Richk

@Richk  Hi and welcome to the RCB forums!
I agree with @sk8erguy1978 that 7 days is the sweet spot if you are still working.  But if retired, I would say 14 days is right.  My favorite itinerary is Southern Caribbean, I doubt that you will be disappointed.
 I also very much agree with @rjac items 6 & 7.  Get the luggage tag holders and do the cruise planner book/re-book to get your lowest price on items you're interested in.
Enjoy...
 

Yes to everything @rjac said, especially the luggage tag holders! 
Something I do with luggage tags also is attach them to my carry on, just in case I leave my bags unattended (not that I would) we can hopefully reunite. I also keep a lose one on me for record.

Make sure you have the correct IDs or they won't let you on the ship.  Don't be late coming back to the ship when your at the port stops.  The ship will not wait for you unless you are on a Royal Caribbean excursion.   Every night a Cruise Compass will be left in your room that shows the next days activities and if its a port day what time you need to be back at the ship to board.  Sometimes the ship time and the port stop time are different so check that before you leave.  Most of all relax and try not to do everything.  You will have a wonderful time.

WOW! What a quick response. Thank you all. I just ordered the bag tags.? 
We will be flying in a day ahead of the cruise. I had planned on getting the deluxe drink package so thanks for the tip about buying it and watching for a sale. All great advise. Thank you. We hope to become regular cruisers! 

Hello all. My wife and I are taking our first cruise. Late bloomers so to speak. Both in early 60's. We are going with a few other family members. Sailing on Dec. 30th for 11 days in the Southern Caribbean aboard Serenade of the Seas. We have a large balcony room. I have read on blogs that your first cruise should be a short one to make sure it is something we like. That didn't happen. Anyone go on the New Years cruise? What can we expect? We are very active and like to have a good time in everything we do. Thank you for any advise you care to share. 
 

Hello all. My wife and I are taking our first cruise. Late bloomers so to speak. Both in early 60's. We are going with a few other family members. Sailing on Dec. 30th for 11 days in the Southern Caribbean aboard Serenade of the Seas. We have a large balcony room. I have read on blogs that your first cruise should be a short one to make sure it is something we like. That didn't happen. Anyone go on the New Years cruise? What can we expect? We are very active and like to have a good time in everything we do. Thank you for any advise you care to share.