Cruise experts reveal tips for boosting your holiday - and mistakes to avoid

Cruise Week wraps up with experts urging first-timers to pack more curiosity than routine. Scott Sanders of Marella Cruises, TUI’s UK line, warns that travelers often stay in their comfort zone and miss activities like dance classes, quizzes and West End-style shows. He also suggests telling staff about birthdays or anniversaries, chatting with cabin stewards for port and onboard tips, and checking the ship in advance via official tours or guest videos. Sanders adds a practical call: switch phones to airplane mode at sea and use onboard Wi-Fi. Ambassador’s Bob McGowan recommends packing essentials in hand luggage, bringing seasickness tablets or bands, and choosing cabin locations based on social plans and motion sensitivity.