1. Find your dream boat. The biggest mistake cruising newbies make is booking the wrong ship. Most people focus on the destination (Caribbean, Mexico, etc.) and don’t pay enough attention to the ship itself. Cruise lines—and even individual ships within a line—vary greatly in terms of atmosphere and facilities. Some have a party-all-the-time ambience and/or a great gym and spa; others are ideal for curling up on deck with a good book. 

2. Book early. There are two ways to get the best price on a cruise: book early or book at the very last minute. Both will save you money, but early bookers get the best choice of cabins for roughly the same “sale” price as late bookers—and avoid being disappointed because their ship is sold out. "Early" usually means three to six months before the cruise; the savings generally are 25 to 50 percent off the published brochure price per person.

3. Get the best cabin you can afford. Some people say that it doesn’t matter what your cabin is like, since you’ll only dress and sleep there. Not so! Don’t assume anything: queen-size and even double beds and bathtubs are not givens on a ship. While some cabins do have oversized beds, in others single beds are pushed together for couples. Most cabins have small showers, not bathtubs, so if you like to soak ask for a room with a tub. Most important, a nice cabin makes you more inclined to enjoy things like room service and sipping morning coffee in your PJs. The ultimate luxury: a private veranda so you can leave your sliding-glass doors open and fall asleep to the sounds of the sea.

4. Take care of business. A bit of preparation pays off in a carefree trip.Such as the mail (stop it.) And bills (pay them.) And your pets (kennel them.) Tape a "To Do" list to your fridge, and check things off as you go. Don’t forget to shop for film, extra batteries, sunscreen and travel-size toiletries. These are more expensive to buy on the ship, and you may not find your favorite products. Consider filling small plastic containers with conditioner and shampoo from the big bottles, which you can leave at home.

5. Pack light, pack right. Be prepared for the off chance your luggage will get misplaced. Even if your bag isn’t lost, it often takes hours before it gets to your cabin. So pack for survival: Put a little of everything you’ll want and need in a carry-on bag. This includes undies, shirts, socks, a bathing suit and something to wear to dinner. As added protection, buy travel insurance that covers you for lost, stolen, damaged or delayed luggage.

6. Beat the rush. On most cruises, you’ll want to schedule all kinds of things. Shore excursions are described in a brochure that comes with your cruise tickets; book any excursions you can’t bear to miss early on.

7. Be shore-savvy. Some shore excursions are worth taking - Others are not. How do you know the difference? Take shore excursions when they offer a chance to do something really spectacular—like helicopter flightseeing. A car and driver can be a more personal (and less costly) way to sightsee. To make it more fun (and affordable), put your own group together and share the ride with newfound friends you’ve met on board. But note: if you go solo and miss the boat, you’re on your own.

8. Get the royal treatment. Ask your agent about cruise lines that pamper their passengers with in-room extras like terry cloth robes, fruit baskets and the like. Ask about honeymoon and anniversary parties, dinner at the captain’s table and other special recognition. You can also buy packages that include things like a formal portrait in an engraved frame and a champagne breakfast in bed.

9. Stuffing the envelope. The last night of the cruise is a bittersweet time. You’ve had fun. You’re going home. And then there’s that little business of tipping to take care of. Remember that tipping is always entirely up to you. Most cruise lines will recommend just how much to tip. (About $3.50 per passenger for the waiter and cabin steward and $2 a day for the busboy.) These are only guidelines; tip what you want.

10. Cruising for romance. On most cruises, you’ll be assigned a dinner table (usually with other passengers) and time (early or late) for the entire trip. See the maitre d’ as soon as you board to specify which seating you prefer; also let him know if you prefer a table for two. After dinner, remember that the hot tubs never close, and you’ll probably find yourselves alone under the stars. For more alone time, stay on the ship when everyone else goes ashore it’s like having your own private yacht.