Welcome to FT - and might I suggest joining its counterpart or equivalent for cruising over at cruisecritic dot com - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/index.php
There is a section for new cruisers, 101 questions, FAQ & tips, etc.

If you are near a homeport and within half a day/a day of driving to the closest homeport, a whole new world is waiting for you. Travel off-season & flexible, you will find bargains & last minute specials, no TSA to deal with, all the free checked luggage that you can bring along ... It is surprising affordable and far less than 2 round-trip business class tickets, and even the inside cabin deals are far better than one can imagine.

We fly mostly for business & work as cruising are really for vacation & relaxation.