The next time you’re looking at a cruise ship brochure and see an itinerary and destinations you like, you need to ask one important question before booking: How many other ships might be in the same port at the same time as your ship?

If the answer is more than two, you might want to pick another itinerary. Too many ships in one harbor mean the destination’s infrastructure is challenged — everything from local attractions to the availability of bathrooms.

And if you’re flying to join a cruise, and given flight delays and cancellations, you should never book a flight that leaves and/or arrives the same day as the ship sails. Go at least one day before.

Any delays with your flight — or your luggage — and you’ll be playing a game of catch-up at your own expense that you can’t win.