Yes this was my first cruise but not my first time at sea. First off I will say that I did a lot of research before the cruise. I read all te reviews I could and I looked at the deck plans to pick a cabin.
So here are the first few tips for other beginners. Find out where your cabin is and get it right when you book. Consider the issues! If you allow yourself to be booked into a stateroom that is right over the night club DO NOT have the nerve to complain about the noise! If you want to sleep in the afternoon it's probably not a good idea to get a stateroom under the deck 9 restaurants! The hundred dollars you save on your fare may cause you more grief than you think. I picked a balcony stateroom on deck 7 in the middle of the ship. Not a lot of movement, low traffic and quiet. Nice.
Boarding.
Cabin 7222Was roomy enough for the two of us for the 12 night cruise. The choices on the TV are a bit limited but you don't go on a cruise to watch TV right. Comfortable bed and ample storage. There is a safe which is set by using the magnetic strip on any card. The mini bar is handy. Take a drink container for water. The desalinated water tastes fine! Better than Sydney water at any rate! I am a big man and I never had any issues with the shower etc.