Decide what you want out of the cruise. Setting your expectations is the most important part in choosing the right cruise for you. Are you going as a single traveler, hoping to meet others? Honeymooning with your partner? Sailing with young ones in tow? Perhaps you prefer a themed or whodunit cruise, an epicurean journey focusing on food and wine, or educational travels into culture, history and architecture. Knowing what each traveler in your group wants out of the trip will narrow down your decisions and help you decide what itineraries best suit you. Some ships are more kid friendly, like Princess Cruises, while others are a bit pricier and upscale, like Regent or Crystal.

Choose where you want to visit. Have you been to Europe before? If this is your first European vacation, Europe by cruise is an efficient, timesaving way to see some of the most popular sites. European cruise itineraries usually focus on one region and many are round trip. Mediterranean cruises glitter with sun and sparkling waters for the sun-starved globetrotter. To explore post-glacial waterways, the fjords of Norway are ideal.  First-time travelers to Europe might consider a European River Cruise that reaches the hearts of the cities rather than just seaside ports-of-call. Many cruises focus on major cities, such as Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Paris or Rome.

How big is too big? The size of a ship dictates the activities of the cruise. Larger cruise lines boast tons of fun, adventurous activities, from onboard golf to surfing lessons and dancing to painting classes. But if you want to socialize and meet people, a smaller cruise ship or yacht will better suit you. Smaller ships tend to offer more personalized intimate experiences than their larger counterparts.

Book early. It’s never too soon to book a cruise. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, start looking for deals and plan ahead. Cruises typically do not have last-minute offers. On the contrary, it’s more economic to book your trip at least six months in advance. If you have been on a cruise before, try to book with the same line. Cruse lines offer unbeatable deals for repeat travelers. Booking your trip during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn will also save you some cash.

Indulge yourself. With your savings of early booking, you might consider splurging on a cabin with a balcony. But it’s not always worth it to do so. For a repositioning, which sails you across the Atlantic to get to Europe, views of the sea’s vastness are probably not worth the extra expense. Mediterranean or Norwegian cruises, on the other hand, are all about craggy coastline vistas. Also, think about which side of the ship will offer up the best views depending on the direction of the cruise. You can book your cabin on the starboard (right) side of the ship or on the port (left) side of the ship. Keep in mind that you will also be purchasing excursions ashore, spa treatments on board, and alcohol, if the cruise is not all-inclusive.

Tend to the last details. Once you have booked your trip, spend a little extra time researching the ports on your itinerary. Reserve shore excursions in advance, especially for the most popular trips. You can often make shore reservations online. If you plan to pamper yourself on the trip with a massage or facial, choose a day at sea. Book other onboard activities in advance, as well; everything tends to fill up fast. If you don’t mind spending a little more time on the ship, ask if there are discounts on spa treatments during in-port days. That said, don’t overbook your days. You’re on vacation after all, so be sure to keep some time to yourself to relax, sip cocktails and read a book.

Arrive a day early, and save some time for post-cruise site seeing. If you don’t book your flight through the cruise line, arrive to the departure city at least one day early. The ship will not wait if you are delayed for some reason. Make sure you have plenty of time to get to the dock, as most ships set sail in the morning. Pre-board online to save some hassle the day of the cruise. If you have some time after your trip, consider a cruise extension with the cruise line. This option is often cheaper than booking a separate tour, and modes of travel include lodges, safaris or railway tours.