• Cruise line: NCL, www.ncl.com, 866-234-7350

• Passengers: 2,002 double occupancy

• Length: 848 feet

• Tonnage: 77,104 GRT

• Itinerary: Three-day trips leave Miami on Friday and go to Nassau and a private island. Four-day trips leave Miami on Monday and go to Grand Bahama, Nassau and a private island.

• Pricing: The least expensive inside-cabins cost $99 per person, double occupancy, through Dec. 12. Check the website for the latest deals.

• Online booking: Note that when you book, insurance will be automatically added in. You can remove this from the price before you finalize, but you will have to pay close attention to do so. Read insurance terms carefully and compare alternative policies from unaffiliated insurance companies (www.insuremytrip.com or www.squaremouth.com). If you or a family member at home is at risk of severe illness, it may be worth purchasing a policy.

• Freestyle dining: On NCL, you can dine when and where you like -- and with whom. Reservations aren't required but they are advised, especially if you're dining in a ''specialty'' restaurant or with a large group. You can make them by phone or at the reservations desk by the purser's desk; reservations are accepted beginning 24 hours in advance so that no one hogs all the space. In addition, video screens posted around the ship offer up-to-date info on restaurant availability.

The three specialty restaurants -- Le Bistro, Cagney's and Il Adagio -- charge an additional fee of $10 to $20 per person.

-- JANE WOOLDRIDGE