Introduction: This was my 34th cruise, and the first with Celebration Cruise Line. I'd been curious about trying a cruise on the Bahamas Celebration; I used to see her docked in Nassau from time to time before she started calling on Freeport. The same owners formerly operated the Regal Empress before her retirement. That former ocean liner had developed something of a cult following among locals and ship buffs. I figured that anyone who was willing to invest in one of those grand ladies and keep her from the breakers for a few extra years couldn't be all bad.

My wife found a Groupon deal for $200, which included the two-night cruise fare for two guests in an Ocean View stateroom. Along with two other couples, we bought the Groupons and set a date. Originally my wife bought two for us, but she got a refund on one of them. This was due to the cruise line giving her a hassle over when the Groupon could be redeemed. They didn't list any restrictions on when it could be used. But when she attempted to book a trip over the summer they refused to honor it because the ship was nearly full. I don't have an issue with them limiting the usage since it is a discount deal, but they should put that information on the Groupon listing.

Pre cruise: Read more