It's not just price, it's value.
There is no way I'm getting DH on a big cruise ship. We both hate crowds. Don't care about nightlife shows, onboard activities, pools, theme dining, non-stop eating or drinking, or crowded ports of call. Small ship cruising is the only way to go for us.
And then there are the destinations. Many locations we prefer to do on our own, but serious nature/adventure stuff we like having expert guides and the logistics handled and will happily go with small groups. Especially as other attendees tend to be die-hard nature folks too.
So, given our constraints, you are left with the more expensive options. No problem as our budget has room for one a year which is the most we would do along with all our other travel.
+1
We like Windstar and Regent Seven Seas. Haven't tried Sea Dream but would like to. Even better is a cruise on a private yacht if you know like minded people who all go in on the cost.
We just did a BVI cruise on a private catamaran with 2 other couples and it was awesome! That is if you like snorkeling, kayaking, diving, eating great food, and seeing cool Islands with no crowds. [emoji41]