My husband and I have been on many cruises (Caribbean,Alaska,and Northern New England/Canada). There is absolutely NO comparison of a cruise ship to a military ship! I hate to hear men say that! My brother & his wife have become avid cruisers and I never thought that would happen. What's most important though, I think, is the cruise line you pick! Carnival ships are mostly for the 18-24 crowd - a lot of drinking and partying. I love Princess the best, but my husband likes Holland America. Ladies, if the men don't want to go, grab a couple friends and have a ball!