Our families use cruises as a way to enjoy our families. The time we spent together is limited so we try to max out the time we have together. With summer home rentals you still have cooking, riding together for meals out/ entertainment etc..Cruises have always been the most economical way that we can spend time together. Plus there is always something for everyone. On this trip we had 27 different family members plus some quests of the family. Lots of 1st time cruisers. We really sold the idea of cruising to better than half of the group. Jacksonville was selected because of location. Just about half way between both families. 18 months of planning and off we went.

We all stayed at the Resident Inn at the Airport and it was just grand! The staff was one of the best that I have ever dealt with and they really got us started off on a good foot. The port at Jacksonville is really just a large metal warehouse. I have sailed from Tampa and Cape Canaveral before and I was really surprised. Boarding was quick and with no problems, not the glamorous feel that one would get from the other ports.

Please bear with me on this review. I have been on 10 cruises in the past and I feel that with that in my past I can give a somewhat " non-biased " review. Read more