The first time for any significant experience in life is filled with anticipation and… angst. You do your research, you talk to others who have experienced it and then attempt to become fearless of the unknown. This was how my first cruise went down.
It was a wedding anniversary celebration for my parents and the whole extended family was going! At least, that was the initial concept. We made plans two years in advance to sail from Seattle to Alaska. It would take seven days at the end of August to make the round trip. First lesson learned: the obstacles are not in the path of the cruise ship, they are in the path of one’s planning. Before the boat even departed port some years later, our first complication with our cruise arose. Unless your family or group is one very organized cache of people with no work issues, no interpersonal issues, no health issues, no re-prioritizing of life schedules and so on, the first challenge is herding the cats to figure out dates and cabin configurations.
My immediate family was out due to work obligations. My sister’s husband was out as well. My brother wasn’t so sure ~ would his fiance be able to come? Would his beloved dog be well enough to leave with a sitter?
After what seemed like hundreds of emails, conversations and rescheduling, we were settled. (Tip for mom: start planning your 75th now, that way we’ll have another 20 years to figure out the details).
I would be sharing a cabin with my sister. Easy? Well, we did have her two boys too but we had the family suite! A suite?! Sweet! What IS the suite on a cruise ship exactly? There are many types and slight variations. My obsessive online behavior started shortly thereafter to try to get the EXACT cabin layout, dimensions, etc. Next lesson learned: forget trying to find your exact cabin online. The vast majority of pictures and diagrams of cabins have a disclaimer that says something like “this just a rendering of similar cabin and may not be be what your actual cabin looks like”. What? I needed photos. Like, actual, extremely detailed photos.
Next lesson learned, those who say the cabin is no big deal are dead wrong. I’ve heard many people (most of whom haven’t cruised) say that they will be out of the cabin most the time anyway so why would it matter?
We all (especially me) discovered that we were IN our cabins much more than any of us thought we would be. Even if you’re very active and plan to be out and about, partaking in every ship amenity and every second out at ports of call, you’ll still end up appreciating your alone space. Your downtime.
One of our bunch found themselves staying in for half a day because they were seasick. And, by seasick, I mean by way of cocktails, not the ocean conditions.
I personally found myself opting to sit by myself on the balcony while we paused near the glaciers. It was one of the most sublime scenes I’ve ever seen in person ~ a magnificent visual meditation. I didn’t want to jockey for position with the selfie sticks and soundbites of every other conversation.
Up close to the blue ice glacier, as we float through Glacier Bay. Temperatures in early September were high 60s, low 70s. Full sun. The cruise ships have experts from the National Parks who give talks about the history and facts about the areas.
While the cabins are small, they are extremely well designed for efficiency. The design is down to science ~ they don’t seem as small as they are. However, even a few extra square feet makes a difference. Next lesson, always opt for the deck or balcony. At least try. You’re on a cruise ship! Besides an extra few feet of “living” space, you want to see the sights and the water ~ sometimes alone. Cruise ship common spaces can tend to get crowded so you may want to head back to your cabin for that evening glass of wine, midday reading or picture taking.
Margerie Glacier 
Coffee, flip-flops & privacy 
Balcony room views 
Ketchikan port 
No screens needed area.
Those in our group who were first timers were amazed at the restaurant and food options. We were on the Norwegian Pearl. There really is something for everyone, for every meal and snack. The buffets cater to every taste and every level of health consciousness and dietary issues. From a five star steak dinners in gorgeous surroundings to quinoa salads, veggie burgers and roasted breakfast tomatoes. Special mention goes to the 24/7 ice cream machine and sundae bar. (The latter came in handy when cabin sharing nephews conflicted with my dressing or down times.)
Next lesson: If you are a drinker, get the cocktail package. For sure. We did the math, with one person doing a spreadsheet. Even the lighter drinkers made out. The very celebratory members of our group were happy with their huge values. Plus, it’s easier to just order and not worry about it.
Within a couple days of our cruise, we were relaxed, acclimated, having a blast and meeting up. That is, when we could find each other. Next lesson, if you’re going with a group (or even with one other person), bring walkie talkies or plan to use the ship’s solution (phone apps, etc) that work when there’s no cell service. It will save you collective hours of walking and wondering where/when you were supposed to meet. At least, that was our family but I’d suspect it happens frequently since no one wants to stick to a “hard core” schedule. There’s always a distraction or something new to investigate.
When in doubt, do the entertainment. You can always quietly leave if it’s not to your liking. I never did leave. A couple of shows were better than some “real” concerts I paid big, big bucks for. The venues are on the smaller side and the talent is truly amazing. Most of the music are bands covering the most popular music genres for that ship’s demographic group.
Going on that first cruise dispelled a lot of myths. I’ve heard objections like: I’m sure I’ll get bored ~ I’m not into all that eating and drinking. To this I’d say: a cruise is a personal creation, the choices for food, education, sightseeing and entertainment are extensive. You’ll just pick and choose what works for you. Within our group, we had several different experiences going on. One person was in the library in the mornings and at the park ranger talks (going through Glacier National Park), while another was living it up late at night with more dancing than they’ve done for years.
Towel Art! Monkeys, swans…
Surprise towel art! 
Mom doesn’t fold our towels like this at home.
Out and about in Alaska ports
Interesting history lessons 
Small town fusion dining? 
Small town entertainment 
Which one is the real deal? Both are hard-working shop dogs.
While I can’t touch the experience of a seasoned cruiser, I know enough to make sure each of my future cruises are noteworthy. All nervousness has been cast away.