I just returned home from a great vacation to Port Canaveral and the Bahamas (Nassau and Freeport). My husband and I have traveled many times on Norwegian Cruise Lines, once on Holland America and once on Princess. We have only cruised twice with our son: once last year to Bermuda on the inaugural cruise of the Norwegian Breakaway to Bermuda and this time aboard Carnival Splendor.

We chose this cruise because it was 8 days, sailing somewhere warm, and the rates were incredible. The eight day excursion was just about $2000 for 3 of us. As on any cruise, that of course included food. For those unfamiliar with cruising - the only things that will cost you are shore excursions, alcohol, soda and bottled water. Norwegian will also charge $10 for one of the "fancy" restaurants - depending on the ship.

In brief, the greatest part of our trip was the cruise staff - from the room stewards, to the servers, to the show hosts. The cruise director and the cruise staff are what makes for the personality of the cruise and these guys were fantastic. They were fun, enthusiastic, silly, kind, and entertaining. They make your vacation their priority and seem to actually care that you are having a good time. Read more