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When taking a cruise, one of the most common mistakes made, is the over-packing of clothing never to be worn. Some of the stuff we pack is never even removed from the luggage let alone worn. On one of my cruises I packed twelve outfits for a four day cruise. I learned the true meaning of luggage as a young child, watching my dad lug our overly packed bags during every vacation. If vacations are about comfort and relaxation, then all that is needed are clothes you feel comfortable wearing while relaxing.

Another mistake that surprised me while on my last cruise was how some people packed their IDs, birth certificates and passports in their checked luggage. This held up our embarking for over an hour. To be honest there were quite a few people who did this. I didn't mind as much as the couple behind me. They had been looking forward to the ship's complimentary happy hour that was nearly over by the time the line began to move. And they were quite verbal about the nuisance.

I believe the biggest and most common of all mistakes is choosing the wrong people to cruise with. Especially if a week long cruise is what you're in for. Once the ship leaves the dock you're anchored on a floating island. Beautiful as it may sound, a week with the wrong mix of people jammed in close quarters, may cost you more than the couple thousand dollars spent on the room and drinks. It can cost respect for your traveling companions, as well as lose their respect.

When I was younger, a friend and I decided to cruise as cheaply as possible, another common mistake. We booked a room so small everything including the beds, toilet, shower and sink were pulled from the wall. We were told it was extra cheap because we were to share it with two strangers. The room was too small for two friends, let alone four strangers. This made traveling cheap a big mistake for me. Not just because the room was small with no window and had the sound of engines and sea water slamming the sides 24/7. But having to sleep with people you do not know, is an eye opener. Literally. I laid awake every night for the entire week out of uncomfortableness. Rather than tour the islands during our days, I tried to sleep while everyone else was out of the room. If you want to really enjoy a cruise, save until you can afford a window and a room of your own.

The season you cruise is extrememly important for optimal fun. Research seasons as paying for a cruise during Hurricane season may cotoss some cookies into your trip. Most

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