Several cruise lines set sail all around the world every day. Each massive ship holds an incredible amount of fun, but cruising for your first time can be intimidating. Here are some basic tips for a cruise newbie.

1. Don’t pack too much: The cabins are small and don’t have a lot of extra space. Most of the items you use to over pack, you won’t end up needing.
2. Make a check list: Packing for any vacation can get complicated, but if you forget to pack the necessities, you are going to be out on the sea and may not have access to what you need.
3. Do your research: Study a deck plan of the ship you will be on. Study the location of your cabin, where the food courts are, and where there are sets of stairs and elevators. Find out what attractions each floor has. Find out the maximum occupancy of passengers and crew members on your ship. Doing your research will lessen your chance of getting lost and ease your stress.
4. Remain calm through customs: Going through customs can be very stressful on any trip. Make sure you have everything you need to board, follow luggage instructions and relax. You’re almost there!
5. Carry your room key on a lanyard: Keep your room key on you at all times! Find a place on the ship that will punch a hole through your card so you can attach it to a necklace or lanyard.
6. Be aware of all safety instructions: Although the chances are extremely low, always be prepared for an emergency. Find out where your lifejackets are and where your assigned lifeboat is.
7. Get to know the crew: Many of the employees on the cruise ships are from all over the world! Ask them where they are from and how long they have been away from home. Memorize their names and be very appreciative of their service to you! Many of them haven’t been home in months.
8. Don’t overeat: If you have an all-inclusive cruise, there will be food at all times. You will want to try all of it, but pace yourself and don’t get more food than you can eat. If ou get sick from overeating, you won’t be able to enjoy yourself.
9. Get familiar with the boat lingo: Familiarize yourself with some cruise jargon. Which is port and starboard? (Port: left, Starboard: right) Where is the bow and the stern? (Bow: front, Stern: back). What is a lido deck and what is a muster station?
10. Don’t watch Titanic: There is no reason to freak yourself out by watching the heart wrenching love story of Jack and Rose. A cruise’s number one priority is your safety! Many technological and safety advances have been made since the construction of the Titanic.
11. Do everything you want to do: There will be so many activities that you want to try. You will get tired, but do it anyway! Make a tentative list and schedule out every activity you want to accomplish on a particular day. Casinos, pools, hot tubs, karaoke, music, live shows, bingo, comedians, contests, and buffets await you. Don’t miss out on anything that will make your vacation anything less than memorable.