I've traveled all over the world, and cruising continues to be one of the easiest ways to visit new places.

You can unpack once while waking up in a new destination every day, all while having dining and entertainment just steps from your cabin.

But planning a cruise can be more complicated than you might anticipate. Between booking flights to the departure city, choosing a cabin, making reservations, and planning your time ashore, there are plenty of decisions that can make or break your vacation.

After more than 55 cruises, I feel like I see cruisers making the same avoidable mistakes. Fortunately, I've learned that a little preparation can make all the difference in preventing unnecessary stress.

Here are the seven biggest mistakes I see cruisers make — and what I recommend doing instead.

Choosing the wrong flights is one of the biggest mistakes I see cruisers make. If you're flying to your departure port, it's crucial to book flights that will leave enough time for potential disruptions.

It's the golden rule of cruising to arrive at least one day before embarkation in case your flight is delayed or canceled.

For an international cruise, I recommend arriving at least two days early, if not more. When possible, I also book a nonstop flight to reduce the chance of disruptions. Otherwise, if you don't reach the cruise port in time, the ship can leave without you.

You should also be cautious when booking a flight home. Although your ship might dock at 7 a.m., that doesn't mean you should book an early-morning return flight. Disembarkation can take longer than expected with long lines, luggage collection, and immigration.

For the trip home, a late afternoon or evening flight can provide breathing room and help prevent a stressful end to your vacation.

When booking a cruise, you'll find many different cabin categories and locations. You might not think twice about your room's location, but a bad experience can dampen your entire cruise.

Some cabins can be especially noisy, such as those near the elevators, under the pool deck, or close to the bars. If you're a light sleeper, this extra noise can make it difficult to get enough rest each night.

Similarly, if you're prone to motion sickness, a cabin at the front of the ship might make you feel extra queasy during rough seas.

Before choosing a cruise cabin, review your ship's deck plans to find the best location that minimizes noise and motion. I recommend selecting a midship stateroom with other cabins nearby, including the decks directly above and below it.

Another common mistake I see cruisers make is packing items that aren't allowed on the ship.

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