Cruise Tips

Toss a few empty plastic bags into your suitcase. You may need them later to pack dirty or damp clothes, whether you decide to use the laundry facilities or not.

Pack and WEAR a hat to protect your scalp, ears, and face from sun damage and premature aging. Excessive sun exposure contributes to wrinkles and dark spots.

Have a supply of one-dollar bills handy for tipping airport skycaps and porters at the pier.

Don't bother packing beach towels, they will be provided for your use on board the cruise ship as well as when going ashore.

At the end of the cruise, you will receive a bill for signed items. If extra charges appear, ask to see all the charge slips and get a copy of a modified bill.

You're never obligated to take an organized shore excursion. To explore a city more in depth or see something not included on an organized excursion, consider exploring on your own. If you explore

Remember to budget for shore excursion expenses. Excursion prices can vary greatly depending on your port of call, cruise line and activity. You're never obligated to take an organized shore excurs

Got your eye on that something special in the onboard mall? Resist the urge to buy until the last day of the cruise. Many items inevitably go "on sale".

At first, you may wish to carry the deck plan with you. Take a walk and familiarize yourself with the layout of the ship, and learn how to reach your cabin from the main stairways.

Sign up for spa services, sporting events, salon appointments and other activities as early as possible. Shore excursions can book up fast. If you haven't booked them before you depart, think about