Welcome. I'd scroll through this thread as a good start as it covers much the same topic:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cruis...ise-deals.html

As to what cruise lines are recommended it's all personal preference and the question is like asking what everyone's favorite model of car is. Mine fave cruise line is Holland America after trying a few others but some here are partial to Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess or even the luxury lines like Crystal. The cruise lines got together years ago to create CLIA (Cruise Lines International Assoc.) and their website http://www.cruising.org/ is a good resource, at least IMHO, at giving a good overview to the first-time cruiser with many question such as yourself.

Happy sails (and sales) to you.