Cruises

Every expert agrees: never plan to arrive on the morning the ship leaves. A flight delay, traffic, a storm, and you miss the boat, which won't wait for you. Arriving the day before gives you a buffer.

Two sweet spots: 6 to 12 months ahead for the best choice of cabins, or 60 to 90 days ahead for the best prices (limited options). Avoid the in-between.

The period when cruise lines offer their best perks: onboard credit, free upgrades, premium dining included. Especially worth it for booking summer and fall cruises.

Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, Disney: they all have one. Download it before you board. It has the activity schedule, the ship's deck plan, and lets you book shows and restaurants.

The classic first-timer's trap: trying to make the most of every minute. Accept that you'll miss some things. The point is to relax, not to burn out. Aim for two activities a day, and go with the flow for the rest.

Popular excursions sell out fast, sometimes weeks before departure. Book online as soon as you can.

The big advantage of excursions booked through the cruise line: if they run late, the ship will wait for you. Independent ones are cheaper, but if you're late for the ship, getting to the next port is up to you.

Avoid the top deck (under the pool, constant noise), the lowest deck (under the restaurants), and the front of the ship (more motion). The middle of the ship, halfway up, gives you the best stability.

On embarkation day, your suitcases can take several hours to reach your cabin. Pack a carry-on bag with a swimsuit, sunscreen, charger and essential medication.

The rules vary by cruise line. Royal Caribbean: 1 bottle of wine per person at embarkation. Disney: up to 2 bottles of wine or 6 beers per adult. Everything in your carry-on. Check the exact rules before you leave.

Cabin walls are metal (even when they look like wood). A few magnets to put up the daily schedule, dinner invitations and excursion tickets.

Many cruise lines now offer refill stations. It saves you buying bottled water at $4 each, and makes it easier to stay hydrated on excursions.

Your card is your cabin key, your onboard credit card, and your ID when boarding and going ashore. A lanyard with a waterproof holder keeps you from losing it.

Mandatory gratuities run between $15 and $18 per person per day. A family of 4 over 7 nights: $420 to $504. Some cruise lines include them in the package. Check ahead to avoid a surprise.

Search Facebook for the ship's name, the date and "roll call". You'll find the group of travellers on your sailing. Ideal for organizing group excursions and asking the regulars questions.

Some cruise lines offer a ship-within-a-ship concept: MSC Yacht Club, Norwegian's The Haven, Royal Caribbean Suite Class. Private spaces, dedicated restaurants, a concierge: ideal for multigenerational families.