Plan Ahead

The first forward planning is, of course, booking the actual cruise.

If you want a particular cruise including a specific itinerary or a certain ship then you will need to book when you see it becomes available in order to reserve the cabin and category of your choosing.

If you are looking more generally then you can be a bit more relaxed. Book when you see an attractive price. There are often Black Friday deals for the forthcoming year which sometimes carry on into the Wave Season deals which run from December to March. During these dates attractive offers can be found such as reduced or non existent charges for 3rd and 4th passengers, onboard credit, free drinks.

Last minute deals are for those who have no date restrictions and are flexible over itineraries and who don't mind which cabin.

In all cases it has to be remembered that larger cabins for more than 2 people are limited and so early booking is recommended.

Also, if you opt for the cheaper option of a "guaranteed cabin" instead of choosing it yourself you have to be prepared for a possibly inferior cabin (e.g. obstructed view)

If you book and then see that the cruise has reduced in price you can often have your booking adjusted accordingly. Keep an eye on the cruise you have booked, just in case. Even if you have booked through an agent.

At time of booking investigate, or ask your agent, whether any inclusive packages are on offer.

MSC, including MSC Explora, always offer a flexible reservation including with or without drinks, and transport.

Other cruise lines with various inclusive packages include: Virgin Voyages, Regent, Celebrity, Silver Seas, Tui, Holland America, Seabourn

Be aware that some reduced fares offered may insist on non-returnable deposit so you will need to decide if that is something you are prepared to accept.

Also, shop around, deposits can vary depending on agent and cruise line. Low deposits are available for MSC cruises.

Never neglect forward planning.

It can, in some cases, make the difference between success and failure and, in others, make everything so much more enjoyable.

Check passports and/or identity documents to make sure they fulfill current requirements for your cruise. Also check cruise company regulations for children - it maybe there are certain requirements for children not accompanied by their parents. Also check for any vaccination requirements for entry to certain countries. TAKE OUT INSURANCE. REMEMBER ANY MEDICATIONS.

If you are an independent cruiser and have to travel some distance, maybe by air, to the embarkation port NEVER leave your arrival to the same day as scheduled sailing. Book your travel at least for the day before to allow for any possible delays, cancellations, mislaid luggage etc. You can then choose to stay in a hotel for one night close to the cruise port. Only travel to departure port on sailing day if you live close by and know, with certainty, that you can get there no problem.

If driving to cruise departure point make sure to book car parking. Many car parks offer special rates for cruisers.

Some cruise companies and travel agents will also have organised your travel arrangements to and from cruise. You will need to check with them well in advance.

Check in online as soon as open so that you can choose your preferred embarkation time.

Check to see if you can book shows before they fill up. Otherwise you will need to try and book when you board, but risk disappointment.

Look for reduced offers for drinks packages. It is always more expensive to book on board. Remember that drinks packages have to be bought by everyone in the same cabin. You need to work out if you think it is the best solution for you, depending on whether, for example, you are a big drinker or just enjoy the occasional one or glass of wine. If you decide not to bother with the drinks package you can order a bottle of wine with your meal for example and if not finished can be kept for you for next time. A bottle is more economical than ordering by the glass. The drinks packages do not include bottles of wine.

Some cruise lines, such as MSC, at the time of booking offer an attractive rate to include drinks.

There will often be reduced offers for internet plans and spa sessions too.

Consider excursions and sightseeing. For many cruises there is only a limited number of hours spent in port. If the ship is anchored some distance from port exit there will usually be transport laid on, although there maybe a small charge. For local sightseeing it is often cheaper to make your own arrangements. If not within walking distance of port do your research and see what is available from local tour providers. Sometimes there are taxis and tour operators waiting at the exit to offer local trips. See if there is a hop on hop off bus service. Bearing in mind that the ship will not wait for you if you do not make it back in time it is advisable to book long excursions through the ship, as they will then wait for you if there should be a delay for whatever reason. Cruises that stay in port for longer than a day offer more flexibility for organising your own thing.

Before PACKING check to see if there are any special themed or formal nights. Other than that, Casual Smart seems to be the common denominator now for many cruises. Adult only or more formal cruises may have different suggestions. Day wear will be determined by your plans to either laze around the pool or go sightseeing. Although you will not have weight restrictions for taking onboard, you will of course if you are flying in. Try and co-ordinate as much as possible to cut down and limit shoes in the same way. Although shower gels and soaps will be provided you may want to bring your own preferred ones, as well as all your normal toiletries as they are expensive to buy onboard. Pack medicines in your carry on baggage in case your main luggage is not delivered to your cabin immediately. It is also a good idea to pack swimwear in hand luggage too so you can go for a dip. Don't forget a secure bag, maybe crossbody, for excursions in crowded places!

Some cruisers take heavy duty magnets to hang light items from, as the ships walls are metal. However, they are not light to pack.

Check the electrical and charging points. With some older vessels it may be necessary to take adaptors.

Some cruise lines allow you to take the odd bottle of wine or water and soft drinks on board but these must be in your carry on hand luggage, not your suitcase.

It is important to check what you are not allowed to take onboard. Such things as irons, hair tongs etc are prohibited.

Don`t be tempted to weigh yourself down with unnecessary items which some cruisers suggest.