My wife and I booked a cruise for 12/31/2013 through 1/5/2014, as it was out first anniversary on 12/31. This was my first cruise and her 3rd cruise, first one for her in about 8 years.

First off, the port of Charleston was great. It was a $35 cab ride from the airport, and if you are flying in, you can take the cab to Harris Tweeter (grocery store) to get snacks and beverage allowances and then walk to where you get on the boat (10 min walk with Luggage).

My personal opinion is that I was not ready for the onslaught of costs and hiked up rates on the cruise. We figured we were going to have to pay extra because it was a 'holiday' cruise but things like $8 beers and $14 martini's seemed high. I had a single mixed drink from their menu and it had close to zero alcohol in it and it was 'pre' made in a large container. Read more