What you need to know when booking a cruise, according to an expert

It's the fastest growing holiday option, with thousands of Aussies cruising every week.But if you're new to cruising, booking one can be confusing.In fact plenty of lost wannabe cruisers have been searching for help online, with a spike in searches for, 'what to know before booking a cruise'.However, an expert has put together their top tips to make sure that you get the best value, as well as the best cruise ship to suit you.READ MORE: Top five things only cruisers know (and get excited about)Here are nine cruise booking tips from Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Director at Planet Cruise.Book cruises early to get the best deals"Booking early allows you to access early bird deals, which not only saves you money, but offers you a wider choice of cabin types and cabin positions on the ship," Dave says."You can also take advantage of limited-time promotions like onboard credit, free excursions, or drink packages."Research the cruise ship and itinerary"By researching the ship's amenities, like, pools, restaurants and theatres, you can better plan how to enjoy your time onboard," Dave says."Every ship is different and offers something for everyone, so do through research or speak with a specialist travel agency."Join the cruise line's loyalty clubCruise line loyalty programs can offer benefits like room upgrades, priority boarding and early access to sales and discounts on future cruises, making signing up worthwhile for repeat cruisers, Dave says.Use onboard credit wiselyCruise lines often offer onboard credit to spend. It can be used towards extras like speciality dining, spa treatments or shore excursions.Dave says you can also put it towards drinks packages. However, they're not always the best value."Beverage packages offer better value if you intend to drink every day, otherwise purchasing individual drinks as you go can be a better way to spend your money," Dave says."Look out for special daily offers onboard to help your onboard credit stretch further.What to pack for a cruiseOne of the great things about cruising is that there is no baggage limit, Dave says.But do some research."Some cruises have at least one optional formal night, so check beforehand and pack appropriately if you want to eat in the main restaurants on those nights," he says.Also pack what you might need straight away in your hand luggage, as your bags will be taken on board by crew and will arrive at your cabin later.READ MORE: Everything you need to know about a Fly Cruise holidayBook cruise ship speciality dining in advanceShips these days have speciality dining restaurants. They cost extra and often fill up fast."We recommend booking in advance for the best availability, either ahead of your getaway if possible or on the first day of your cruise," Dave says."When booking your dining, also consider whether you will want to see the show either beforehand or after, as some ships may only have one performance a night."Embarkation day is the ideal time to explore the shipYou can get familiar with the layout, find quieter areas, and spot hidden gems like bars or lounges before the crowds arrive on the day you get on, Dave says.READ MORE: Exactly how long your first cruise should be, according to a cruise ship captainBook popular excursions in advance"They tend to sell out quickly, and you can also decide if you'd prefer to organise your own excursions for more freedom," Dave says.Sign up to a cruise agency newsletter to get the best deals"Cruise deals are available all year round, so signing up to a cruise agency newsletter is the best way to stay informed about offers from all the cruise lines," Dave says."There are usually early booking promotions when new itineraries are released one to two years in advance, and often these only require a deposit at the time of booking..""Deals may be presented as discounts on the cost price or may come in the form of added value, like onboard credit or drink packages."