

Then there is Princess and Celebrity, both higher end but different crowd. Princess will be more mature up scale while Celebrity tends to be younger up scale so aesthetics are a bit different.

Don't save money by getting an interior cabin. Took a last minute spur of the moment cruise once and it was all that was left. About the only thing blacker than an interior room is a Spinal Tap album cover. It's really unnerving.

If you live close to a port you can do a 3 day dry run and book last minute and pay $0.50 on the dollar.

All modern ships have ridiculous stabilization, unless it gets really rough the risk of getting seasick is way less than back in the day.