Once you get to your departure port, your luggage will be taken from you by the porters, to be delivered straight to the ship, so make sure it is labelled with your name and cabin number.

As it can take a time for suitcases to be delivered it’s a good idea to carry a change of clothes in your hand luggage.

Once your suitcases have been taken from you, you just need to check in, get on board and start your holiday. It really is that simple.

Before the end of the cruise, you will be given fresh luggage labels and asked to leave your bags outside your cabin the night before you get off – usually by midnight - so the crew can get them downstairs ready to unload as soon as the ship is moored.

You will be also be given a time for disembarkation.

Most ships now also give you the option of carrying off your own luggage, in which case you don’t need the bags to be outside the cabin. It’s a lot easier as it allows last-minute packing but you have to be able to lift your own bags.