Why are cruise holidays becoming increasingly popular?

The accomodations are relatively inexpensive and end up costing about the same as if you had stayed in a mid priced motel. The food is great, and costs about the same as if you were eating out at a mid-priced restaurant. The visiting a few ports turns out to be the bonus. You get a taste of a few places you haven't been to before and there's always entertainment every night while you're on the ship. Yes, the rooms are small, but who wants to spend all of their time in a room anyway. It's a good place to sleep, but the rest of the time you get to explore the ship and see the sights. The cruise lines are constantly working to improve their product, and the competition is fierce. Try one out, they're great for some people but not everyone. In my experience though, don't try the "flex dining" option. If a ship offers that, go somewhere else. The traditional shipboard dining is far more elegant and enjoyable. Flex dining is just another way for the ship to make some money.