We too had our first cruise on the Destiny late Oct. 2005. We were so entranced with cruising that we leave in 36 days on the Glory!! SandyBeach is right tho. With nearly 2500 people on board, stuff going wrong is bound to happen. Expect it and you won't be too disappointed and if everything goes well, you'll be thrilled. We too had NOTHING that spoiled the trip at all!. We over spent on photos---by alot!. They will take your pic a dozen times. If you want any further infor, email me and I will give what details I can. As for upgrading, you don't say what type of room you have, but I will say you would be happiest with a balcony room. We were fortunate enough to book a suite about 8 weeks before departure. Got it for just over $1000. But there is nothing like sitting on a deck watching the sunset or coming into port. Have a wonderful time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!mahtze@aol.com