If you have any special dietary restrictions or requests you should notify the cruise ship of that at least 60 days prior to departure.

Also make sure to leave copies of your passport, airline tickets, traveler's cheques and credit cards with a family member or a friend back at home.

In some countries one should have certain vaccinations to cross the border. You should discuss you travel plans with a doctor. You should also take proof of immunizations with you.

If you suffer from motion sickness, consult your doctor before the departure. You may take motion sickness medications (such as Dramamine and patches) that often do well to restrain nausea.

You may set up a web-based e-mail account prior to departure (such as Hotmail, Yahoo or AOL) and that will make it easier to e-mail friends and family while you're sailing.

Remember call to confirm your flight 24 hours prior to departure.

If you have any constant medical conditions, your doctor should write up a brief medical history for you to take with.

If you receive your cruise documents in the mail, study them thoroughly and confirm that all the information is right.

Remember to check your flight information and airline documents for accuracy for several times.

If you book "cruise only", you should arrive at the port in time for check-in, security and departure.