I took this same cruise in 2018 and loved it, the ship, and the company. I thought I found my cruise home.

I just took my Girlfriend on the same route at the same time as the 2018 cruise and was disappointed. The staff was super friendly, but it was almost impossible to see the one guy doing future bookings. The ports seemed even more tourist trapish than before. The price hikes are outrageous. I get inflation, but these were beyond that. The daily activities seemed heavier on the sales and gambling side and less on enrichment. The passengers seemed much older than before. The crew seemed stretched thin.

Looking at similar-level cruise companies, it seems like a small step up pats big dividends in what is included. Cunard Transatlantic was terrific, and Virgin works out to about the same Price for the Med, for more.

It just seemed like they have taken a few steps back.