Plan ahead for smooth sailing on your first cruise adventure.

If you’ve decided to hit the high seas on vacation for the first time, there’s a lot to consider before booking your trip. Beyond the seemingly endless itinerary options, you’ll also need to select your ideal cruise line and ship size, research what’s included with your cruise fare and learn what comes next after you’ve booked your trip. Figuring out all the moving parts of your first cruise getaway may seem daunting.

To help make your debut voyage as seamless as possible, U.S. News compiled the following tips from industry specialists and avid cruisers. From booking your cruise to embarking on the ship to saying farewell at the end of your sailing, these tips will help ensure you have a vacation of a lifetime. (Note: Some sailings may be affected due to the coronavirus pandemic. Cruise lines may require travelers to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or present a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. Some excursions and onboard activities may also be limited. For the latest information, please visit the CDC website and each individual cruise line’s website.)

Hire a travel advisor

Selecting a cruise line and cruise ship can be overwhelming if you’re not familiar with the industry. Add to that the confusion that comes with figuring out cruise fares and additional fees, and you may want to consider hiring a travel advisor (at no extra cost to you). Annie Scrivanich, senior vice president of Cruise Specialists (which is part of Travel Leaders Network), suggests using a travel advisor to simplify the process, maximize your savings and make the most of your budget. “A retail travel agent can offer amenities not available via booking directly with the cruise line,” Scrivanich says. “Travel agency members of associations, such as Travel Leaders Network, can further enhance that valuation with complimentary perks such as private onboard events, shore tours, shipboard credits and the services of an onboard host.”

Book cruise packages before you embark

Before you sail, check out the cruise line’s available package deals to save money on dining, excursions and more. Andrew Garnett, president and chief executive officer of Special Needs Group – a company that provides accessibility and respiratory equipment to cruise passengers around the world – says, “First-time cruisers can ensure a great experience if they do a few things that I wish I knew on my first cruise, such as booking the packages offered before you board the ship.” Packages vary by ship and cruise line, but they may include specialty dining restaurants, nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages, gratuities, shore excursions and other amenities. “When booking in advance online,” Garnett says, “you’ll have a discounted rate over what you would pay once on board the ship. Even the Wi-Fi packages can be discounted if purchased ahead of time.” If you’re working with a travel advisor, they can also notify you of special promotional packages that may not be advertised on the cruise line’s website.

Reserve dinners and excursions early

It’s best to make your specialty dining reservations, book shore excursions and reserve tickets for shows once you’re confirmed on the cruise. “The availability of the tours, services, restaurants, etc. may be limited if you wait until you get on the ship,” Garnett says. Debra Kerper of Cruise Planners and Easy Access Travel, which specializes in travel for people with mobility challenges, agrees. “Download the mobile app – if offered by your cruise line – and do your online registration,” Kerper says. “This can usually be done up to 90 days before sailing. Once you’re registered online, you can view shore excursions, specialty restaurants, shows, spa services, drink packages, internet packages and more. Now is the time to sign up.”

When it comes to shore excursions, Kerper says, “Explore your options and book early, as they do fill up. Once on board, you can get more information about them, and you’ll be able to cancel if they’re not to your liking. Be aware of icons denoting activity level, and choose activities according to your abilities.” And if you decide to change dinner reservations once you’re on board, you can do that, too. It’s best to have plans in place before you leave so that you don’t miss out on the activities and dinners you’re looking forward to while on your cruise.

Embark from a port within driving distance

If you’re looking for ways to save time and money, consider an itinerary that departs from a port that you can drive to. Bill Panoff, editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine, says, “Many cruise lines have positioned ships in what is referred to as the ‘Drive Market,’ which means you as a consumer can now drive to the ship to embark versus flying to the ship. This option can save you money, especially when traveling with a large family.” Driving directly to the port will also save you money on pre-cruise expenses like hotel stays and additional meals, and you’ll avoid any potential issues with flight delays or cancellations.

Purchase cruise travel insurance

Consider purchasing a travel insurance policy once your cruise booking is finalized. Unexpected situations can unravel your plans at the last minute, which may cause you to lose some (or all) of your money. Shop around and compare the prices, benefits and limitations of several travel insurance plans before purchasing. Some companies also offer a cancel for any reason upgrade, which allows cruisers to recover a good chunk of their money should they cancel within 48 hours of departure (in most cases). It’s worth the peace of mind knowing that you are covered in the unlikely situation you’re forced to delay or cancel your cruise. Travel insurance can also cover travel delays and medical emergencies while on your trip. Read the fine print to know what’s covered in the policy before you make your purchase.

