I am a long-time cruiser, having cruised RC about a dozen times over the past 20 years. While some RC cruise ships are a little better than others, they tended to be similar -- until I took the Rhapsody of the Seas. This most recent cruise was an absolute shock. The cost-cutting measures that RC have taken over the past year are extremely apparent and were thrown in our faces over the entire 10-day Mediterranean cruise. For those of you who have cruised before, I'll let you in on a few of them:

* Nonstop (NONSTOP) upselling. From internet options to beverage packages to premium restaurants to spa packages, RC is hounding you at all hours, at every activity, to buy something. Yes, they've always offered additional packages, but I've never spent a cruise feeling like I was being hustled on a used car lot.

* Major cutbacks on past benefits. Did you enjoy lobster night? Well, now RC offers lobster EVERY night -- for an upcharge of $30. And both the menu and waiter will remind you EVERY night that you can buy these add-ons. If you enjoyed complimentary prime rib and lobster before, be prepared to shell out cash for these and other benefits. Read more