To begin with, having traversed the Internet for reviews about Carnival Fantasy and finding stories about distracted service, dirty rooms and crowded public areas, I had low expectations. My boyfriend and I chose the Fantasy because it was the least expensive in its category with the kind of itinerary we wanted. Being hardy backpackers, we thought we could put up with a little inconvenience for a short relaxing vacation of sand and sun. I'm glad to say that we were pleasantly surprised and absolutely loved our Carnival cruise.

Leaving New York City on a cold drizzly day, we were immediately won over by warm, breezy Orlando. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn, which has complimentary pickup from the airport and is located in a green leafy business park with jogging trails and a little lake. I would highly recommend it. We arranged with Laura's Shuttle (407-888-8004) to take us to the pier the next morning (round trip, $35 a person).

(PS Crummy hotel alert: avoid La Quinta West at all costs. Staying there on the way back, we found it dirty, next to a noisy highway and graced only by a McDonalds next door.) Read more