Donna and I sailed aboard the Norwegian Star in early October 2009 - just before hurricane season, apparently - beginning and ending at the Port of L.A., with stops at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. The ship was wonderful in terms of food, crew, activities, and evening entertainment: Vegas-style song/dance stage shows (some good, some hokey), Second City improv show (photos not allowed), magician, juggler/comedian, acrobats). Once on the boat it was instant relaxation. No car keys, no commute, just our floating city with unabated ocean views. The ship was freakin' HUGE; a lap around the jogging track around Deck 13 was 1/4 mile. Also, in addition to 13 restaurants, several bars, a large pool, and six hot tubs, the ship had a basketball court, movie theater, large entertainment lounge, large casino, and a theater that held about 700. Staterooms were also equipped with TVs, unlike the cruise I took 20 years ago. (Internet was available for 70 cents/minute! We didn't go for that.) And the whole thing was pretty inexpensive. Everything was included except shore excursions and alcohol (vodka smuggled in an Aquafina bottle saved us big bucks.) In addition, Norwegian's new Freestyle Cruising style is great - doing away with rigid dinner seatings and dress codes, welcoming instead dining when and where you want and casual dress is always OK. Photos by Alan Sheckter / AlSheck@comcast.net. Images may not be reproduced without expressed written consent of the photographer.