This content is sponsored by Morris Murdock, the largest privately-owned leisure travel agency in the Intermountain Area.  Morris Travel has offices in Utah, Idaho, Montana and independent agents across the United States.

Cruise ships have now become the pinnacle of a well budgeted vacation. The hustle and bustle of excursions and making 50 new friends in one weekend is what most passengers have to look forward to when aiming for some time off on the open seas. Here are some tips on enjoying your cruise while also avoiding those mistakes you never saw coming.

Tips01) Extend The FunRemember that this is your vacation, it goes as well as you plan it, you might consider starting it early. Maybe stay a few nights at a resort or meet up with friends the day before boarding. Consulting with Morris Murdock Travel is a sure-fire way of  ensuring your vacation begins at the perfect time.

Photo via Unsplash

02) Rise And Shine

You're paying for the cruise ship, take advantage of it! Don't waste all your time sleeping away in the cabin when you could be taking a refreshing walk on deck or watching the sunrise with your significant other. Wake up early, smell the salty air, and enjoy what you paid for!

Photo via Royal Cruise

03) Turn The Phone OffThe thing about cruise vacations is that they are made to get away from your reality. If you continually linger on social media you are defeating the very purpose of getting away. It's best to disconnect from the world and leave the device in your cabin.

Photo via Skeeze

04) Eat At Off TimesThe problem with the typical 9am, 12pm, and 6 o'clock schedule is that the food lines form far out the double doors. Instead of eating during regular times, aim for off times when passengers are busy with other activities.

Photo via Jessica Merz

05) Take The PillChances of a person getting seasick on a cruise is relatively high, research shows it largely affects women and children. Luckily there is an excellent way of preventing the setback from happening, taking medication before the cruise such as 'Dramamine' is a foolproof way to stopping motion sickness from catching up to you.

Photo via Ajale

Avoid06) Getting Left BehindThe number one mistake that most passengers make at port is neglecting time. Most travelers like to take off to explore an island or hop on the closest tour bus with no regard towards when they need to be back onboard. Ensure that you know when your cruise is leaving port and keep a steady eye on your watch.

Photo via Sid Lipsey

07) Eating Only Buffet StyleBuffets are amazing but they are not the only source of food aboard a cruise ship. Most cruise lines have a main dining room included in the experience. Ask a crew member if there are any specialty restaurants aboard your cruise ship, otherwise you might miss out on all the food action!

Photo via Rennett Stowe

08) Forgetting To Book An AgentIf you're a first time cruiser booking an agent is the most inexpensive and experience savvy way of planning your getaway. In an age where everyone plans out vacations online,  the amount that you pay a travel agent to find the best deals, best travel costs, and best excursions is well worth it. Morris Murdock always has amazing offers with savings "reaching 70- 80% off brochure prices."(***Make Traceable Link for both in this tip***)

Photo via Dan Evans

09) Forgetting DataMost passengers are so enthusiastic with the excitement of being on a cruise ship that they forget that charges run up on cellphones once roaming. Don't forget to turn your cellular data off or switch over to airplane mode so that your phone carrier doesn't charge you some hefty costs.

Photo via Bandana

10) Don't Budget Added ExpensesIf you believe that all the fun excursions (trace) off the cruise ship are included in the prices, then you're in for a shock. Confirm with your travel agent(trace) before boarding what is included in the cruise price and budget your money accordingly for any souvenirs, alcohol, and etc.

Photo via Pictures of Money

Remember To Have Fun!Remember that you are on a vacation and are taking time off to get away from your worldly stresses. Worrying about everything that could go wrong won't allow you to enjoy yourself as you should, booking Morris Murdock Travel Agency will only ensure you savor every moment.