Robert,
The only experience I have with cruising is from a seven day cruise in the  
Caribbean. Expect to leave tips for the people that make your bed and also your 
 table waiters. We found that you could buy booze on the ship fairly cheap, 
but  the soft drinks cost an arm and a leg for mixers. Every time we went 
ashore, we  took a back pack and crammed it full with coke for rum and coke.
You and your bags will probably get separated before they arrive at your  
cabin, so be sure to pack a small bag with necessities and perhaps a swim suit  
if so inclined and keep it with you. We didn't get our bags until later that  
evening.
We signed up for a lot of side trips when ashore and had a ball. It was one  
of the best vacations we've ever taken. Did I mention the 24 hour availability 
 of food? Go, and have fun. We probably spent an additional $1,000.00 for the 
 week we were on board.
 
Rummy