There's lots to consider when going on a cruise, from the activities you choose to book for each port, to the outfits you pack in your limited luggage allowance. 

But your behaviour – both on board and on land – is important too, and in some cases can even make or break your trip. 

Experts have shared their advice on the etiquette passengers should be mindful of while cruising, and from the clothes you choose to wear day-to-day, to manners at the buffet, there's plenty to consider.

Here's our ultimate guide to minding your Ps and Qs while on a cruise.

Packing for your cruise can feel like a complicated task – with various excursions, different ports and myriad onboard activities to account for. 

But it's one that is important to get right, as dressing appropriately can make or break your experience. 

Camouflage-patterned clothing is becoming increasingly popular, and Cosmopolitan recently named it as a 'staple' for this autumn/winter. However, it's one to avoid if you're heading to certain countries in Africa and the Caribbean, says cruise experts Fodor's. 

If your cruise stops in places such as Jamaica, Barbados and Saint Lucia, camouflaged clothing is a big no – civilians are banned from wearing the style of clothing and doing so can cause serious issues. 

Meanwhile, on board the ship it's vital to check the dress code for various areas on the vessel. 

Mark Barton, a cruise expert working with Avanti Travel Insurance, tells the Daily Mail: 'Most cruise lines provide guidance on dress codes for different venues, so it is worth checking these before you plan what to take. 

'While many areas of the ship are relaxed, some restaurants and speciality dining venues may require smart casual or formal attire in the evening. 

'Bringing a couple of smarter outfits ensures you can enjoy every dining option without feeling underdressed.'

Every summer, videos of holidaymakers armed with towels, ready to grab the nearest sunbed around the pool go viral. 

The antics aren't limited to holidays on land, though.

In fact, the behaviour of some passengers has become so disorderly that cruises have been forced to clamp down and introduce their own rules to curb the enthusiasm of these so-called sunbed hoggers.

Etiquette expert Nick Leighton recently went on a cruise from New York to the UK and tells the Daily Mail: 'When it comes to sunbeds, I'm firmly in the "use it or lose it" camp.'

He co-hosts the podcast Were You Raised By Wolves? and adds: 'Sure, you can sneak away to use the bathroom or grab a drink at the bar. 

'But you can't rush down at 6am to throw a towel on a chair, go back to bed, then go to brunch, and then stroll back at noon.'

Earlier this year, Norwegian Cruise Line reportedly started to enforce a sun lounger policy to handle unused but reserved sunbeds. 

Crew members on the popular liner were spotted 'actively marking unoccupied chairs and removing towels and personal items from loungers left unattended', according to Instagram account @unrealcruises.

Some passengers noticed staff members putting stickers on reserved beds at 10am. If the loungers were not occupied an hour later, any belongings are removed from the chair to make it available for others. 

On the Norwegian Viva ship, workers similarly placed time-stamp stickers on loungers to track how long they'd been left unattended. 

It sounds like common sense, but according to Cruiseline.com, some people need reminding: don't sample food and return it to the buffet. 

Indeed, a buffet is a communal eating space that relies on everyone being hygienic and polite when using it.

Utensils such as tongs and serving spoons are essential to use, and it's good etiquette to return them to prevent cross-contamination, Cruise Critic advises. 

In fact, Mr Leighton insists: 'Keep it clean! Everywhere, but certainly before entering the buffet, wash your hands well. It's everyone's responsibility to keep the ship clean.'

There's also no need to turn the buffet into a 'mountain-building competition', say Cruise 118 experts.

'The beauty of a cruise buffet is that you can always go back for more,' they add. 'No need to fit breakfast, lunch and dinner on the same plate.'

If you've splashed out on a balcony room for your voyage, it's natural to want to make the most of it and enjoy the exclusive view. 

However, experts at Cruise 118 warn against 'treating cabin balconies like a private party venue'.

'Balconies are made for morning coffees, sailaway drinks and watching the world drift by,' they say. 

'Keeping late-night celebrations indoors helps everyone enjoy the view.' 

Placing small rubber ducks around the ship for other passengers to find has become a popular trend with cruisers, but some think it's time to stop.  

Etiquette expert Mr Leighton describes this quirky trend as an 'unusual antic' to skip.

He says: 'It's a real craze and some lines even restrict it. If you simply must, avoid leaving ducks in pools, anywhere near food, or in any shop.'

Crew members are vital to the running of the ship and ensuring your holiday is a pleasant experience, so it's important to treat them with respect. 

Jo Hayes, founder of EtiquetteExpert.Org, tells the Daily Mail: 'A well-mannered person treats everyone with respect - from a pauper to a Prime Minister.'

She says: 'Clicking your fingers for the restaurant waitstaff, making demands, and failing to smile, say please and thank you doesn’t come across as high-class. In fact, the opposite. It looks like you haven’t been taught manners (and possibly haven’t).'

The etiquette expert insists 'kindness, charity and respect' is vital 'at all times, in all things'. 

Bacteria and germs can spread quickly on a cruise ship, so keeping up with your own personal hygiene is essential. 

Tammy Levent, founder of Elite Travel, tells Southern Living: 'Not adhering to proper hygiene practices can affect the health and comfort of others. 

'Wash your hands frequently, especially before meals and after using the restroom.'