Cruises are incredibly popular for a number of reasons -- when one takes a cruise, he or she can see a number of different places while also enjoying all of the amazing amenities offered onboard the cruise ship. It is not surprising that many people opt for cruises year after year based on the fact that they are incredibly memorable vacations that offer something for people of all ages. However, it is not uncommon for first-time cruisers to be intimidated before their first cruise. If you have recently booked your first cruise vacation, use the following tips to make the most of your trip:

Understand the Layout of the Ship

Cruise ships have countless staterooms, swimming pools, restaurants, bars, fitness centers, casinos, retail shops, and movie theaters. Thus, cruise ships are very large in size. If you don't want to waste valuable vacation time wandering around the ship lost, take the time to learn as much as possible about the layout of the ship before your trip. Most cruise lines offer the layout of each deck on their websites -- as long as you know the name of the ship you will be cruising on, it should not be a problem to familiarize yourself with where everything is.

Learn About Ports of Call

Large cruise ships typically have enough amenities to keep guests entertained for days. But, one of the best parts or cruises is the ports of call that are offered. If you want to make the most of each port of call, make sure that you do your research and know what activities you would like to partake in while off the ship. Once you know what the top attractions are at each port of call, you can then arrange for transportation and excursions.

Pack Carefully

No matter where you're cruising to, it is always important to pack carefully for your first cruise. If you will be on a ship that offers high-end al-a-carte restaurants, make sure that you know the dress code to ensure that you pack clothing that is formal enough. It is also a good idea to always bring a poncho or rain jacket -- even if you're cruise is through the sunny Caribbean, you never know when a tropical rain shower can blow through. Lastly, try not to over pack for your cruise. Most standard staterooms on a cruise ship are not overly large in size, so bringing to much can cramp your personal space. 

For more information on Royal Caribbean international cruises, contact your local travel agent.