Taking your first cruise will be a fun and memorable experience, whether you’re headed on a whale watching excursion in Alaska or a tropical cruise to the Bahamas. To have the most fun on your trip and avoid any unexpected charges or hassles, there are a few things that you should know about cruises: • Book early for the best deal. You can save money and have more time to prepare if you book your cruise and airline tickets to the departure port early. That way, you are not running around at the last minute trying to get passports together or make other arrangements. Cruise experts recommend making your purchases at least four to six months in advance. • Find out the policy on tipping. Unless otherwise stated, you are expected to tip while on your cruise. Each company handles tipping differently, so it’s important to check the tip policies for the cruise you’re taking. Some cruises have service charges in lieu of a tip. • Excursions cost extra. Once you’re on land, there are many different excursions and activities available to you. These are sold by vendors and by the cruise line. The cruise line will most likely charge a little extra. Remember that popular excursions and activities tend to sell out quickly, so if there is something you absolutely want to do, book it through your cruise line so that you’re guaranteed a spot. • Pack appropriately. Many cruises have theme nights such as Western Night or formal dinners, so make sure that you find out in advance if there are going to be any special themes and then pack the right attire. At the very least, you will need to find out if there is a dining dress code. Cruises should be a relaxing and memorable experience. These tips will help things go smoothly the next time you head out on the high seas.