There are only few experiences in life that are capable of changing your whole perspective of nearly everything. Traveling alone, working for the less privileged people and then, of course, cruising on a vast and never-ending ocean with just your thoughts, family and nature to entertain you.

While movies (and bloggers) have done enough already to romanticize us with the idea of a perfect journey on water, things aren’t really as smooth as it may seem. NO, not everything is going to take care of itself and not everything will be as dreamy while you lay there on ship’s deck under the sun getting tanned.

There’s a lot that you need to think about and plenty that you must take care of for a sweet and smooth (and affordable) cruise ship holiday ahead. Here are 5 tips for the first-time family cruisers-

Stay prepared for seasickness

For the first-timers, motion sickness is quite common on cruise. And you should keep yourself and your family prepared for it. Have medicine or other homemade remedies close by when feeling nausea, vertigo or having a bad headache.

Lookout for hidden cost

Just because your cruise company gave you a cost upfront doesn’t mean that’s the total expense you’ll have to spare. There exist plenty of hidden costs and you must lookout for them; unless, of course, you’re sick-rich. First, pick a good traveling professional; and second, be careful of all that you’re being charged for— taxes, tips, complimentary services and more.

Give your Smartphone and Laptop a rest

Sure it would be difficult, but keep your smartphone and laptop away. Take a tech-break for few days (exception: your DSLR). Don’t worry about emails, calls and messages. Just immerse yourself in the moment, with Nature, caring less about everything you have left behind for few days.

Make sure the destination interests you and your family

There are people who cruise to a destination of non-interest for a host of wrong reasons; maybe because that’s the only option they are getting, that’s what suits their budget, they don’t have any other time to spend on a holiday and so forth. Don’t be one of them. Make this journey a once-in-a-lifetime experience; visit to a place that interests you and your family.

DON’T go crazy when packing

No, you’re not going to need those air bags and neither will your kids have time to play with all the toys you’re packing. So, don’t obsessively pack everything; be careful and considerate, and pack only what’s essential. You’re going to be on the ship for few days, not your whole life. On-board, you’re going to get all to make your stay luxury. You don’t need to carry anything extra.

These are 5 simple tips for the family planning their first cruise ever. Of course there’s a host of other factors that would need just as much attention; like the best timing for the cruise, food and drinks, on board currency, and more.

So be careful of everything (without stressing) and plan a perfect, trouble-free holiday on the sea (or river). And most importantly, do your research and pick a good traveling and cruising company offering lucrative cruise ship packages. A reputed company by your side can provide you and your family a seamless experience and take care of everything from tip to bottom, ensuring you maximum convenience and luxury.