You’re overworked, stressed out, and your kids, as much as you love them, are driving you crazy.

In short: you need a vacation.

You’ve always dreamed of going for a cruise, and now is the time to make it happen. However, you want to make sure you get everything out of the experience.

You’ve studied up on the rules of international travel, but you want to learn more.

Even if you’ve taken cruises in the past, there are always new ways to upgrade your experience. Keep on reading this post to get the latest cruise tips and tricks.

Then, get ready for the vacation of a lifetime!

1. Look for Ways to Save

We know that, especially if you’ve booked a seriously luxurious cruise, your wallet may be feeling the burn. After all, even standard cruises can easily cost you about $500 per night.

There are tons of money-saving hacks and tips for going on a cruise that will help you to avoid blowing your budget.

First of all, if you’re traveling with friends, try to book rooms next to each other that have a balcony. This is an awesome way to avoid having to actually book “adjoining rooms” without paying the high price.

Once you board the ship, give maintenance a call and ask them if it’s possible to get rid of the balcony divider between the two rooms.

Also, familiarize yourself with the rules about bringing alcohol on board.

Many cruise ship companies try to keep this quiet, but you’re often allowed to bring two bottles of wine with you on the ship. This can seriously save you on the costs of your drinks.

And while we’re on the subject of the cost of drinks?

Do the math when it comes to those all-inclusive “drink deals” — they might not be such a deal at all. This is especially the case if you’re not a huge drinker. Figure out how much you’d actually have to drink in order to make the package worth it, and go from there.

2. Research Destinations Ahead of Time

Many people opt for cruises because they allow you to see so many different parts of the world in a short amount of time.

However, the trade-off is that you don’t always get tons of time at each destination.

Study up on each port and city ahead of time, and make sure you know what you want to see. You should even research how to get to the top sights from the port.

For example, if you’re docking at a Cozumel cruise port, you’ll likely want to see the San Gervasio ruins or swim with the dolphins at the Chankanaab Beach Park.

Make a list of things you have to do, things you’d like to do, and things you can check out if you find you have extra time.

3. Prepare for Potential Seasickness

One of the most important cruise tips for newbies?

Prepare for the unpleasant possibility of seasickness, especially for the first few days onboard.

If you’re worried about getting sick, we suggest that you try to find a room in the middle of the ship. Request an option with a balcony or even a porthole. If you’re able to see the horizon in some way, you’ll experience less severe symptoms.

If you do get sick, remember that ships will have a doctor on board. However, you’ll need to cover the cost of your medical bills.

That’s why many people invest in things like Dramamine, Promethazine, or even special bracelets that prevent seasickness. Check out this list of products to make sure you’re ready to combat seasickness.

In addition to making sure you’ve stocked up on seasickness prevention methods?

You also need to ensure you’ve received the proper vaccinations or medications to visit certain destinations on the cruise. If you’re unsure of the vaccinations you need, speak with your medical provider, the cruise line itself, or head to the CDC’s website for answers.

4. Pack Right

Remember that, when you’re going on a cruise or any boat in general, space will be seriously limited.

Embrace the reality of repeat outfits, switch to travel sizes of the products you need, and don’t forget to leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs.

You should also study up on the dress code for certain events and restaurants onboard. While the majority of the time, you’ll be in casual clothing? You should also bring at least one formal outfit.

Also, even if you’re going for a tropical cruise, remember that the deck can get pretty chilly at night. Bring a light sweater or jacket, and don’t forget a poncho.

Remember you should also bring a backpack to carry your essentials during day trips. You’ll certainly want to have your hands free.

Finally, don’t forget the essentials. Though things like sunscreen, umbrellas, and pain relief medication will be available onboard, you can certainly expect to have to pay more to get them.

Use These Cruise Tips and Tricks to Your Advantage

What should you do now that you’re armed with all the cruise tips and tricks you need to make your vacation a success?

Start thinking about where you want to go — and who you’d like to travel with. Research the hottest destinations, as well as when tourism is at its peak. You want to have the opportunity to meet new people, but you also want to avoid overcrowded cities and long lines.

Looking for more travel advice?

Keep checking back with us to make sure you’re always ready to vacation in style.