Congratulations on booking your first cruise. If you're looking for some tips that'll make the experience that much better, who's more qualified to give advice than first-time cruise travelers who've just returned from their first voyage? What they didn't know (packing, cocktails, ports, dining), they learned the hard way. But just as valuable, however, are the insights offered by the long-time cruiser, a grizzled ocean vet who knows the decks bow to stern. We've gathered top tips from both parties—three from first-timers and three from stalwart sea-goers.