I've cruised on Royal Caribbean and found them superior. The cruise lines charge gratuities of $11 per day per passenger and even though we added an extra tip for our steward and waiter, I never feel that they were pleased. From now on I will opt out of this program and tip those I feel are entitled.

We flew on Thomass Cook charter to Miami before we emabraked on our Princess Cruise. This is the worst flight we have ever been on, and everyone we spoke to was of the same opinion. The seats were cramped (I am slim), very little leg room. Most people were awake all night and walking about as it was so uncomfortable. Sea Princess was overcrowded, seats on deck were virtually full (unless one got up at the crack of dawn), seats in the shade were at a premium and usually next to the air conditioning outlet. The cabins were small compared to other Princess ships we had been on (this being our ninth cruise). Food was not as good as on previous cruises, and "any time dining" had long queues on most nights, and as for having a table for two, one always had to wait and was given a pager. The service in the restaurant was very slow. We will never go with Princess again.

My cruise on the Caribbean Princess Cruise was my 8th cruise, and the first and the last one with Princess. Royal Caribbean are the best for families, and Holland American for older people.