Cruising Resources        How to choose the right cruise for you. Select the right ship- The single most important thing you can do to ensure that you will have an enjoyable time is to sail with like-minded travelers. Choose the right itinerary- You probably already know where you want to go but you will need to choose the cruise that best suits your needs. Here are some tips to help you decide. How long is the ship in each port? How many days at sea are there? What flight schedule does the itinerary involve? How rough is the water in the places you want to go? Does the ship anchor or dock? Select the correct cabin- Which room you choose is more important on a ship than it is in a hotel, since your cabin's features, size and location are likely to have a far greater impact on your experience. Research local events and festivals- check with the local tourism sites to find out what type of events are offered in the destination ahead of time so you will be fully prepared. Book shore excursions early- High demand shore excursions sell out fast, so sign up early even if you are not sure. You can usually cancel and get a refund up to 36 hours in advance. Insider Tips: Plan to arrive at the port well in advance. Leave plenty of time in your travel plans to allow for any flight delays in arriving at your chosen ship. Insurance - Make sure that you have adequate insurance protection to cover unforseen medical emergencies, lost or stolen bags, and trip interruption. Insurance can provide a saftey net to prevent you losing every penny that you have spent. Dinner arrangements for specialty restaurants - As soon as you board your ship make sure that you book a table in the specialty restaurants if you are celebrating a special occasion as they book up early. Pre register online - Make sure to go online and pre register for your cruise as soon as it is available as this will save you time at embarkation. Cabin assignment - Make sure to check the deck plans of the ship that you are sailing on to avoid any suprises (life boat outside your window blocking your view)