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the ship into a port town (like Acapulco, Mexico), while others (like Livorno, Italy) insist on expensive cab rides. Cruise ship shore excursions handle all the details, including the ride to and from the ship. And that can be a real blessing when travel plans go awry and a cruiser on shore finds he is unable to make it back to the ship on time. Ships wait for all delayed passengers, who booked their excursion through the ship.

7. Forgetting where your passport is? Cruisers, especially today, must be diligent with their passports. Even with the identity cards issued upon boarding a cruise ship, cruisers still must carry their passports.

Oftentimes, foreign citizens will be asked to relinquish their passports to cruise ship officials, allowing passage across another country's borders.

Knowing where your passport is, at all times, is crucial for non-stressful cruise ship travel. You have a safe in your room; use it.

8. Paying by the drink. This is a costly choice especially in very hot climates when a cold soda pop by the pool is an absolute necessity. Repeatedly. Instead, purchase a bottomless drink (for a set fee); most cruise lines will add a sticker to your identity card allowing you to have a pop anytime you choose.

9. Not packing for the weather conditions. This is perhaps one of the biggest problems on cruises to Alaska, in the summertime. Cruisers, who haven't done their homework, expect Alaskan temperatures to be similar to their summer temperatures back home. Nothing is further from the truth. A stop in mid-summer at the Hubbard Glacier will soon teach new cruisers a hard lesson; Alaska can be very cold in the summertime.

10. Tipping. While tipping is very strongly suggested on cruise ships, many cruisers think it's a rule cast in stone. But it's not. Cruisers still have the option of tipping, or not tipping. But most cruise ship service personnel do deserve a tip; come prepared with extra tipping money.

Cruising can be a great way to spend a hard-earned vacation. If cruisers avoid the above mistakes, they will guarantee themselves a relaxing and memorable time-of-their-life cruise ship adventure.

Learn more about this author, Sheree Zielke.
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