Set sail with our smart guide to cruises

32. KNOW THE ROOM OPTIONS Cruise rooms vary widely based on the ship and your budget. While some offer spacious private patios, other rooms may only have porthole windows, and the

lowest-cost options, such as interior cabins, have no windows at all. The best way to choose your room sight unseen? Look for an online room tour, says Beane, noting that many bloggers,

TikTokers and YouTubers post in-depth reviews of not only the ship but their specific cabin. Woodruff also recommends avoiding cabins directly above entertainment venues or restaurants if

you like to hit the hay early. 33. EXPLORE THE SHIP Once you embark, it’s time to explore your new home away from home. According to Woodruff, the larger cruise lines don’t offer a formal

boat introduction, but you can come up with a DIY ship tour by using the deck plan in the app or on the cruise line website. (These introductory tours are important, as large boats can feel

like a small city — take the new _Icon of the Seas,_ the world’s largest cruise ship, which is 17,000 square feet and 20 decks.) On smaller ships, such as a river cruise, Woodruff says the

staff will generally offer ship tours when asked. Some cruise lines also offer themed tours, such as a guided walk through the ship’s artwork or design. 34. WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR ROOM Cabin

size and in-room amenities vary widely. “On a standard ship, [cabins] can be smaller than hotel rooms,” says Faust, noting the rooms are also highly functional, with optimized storage

space. The beds are raised for suitcase storage, and cabins have drawers and closets with hangers so guests can unpack. “Most have a vanity, a little desk area, chairs depending on how big

it is, and they all have safes,” she says. “Cabins go from being somewhat utilitarian all the way up to being nicer than a house.” Additionally, for in-cabin organization, Woodruff

recommends over-the-door shoe organizers for extra storage. (Some cruise lines don’t allow these organizers, so it’s best to check before packing.) “It’s also popular to bring magnetic

hooks. The only catch is that the walls have to be magnetic for them to work,” Woodruff says, noting that most cruise ship walls are magnetic. 35. NAVIGATE ONBOARD DINING Some cruise

restaurants require reservations; others are more buffet-style, with open seating. Some areas may be set up for family-style or communal dining, where you’re seated with other guests.

Specialty or fine-dining restaurants often require reservations, which Beane says you can often make immediately after booking your cruise. If you have not already, you’ll want to make

specific dining reservations as soon as you board the ship, because spots book up quickly. 36. TRY SPECIAL DINING EXPERIENCES Cruise ship restaurants are just the start of many ships’

culinary experiences. To go deeper with your cruise line’s flavors, look for exclusive offerings, like a galley tour of the kitchen or the chef’s table — a special multicourse meal for a

more intimate-size gathering with the chef. Attendance is limited for these unique experiences, so it’s important to reserve your spot early, either in advance, if it’s available, or right

when you board the ship. 37. DOWNLOAD THE CRUISE LINE APP Not every cruise line has an app, but if yours does, Faust recommends downloading it before boarding the ship. “It’s so much easier

to book things,” she says of the cruise line apps. “You can see the schedule in your pocket, and you don’t have to carry around a piece of paper.” 38. RESEARCH WI-FI AVAILABILITY BEFORE

BOARDING Many ships offer Wi-Fi, although it often comes at a cost. Research connectivity and plan your check-ins with family back home accordingly. Additionally, avoid international roaming

costs by setting your phone to airplane mode before boarding the ship. If you don’t have your phone in airplane mode, you might rack up international charges when a background app refreshes

or when you download a file. 39. STRATEGIZE ENTERTAINMENT AND SHOWS Larger ships offer plenty of entertainment options. “From Broadway-style shows to comedy clubs to fitness events,

learning opportunities and lectures to waterslides and go-kart tracks, entertainment options have significantly increased,” says Sylvia. Prioritize which shows you want to see when, and

build your schedule and meals around them. 40. HOW TO MEET THE CREW As the ship becomes your home away from home, the crew will also become your new at-sea family. Make the most of your stay

by getting to know the staff early. “Be friendly and introduce yourself on the first night, because chances are they have the same shift every day,” says Woodruff. This goes for bartenders,

dining staff, the cleaning crew and the people who work in entertainment venues like casinos. Whether they’re on a mission to see the world or trying to learn the ins and outs of

