There are countless numbers of cruise lines, departure ports, dates, and itineraries that it does seem quite overwhelming when you try to make your final choices. Just too many decisions!
In the end, I went to a travel agent, something I hadn't done in years, but I felt I needed an expert to explain everything to me. I wanted to see as much as possible, as opposed to just lying on a beach, so the itinerary was important. I basically had a good idea of dates, and I figured that Port Everglades was a good location to embark. That left the task of figuring out which cruise line to take. Holland America's Zuiderdam seemed to fit the bill. As did a cabin with a balcony for I really truly was afraid of becoming seasick or claustrophobic.