We did not get off the boat at Cape canaveral. We have done vacations to Orlando many times and did not feel that the time we spent in this port justified the travel and expense of traveling to Orlando. There was nothing at the port to do- you have to get a cab or excursion. We enjoyed a quieter time at the pools on the boat.
We enjoyed walking around in Nassau at the straw market and shops. Although, one quick trip down the aisles was all we needed to experience it :). We did a shore excursion to Atlantis for the aquarium. This was a last minute switch which they accommodated due to the fact that our 2 year old wasn't feeling up to another day at the beach as we had planned. The aquarium was the only tour which was "mild" enough for him. However, dad and the other 2 boys complained the whole time!!! They could not stand seeing Atlantis, but only having a ticket to the aquarium. That was our only mistake, but what can you do when you have a child not feeling their best? Make the best of plan B!! I was very grateful to the Norwegian shore excursion desk who assisted with this rearranging just an hour before the excursion was to begin!!
We picked this cruise because if it's NYC departure. WOW!! We drove from Ohio and parked at the pier. For a family of 5, this was much cheaper than flying!!! ($210 to park for the week, less than $20 for tolls, gas was maybe $200 and got a hotel in PA for $45 with breakfast from priceline the night prior to leaving.) The views from the boat going and coming were spectacular!!! We sailed right past the Empire State Building, statue of Liberty and all of lower Manhatten. Upon our return, we put our luggage in out car and set off to see a few sites before heading home including the Intrepid and a few other sites along the piers.
More 
