We are a Disney-loving family but wanted to try something different for our vacation this year. We are used to the frenetic pace of the theme parks and the top-notch service of a Disney vacation. This time, we thought we'd try relaxing for a change!
We chose Carnival despite the eye-rolling of experienced cruisers and the under-enthusiastic advice of our travel agent. The price, though, was very attractive and, as newbies to the cruising world, we didn't have predetermined expectations.
Baltimore was our port-of-choice simply because we could drive there (9 hours from home in Ontario) and we wanted to do some sightseeing in Washington D.C. before the cruise. We are so glad we did! Capital Hill was beautiful and the Smithsonian museums were amazing (and free!). We will have to revisit Washington another time.