We are looking to take our first cruise and starting out with a 4 or 5 day. Rates look lower at the end of August or early Sept. versus early August. What is the best cabin to get for your dollar? in the middle of the ship? some upgrades end up being at the front of the ship one level below the last level. Do levels make a difference re. motion sickness, engine noise? Do you have to pay port fees at every destination? Can you return to the ship at anytime? Do they nickel and dime you to death on the cruise?

Heard lots of rumours about the above.

Thanks for any help.

good lord, zeeds, get a book or go to cruisecritic.com and do some research. If you don't, the quality or lack therof of your trip is going to be left to chance.

Okay, I'm sorry, that probably sounded snooty. Why do people "start" with a short cruise? You usually get the smallest least impressive ships with a staff in training. However, if you're dead set on that, do RCCL's Enchantment. THE best ship doing short cruises. The reason cruises are so cheap then is because kids are in school and it's hurricane season. Nickle and dime only works if you buy every watered down drink, book the overcrowded and overpriced shore excursions and buy every picture that you pose for. You pay for port fees on your cruise deposit and final payment. Learn what's available at your destination by doing some research. What do you enjoy in a trip? For me, it's good entertainment and a good gym. I book my excursions independantly or take a cab to a beach/attraction. Last year, we were the only cruisers on St Martin to ferry to Anguilla. People thought we were crazy. It was heaven.

I know that this is a long ago posting...but I wanted to say that we have been on 8 cruises and Fantasy was our first....we would go on it again....we have been in suites on Royal Carbbean and Carvial's largest ships....and we still love the small ships as well.....in some ways they are better...