Living in South Florida, in the backdrop of the Port of Miami, getting away on a weekend cruise seems like a snap: no airfare expenses, no parking, and I can hop on a boat with my laptop and work until 5 pm Friday, when the boat leaves port, and be back home at 7 am Monday, with plenty of time to get to my home office before starting the work week on Monday. However, it goes along with the old Florida joke, “How can you spot a tourist in Florida? They’re the ones with the tans.”

Despite low prices and quick (and much-needed) getaway options, it wasn’t until last weekend that I finally took advantage of one of NCL’s many cruise deals and set sail for a Bahamas weekend aboard the Norwegian Sky. It was worth every penny!

Day one was spent getting ready for sailing, enjoying Bahama Mamas on the deck while enjoying the Miami skyline, soaking in music and sun until the sun went down – - and that’s when things really heated up. Unlike Carnival, who I’ve sailed with many times, NCL’s Freestyle Cruising has upsold restaurants that cost extra money – but even those are affordable ($10 for an elegant, perfect Italian meal, for example). Shows, games, activities and dancing made the trip to our first stop enjoyable. Calm seas meant I didn’t have any sea sickness.

Day Two: Nassau

Nassau may be my little slice of heaven on earth, although now that I’ve visited other islands in the Bahamas, I’d take a slice of any one of them. Part of my cruise, in anticipation of my June beach wedding in Nassau, was the ability to take my parents, who’ve never seen the islands, to visit the ceremony/reception sites, and give them a chance to explore and fall in love with my Caribbean Paradise. My parents have been to other islands in the Caribbean, and had anxiety about getting off in Nassau and being heckled by vendors, cab drivers, and excursion recruiters (like they were in Jamaica). Instead, they were wowed by the absolute politeness and friendliness of all the locals, and overwhelmed by the beauty of the perfect turquoise waters.

After stopping at our wedding venue and picking up cake samples from our baker (more on her later – but a DEFINITE recommendation for any Nassau brides!), we had lunch at the Arawak Cay Fish Fry. Again, I’ll dedicate a separate review to that – but it’s a must-stop for authentic, affordable, delicious island fare.

Only a few short hours later, we were back on the boat, heading for our second stop: Great Stirrup Cay – an (almost) unspoiled paradise owned by NCL.

Day Two: Great Stirrup Cay

If I were to ask you to close your eyes and picture the most beautiful desert island you’ve ever seen, you might get a slight sense of how beautiful this island is. The only commercial structures on the small strip of land are a small straw market and a barbecue stand with a picnic table set up for NCL guests. All around are unspoiled reefs and pristine waters that rapidly change from the palest of turquise (with perfect white sand) to sapphire blue, almost as if someone drew a line in the water.

Wading into the waist-deep water tens of yards off shore, one is surrounded by a myriad of small and large fish, all curious and looking for scraps of bread from the barbecue. From Sgt. Majors to large Yellowtail Snapper, they surround you and make you feel like one with nature.

Important note – wear sunscreen. Living in South Florida, I know better than to chance it with the Caribbean sun. My parents, despite living in Miami for more than 10 years (my mother for 30), decided that they didn’t need sunscreen. At least for the first two hours. After turning into tomatoes, they were quick to accept my SPF 50 – but it was too late. Always be sure to apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before heading into the sun!

All in all – the weekend was perfect. Relaxing. Enjoyable. Disconnected. For those who can – with cruise fares as low as $199 for 4 nights – this is a must for 2010 summer travel!