Welcome all newbies!!! I look forward to meeting you! Prepare for the time of your life!!!
"Newbie Orientation" - consider this Connect Group your '"newbie group orientation"!! 
It will be your best source of information...what you should bring...what you should leave at home...what the Olivia experience is all about...which is to be free (first and foremost), then to have lots of fun, laughs, find new found friends from all over the world, and create great memories, among many other things. If you have questions or concerns, feel free to ask...we are more than willing to share our knowledge and awesome Olivia experiences!
My first cruise was the 35th Anniversary Bash in 2008 and I wish I would have known just how friendly everyone truly is! Being a little shy, I didn't know what to expect, made some friends, and have expanded that Olivia friend base exponentially since that first cruise. So, put a smile on your face and say "hello" to anyone, to everyone...you'll be amazed at how friendly people really are! Also, do as much as you can...as many activities, as many excursions, as many nights of dancing as you can handle! Remember, you're making memories that will last the rest of your lives (you can rest when you get home), so get out there and do things you might not normally do, conquer your fears, and have a blast doing it!! 
Take it ALL in!!! And take lotsa pictures...ask people to take pictures of you and your friends...group pictures conjure up so many fond memories when you're back home and think'n 'bout your Oiviacation! So, relax...have fun...laugh a lot...enjoy all the beautiful Ladies of Olivia...explore the beautiful ship we'll call "home" for a week...try as many new foods as you can - the chefs create some wonderfully delicious dishes - try them, if you don't like something, they will bring you something you DO like!
Oh, and be prepared to become addicted to Oliviacations!! Don't be surprised if you go ahead and schedule another Oliviacation (or 2 or 3 or 4, eh Jackie? lol) before you leave the ship!!!
Malinda