I had done the transAtlantic crossing on Cunard's Queen Elizabeth 2 four times back in the mid-1990s -3 crossings at the Queen's Grill level, once at the Princess Grill level - booked through my employer, which did a lot of business in Europe and sent me over in style. I liked it. It was sedate and elegant. I often sat at dinner next to noted politicians and Hollywood actors/producers, and once with a British hog farmer and his wife who were an absolute smash with everyone at the table and my fondest memory!This cruise was my first on Royal Caribbean and was a 5-night test for my husband who had never taken a cruise. I didn't know what to expect from what had been described by the Travelocity booking agent as a mass-market cruise line, but I figured if we didn't like it we wouldn't have to suffer too long. Well, 24 hours into the cruise my husband, who has a stressful government policy job, turned to me and said: Sweetheart, I know you were worried that I'd be bored, but I have to tell you that I love this! I'm having a GREAT time!I was too! The one thing I missed from Cunard were the interesting lectures. Other than that Royal Caribbean had everything else I remembered from Cunard and was as good and very often better at producing it. The evening shows were Broadway quality. The comedians (from SNL and Leno) were hysterically funny. The food was excellent. Service - in our room, in the dining room, everywhere - was prompt and friendly. The Enchantment staff clearly love what they do and want you to have a good time. We didn't want to come home. Three days later and we are still smiling! Already looking for another cruise on Royal Caribbean and its sister line Celebrity. AS NOVICES, WHAT WE DID RIGHT:1. We booked a mid-ship room with a balcony. Mid-ship meant it didn't rock as much and being able to sit on the balcony and look out at the horizon was an important factor I think in avoiding seasickness the few times the ship got a little bouncy. 2. We booked an off peak sail date that meant fewer passengers and fewer children. The ship was not full. Plenty of great seating for the shows. Also, fewer tourists in Bermuda and the weather was gorgeous. Off peak will be a priority for us when we book our next cruise. 3. We booked a smaller ship. At about 2200 passengers when full, the Enchantment had a lot to offer but didn't feel overwhelming. We had checked-in online and arrived at the Baltimore pier at 12:30 for a 4 p.m. departure. Getting on board was very well organized. Had our bags on the tram and the car parked in 20 minutes. Royal Caribbean had a huge and very good buffet open and ready so we had a nice lunch, went to our room where our bags had already been delivered and settled in.Royal Caribbean plans activities for every age group and lifestyle, but it took us until Day 3 to realize we did NOT have to run around seeing and doing everything they had to offer. We checked out a deck of cards from the library and in-between meals and shows my husband taught me to play Crazy 8s (college rules, gloating required by the winner). In our stressful work world, it was nice to know I still got a kick out of my husband's company (and by the 5th game I was close to beating him!) My impression is that cruising is for people who like group activities and are not horrified at seeing others act a little silly or acting a little silly themselves. It is probably NOT for you if:1. Your relationship is a closed loop - as in, you must stay with me every minute and only talk to me.2. You cannot imagine being around people more than 5 years older or younger than yourself.3. You tend to drink too much and gamble (we saw a few unhappy faces when the bill was presented at the end of the cruise).Cruising IS for you if:1. You want an amazing value! When we thought of the typical cost of transportation, accommodations, meals, and entertainment, we realized it was a huge bargain, especially with all of the details taken care of for us. In fact, I felt I had under-tipped the staff. 2. You enjoy meeting new people and local people, and exploring new places.3. You like planned activities but can also enjoy quiet time and can actually travel for days without checking your email or making a call.