I've been on nearly 30 cruises. Here are 16 big mistakes passengers make.

When cruises travel to ports in different time zones, it's crucial to make note of whether or not to change your clock.

There will be times when the ship stays on its own "ship time" rather than rotating between port times. Overlooking that could lead to missing your excursion — or worse, departure.

There are dozens of categories to choose from when selecting your stateroom on a cruise: suite, indoor, balcony, etc.

If you're fatigued after all those decisions, most cruises offer some kind of "surprise me" option when it comes to the actual location of the cabin. Sometimes you can save money by choosing this option, but it's a gamble.

To avoid the constant sounds of rolling carts, don't book under the café. And even if a shorter walk to the craps table sounds like a luxury, a room near the casino can come with extra noise and smoky smells.

In the years since I started cruising, ships have adopted a more casual atmosphere. Traditional formal nights have transitioned to a more ambiguous "evening chic" on most lines.

With that, I think a capsule wardrobe is the key to packing efficiently. I usually bring a sundress that's suitable for dinner and the pool or jeans that can be worn on multiple nights.

If you overpack, you're the one who has to deal with lugging heavier bags and finding storage space in small cabins.

Every cruise line has a different reputation — Royal Caribbean is usually considered kid-friendly, Holland America tends to skew older, and Virgin Voyages is adult-only.

It's crucial to choose your cruise line wisely so you understand what to expect before sailing away.

If you book a Virgin cruise around spring break looking for some peace and quiet, you're probably going to end up with a rowdier vibe.

Similar to air travel, luggage undergoes a security check before being brought on board.

Prohibited items, such as travel steamers, electrical extension chords, and heating pads, are held by security during the trip and can only be reclaimed upon return.

There's always a risk of them getting lost, and I never want to have my stuff end up on what is colloquially known as the "table of shame." Research your cruise line's prohibited items before packing.

Before the pandemic, the cruise check-in process often involved enduring hour-long lines. But many companies have streamlined the process significantly in recent years — especially if you opt for online check-in.

Simply download the app, upload your passport, complete the health check, and you may find yourself boarding in less than 20 minutes.

On most cruise lines, passengers can't buy liquor on the island and bring it back on board for personal consumption.

Alcohol purchases are usually checked in upon reboarding and are either dropped off at your cabin or available for pickup just before disembarking.

Even when the sky appears to be full of clouds, the sun can be really strong — especially when you're out in the middle of the ocean where the rays can reflect from everywhere.

If you're not careful, you may find yourself looking like a lobster by day two, so pack sunscreen and reapply.

Any cruise blog will tell you the No. 1 mistake that passengers make is flying in on the day of embarkation.

Cruises wait for nobody, and if your flight is delayed or canceled, all that planning and money is going straight down the drain.

Securing a poolside seat can be as difficult as obtaining a Taylor Swift concert ticket. Some people set alarms at the crack of dawn just to reserve spots.

If you don't have a plan, be prepared to sit farther away from the pool.

A lot of people are unaware that the updated apps for cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises now offer the ability to message fellow passengers on board.

If your sole reason for purchasing internet connection is to stay in touch with your kids or travel companions, don't make the mistake of overpaying for ship Wi-Fi.

Swiping your room card as a payment method can sometimes feel like free money — but it adds up quickly.

After a week of freely providing your cabin number and presenting your card for every transaction, it's essential to carefully review your bill and identify any potential errors or inaccuracies.

Don't be fooled by the beverages left in the cabin whether they're in the fridge or placed on the counter (yes, even the water bottles).

Check with your cabin steward to see which are included, or your bill can add up quickly.

Although nightly entertainment usually isn't an additional purchase, certain cruise lines may require reservations for shows.

It's surprising how quickly these reservations can fill up, so make sure to secure your seat as soon as you get on board.

One year, before we even stepped into the car, my sister realized she had forgotten to retrieve one of her bags at baggage claim.

But she'd already exited the official baggage area, so she had to wait until every passenger disembarked to get it.

If you have a flight to catch, it could force you to choose between retrieving your bag or making your plane, so it's best to do a couple of final checks.

Even cruise regulars like my family still make mistakes. It may seem obvious, but it's crucial to quadruple-check that you have your passport before leaving.

Otherwise, you might find yourself in a situation like us — unpacking belongings in the middle of the port and having to make the journey back home for the most crucial piece of luggage.