I too think the SS itinerary that Karen listed is far more compelling than the RSSC one. I would choose that one over RSSC's in a heartbeat.

And something else to consider -- some of us (me included) are happy to take a smaller, non-balcony cabin just to get on the cruise, which is something that RSSC doesn't offer. Yes, comparing apples to apples in cruise experience does mean looking at the higher category cabins on SS, but for us, we don't care as much where we sleep -- just being on the cruise is the important thing. And the less we have to spend on each cruise, the more cruises we can take! (Not to mention, the more money we have to spend on other things along the way, like shore excursions, souvenirs, etc.)

I'm not in the market for anymore 2006 cruises, what with the three I already have booked. But if I was, I would be diving at that SS cruise...and I'd be looking at the lowest cabin category.

When I've been cruise hunting in the past, I normally have not been able to consider SS, as their prices were usually higher than RSSC. It was a fabulous bonus that, along with a lower price, we also got a splendid suite with a balcony. But as much as we savor that, the truth is that if SS had a comparable, or even more interesting cruise where we could buy a lower-cat cabin for less money, that's the one we'd choose. And the fact that SS is all-inclusive really IS a huge deal -- like I've said before, I'm no lush, but the concept of the open bar and the conviviality that inspires sounds awfully compelling to me. (Not to mention the cost savings!)

Especially for folks like me who really are price-driven, these higher prices on RSSC are going to drive us away to the other luxury lines.