Since you feel comfortable doing other travel arrangements, you should pick up the cruise "thing" pretty quickly. Here are some tips off the top of my head; I'm sure others will chime in with additional advice.

- Maybe you should pick a budget. For the cruise lengths you're talking, you could spend between $1K and $20K. That will help you narrow down your destination, cruise line, length, and cabin type.

- Personally, I think that a good first cruise is the Caribbean, which it sounds like you're considering given your statement on how it's easy for you to get to Florida. Keep in mind, though, that Caribbean cruises depart from all over the east coast; Florida is not your only option. Alaska is another great "starter" cruise, and it's not all that hard to get to Seattle or Vancouver, either.

- I would advise you to get the biggest cabin you can comfortable afford, definitely with a balcony at least. After this cruise, you can stay in tiny inside cabins if you decide that's your thing, but if you go that route now and hate it, you'll have a miserable vacation.

- By the same token, I would recommend a premium cruise line like Holland America, Celebrity, or Disney. Stay away from Carnival, and probably avoid Norweigian and Princess. If your budget and tastes allow it, Radisson and Crystal are excellent upscale lines (but with less in the way of children's activities, so beware).

- Around a week is a good length of time for a first cruise. Any shorter and you're not really allowing yourself the full experience. Any longer, and you all may get cabin fever, ruining your chance to enjoy future cruises together.

Let me know what you think of this advice and then I'll write back with more opinions. I'm happy to be more pointed if you'd like, but for now I'm trying to be balanced and impartial!