With the growing popularity of cruise vacations, more Canadians want to ensure a problem-free voyage. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada recommends that you take certain precautions to ensure your well-being during a cruise:

when transiting through another country to join a cruise. Be prepared to hand over your passport to ship authorities, in accordance with administrative regulations. Keep a photocopy of your passport's identification page.

passport identification page, and travel and health insurance policy with family or friends in Canada.

before going ashore. Protect your safety during shore excursions by confirming that tour guides are reputable and insured.

enquire before booking whether your needs will be met aboard the ship.

Unlike a hotel where people check in on varying days and at varying times, folks check in to a cruise ship en masse. As such, a ship receives thousands of pieces of luggage in a matter of a few hours, which means your bags may not arrive in your stateroom until a few hours after you've boarded. Carry-ons are key. Pack everything needed to get you and your family through dinner time -- bathing suits, cameras, medications, sandals, sunscreen, a change of clothes and toiletries, and if you're traveling with small children, enough diapers and wipes to get you through a day. This packing strategy will save you should the airline or cruise line lose your bag, as you'll have many necessities on hand.

Many people fear seasickness; however, today's cruise ships are very stable and seasickness is a rarity. For those prone to seasickness, there are many remedies available to travelers to alleviate the symptoms.