My biggest concern was that the cabin would be a walk-in closet with a bed in it. I would look at the cabin descriptions and mark out what X square footage would be. That is why I booked a suite for my first cruise. I figured that a 300 square foot cabin would be about the same size as my bedroom. I later learned that a 165 square foot cabin, with balcony, was large enough for me not feel cramped.
I also had concerns about "the dress code" and over packed to the max. On our first cruise we wore far less than half of the clothes we packed. I had the idea that people would be dressed up at all times. My wife pointed out that the cruise brochure said what I should wear "onshore". My response to that was: "Why the heck are they telling me what I should wear off the ship."
I learned quickly that this was a guideline for people who hadn't traveled before.
I was actually a bit disappointed that you really didn't feel like you were on a ship but my wife was ecstatic about it.
I laugh, and get a little irritated, when some people give new cruisers a hard time for not using the "correct" nautical terms. Calling the galley the kitchen or using the term stairway instead of ladder or calling it a bathroom instead of the head. Sorry purists: People are taking a cruise, they are not joining the Navy.
The best thing was that it is a much more relaxed atmosphere with extremely friendly people who didn't seem worried about what you were wearing or if you used the correct terminology. Everyone was just having a great time.
Take care,
Mike