Get to know your ship before you arrive

Some cruise ships are so large, you could spend your whole trip exploring all the onboard amenities, activities, shopping venues, restaurants and bars. To save some time, Kerper suggests exploring the ship virtually before you set sail. “Become familiar with the cruise line and the ship by reading through their website,” she says. “It contains valuable information and will be very helpful in getting you on the way to being an experienced cruiser.” Watch online videos, get acquainted with the deck plans and learn where your stateroom is in relation to the restaurants, coffee shops, shopping and entertainment venues, gym and spa. Kerper also recommends researching the ports of call you’ll be visiting before your cruise, as you might want to explore on your own or hire a taxi rather than booking an official excursion.

Pack medications and valuables in your carry-on

Be sure to pack your medications, vitamins and other important items in your carry-on luggage where you will be able to easily access them. Don’t take the chance of leaving them in your checked bags, which could get lost or delayed in transit. It can also take time for your luggage to reach the stateroom if you’ve left it with baggage handlers at the cruise terminal. To be on the safe side, it’s best to bring up to two weeks of additional medications in case there’s a situation that delays you returning home.

Be prepared in case motion sickness strikes

If you’re prone to motion sickness on choppy waters, take preventative measures before you board the ship. Medications like Dramamine can quell symptoms, but they are most effective if you take them before setting sail. An alternative to Dramamine is the prescription Transderm-Scop Patch, which you wear behind your ear. Afflicted passengers should start wearing the patch approximately four hours before boarding and replace it every three days.

A natural, drug-free alternative is the Sea-Band elasticized wristband, which aims to ease stomach troubles by applying pressure on the Nei Kuan acupressure point. Bands must be worn as directed on both wrists to be fully effective. You can put them on once you’re on the ship, but it’s best to be safe and start wearing them before you board.

Arrive at least one day before your cruise departs

Don’t take any chances when it comes to reaching your long-awaited cruise vacation on time. Plan to arrive to your embarkation destination at least a day ahead of the sail date, especially if you are flying. Driving instead of flying provides a bit more protection from delays, but traffic accidents or car trouble can still delay your arrival. And if you’re flying overseas, arriving the day before allows you to rest up and get adjusted to the time change before embarkation. To extend your vacation, you might even want to add a few additional days to do a bit of sightseeing before you board the ship. Many cruise lines offer pre- and post-cruise hotel add-ons if you don’t want to book your own accommodations, so check with your cruise line for available options.

Time your arrival to avoid crowds at the port on embarkation day

With so many people trying to check in and board the ship at once, the embarkation process can be stressful. Scrivanich notes that some cruise lines assign scheduled boarding times to better streamline the process. However, if you do not have a scheduled time to arrive at the cruise terminal, Panoff says, “It’s a good idea to get to the pier early during the embarkation process to avoid any lines, or arrive later in the day when most guests have already boarded. Cruise lines have made the process seamless in most cases and even touchless now.”

Garnett also recommends getting to the ship early but for another reason: to check it out before most of the other passengers board. “You have paid for the day. So, why not enjoy it as early as you can? While you’re at it, explore the ship and look at a map of the decks to make sure you don’t miss anything. I have been on a weeklong cruise only to find out that there was something I had missed on the day we had to get off the vessel.”

Organize important documents in a folder

More documents are required to fly and cruise now than ever before, so organization is key when you arrive at the cruise terminal. Keep a folder handy with vital documents, including your cruise ticket, passport, vaccination card, COVID-19 test results or any paperwork required to enter other countries. If you’re tech savvy, you may also be able to show a QR code on your smartphone for some of the documentation. Keep the folder and your cellphone handy until you arrive at your stateroom, as you might have to show these documents a few times during the embarkation process. It’s also important to note that, in most cases, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return date. Depending on your itinerary destinations, you may need to carry your passport or copies of important documents with you when you go ashore.

Contact the cruise line early with special requests

When accessibility is a concern, it’s best to advise the cruise line as far in advance as possible of your situation. “Passengers should contact the access department of the cruise line and inform them of any special needs,” Kerper says. “Be aware that crew members cannot assist with anything of a personal nature. Cruisers must be self-sufficient or travel with someone who can help them.”

