7 Top tips for making the most of your cruise holiday

Most cruise lines have advantage programmes to persuade customers to stick with them and, sometimes, it really pays to stay loyal. Perks could be anything from £100 worth of cruise vouchers to private cocktail parties or free bottles of wine.

Some cruises really are ‘all inclusive’, while others charge separately for items such as tips, drinks, port charges and excursions, so it can be difficult to work out which is really the cheaper deal. Visit the web sites such as: iglucruise.com or cruiseoffers.com for information and to shop for the best prices.

Depending on where you go in the world, you'll want to have the best climate for your trip. Visit cruisecritic for information on cruise destinations and weather conditions.

Most cruises will offer a vast itinerary of entertainment; this can include yoga and aerobics classes, astrology sessions, wine tasting or amateur dramatics. Some cruises will even hold themed evenings. This means you can choose a holiday that really fits with your interests, and if you're travelling alone can help you meet like-minded people.

You'll be crossing some of your 'most desired' places off your list while cruising—so make sure you don't miss out when you dock. If you're stopping in San Francisco for one day, think about what you can see in that time and if there's anywhere that you 'must see'.

Once you're on the water, don't be afraid to ask questions. Cruise ships are known to have the best customer service anywhere in the travel industry. There is plenty of competition, and bad word of mouth can sink a ship almost as quickly as an iceberg. So tell the staff if you don't like your table at dinner or your cabin's too close to the entertainment room. A quick word with a supervisor could make a world of difference to your holiday.

Want more tips and advice? When it comes to booking cheaply, these cruise tips are essential