Avoiding sunburn

All too many people only think about sun protection when it's too late -- when they're lobster-red and hurting. Sunburn can ruin your cruise, and it's a terrible souvenir. The American Cancer Society recommends the following practical steps to help you enjoy a healthy, happy vacation this season and for many years to come.

Look for mid-day shade

Ultraviolet rays are most intense during the middle of the day, usually between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Take the shadow test: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun's rays are the strongest. Plan activities out of the sun during these times. If you must be outdoors, protect your skin.

Cover up

When in the sun, keeping covered is the best protection. Long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats can help protect you against burns in hard-to-reach or easy-to-forget spots. Dark colors provide more protection than light colors. A tightly woven fabric protects better than loosely woven clothing. If you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through, too. Also, dry fabric is generally more protective than wet fabric.

Sunscreen! (and use enough)

Experts recommend products with an SPF of at least 15, and if you are prone to burn, use a sunscreen with S.P.F. 30 or higher.

How much is enough? Apply about a teaspoon of sunscreen to your face and a shot glass of it to your body. Reapply sunscreen regularly, and immediately after swimming.

Be sure your sunscreen contains at least one ingredient known to filter UVA rays, such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone or Mexoryl SX

Here at CruiseSavvy, we like Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock (SPF 45) which protects well and isn't greasy at all.

Wear UV-blocking sunglasses

Research has shown that long hours in the sun without eye protection increases the chances of developing eye disease. UV-blocking sunglasses can help protect your eyes from sun damage.

The ideal sunglasses do not have to be expensive, but they should block 99% to 100% of the UV rays.

Additionally, if you look for polarized lenses, you will substantially cut down on glare from the ocean and swimming pools. High-end lenses are usually polarized, as are less expensive shades in the fishing section of Wal-Mart and Target.