Ok, all you seasoned cruisers. I need advice, tips, and help with preparation! I've never been on a cruise before so I have no clue what to plan for. Here are the details. The cruise is in February 07.

The cruise starts in San Juan, Puerto Rico and will stop in St. Thomas, Dominica Islands, Barbados, and Aruba.

We will be going with world renowned portrait photographer Monte Zucker and a class of about 15 students for a week of one on one instruction but on and off ship. I am so excited!

Ok, so here's what I'm already stressing about. In six months I hope to be - scratch that - I WILL be 60 pounds lighter! Where am I going to be able to shop for summer closes in January?? I'm assuming I'll need shorts, summer tops, cotton pants, sandals, etc.

What about a formal gown?? I've NEVER had a formal gown. It will need to be appropriate for the weather. Ack! I'm so stressed already!

What about money exchange? What's the best way to keep from being screwed over?

What about tipping on the ship?

How much cash should we take? Should we take cash at all?

Is there a book entitled "Cruising for Dummies"?? *laughs*

Come on y'all. I know there are some experienced cruisers here. Toss me all the ideas you have. You have six months to get me ready for my "coming out" cruise! *laughs*

Sounds fun!! You have gotten great advice. I think Carlene already gave you great advice on buying clothes ahead of time. I used to alway do it and have started again. After Labor day you can get some great buys on summer clothes.

I always take a Little Black Dress or two, the go everywhere, dress up or dress down. Black goes with everything and works in any season. I always splurge when buying these because I get several seasons of wear from them.

When traveling I almost always use a credit card, but I also get some travelers checks, I keep one or two in my wallet all the time for "emergency money", I also get a $50 pack of one dollar bills from the bank before I leave.

And if you go in the casino, take cash in there. As much as you want to LOSE! But, if you are a bind a need actual cash

(and the ATMs on board are empty), you can buy some chips, play some hands of blackjack and cash out and get cash back.

Oh and the carry on bag is right on too. You will leave your bags out side of the ship and they will "magically appear" later on that night. So take any meds, changes of clothes you may want(bathing suit, ect)

The first night on the ship the fancy dinning room dress is casual, so you wont need to change for dinner.

Oh dont let the dress code for the fancy dining room scare you. As long as you are not nekked or in a bathing suit, they will let you in.

The stores and the casino open as soon as the boat hits international waters!

I know I will think of more stuff as more people post.

I love to cruise.

I want to do a Panama Canal cruise when I hit goal.