Two weeks ago we had no idea we would be going on a cruise anywhere. A year ago around this time we went on RC's Vision of the Seas to Alaska where we fell in love with cruising. As a result, I'm on a lot of email lists. The magic email deal came in and we snapped at the bait. Next thing we knew, we were going to Canada and New England within the week.

We flew to NYC at 7am the morning of the cruise (Sept. 14). Luck was with us that weather conditions were perfect and US Airways was flying on schedule. We seemed to be the only people claiming baggage...perhaps because US Air is now charging per checked bag? But who doesn't have to check a bag when you're going on a cruise? Even if it is Freestyle? In other words, we were obviously not on a plane with fellow-cruisers.

Off to the Terminal we went via a scary scary cab ride. Tip for fellow nervous cab-riders...sit BEHIND the driver. Therefore you cannot see just how fast he is going. It cost us around $40 (before tip) to get to the ship, and around $30 to get back to LGA. (that cab driver was much nicer and not so angry). I don't know if the difference was because of drivers, the route, the time of day or whatever, but we were glad to arrive both places safely. Read more