Upon getting to the pier, drop your check in luggage with the porters at the pier, make sure you have the ship tags on them, and tip them a dollar or two per bag. If you order any room service during the cruise, you'll need to also tip that person a few dollars too, all other tips should be included with your daily tips you will pay at the end of your cruise.
You can almost always find a lounge chair, but the choice ones by the pools will be the first that will be used, if you don't mind a bit of a walk to the pool, I am sure you can find something..