I've been on a few cruises, all within the last five years. I can relate a few experiences...
* Avoid Holland America Cruise Line at all costs. Nice ship, big rooms, nightmare crew.
* If you go to the Carribean, be sure one of your stops is the Virgin Gorda in BVI. Unreal. The Eastern Carribean was much better than the Western Carribean, in my experience. Better ports, nicer weather, more to see, etc.
* Most cruise lines outline their smoking policy on their website. Make sure you can smoke stogies on your balcony - at the very least. Some allow room + balcony, some balcony only, some = none at all.
* Bring image-stabilized binocs, if possible, especially in the Carribean, lots to see
