Soap user trying creams

So I'm a soap user and I've actually got a SCS shaving cream coming to me in the mail soon. What should I expect from a cream? Any differences in capabilities when compared to soaps?

I'm doing it the other way round and had my first shave with soap (C&E Sandalwood) yesterday. Seemed to give a closer and more comfortable shave but obviously one shave doesn't prove anything...