hospitality, “everybody has a story,” says Woodruff. “Be friendly and say hi!” 41. STAY HEALTHY Given the close quarters on a ship, viruses, such as the highly contagious norovirus, which

causes gastrointestinal issues, can easily spread. (That said, CLIA reports that contracting norovirus on a ship is rare; passengers have a 1 in 5,500 risk.) To stave off germs, wash your

hands frequently and use or bring along hand sanitizer that’s at least 60 percent alcohol. Although hand sanitizer doesn’t kill norovirus, it can kill other germs. Be mindful to get enough

sleep and drink plenty of water, and don’t overdo it at the buffet if you’re prone to indigestion or heartburn. Many cruises offer fitness rooms or outdoor tracks to help you stay active

while on board. You can also get your steps in with land-based walking tours. If you feel ill during your cruise, visit the ship doctor and plan to stick close to your room. 42. BEST PHOTO

SPOTS ON THE SHIP If the weather cooperates, Woodruff, who’s also a professional photographer, recommends the top deck for snapping photos without obstruction. .A number of cruises have an

onboard photographer who knows the vessel well. Watch where they go to photograph, or ask them for tips on the ship’s best photo spots. On some cruises, particularly expedition ships, the

cruise photographers run sessions to help guests better photograph their surroundings.  Getty Images ON THE GROUND 43. BOOKING CRUISE EXCURSIONS Excursions are a highlight of any cruise,

providing travelers the chance to immerse themselves in the destinations they’ve admired from the deck — such as a food tour, a kayak trip or a guided museum experience. The popular

excursions do tend to sell out quickly, so it’s best to book your favorites as soon as possible. “Most cruise lines don’t allow you to book until you’ve paid for your cruise in full,” says

Woodruff, noting that many of the smaller ships offer free walking tours in most destinations. 44. UNDERSTANDING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS FOR EXCURSIONS Noting physical activity levels will

help you choose an excursion that matches your comfort level. To determine what the activity level means — as in, how _moderate_ is a moderate walk? — turn to cruise forums or social media

groups, or ask your travel agent. If you’re still unsure, reach out to the cruise line customer service team before booking excursions. Woodruff says that unless it’s an adventurous

expedition cruise, most activity levels are easy or moderate. “Sometimes there will be a slow walkers indication,” Woodruff says. If you’ve signed up for an excursion but have second

thoughts the day of the tour, you can also ask the onboard activities director.  45. PLAN YOUR OWN LAND EXCURSIONS — BUT DON’T MISS THE BOAT Excursion costs are typically extra and can vary

widely, from complimentary walking tours to adventurous treks or paddles that can cost several hundred dollars. If you want to save money, plan your own tours in each destination, but pay

close attention to timing. If you’re late, the ship may leave without you, says Woodruff, noting that, while rare, this can happen. “On a ship with thousands of people, if you’re not back

from your excursion, they have to leave.” That means coordinating your own transportation to the next stop. To be safe, Woodruff suggests building in at least an hour of wiggle room to be

back at port on time. When booking independent tours, also look for guides who understand the cruise scene and timing — something you can find via traveler reviews. 46. DOWNLOAD CITY MAPS

OFFLINE If you’re planning to explore a port on your own, make sure to download the city or trail maps before you leave the boat — or, even better, before you leave your home’s free Wi-Fi.

You can download offline maps through Apple or Google Maps, or via AllTrails Pro if you’re looking for hiking trails. Offline maps will ensure you navigate through town — and back to the

boat — without any hiccups or delays. And it’s important to keep track of not only the time, but the local time zone. 47. DON’T OVERPLAN — ENJOY THE JOURNEY While excursions are a signature

cruise experience, Sylvia says it’s important not to go overboard with planning. “Some people consider the ship’s daily activities program as a challenge, and they wind up needing another

vacation after their vacation,” he says. “A best practice is to choose only the activities that most interest you. Leave yourself some time to enjoy the ship and find a cozy spot to relax

and unwind.” Additionally, consider skipping a shore day to enjoy peace and quiet on the boat, says Beane, noting that time alone on the ship provides ultimate relaxation — and the chance to

enjoy the amenities with few, if any, crowds.