You do not need to stick to any schedule but your own – so you have complete freedom when it comes to activities and dining. You can splash around in WaterWorks aqua parks on 13 Carnival ships, including the new Carnival Vista, which features flumes named Twister, Drainpipe and the Speedway Splash. It is also a great opportunity to learn how to get from your cabins to the assembly stations, in case of emergency.

It’s never fun to talk about money — unless you’re winning it at the casino — but it’s essential to start with a budget. Some coveted cruise destinations might be very specific, like Alaska or Italy, while other itineraries are simply supplying a much-needed fix of sun and sand. Just because you're taking a cruise to Antarctica, does not mean your guaranteed sightings of an emperor penguin. If your goal is to go ashore as often as possible then you should consider a small vessel as ships carrying less than 200 passengers.Perfect for: UK-based couples and solo travellers who enjoy smaller, more intimate cruise ships with a friendly and social atmosphere on-board.

When looking at cruise ship itineraries, consider when it is you are planning to vacation and check the typical weather for the period you wish to cruise. Perhaps you’re looking for a cultural experience, epic scenery or just blissful beaches and water-sports?A cruise holiday is not all about the destinations on your itinerary; it’s also about the on-board experience, which will greatly affect how you remember your time at sea.

Bear in mind that there is a time limit to how long you can be in the restaurant for the early seating, as the staff are required to clean up and redo the tables for the second seating.It features five Food Heroes, including TV favourite Marco Pierre White, wine guru Olly Smith and master Patissier Eric Lanlard, who spread their magic across the ship. You’ll also find that special offers such as ‘kids sail free’ don’t apply during the school holidays. There's always someplace to dance, whether it be a designated disco or another space co-opted for a party, and the casino is nearly always open to take away your hard-earned cash.