Don’t forget to pack everything that you need for your cruise. You are going to need your passport, your driver’s license, your tickets, but you are also going to need a lot more when it comes to having a fun cruise. Here are a few tips to make sure that you don’t forget to pack anything.

Clothes: Sure there are lots of clothes for sale on the ship and that is great if you plan on spending a bunch of extra money, but make sure you pack plenty of different styles of clothing. One formal outfit is always a great idea, bathing suits are also great ideas for packing. Make sure the clothing that you pack is a good fit for the cruise destination. If you are going somewhere tropical, pack light weight clothing. If you are going somewhere cooler, make sure to pack warm clothing.

Prepare for lots of sun exposure. Pack plenty of sunblock. There is no better way to quickly ruin a cruise vacation, than by getting sun burnt. There is also SPF clothing that will keep you from getting burned.

Electronics: If you are bringing your smartphones, laptops or Ipads, make sure you pack all of the proper accessories for power. Batteries don’t last forever.

Bug Spray: You might not encounter any biting bugs, but pack away some bug spray just in case. Yo never know if you might be taking a jungle hike once you get on land.

Bring some cards. There is always plenty to do on a cruise, but a deck of cards can be a real life saver if there are any unexpected delays. Keep yourself occupied with a nice game of Solitaire, or do some card tricks to keep the kids smiling.

An extra suitcase is a great idea. If you plan on doing any shopping on shore, you are going to need something to put all of your souvenirs in. An extra suitcase might just come in handy.

Walkie Talkies: Most people have their cell phones, but using them on a cruise can get really expensive. Walkie talkies are a great way to keep in touch with everyone without incurring any extra cell phone charges.

Being prepared can really make your cruise much more enjoyable. There is nothing worse than needing something really badly, and either not being able to get it, or paying through the nose to have it in your hands.

Everybody wants to get the most bang for their buck, and cruise trips are no different. Cruises are affordable vacations that appeal to many different groups of people, but there are some hidden expenses that cruise newbies might not be aware of.

All inclusive does not mean that everything is free. There are still extras that can quickly add up like: Alcoholic drinks, internet surcharges and more. Here are some more tips that will help make your cruise a huge success.

Off-Season: There are off-Season rates. If you do your research well, you can find all-inclusive off-season package deals that will save you a ton of money.

Laundry: This is one that even cruise ship veterans tend to forget about. Most cruise ships will offer a full service laundry and dry cleaning service, but it is not free. If you want to save a few bucks bring your own detergent in a zip lock baggie, and hit the coin laundry for an hour or two.

Cell Phones: Today most people don’t go anywhere without their mobile smart phones. Once you are on the ship using your phone might get very expensive. Make sure you call your carrier before hand, and see how much it is going to cost before using your smart phone.

Coffee: Cruise ships offer some of the same specialty coffees that restaurants and stores do. These specialty coffees also have a hefty price tag to go along with them so pay attention to how much you are drinking.

On Shore Adventures: Most cruise ships will offer special sponsored on shore excursions that can save you a lot of cash. Book these adventures yourself and watch the savings grow.

Secret Upgrades: Some cruise lines will offer free upgrades to better rooms and all you have to do is ask. Smile and ask nicely, and you might be surprised at what you can get for no additional charges.

Buy Stocks: If you dabble in the stock market, buy some stock in the cruise line of your choice. Many cruise lines offer good discounts to current stockholders.

Your first trip should be a fun one. Just remember to keep your eyes open for any hidden price tags that might quickly drain your wallet.

Specialty cruises are nothing new, but many long time cruise goers and newbies have never heard of the term. Specialty cruises can really make an ordinary cruise vacation so much better. Here are a few different types of specialty cruises that might be of interest to you.

Barefoot cruising is an excellent alternative cruise that can really teach you the ways of the ship. The ships are generally much smaller and passengers are usually under 100 or less. Cruisers are encouraged to take part in manning the ship. You can do as little or as much as you would like.

Scrapbooking cruises: If you are a scrapbooker, then a scrapbookinig cruise would be heaven for you. These specialty cruises offer you a chance to scrapbook with friends, and meet and greet other people who share the same interest in scrapbooking as you.

Adventure cruises: Everyone loves a little adventure, and these specialty cruises really pack a lot of adventure into one small package. These cruises can take you to the far reaches of the world where you can visit the mighty Amazon, the frozen Artic, or Darwin’s infamous Galapagos Islands. Adventure seekers will love these cruises tailored specifically for them.

Not all cruises are in the ocean either. There are several cruises that travel famous rivers like the mighty Mississippi River, The Great Lakes and more.

There are even Food Network themed cruises. If you love to cook and eat, then these specialty cruises are just for you. They offer product demos, cooking classes and chances to mingle with Food Network stars.

If you are looking for a different type of cruise, then specialty cruises like the ones mentioned above are planned just for you!