Vacationing is all about fun, and booking a cruise is a great way to capitalize on your time off. A full week on a boat, two or three ports to visit, so much to see and do ... it can seem a little overwhelming at times, but with these helpful hints you'll be able to get a bigger bang for your boat buck!


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If you're obsessive about your travel plans, booking ahead for your cruise can net you some good savings if you're willing to do it as much as a year in advance. But alternately, waiting until the very last minute can help you nab some incredible deals on boats that aren't filled, but want to sell out. Whichever method you choose depends on how regimented your vacation time is, but both options yield similar results.

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Cruise companies have their routines down pat, so checking in and getting to your room isn't as rough and tumble an experience as you might think. Even so, showing up for an earlier boarding gives you the opportunity not only to take your time, but also to check out the ship without hoards of people everywhere. This is especially handy if you're on a behemoth boat that has more amenities than you know what to do with!

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Your room -- teeny though it may be -- is your home for the next week, so why not make it feel that way? Take some time to explore it, unpack your things and set it up the way you would if you were at home. It'll make it that much more comfortable for you to come back to after a day of sun and sea.


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But you don't want to get too comfortable. Yes, your room can be a fabulous place for you to escape and recharge when you feel like you've had enough of the crowd, but it's all too easy to fall into the trap of chilling out in bed with satellite TV -- especially if you have a balcony that looks out over azure waters. Definitely take private time out for yourself, but not at the expense of your cruising experience.


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When you check in for your cruise you're given options on times for dining in the main dining room -- early or late seating -- but you don't always have to eat at the same place. Don't skip the dining room altogether, but bear in mind that there are tons of other dining options including buffets, stand-alone restaurants and room service. Treat your palate to an array of choices -- your stomach won't be disappointed.


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Cruising shouldn't feel pressured in any way, so if you're going to duck out on your early seating at the dining room, don't feel bad. And if you have severe guilt issues, assuage them with a second helping of dessert at the buffet ... at whatever time that may be.


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They're not so much ships as they are floating cities these days, so spend your time at sea getting to know your home away from home. Royal Caribbean has ice rinks and rock climbing walls, Carnival has waterslides and golf clinics ... the possibilities are endless, and you're going to spend much of your time on the water anyway.


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Using your room key to pay for extras may make it seem like you're not really spending money, but it's surprising how quickly it can add up. Make sure you double check your statement every day or so to ensure your end bill doesn't come as a big shock.


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You don't get a ton of time in port, so booking a shore excursion is a great way to take in some local color while stretching your sea legs. Snorkeling, bike and guided tours can be a lot of fun, and help you see a side of the ports you wouldn't necessarily see on your own. A lot of them are reasonably priced, too.


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But on the flipside, sometimes some of the most interesting adventures come when you venture out by yourself. Keep things fresh by alternating -- maybe do an excursion at one port, none on the next, and a half-day event on the third so you can get the best of both worlds. Just make sure you're safe when you're out on your own.


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Those spa prices can seem pretty spendy when you're at sea, but did you know that often times treatments can be cut as low as half price if you book when the ship is docked? Take advantage of this opportunity by booking early -- appointments on these days fill up fast!


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There's a reason why they tell you to be back from your shore excursion at a certain time, and that's because they really will leave you behind! Guests who don't make it back on the boat before it leaves port have to cover their own expenses to get to the next port, so make sure you keep your eye on the clock and have it synchronized with the ship's time.


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It's tempting to fill your days with activities and such, but few things feel as fabulous as finding a patch of deck somewhere away from the mel�e of other vacationers and soaking up some sun. Bonus points if you fall asleep ... just don't forget your sunscreen!


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There's a ton of things to do on a cruise ship, from events and activities to stage shows to contests ... it can leave your mind reeling, especially if you try and cram it all into one trip. And if you try to do that, what will you do on your next cruise?


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Because really, you will want to do another one so you can repeat all the things you loved doing on your first trip and try all the things you didn't get the chance to on your second. Some people love cruising so much they don't ever get off the boat! A bonus? Sometimes if you book when you're on the trip or shortly thereafter, you can score some deals for being a repeat customer!


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