A cruise ship expert has shared three golden rules every passenger must know before their voyage, before detailing the must-have luggage items to pack.

Tom Mahoney, the director of UK sales at Cunard, a luxury cruise line that has sailed 249 ships around the world in its 180-year history, set out the best ways to avoid stress when you take to the seas.

He suggested that time management could be key to a pleasant trip, as well as preparation and research, with warm clothes a must-have to brace passengers against the elements on-deck. 

Tom said: “Make sure to arrive within your assigned time slot, to save any unnecessary waiting in the port.

“Bring essentials in your hand luggage, like valuables, documents, medication, and a swimsuit, if you want to enjoy pool access before your luggage arrives at your stateroom.”

He continued: “And you can familiarise yourself with the ship’s layout beforehand, so you already have a good idea of everything when boarding.”

Tom added that if passengers wish to indulge in speciality dining, they should book this in advance and recommended that you pack certain clothes for your voyage. 

Layers are a “good idea” as the weather varies on deck and at different ports, according to Tom, who advised that passengers should also pack evening wear for the cruise firm’s Gala Nights, which are available on cruises of three nights or more. 

However, he maintained that the ships are “much less formal than people imagine” and they even deliver bacon butties to guests’ staterooms. 

When it comes to the best times of year to travel, unsurprisingly, Tom said the “peak cruising season” is all dependent on the region, with the best times for the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and Alaska being the in summer. 

Meanwhile, if you have your sights set on the Caribbean or South America, winter cruises “tend to be really popular”, while spring and autumn are best suited if you wish to embark on Cunard’s transatlantic crossings on the Queen Mary 2. 

Finally, when asked if there was anything that passengers could do to make the crew members’ lives easier, Tom said: “Small gestures, like tidying your stateroom before the steward arrives, can make a big difference!

“We have hundreds of dedicated crew on board our ships – for example, Queen Anne boasts 1,225 crewmembers for 3,000 guests – and they really enjoy meeting and talking with guests.”