We looked at a NCL, UK and Ireland 10 night cruise for this summer. £3,200 each in a standard balcony. That is a little more than P&O prices. As you say, + a few hundred for tips. IMHO folk buy a cruise at around £200 per balcony cabin per night and compare to a premier inn. Premier Inn don't include food,or entertainment, or a balcony, or a different location. If purple is your thing and you don't mind your accommodation being in a pub carpark you know where to book.