Cruising is a relaxing way to travel and enjoy multiple destinations without packing and unpacking every day. Service levels are typically very high and it seems as if your every need has been considered in advance. But let’s face it; even the smoothest travel can have a few bumps, so here are nine tips to ensure your cruise is smooth sailing.

1)      Fly to your embarkation port a day early. This serves two purposes. First, you avoid any airline delay issues that could cause you to literally miss the boat. Second, it gives you time to explore the port city before the cruise leaves.

2)      If you do arrive early on embarkation day and have hours to kill before you can board the ship, have your travel advisor arrange for a car and driver to take you on a city tour and lunch, then to the ship. For example, flights from the US to Europe arrive in early morning, but cruises often depart late evening. Having a pre-arranged tour is much more comfortable and enjoyable than sitting on your luggage in an amenity-free port for hours.

3)      Many cruise ships are floating cities. Large ships have multiple restaurants and bars, libraries and internet cafes, showrooms and card rooms, spas and exercise facilities, pools and sports decks, and multiple elevators and staircases. Finding your way around is frustrating when you are in a hurry to have fun, so study the ship’s deck plan before boarding. That way you know the most direct route to pleasure.

4)      The trend now is to have multiple dining venues, even on smaller ships. Specialty restaurants have limited capacity and usually require reservations. If you know you will want to partake in one of these, avoid disappointment by making your dining reservations for the week on the first day of the cruise. Normally you cannot reserve dining before the cruise, but if you wait until the night you wish to go, the restaurant may be fully booked.

5)      Speaking of food, there is a lot of it, so you will want to take action to avoid gaining a “perfect 10” (pounds!). Take advantage of group exercise classes or use the workout facilities on your own. Take the stairs instead of the elevator and do a couple of laps of the promenade deck each day. Low calorie, heart-healthy food is always on the menu, and remember that just because they serve six times a day, you are not required to have a full plate every time.

6)      Being pampered at the spa is a real treat on a day at sea. In fact, it is most popular on days when you are not in port, so be sure to make spa appointments as early as possible for the best selection of times and treatments. Because you heeded tip #3, you can go directly to the spa after you visit your cabin on embarkation day and you will have first choice of indulgences.

7)      Understand the gratuity system on your cruise. Some luxury lines include gratuities, but most lines automatically charge the suggested amount to your shipboard account and you have the option to increase or decrease the amount. These gratuities usually go into a crew pool, but a few lines still use the direct payment method where you give an envelope to waiters and stewards.  Also, know that bar charges already have a gratuity included, so it is not necessary to add an additional tip.

8)      If there is a particular shore excursion that you do not want to miss, reserve it in advance because they can sell out. Better yet, ask your travel advisor to arrange a Virtuoso excursion. They will be smaller groups, or even private, and guides have local insider knowledge and access. If you do choose to explore on your own, be sure your transportation will get you back to the ship on time or you will be left.

9)      Most ships have internet access or even wi-fi service. Prices vary, but none are inexpensive. Most ports will have an internet café nearby that is much less expensive. Just follow the trail of off-duty crew to find it. Your international phone will also work, but you will be paying a premium for the service via the ship’s satellite, in addition to your international calling plan. If you make calls while in port, you will avoid the ship’s satellite service.

Now you have the insider scoop for making the most out of your cruise. Bon Voyage!