Compare the Market’s travel expert, TV personality Catriona Rowntree, has revealed her Top 10 Tips for holidaymakers to enjoy the bigger and better cruise season.

A Compare the Market research showed that Australians are back on deck with an average spend of $4,200 on a nautical vacation. It also showed that not just Baby Boomers are jumping on the cruising craze as younger people are leading the trend with Gen Z and Millenials (at 27 per cent each) are among the most likely to head out on a cruise.

“We are still per capita the biggest cruise lovers in the world, no doubt because regardless of your age or budget when it comes to cruising, there truly is something for everyone,” Catriona Rowntree said. “And now there are even more options for the Gen Z and Millennial markets as well, so everyone is looked after.”

Catriona’s Top 10 Tips:

• Code of Conduct
  “Keep in mind it’s difficult to escape people when on board, so don’t say anything at the dinner table that may shame the family name. Do not discuss politics, religion or your sex life (or lack thereof) to those you have just met on holidays. Keep the conversation friendly and light.”
• Keep the littlies busy
  “For those of us with children, cruises are brilliant at keeping up the activities. Whether it’s a Kid’s Club, enjoying the on-board water parks, maybe a science lab or an arts and crafts area, cruises excel at keeping your little darlings busy.”
• Book your board-time
  “Where possible try and book on-board activities. Be it the salon or your boarding time as early as possible. I like to check into the salon and get all the goss, must-sees and must dos from the onboard hairdresser as early as possible. It’s a great way to do your homework and secure your appointments at a time that suits you. I’d apply that concept to any other tours that are important to you as well.”
• Early is on time
  “Take it from someone who knows – don’t ever be late for the ship. IT WILL SAIL WITHOUT YOU. Trust me there is no excuse, nor batting of the eye lashes, that will stand in the way of a cruise ship running like clockwork. The walk of shame when late or left behind just ain’t worth it.”
• Get travel insurance ASAP!
  “Trust me, this one is important! Don’t forget to take out a travel insurance policy with cruise cover as soon as you book your voyage. This will provide a safety net for any sudden illnesses or injuries, as Medicare and private health insurance won’t cover you once you step onboard. Some cruise lines in Australian waters won’t even let you board unless you have adequate cover in place. Getting a policy as early as possible could mean that if tragedy strikes, and you’re unable to board due to unforeseen circumstances, you may be covered for lost deposits and any cancellation fees.”
• Convenience often wins
  “This may not apply to everybody, but if you like to feel organised and have peace of mind when it comes to booking activities and tours, have an open conversation with your cruise provider or sort this out as soon as you get on board, over a lovely welcome cocktail.”
• Come on, get appy!
  “Your phone is your friend! These days, many cruises lines have their own apps to help you plan your day and check things like lunch and dinner table availability. Often, theatre shows, bingo nights, and other activities are limited and tend to fill up quickly so book early! Other helpful features may include ship maps if you are prone to get lost! Just remember it’s best to download things like apps before you hit the gangway. Don’t forget to turn off your international roaming. There are much better ways to spend your money when on holiday then returning to find bill shock!”
• Have your visa(s) ready
  Everyone tells you that you need to have at least six months left on your passport to travel but if you’re heading overseas and stopping at ports, you may need to arrange visas for certain countries as well. It’ s rare, but I have heard of people being denied boarding the cruise when they haven’t got that sorted. Always double-check with your cruise line to see if they will organise visas for you. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
• Stock your medical kit
  “Before you go, pack your preferred medications. Commit to taking vitamins at least two weeks before you go because I guarantee the air conditioning will bring on the most annoying cold and nobody wants that on their holiday. Make sure you take your motion sickness tablets before you embark on the journey, about half an hour before you get on board if you think the water could be rough. That said modern ships have incredible stabilisers these days, so it shouldn’t be an issue. One more thing to remember, ginger is your friend. Whether it’s a tablet, herbal tea, or ginger ale, it’s a wonderful natural remedy for motion sickness.”
• The power of preparation
  “This is an easy one to forget! Always double-check the kind of power outlets available on board. Most cruise liners are made in Europe, so European wall plugs are usually standard. But some of the newer ships that visit Australia year-long, will often have Australian wall plugs as well. It pays to check and be prepared! And whatever you do, don’t bring any candles or hot implements (hello, GHD hair wand), as this can damage the beautiful timber on board.”