We recently had the pleasure of sailing right out of our own backyard in New York on the Norwegian Gem, going to Florida and the Bahamas.We are well traveled with 16 cruises under our belt on various cruise lines. We are 55 and 65 years old.
One advantage of cruising from a home port is NO FLYING. We drove to the Manhattan pier, paid $210 to park for the week, unloaded our suitcases, dropped them with the porters and checked in. We arrived at 11:15 AM and were on the ship by noon. At the end of the cruise,there is nothing easier than rolling luggage right to your car and finding yourself at your front door in less than an hour.
The GOOD:
Good size room, regular balcony size. Plenty of storage. Would have been quiet except for kids constantly running up and down the corridors.