This my first time posting here, and first time planning a cruise, and this looked like a pretty good place to get some advice.

I'm thinking about taking the family on a cruise in February. We'll use up some unused airline tickets we had from our last vacation a year ago and fly down to Florida. From there, I'd like to go on a cruise to the Bahamas or Bermuda or whatever else is down there in the Florida area.

From your experience:

1. How much is realistic to pay for a cruise that lasts 4 or 5 days?
2. Which cruise lines give the most bang for the buck?
3. Which are the best as far as dining and fun things to do? (we're in our 50's, our kids are teens and low 20's)
4. Which cruise lines would you stay away from?

Thanks,