So, since starting this thread, we have booked a cruise on MSC YC. I will say we have absolutely LOVED our two prior Retreat experiences...first was the Eclipse last October, and then that experience was eclipsed by an absolutely wonderful cruise in a CS on the Apex in February. We enjoyed that one so much that we booked the same cabin on the same ship for February of next year. So while we now have two Retreat cruises booked, the pricing and the reviews I have read right here in this thread have motivated me to try MSC.
I agree with many others...we live in South Florida and really love the convenience of Caribbean cruises, so the ship is more important to us than the ports...that's why the smaller ships just aren't appealing for those itineraries.
Anyway...this has been a VERY enlightening discussion, and I sincerely appreciate all of the great feedback so many have provided.