I'm home! I drove to New Jersey and back and visited a friend in Ohio going, then drove straight through coming home.
Cruising is not the only way to travel, and maybe not the best, but everyone should try to take a cruise at some point. If you don't gamble or drink, and you are willing to visit the cities on foot (or bicycle) you can do it quite economically. There is more free food and entertainment on the ship than you can make use of. Bon Voyage!