At its best, cruising is a delightful, restful and fun experience, creating exotic memories that will stay etched in your mind forever. If not planned properly, a cruise can be the source of a lot of headaches, not to mention extra expenses. Take heed of these tips and you’ll be able to navigate the high seas with ease!

Tip #1 - Don’t Miss the Boat

I’ve cruised from ports in Miami, Tampa, Galveston, San Diego, Vancouver, Barbados and St. Thomas. I’ve never missed the boat. You know why? I leave the day before. With tough winters and frequent flight cancellations, you’re really gambling with lady-not-so-lucky if you plan to depart the day you sail. I shudder when I hear someone telling me they’re flying out that day. Besides, arriving the day before gives you a chance to unwind before you board the ship. Yes, even a day before flight can get cancelled, but you’ve got a much better chance with a two-day window.

Tip #2 - Go Home Later

Give yourself some latitude! Don’t book your return flight before 1 p.m., 2:00 p.m. even better. I read about one travel writer who berated the cruise line because she missed her noon flight home. Sorry, not their fault. The ships have more than 2,000 passengers to unload. Most ships dock at 7 a.m., but between immigration and luggage handling, disembarkation is a process. Although the cruise lines will try to accommodate early flights, the ultimate problem will end up being yours. Take a tip from this captain and book your flight later in the day. Besides, you can always try and go stand by if all goes quickly and you get to the airport early. Sometimes the cruise offers a city tour of your destination for flights departing after 2:00 p.m. That’s a nice option, too.

Tip #3 - Take a tote

When you’re packing for your cruise, stuff a beach bag or tote in your suitcase. When you leave the boat for a shore excursion, you’ll be happy you remembered this. Yes, some of the cruises give you a tote, but it’s not meant to withstand a few days ashore. Bring your own.

Tip #4 - Go Overboard -- Get a Verandah!

As an open window to the world, a private verandah is a pure delight. I love sipping morning coffee, reading in the afternoon and taking in the night breezes. I believe having a verandah gives you an even richer cruise experience. Sometimes you can upgrade to a verandah if there’s space available on embarkation day. I say, go for it!



Tip #5 - Leave your wallet onboard

I’ve discovered the best way to avoid having your wallet ripped off is not to carry one. Take your cruise ID, one credit card and $20 for cabs and water. Leave your wallet locked up in your room safe.

Tip #6 Ditto your purse

When I cruise, I never take my purse out of my room. I carry a little clutch bag with a string that holds my cruise card. Off the ship, I keep my cruise card, one credit card and a few singles zipped up in my tote bag. No wallet to steal. And that means lots more room to carry my precious souvenirs.

Tip #7 Collect something

While I’m not a collector in general, I’ve enjoyed collecting small boxes, jewelry and other containers from the various islands. Whether it’s refrigerator magnets, hats, or shot glasses, it’s a nice reminder of all the islands you’ve visited.

Tip #8 - Check your bags curbside

Some airlines are now charging for your first bag. Others are charging for overweight bags. Check your bags at the curbside check in if you can. They don’t seem to have scales out there. And a tip is a lot less expensive than an overweight bag!

Here’s to your awesome adventure at sea!