The first cruising "do" you should always follow is shopping around for deals. After all, cruise prices go up and down over time just like any other type of travel, and some cruise lines have special sales that can make their fares more affordable during certain times of the year.

Not only should you compare cruise lines and itineraries, but you should check for special promotions, too. Spending even a few hours comparing cruises can help you save hundreds of dollars, so the time you invest can be well worth it.

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Another way to save on cruising is through cruise loyalty programs. Not only do these programs offer special deals and discounts to members, but you can also get extra perks with each cruise you take.

With the MSC Cruise Voyager's Club program, for example, members get a 5% discount on all cruises and another 5% off select cruises booked at least six to mine months before departure. Other included perks that can vary by status level include priority boarding, complimentary specialty dining, on-board discounts and credits and more.

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If you really want to get the best deal on a cruise, you should also consider booking with a travel agent. Not only can travel agents help you research cruises and itinerary options, but they can often uncover hidden deals you don't even know about.

Using a travel agent can also mean accessing special perks like on-board credits to spend how you want. The best part? Using a travel agent's services is free since they get paid by the cruise line to book your travel for you.

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The debate over which type of cruise cabin is best dates back to the earliest cruises offered on the mass market. We all know that cruise ship balcony cabins have more space and outdoor access, yet interior cabins can be considerably cheaper. Then there are ocean view cabins and a range of premium cabins to consider if you want to splurge.

Our advice? At least consider the prospect of booking different cabin types and what that could mean for your trip.

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While an interior cabin is always going to cost less, you should really think about whether you want to stay in a room without a window or any natural lighting. Sure, you'll save money, but you won't be able to relax with a glass of wine and watch the waves roll by, and you might even get claustrophobic.

You can book the cheapest cabin, but you should only do so if you have thought long and hard about what you're getting into. If you love fresh air and want to be able to look outside, the savings from booking an interior room may not be worth it.

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You'll definitely want to consider multiple cruise lines and ships, but don't forget to check out itineraries, too. You may want to see and explore a different set of destinations you never even thought of, but you won't be exposed to different itineraries unless you do some digging and find them.

Also remember that some ships alternate itineraries every other week or every few weeks. This means that, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you can consider a cruise on your preferred ship with different stops over several dates that could work.

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While comparing cruise itineraries is important, don't be afraid to go somewhere new. You never know when a cruise stop will introduce you to your new favorite destination, or when you will get the chance to discover a part of the world that piques your interest in a way you didn't expect.

So, branch out some and try new places, excursions, foods and activities you have never tried before. You may discover something you love, or at least you can mark new places off your list so you don't have to go back and try them later.

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Dining on cruise ships can be entirely free, but that often means you're stuck in the buffet or the main dining room every night of your cruise. That's perfectly okay, and that could easily be the best option if you just want food that's convenient and easy and you aren't a big foodie. Just remember that there are other options.

If you love fine dining, for example, you should know that cruises really do offer a range of over-the-top dining establishments you can try. Even trying specialty dining a few nights can help you mix things up and ensure you don't get bored of buffet food.

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While you can always try cruise specialty dining and pay whatever the sticker price is, cruise lines make this part more affordable by offering dining packages you can book ahead. In many cases, you can get unlimited specialty dining meals during a cruise for less than $150 depending on your cruise line and itinerary.

Just remember that cruise dining packages are usually cheapest if you buy online ahead of time. If you forget, many ships also sell dining packages at a discount once you're on board.

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There are extra costs to account for any time you cruise, and these costs can add up quickly if you don't plan ahead. One such cost is cruise gratuities, which often cost up to $15 per person, per day. You can pay cruise ship gratuities ahead of time with some cruise lines, but you'll want to budget and plan for them either way.

Other cruising extras to budget for include drinks or your drink package, souvenirs, sunscreen and purchases at port.?

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Also remember that you'll probably need to budget for something to do in each port you stop in. This may mean getting off the ship to have a nice meal or walk around, but almost anything you do will cost money.

If you love taking city tours, snorkeling, riding ATVs or getting out to explore, you'll also want to set a healthy budget for shore excursions. While the cost of excursions can vary widely, most will set you back $30 to $200 per person at each cruise stop.

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Packing for a cruise is a bit of an artform since you want to have everything you need and nothing you don't. Some people book a laundry package with their cruise so they can pack less, while others pack strategic pieces of clothing they can re-use and rewear.?

Then there are all the other items you may want to bring. For example, some regular cruisers bring specific organization items on each trip, plus things like magnetic hooks and clips, hanging toiletry bags, hanging shoe racks and more.

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While packing smart for a cruise is always a good idea, make sure you don't bring too much! Even the roomiest cruise cabins tend to be light on space, and the last thing you want is to spend your vacation crammed in your room with too much stuff.

Also keep the type of luggage you bring on your trip in mind before you depart. A smaller suitcase may fit nicely under your bed, whereas a big one could hog all your closet space or take up too much room in general.

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One major benefit of cruising is the fact that you can often drive to a cruise port and skip the cost of airfare. Driving can also be more convenient and less stressful since you don't have to worry about your flight being canceled or delayed at the last minute.?

Fortunately, there are cruise ports dotted all around the United States in places like Galveston, Texas, all over Florida, New York City and more. Even if driving to a cruise port takes you a full day and a few tanks of gas, the financial savings can be substantial.

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If you do decide to fly to your cruise port, that's perfectly okay and may even be necessary depending on where you live. However, you should start your journey early and don't plan to get into your cruise port city at the last minute.

Make sure you fly in at least one day ahead. If you try to fly in the morning of departure and your flight is delayed or canceled, you could easily miss your cruise altogether.

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Your cell phone plan may have some coverage for international destinations, but you should find out ahead of time before you start using data or texting during your cruise.?

Some phone companies will even let you add an international plan for around $10 per day, so you can look into that option if you want to use your phone while at port.

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Even if you have an international phone plan, chances are likely that your plan does not apply when your ship is at sea and away from each port. This is true even if your phone technically works while your ship is floating off the coast.

Your best bet is turning your phone on airplane mode and using your ship's wifi whenever your ship pulls away from the cruise port. If you use your phone at sea without confirming your coverage, you could come home to a huge phone bill and live to regret it.

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Cruise ships often have a range of activities going on most hours of the day, and some of them may not be what you expect. For example, there are cruise ships that offer cooking classes and competitions, dance lessons, bingo games, video game competitions and more.

While it's fun to do things you already know you love, cruising provides you with the opportunity to try new activities that are beyond your normal routine. This is especially true during "at sea" days where you may have all day to find something to do.

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You may have to cruise a few times to know for sure what type of cruising you prefer, which cruise lines you really like and the itineraries you find the most fun. Unfortunately, too many people have one mediocre cruising experience and never give this style of vacation a try again.

Our advice? Go on at least two cruises with two different cruise lines and itineraries before you decide if cruising is your type of travel. Just like any other vacation, some cruises are better than others.

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The staff on your cruise ship is there to make your trip more enjoyable and less stressful. You'll have people cleaning your cabin each day, serving you food and bringing you nearly anything you could ever want or need, and it's a wonderful feeling to get that kind of service.

That said, you should remember that cruise ship staff members frequently work 12+ hours a day and most days of the week. Many leave their families in another country for months on end while they complete their contracts, and much of their work is labor intensive.

Be nice to the staff, be appreciative and remember that you get back what you give. If you treat the hard-working cruise staff with respect and kindness, you'll receive the same treatment and have a much more enjoyable trip as a result.

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