Thanks for the replies.

We normally go someplace for a week, so I'm thinking 5 days is the minimum.

Have been leaning toward Royal Caribbean, but will be looking much harder at Carnival, based on this thread.

I'm so used to using points and miles and getting vacations for close to no money out of pocket, except for food, that I'm sure price will be influencing the decision as well.

I'll update the thread as my thoughts gel.

Feel free to critique my thoughts, as I am a cruise newbie.