My first cruise...

Originally Posted by tobii3

there are usually two decks that are open air...the one with the pool, and the one above...hence the starboard side of the decks.

Don't ask me why, but every ship I've been on lists the starboard sides of the decks as the smoking areas.

And Willygt -

You only feel the ship move in rough seas....technology has come a LONG way with these cruise ships - you can be in 8 - 12 ft swells and the ship barely rocks

They have stabilizers on each side of the ship,,,at least the bigger ships do and my wife and I crossed the Atlantic and could barely feel anything.

As far as dinners go,,pick any cruise line that has "any time" dining. I know Princess has it along with others,,,it's perfect as you plan the day as you want it.

I agree with the starboard side of the deck as being the smoking side,,,some ships have a more strict guideline as far as areas you are allowed.