Garnett recommends that cruisers plan ahead if they’ll need to rent equipment like wheelchairs, mobility scooters or rollators. “Reserve your special needs equipment for rental far in advance. We have all heard about supply chain issues affecting everything from toilet paper to cars. Unfortunately, special needs equipment is no different. So, make sure to reserve what you need sooner than later.”

Learn cruise lingo before you set sail

While on board, you may hear nautical terms referring to the ship like aft, galley, lido deck, atrium, tender, starboard and bow. If you’re not familiar with these phrases, search online for websites that offer a short description of commonly used cruise terms. Then, when you’re on the ship, you’ll feel like a pro when someone suggests that you meet up at the lido deck and you know exactly where to find them.

Disembark with ease

All good things must come to an end, and a cruise vacation is no exception. Most cruise lines require travelers to leave their packed, larger (checked) luggage outside of their staterooms before bed on the final night of the voyage. While you’re asleep, the crew will transfer your bags to the cruise terminal, where you will retrieve them the next morning after disembarking the ship. If you prefer, you can wheel your own luggage off the ship instead. “The debarkation process has been streamlined, and, in most cases, guests can disembark by the deck where their stateroom is located,” Panoff says. “Some cruise lines offer luggage programs whereby your luggage can be shipped home independently by companies like Luggage Forward.” This service is an excellent option for travelers extending their cruise vacation with a land tour, as they’ll have limited luggage to carry around.

Action and sports photography is challenging but very exciting. The key to getting good pictures is to set your camera up properly before the event begins, so that when things kick off you can forget about your settings and focus on the action.

The following camera settings are an excellent place to start. They work well in all situations and will help you get sharp, detailed photos with plenty of atmosphere and interest.

Use a Fast Shutter Speed

Shutter speed is the single most important thing to get right in action photography. If yours isn’t set fast enough then you’ll be left with blurry, disappointing shots that no amount of Photoshop post-processing will be able to salvage.

Start by putting your camera into Shutter Priority mode and choosing a shutter speed of 1/500 of a second. This is a good starting point and should be fast enough for most sports and action.

If possible, take a few test shots before the main event starts so that you can check how sharp they are. If that’s not possible, periodically check your photos as you go. If you spot any blurring, switch to an even faster shutter speed. You may need to go as high as 1/1000 of a second for really fast sports like motor racing.

Open Your Aperture

To help you reach the high shutter speeds required, you’ll need to open your aperture up nice and wide. If you have a very fast lens (such as the f/2.8 and f/4 lenses that professional sports photographers invest in), then you may be able to get away with coming down from the maximum aperture by a stop or so.

However, if you’re using a cheaper lens with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or smaller, you’ll need to open your lens up as wide as it will go to let in as much light as possible. This is particularly true when shooting indoors, as the lighting can be poor.

If you’re using a zoom lens it’s tempting to crop in as close as possible on your subject, but your lens’s aperture is narrowest at this end of the zoom range. It’s better to set your lens around the middle of its range as a good compromise between filling the frame and letting in enough light.

An added benefit of using a wide aperture is the shallow depth of field it produces. This blurs any background distractions and focuses your attention firmly on the players, producing an image with more impact and drama.

Increase Your ISO

Because you’re using such a fast shutter speed, your camera might struggle to properly expose the scene even with the aperture fully open. If this is the case then the only thing you can do is increase your ISO speed.

You should use the lowest ISO setting you can get away with, but there will be situations where you’ll have to push it higher than you’d like. This is frustrating but remember – it’s better to have a noisy photo than a blurry one.

Use Burst Mode

By definition, action and sports move quickly, and it can be difficult to keep up. Use your camera’s continuous shooting mode (often called burst mode) to take 4 or 6 shots at a time, giving you a much better chance of capturing a good image.

Bear in mind that shooting in burst mode will fill your memory card much faster than taking individual shots, so make sure yours has plenty of capacity, or take a spare along. If you’re running out of space, use half time or time-outs to delete some of your bad shots.

Shoot in JPEG

You might be surprised to read this piece of advice – after all, for most types of photography it’s generally accepted than shooting in RAW will give you better quality images, and allow you to do more tweaking in your editing software.

