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Common mistakes made when taking a cruise vary from person to person, but some of the most common mistakes, like overspending, are made by every cruiser.

As a veteran cruiser, I have seen many mistakes made by cruise ship passengers. Here's a list of the 10 most common errors that new cruisers (and some veterans) make when cruising:

1. Expecting more than you paid for.

Expecting more than you booked is perhaps the greatest error made by cruisers. An inside cabin is exactly that; it's a windowless box. If you want or need natural light, then pay the additional fees and book an outside cabin, or a cabin with a balcony.

Sometimes, and only sometimes, cruisers will be surprised by a nice upgrade. But don't count on this. Pay in advance for the conditions that will please you.

2. Overspending. Cruise ships use an onboard "credit card" system for expenses from drinks to clothing purchases. It is very easy to rack up an astronomical debt by the end of your cruise, if you are not attentive. Be wary and check your shipboard records daily. Otherwise, you could be in for a terrible shock when you see your final bill.

3. Inappropriate clothing choices. Cruise lines, in an emulation of the grand old days, wish to maintain more formal standards at their evening meals. Many people come totally unprepared for this experience having left all formal attire like sports jackets, suits, cocktail dresses and long gowns at home. If that happens, be prepared to eat at the buffet or in one of the ship's alternate restaurants.

4. Overpacking. Having mentioned the need to pack formal clothing, the other mistake, many cruisers make, is overpacking. The rule of thumb for any travel: Pack your suitcases and then remove half the items and pack again. Pack double the money you were planning to take, instead.

5. Dinnertime seating arrangements. If you like to retire early, then an 8:30 seating assignment is not for you. Be sure to ask for a seating change if this occurs. Or be prepared to eat earlier at one of the ship's other eateries.

And, if you simply cannot abide your dinnertime companions (you will have no choice as to whom you are seated with), it is okay to ask for a table change. This happens regularly and is understood by the cruise lines.

6. Not booking shore excursions. Cruise lines offer shore excursions as a convenience to their passengers. These excursions may look costly at first glance but they can be worth their weight in gold.

Some

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