Jane McDonald shot to fame in 1998 when she appearaed on BBC1 show The Cruise. She went on to have a debut album hit number one and has been an ever-present on our TV screens ever since.

She’s most recently appeared on Cruising with Jane McDonald on Channel 5 where she has sailed down the Danube and seenm the stunning sights of Alaska.

Here are Jane’s top tips for making the most of your cruise, whether you’re an old hand or whether it’s your first time at sea.

“People pack full size toiletries instead of travel size ones which take up much less room. Also, women often pack the wrong coloured knickers. You just need nude coloured knickers – they go under anything. I overpack all the time. I take far too many shoes and then buy a few pairs when I’m away as well.”

“If there’s something wrong with your cabin or something has happened, don’t let it spoil your holiday. Talk to someone about it. The staff on cruise ships want you to have the best time ever. If something’s niggling you, it can often be sorted out really easily.”

“You might be the type of person who wants a cruise where there’s entertainment every night, you might want something really quiet, or you might want a destination cruise. I’m a big advocate for travel agents. You tell them what you fancy out of a holiday and they’ll come up with it.”

The one thing that Jane won’t travel without is Yorkshire tea bags. “That’s all I take. You can get milk and hot water on board, but you can’t get Yorkshire tea!”

The holiday destination Jane wants to visit:

“Ischia, just off Italy – I saw a film about it many moons ago and it’s on my bucket list. My sister-in-law wants to go too, so we may go together.”