We got the SSS benefits on our second cruise.

But I look at my trips a little bit differently, I guess (and not just cruises). I find the destination I want, the accomodations I want, and the way to get there that agrees. Once I have that decided I see if there's a price I can live with. If there is, that is my starting point; if I can find discounts to bring the pricing lower then Hooray! But if I can't, that's still the price I was willing to accept. I'll persue voraciously the percervied bargains that are lurking around the corner, but if it isn't still there, it's not going to kill my trip.