For many, sailing away on a cruise is the end result of a years worth of planning. Start taking those photos the day you start planning.

How did you find out about the cruise? Make copies of the literature that led you to book this particular cruise.

Did you read about the many port cities the cruise ship will stop at? Do you have brochure or internet photos of these cities? Again, make copies and include them in your scrapbook.

I know whenever I travel I never seem to have the right clothing. I am always shopping for just the right outfits to take with me. It is fun to take photos at home of the outfits purchased and include these photos in the 'getting ready' section of the scrapbook.

When I renew my passport, I save the receipt and make a copy on acid free paper. This can be added to one of your scrapbook pages.

Once on the cruise, the photo opportunities are non stop until you return back home. Photos can be taken of the entire ship. The buffets are often almost too beautiful to eat from. Photos of chocolate buffets are wonderful conversation starters, over and over again.

As you land in each port, capture as much of the city as you can by camera. If you find brochures about places visited, grab the brochures for inclusion in your scrapbook. Postcards are also great for capturing photos you might not be able to capture yourself.

I personally love people photos. I always take photos of other people. On a cruise, you may or may not continue a relationship with those you meet on board. Use a small notebook to write down names and basic details of those you've met. If you don't continue the relationship, those notes will come in handy when you view the photos 2 years later.

Whether on board or on land, carry your camera with you, so you can capture everything you wish to capture. Bon Voyage!!