First time cruiser

Hi Isabel2004m, *** Most importantly ... bring a case of bottled water with you in your luggage!!!What are your ports? Western Caribbean -- is is Cozumel and Playa del Carmen (plus more)? If so, my husband and I did that cruise. Is yours a 5 day or 7 day? And, where are you embarking from? Galveston, Louisianna, or further east? Most cruises offer a 'formal night'. Which is really fun to get all 'gussied up'. Nice picture opportunity. There will be professional photographers to take shots for you to purchase later. So, you'll want to bring at least one nice outfit. Black tie is NOT required, but it's certainly optional, meaning a cocktail dress or evening gown would be appropriate. Other than formal night, it's casual, casual, casual. I limited the jewelry that I brought with me. And, for our next cruise I will definitely leave my genuine 'bling' at home, substituting something that I wouldn't be devastated if I lost. I didn't lose any jewelry, but heard other gals grumbling about having lost jewelry in the pool, or jacuzzi -- I forget which. The gym's are so-so. But, there is onboard walking, dance classes, and usually some type of pilates or yoga. The onboard activities are what you make of them. Hubby and I really enjoyed playing the enormous chess game on deck. Also, the horse races were a hoot. By the way, they are two foot wooden horses! And, the onboard art auctions are a real opportunity ... if you're into that sort of thing. Hubby and I bought some beautiful art pieces onboard. Don't worry about packing the art -- they ship your purchases to your home. And, if you're up for a little pampering, there are qualified pamperers onboard. I got a fabulous massage and facial on our last cruise. It's a little pricey, but it was a GREAT massage! Then there's the food!!! I did ok, but it would be very easy to gain 5-10lbs. on a cruise. If you're a gambler beware! The casino's are situated in such a way that you need to pass through to get most anywhere on the ship. It's rather annoying to a non-gambler. But hey, I can't complain. While I was doing laundry, hubby dropped $4.00 into the slots the first night of the cruise and won $400.00. I can't comment on your ports, 'cause I have no idea where you'll be docking. If you list your ports, and I have been, I'll give you my impressions. All in all I'd say cruising is a great way to go. You unpack once, and you're done until it's time to go home. You're gonna' have a blast. The crew are always eager to answer questions, and to guide the guests to activities. We plan our next cruise to be to Alaska. Can't wait for that one!