We don't like Nov so we get away to the south where the sun shines at least a bit most days.

We were on the Explorer for 24 days and at the Biltmore for another. ( They don't count this day as a cruise day).

The included pre-cruise stay at the Biltmore was fine. The hotel is far from downtown but the public spaces at least are spectacular. There are wonderful old large Florida houses in the area so try to get out for a walk to look at them.The transfer to the ship was awful. They kept us sitting on a crowded bus for 45 minutes before leaving the hotel. Read more