This was just our second cruise, the first being Panama Canal on RCI three years ago. That had been a fine cruise, but we both agreed we prefer land trips where we can learn a little more about one or two areas rather than moving from port to port.

However, after a miserable Midwest winter, I was ready to get out of town and cruising offered a good value and little prep. It also promised an easy solution to my need for a gluten-free diet. My husband chose the Princess itinerary out of three I presented to him one snowy January day.

We flew to Ft. Lauderdale the night prior to the cruise and stayed at the Cambria Suites. Thanks to a fellow cruiser for mentioning that place - I was having a difficult time finding reasonable accommodations until I checked out Cambria. Nice new place, full of cruisers which added to the excitement Saturday morning. The hotel offers free airport and port shuttles - a bonus. Read more