A really good WebSite for finding a cruise is ...
   http://www.vacationstogo.com/ticker.cfm
click on "Find a Bargain" or "Custom Search" and give it some parameters;
  it will then give you a BIG list of cruises which meet your criteria.

PRICES: As best as we can tell, they INclude the port charges and taxes,
 which are two items that are very often extra-add-ons with other
 advertisements -- especially in the newspapers.

CAUTION: Their "Outside" prices are generally for the cabins with
 an obstructed  view.

They seem very polite and have never pressured us in any way.
Dealing directly with the cruise lines generally will result in the same prices,
 and you are dealing WITH someone closer the action and more familiar
 with any nuances.
Sometimes add'l passengers in a cabin can be booked for a fraction of the price.
Be SURE to have a valid US Passport.

The cruise noted at ...
   http://www.vacationstogo.com/fastdeal.cfm?deal=20914
is approx what we took in 2009 and REALLY enjoyed it.
Longyearbyen (Lat.= N-78deg:13min) is a town on the island of Spitzbergen
 in the island group called Svalbard; it's all a part of Norway;
 the scenery is TERRIFIC.
Had heard about it since I as kid and always wanted to go sometime.

We've have no particular allegiance to any cruise line;
 our criteria is the itineary and the price.
 We've been on MedShipCruises, Costa, Princess, HollandAmerica, Norwegian;
 the first two have a lot of foreign-language passengers on board
 and sometimes they call Bingo in FIVE languages.

If a ship is too small, then it rides rougher in the sea.
If a ship is too big, then there are often crowds at dinner
 and shows, and getting off/on takes LONGER.
Our preference is for a ship that accommodates about 1600 passengers.
If a cabin is too close to one end or too high up, then there is more motion.

The services of ...
   http://medjetassist.com/
might be of value, JUST IN CASE.

To us, one great aspect of cruising is that you only have to unpack/pack ONCE;
  another is that the food is nearly non-stop and always something likeable.
To us, the worst part of any cruise is flying to/from the port;
 sure don't want to miss the sailing.
Cruise lines will generally book your flights for you;
 but they may include stop-overs and changes-of-planes.

There are usually some evening meals designated as being "formal",
 but a sport/suit coat, shirt, tie or a nice top will usually suffice;
 have never known of the staff's turning away anyone for improper dress;
 After all, the staff doesn't want to offend anyone;
  they don't care if the guests offend each other.


If ever you do go, have a SUPER time.