There's nothing quite like a European cruise. However, they differ from tropical getaways to the Caribbean or the Bahamas. 

Although I had previously taken a 7-night Mediterranean voyage with MSC, my fiancée, Sarah, cruised to Europe for the first time last summer. We embarked on a weeklong cruise aboard Celebrity Ascent to Greece, Italy, and Turkey in July. 

During our time onboard, she noted a few mistakes that made our trip less enjoyable, including underestimating the heat and staying up too late. 

Planning a cruise vacation is a long and thorough process, and it's easy to make mistakes that make you look like a rookie. 

I've been cruising since I was five years old. Two decades later, they remain my preferred way to travel. However, I've made a few silly mistakes that have impacted my cruise experience. 

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of tips you need to know about to plan the best cruise. If you are trying to avoid looking like a first-time cruiser, don't make these 5 mistakes. 

Being in my mid-20s and sailing primarily with Royal Caribbean, I was scared to take the plunge and book my first Celebrity cruise. However, the experience was far better than I could have imagined, and it's now my top choice for a cruise vacation. 

Royal Caribbean is known for its mega-ships packed with unbelievable amenities. The fleet of over 25 ships includes everything from ice skating rinks to AquaTheaters hosting high-diving shows to bumper cars and more.

Carnival Cruise Line is one of the leading cruise lines in the world. 

With a fleet of more than 20 ships, Carnival caters to a diverse set of travelers, from families looking to spend quality time together to couples seeking a romantic getaway.  However, before stepping foot on a Carnival cruise, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially if you are used to sailing with other brands. 

Many first-time cruisers are worried about seasickness. You know, that annoying feeling where the motion of the ship makes you feel ill? Thankfully, there are remedies to help combat the negative side effects of motion sickness. 

Over-the-counter medications like Bonine and Dramamine are inexpensive, work quickly, and are highly regarded among people who go on a lot of cruises, myself included! 

For years, I avoided Carnival Cruise Line like the plague. 

The popular cruise line has been subject to negative stereotypes, especially compared to competitors like Royal Caribbean. Some even refer to it as the "Walmart of the Seas." 

Carnival is often associated with lower-quality food, rowdier crowds, and dirty ships (remember the infamous "poop cruise" incident of 2012?). 

Taking your first cruise can be as exciting as it is nerve-wracking. Every aspect of the cruise experience is unchartered territory for first-time cruisers. However, it can unlock a new preferred way to travel.

Can you smoke on cruise ships? Absolutely. Smoking is permitted onboard cruise ships. However, you cannot light a cigarette just anywhere. There are restrictions as to where you're allowed to smoke. 

You can't, for example, smoke in your cruise ship cabin. However, many mainstream lines permit smoking in their casinos. If not, there's usually a smoking area on the pool deck on either the port or starboard side of the ship. 

Thankfully, you don't have to survive on nicotine patches while onboard. Here's everything to know about smoking on a cruise ship. 

Welcome guest writer Sarah Cinq-Mars! Sarah's a 5th-grade teacher based in North Carolina. When she isn't teaching or being taught the latest slang by her students, she's catching up on the latest true crime podcast, playing with her 12-year-old dog, or checking out the area's newest restaurants.

I finally decided it was time to sail on my first Disney Cruise. My partner and I booked a 3-night cruise on Disney Magic, where we sailed to their new private destination in the Bahamas.