Cruises have come a long way over the years, with more on-board experiences, packages and destinations constantly going on sale. If you are planning a sailing holiday, there are some useful hacks to help you get the most out of your trip.Marella Cruises’ Scott Sanders, who works as a cruise director on Marella Voyager, explained you can easily miss out on some of the best experiences simply by being unaware or unprepared. He said: “One of the biggest mistakes I see is guests sticking to what they know and not trying something new. Whether it’s a dance class, a quiz, a speciality restaurant or one of our West End-style shows, some of the best holiday memories come from stepping outside your comfort zone.The cruise director shared useful tips to get the most out of your holiday | MARELLA CRUISES”There’s so much happening onboard every day that it’s impossible to do everything. My advice is to be curious. Try something you’ve never done before because you might discover a new hobby or favourite experience.”There is a lot going on in different parts of the ship, so the sooner you familiarise yourself with the ship’s layout, the sooner you can enjoy the amenities. The expert suggested doing this before you even set foot on board.Sanders said: “Many guests spend their first day trying to work out where everything is. Watching an official ship tour or browsing guest videos online before your cruise can help you get your bearings before you even step onboard.”Many cruise lines have a constant stream of entertainment and activities throughout the day and night, giving you plenty of opportunities to create memories. Another way to have a trip you won’t forget is to highlight any big occasions to staff.Sanders said: “If you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary or another milestone, let us know. We love helping guests mark those special moments and making their holiday even more memorable.”While cruisers can live in luxury while on the ship, one of the highlights is getting off and exploring different ports. But there are some important things to keep in mind before stepping off, according to the expert. He said: “People often forget the essentials when they head into port. Pack the essentials; a small day bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle and a camera can make a huge difference when you’re exploring.”Cruise lines are strict with timings, so you must respect the departure time at each port. Ensuring you know where you are going is one way to reduce the risk and stress of stepping off the ship. Take advantage of entertainment and activities on your next cruise | MARELLA CRUISESSanders added: “One simple trick is taking a photo of the port map on your phone.”If you misplace the paper copy during the day, you’ll still have all the information you need to find your way around.”Marella Cruises gives customers all-inclusive as standard, with all flights, transfers, tips and service charges included in the price, so guests can truly relax on board knowing everything is taken care of.