What to Expect on Your First Cruise

B. Todd Bailey is the manager of Fortress Risk Management, LLC, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, a position he has held since 2010. He is also building a successful Ariix internet/network marketing business. In his free time, B. Todd Bailey enjoys going on cruises with his wife, especially to the Caribbean. Most recently, Bailey, his wife, his parents and various siblings and in-laws cruised from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten--some of Bailey's favorite cruise destinations.

Cruises are a popular way to travel but may seem overwhelming to those who have never been on one before. USA Today has compiled some helpful tips for first-time cruisers:

Arrival: Upon arrival, passengers will be asked to pose for an embarkation photo, which is available for purchase later, if desired. Then passengers will be checked in and shown to their cabins.

Muster Drill: After everyone is settled, the ship will have a muster drill, which goes through the evacuation process. Everyone will be required to take a life jacket and follow the instructions on the back of their doors as to where to go in an emergency. At the meeting point, passengers will check in with a crew member, then be dismissed.

Entertainment: The amount and type of entertainment depends on the cruise, but most ships have at least one live show every night. Common entertainment includes dancing, singing, stand-up comedy, and magic shows.

Ship Activities: In addition to the entertainment, most ships offer a number of activities, including spas and fitness centers, casinos, and hangout areas for kids.

Clothes: Many cruises offer formal dining, which is a great time to wear tuxedos or formal gowns, but it is okay to wear less-dressy clothes, like a suit and a tie for a man and a dress for a woman. Otherwise, most of the time, cruise passengers tend to wear shorts, t-shirts, bathing suits, and comfortable beach clothes.

Packing: To avoid over-packing, consider wearing everything at least twice, and make sure to pack a sweater or jacket, even if the cruise is in the tropics. In addition, ships provide towels for both showers and beach excursions.

B. Todd Bailey is also a Disney fan. He and his family have made numerous trips to Disneyland and Disney World. His next Disney adventure will be a Disney Cruise.