I took my first cruise this year, and everything went swimmingly. Since it was a music cruise with some of my favorite songwriters, I didn’t have a hard time getting acclimated, and making friends was easy. However, I’d offer these tips to anybody about to embark for the first time:

Save money for excursions. Off-boat adventures can be steep. I visited the Mayan ruins of Tulum on Playa del Carmen, rented a jeep in Grand Cayman and biked and dived in Jamaica — setting me back $254. I don’t regret it, but I wish I’d known to save a little bit more cash. My excursions to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Jamaica didn’t allow time for leisurely shopping, so if that’s your thing, skip the guided tours away from the dock.

Talk to people. With so many specialty cruises offered, you may already have something special in common with your fellow passengers. If somebody looks friendly, walk up and say, “Did you enjoy the entertainment last night?” If they’re on an excursion with you, that’s an easy conversation topic when you cross paths with them later on the boat.

Formal night is optional. I packed a nice suit, which I wore only once to dinner. Meanwhile, some of my new friends just ate at the upstairs buffet in their swimsuits. I should have saved that room in my suitcase and brought back some more Tortuga rum cakes. Oh well. My cruise was probably more informal than others, so look into the standard attire on deck before you go.

Turn off the cell phone. It’s just like the good old days when the people behind you in the coffee line aren’t yammering away. Also, do not rely on your cell phone as a timepiece. Excursions run on ship time, but some phones automatically adjust to whatever time zone you’re in. Wear a wristwatch for the accurate time, because if you’re an hour late getting to the dock, the boat will be long gone.