Tips 2 through 10:

2. Plan carefully to ensure you arrive at your port of departure a day or more before the cruise
Your ship may leave in the late afternoon, but a delayed flight or busy traffic is not a great way to start your holiday. If you are late, the ship will depart without you.

3. Pack carry-on luggage
You will usually board the ship well before your luggage has reached your cabin, so pack all necessities - medication, important documents, phone chargers - in a carry-on bag. If you have enough room, include things like bathing suits and sunscreen so you can jump straight into the pool or enjoy the sun without having to wait for your bags.

4. Switch your mobile phone to airplane mode
International roaming rates can amount to hundreds of euros, even without calling. So, switch to airplane mode or ask your mobile provider about subscriptions suitable for travel. Many a passenger has returned home to a towering phone bill because of data roaming on a cruise ship.

5. Do not assume the cruise is all inclusive
Cruise prices cover a lot, but not everything. Cabins, meals, activities on board and entertainment tend to be included. Do expect to pay extra for beverage packages, tips, internet, excursions on shore, taxes and port fees. All of this can amount to hundreds of euros on top of your base rate. Cruisers who are unfamiliar with extra costs may end up being surprised when the time comes to settle the bill.

6. Take your time
You will receive a newsletter or bulletin from the ship every day with scheduled activities and events. The options can be overwhelming - movies, dancing classes, theatre, seminars, cabaret, bands, shows - not to mention the time for meals, swimming and sunbathing. Wondering how you can do it all? You can't, so mark your top choices! You do not want to end your cruise feeling like you need a holiday.

7. Understand automated tipping
Back in the day, passengers would put cash tips in envelopes and give them to the staff at the end of the trip. Today, most cruise companies use an automated tipping system. Tips are put together and divided among housekeeping and service staff as well as personnel working behind the scenes. Bar and spa personnel rarely share in the automated tips, so the tips are added when you are being served. Whether you order a martini or enjoy a massage, count on an automated tip of 15 to 18 percent.

8. Mind the clock
Some ports are located in different time zones than the clocks on the ship, so be sure to keep your clocks synchronised. Passengers usually have to be back on the ship 30 minutes before departure. And the ship will not wait if you are running late.

9. Do not bring food from the ship
If you are planning to bring food from the ship for a picnic on shore, forget about it. It is not allowed to consume fresh fruit and vegetables, meats and cheeses, nuts and seeds, and even baked goods outside the ship. At some ports, they even have dogs checking every backpack, purse and wallet. Pre-packaged and sealed snacks such as muesli bars are permitted.

10. Relax and enjoy!
A well-known motto? "A bad day on a cruise ship is better than a good day at work!"

Check out:

• Book a cruise with children
• Go on a World cruise