I consider myself to be an independent traveller type and this was the first package holiday I had been on in years.

But you know what? I loved every second of it – both on land and at sea.

Our trip began at Universal Orlando Resort, which is like a country in itself. There are two theme parks – the Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida.

We stayed at the Loews Royal Pacific Hotel which provides plenty of entertainment for children and is only a short water taxi ride from the theme parks.

Islands of Adventure is divided into six themed areas – of which most visitors’ favourite is clearly Harry Potter. Looking past the snow-capped buildings of Hogsmeade and towards the towers of Hogwarts is an awesome sight.

The other half of the park is the movie-themed Universal Studios Florida. Complete with still-functioning film lots, there are plenty of activities for all ages.

At night the studios really come alive when the streets sparkle with the fluorescent lights.

After the excitement of Universal Orlando Resort, it was back to reality with a reasonably soft landing as we were transferred from our hotel to Port Canaveral to board Freedom of the Seas.

The ship isn’t just big, it’s very big. On board, there is everything from an ice-skating rink to a 1950s-style diner, a theatre to a casino, and a rock-climbing wall to a wedding chapel.

My favourite part of being on board was the food, and when you opt for the formal choices, the food more than lives up to the frocks!

GETTING THERE Natalie Marchant enjoyed the 11-night Orlando Stay and Caribbean Cruise from £1,299pp full-board with return Virgin Atlantic flights – spending four nights at Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Resort, room only with car hire, before joining Freedom of the Seas for seven nights from Port Canaveral. From www.virginholidayscruises.co.uk