I'm sure you won't regret going on a cruise. I first went on a cruise about 10 years ago, and my friend talked me into going with him. There was a lot of fun on the cruise, and we got to know other people. The cruise's food was great; you could take your food any time you wanted. The cruise has become a tradition for me as I go on a cruise every year. I use cruisetimetables.com to plan my itinerary. In the future, I plan to take a risk and go on an extreme cruise.

I've been on two week-long cruises -- one to the Caribbean thirty years ago, and then to Alaska two years ago. I am definitely going back.. As an introvert I don't participate in many of the activities. I spent a lot of time on the Alaska cruise sitting on the deck reading and watching for sea life. It was spectacular. I'm going again with my daughter in the next few years.

Yes, go for 5 days vs a week since it is your first. Cabins are generally small if you share. If you are concerned about seas sickness, it was suggested to start taking dramamine day before until the first full day on the ship. Not sure if it worked, but I did not get sick. Explore the ship, get your bearings. Have fun, participate in activities.

I am a person who really enjoys beign alone and quiet time. I think beign on a ship full of people would stress me out.

Being a naturist though, I might consider a nude cruise. Naturists and nudists are nowhere near as abrasive/obnoxious as the average population, so a nude cruise may not be so bad.

Cruises are fun, select a short one if it's your first one.

My sister worked on a cruise ship for a year. She said pick a cruise without too many sea days. A lot of people like the Alaskan cruises.