I hear what you are saying, and yes, it's NOT cheap to cruise. First figure that the Sixthman cruises are a lot more expensive than normal cruises ( without the current live bands ). Mom took a 2 week cruise about 4 months ago, ( not sure if it was 12 or 14 days ) and she paid about the same price as the cruise we were on, but she didn't have live bands ( however they had live shows which she really loved )
Even Ed of Barenaked Ladies, acknowledged, and appreciated how expensive it was to cruise, saying he knows it is a LOT of money to come aboard with them, and then he thanked everyone for coming. ( This was on the last night of the cruise, and their last mega concert ) ( boy that was amazing I'll say... the show was so loud the floor of the auditorium was shaking ! ) He mentioned this, because this cruise wasn't even over and he then offically announced that Ships And Dip V, and knew that people would have to save up some nice $ to join them again. I guess it just shows that he's grounded, and although rich and famous, knows the meaning of the dollar for regular folks.
I just wish the cruise was a few days longer, I felt I was just getting into it, and it was time to leave. 2 days more would have been great. However, in the end I guess it's Barenaked Ladies and Carnival that decide this, and they don't want it too long, if too long, perhaps this would be less appetizing for some of the bands that were invited. A shorter cruise ensures more bands will be able to come.
Start saving those pennies ! 
annaonthemoon79:I just need prices...and need to see if it is doable with all my other plans....and then see how much money I need for DragonCon and if i have enough leftover for cruisin'...
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