Congrats on the nuptials and improved health!

 

A cruise can be as relaxing or eventful as you want it to be.


 

Unless you get a suite the cabins are pretty small.  A balcony not only gives you much needed fresh air when nursing a hangover, it's a nice place to chill and have coffee in the morning, a drink or two before heading back out in the evening, or to smoke one of the fake cubans you bought onshore for $5.  We prefer mid-ship or aft (rear facing) balconies.  

 

Once we, meaning my wife, decides which pool we'll be lounging at (usually as soon as we get on board), I'll give the nearest bartenders $20 and make sure they fondly remember me.  You really will get preferential treatment at the bar for the week. This will come handy when the pool bar is packed during sail days and you're not in the mood for the foo foo souvenir drinks the pool waiters are slingin'.  Think of it as getting a Fast-Pass at Disney.  Also, as 4-4 mentioned, room service is free, just make sure you have small bills for tipping. 


 

Dinner in the main dining room can range from OK to excellent depending on the cruise line and ship, but all of the major lines have reservation only restaurants, usually a prime steak/chop house and an upscale Italian or French restaurant.  Make reservations for one or both on your 1st or day, they will book up.  Plan on "dressing" for those nights as well.  If you like lobster, just don't make your reservation when it's lobster night in the main dining room.  Also, if you and your bride like wine w/ dinner, get one of the wine packages and save a few bucks.


 

Funny story, but those photos they take of you all week to commemorate your fabulous trip are not free.  Just ask my daughter what happened when she was 7 and innocently tried to walk out of the photo area w/ every picture of the family and all the photos of other passengers wearing dresses she thought was pretty.  She's 21 now, and I still get mileage out of threatening to throw her in the brig.


 

cruisecritic.com is great resource of info for anything having to do w/ cruises


 

And don't forget the #1 rule: Pack 1/2 the clothes you were planning to bring and 2X the $$, especially if your going ashore (and you should)!

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