However, when photographing sports and action events, speed is more important than anything else. Using JPEG mode lets you to capture more pictures at a time in burst mode, and fit more images onto your memory card.

Admittedly the image quality won’t be quite as good as if you’d shot using RAW, but this is more than compensated for by the increased chances of getting that killer shot.

Perfect Your White Balance

When shooting outdoors, your camera’s automatic white balance will usually do a pretty good job of adjusting to the light. However, many action sports take place indoors under artificial lighting, and this can confuse your camera, producing shots with a noticeable greenish-yellow tint.

Rather than leaving things up to your camera, set your white balance to Fluorescent or Tungsten/Incandescent – take a few test shots before the event begins to check which one looks best. If you’ve got time, you could even set up a custom white balance to make sure your colours come out spot on.

Turn Your Flash Off

For most sports, you won’t be able to get very close to the action – that’s why the professional photographers need such long lenses. Being so far from your subject means that your flash will be practically useless, and will do nothing but drain your battery. Turn it off before you start shooting.

There are some rare circumstances where you can get close enough to the action for your flash to be of some use. However, the bright bursts can distract players so it’s often better to leave your flash off to be on the safe side.

Tweak Your Focusing

Focusing on fast-moving subjects can be very tricky, so it’s important to set your camera up to be as responsive and accurate as possible.

Start by switching from multi-point to single-point focusing, and use the focus point at the centre of the frame. Now, when you compose a shot, your camera will focus on whatever’s in the centre rather than trying to keep everything acceptably sharp. This is faster and also lets you tell your camera exactly what you want to focus on, rather than letting it guess.

By default, your camera will probably use “one shot” focusing, where you half-press the shutter button to lock the focus. The problem with this is that your subject can move before you have chance to take the photo. Instead, use Continuous Focusing mode (called “AI Servo” on Canon cameras) – this continually refocuses to keep the subject sharply focused at all times.

Action photography can be a tricky subject, but these camera settings will increase your chances of snapping some fantastic shots. The principles behind them are easy to apply to any sport, allowing you to quickly adapt and get back to concentrating on taking great photos.

1. Get your passports early! Don’t wait until the last minute to apply for your Passport. You will want to make sure that you get them back in time for your trip!

2. Make your reservations. Choose where you are going to travel and make your plans early to get the best deals. Don’t hassle with searching through various sites when one site will search them all for you!

3. Book flights. When you are traveling abroad for the first time, you may not understand all that booking a flight entails. Not only do you need to find a plane that can get you from point A to point B, you also want to make sure of their baggage requirements. Do your homework. Some no-frill airlines may have cheaper airfare but will charge you hefty fees for your baggage.

4. Consider travel insurance. Why might you want travel insurance? Well, if you happen to get sick (or have a family emergency)and need to cancel your trip, you don’t want to lose everything you put into your trip. Travel insurance also covers things like lost luggage, missed connecting flights and other trip interruptions!

5. Call your credit card company and let them know where you are traveling. This helps them to know not to flag your account as suspicious or fraudulent. You will also want to make sure that you know your PIN code in the event you need to pull out cash from your card while you are abroad.

6. Get the proper currency. While you can exchange money at the airport, you will pay more in fees. You are better off getting it from your own bank or from AAA.

7. Decide whether or not you will purchase a SIM card to use in the country you are travelling OR whether you want to purchase a Global package through your provider. I do suggest that you do one or the other.

8. Make copies of all of your travel documents, tickets, etc and take pictures with your cell phone as well (download to a drop box or cloud) so that you have access to them in the event you lose the originals.

9. Pack smart by using things that help you consolidate space and will help you travel with ease.

10. Photograph EVERYTHING you pack. In the event your luggage goes missing, you will need this to file a claim. In addition to having a luggage tag with contact information (use your cell phone # not home), write it inside your luggage where it is visible.

11. If you are planning to drive during your international trip, be sure you have your Drivers license and understand your coverage through your own auto insurance so you don’t get conned into buying additional insurance through the rental car agency.

12. If you take prescription medication, be sure you keep them in their properly marked containers and put them in your carry on luggage.

13. Since you are travelling internationally for the first time, you probably should take the time to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. When you let the government know where you are travelling, they will be able to contact you in the case of an emergency. It is just a safe guard to help you in the event you need it.

Travelling out of the country can be scary! If you make sure that you do these things before traveling abroad for the first time, you will be setting yourself up for a successful trip!