Originally Posted by
Randyk47
While at some level I think you're missing out on a wonderful experience I also agree that starting out with a 24-day cruise as your first cruise maybe isn't a good idea. Twenty plus years ago my wife and I took a 4-day "try it, you'll like it" cruise... I'd suggest you try something a little shorter and closer to home as a first cruise sampler.
OP, I'd endorse this approach as well. After driving around the world by ourselves, my wife and I very apprehensive about cruising. We started out by booking a six-day cruise to a site is best seen by boat. We liked it, and then tried a nine-day cruise. Liked that, then 12-day. We have progressively worked up to a 20 day cruise.
Aside from the length of the cruise, the other variable to consider is what kind of cruise experience do you want. Each cruise line is different, and you might research the different lines and compare them to your vacation temperament.
Bon voyage!