I've cruised this itinerary several times already and just before we left last week we booked it again in February. We are not always the same but it always starts with the wife and I, this time our son (28YO) joined us for his first time at sea. Honey and I are up to cruise number 15 with half of them on Norwegian's ships. At first, I listened to others about flying south in winter to meet the ship in warm Florida waters and enjoy the sun so much faster, but after a few cruises getting "stuck" in Florida because the airports up north were snowed-in I realized that the extra anxiety of air travel wasn't with it. We did an Amtrak one year, it was good, but I'd rather spend that day on the ship.

So, I have found that sailing from Manhattan Pier 88 wither December through March is wonderful and for me I'm here to enjoy the cruise itself not the side-shows. I've done the Norwegian Breakaway 4 times to the Bahamas, the Epic to Panama, and the Gem to Canada. These are all excellent ships, with a variety of cabins to chose and prices to match. The concept of "freestyle" dining fits my idea that travel should be dynamic and fluid with variety you can choose "when-ever" not decided a month before. Every style of dining is available every day and there is a wide variety of entertainment.

From our home on Long Island, on a Sunday morning, its only a 2 hour drive to the pier. An hour later we are all booked in (expertly done by Liz Simmons on her first day) and relaxing in the terminal. But don't just sit there, take a walk you've got great views of the City, the Hudson River, the Intrepid aircraft carrier air museum is right next door. Before you know it it's boarding time. Read more