CRUISING 101 – Finding the Right Cabin

Cruising offers so many experiences and your cabin selection is no exception, and while we all might like the space and amenities of the Owners Suite the reality is that its not a one size fits all when it comes to cabins.

Consider first if you’re planning on spending time in the cabin. If you’re pleasure is sunning by the pool, taking in all the onboard activities and shows and you only really use the cabin for changing, showering and sleeping then maybe an Inside Cabin is for you. The benefit is that this is the cheapest cabin type on board. However if you’re claustrophobic, or one who needs to wake up to daylight, or maybe you just can’t wait for that first glimpse of the days port of call then an inside cabin will give you anxiety. Also consider what happens should you get sick on board and become confined to a room with no windows for a few days.

Next step up is an Ocean View. If you’re sanity is dependent on a little daylight then this cabin might work for you. However if you want to be able to look out, see the scenery and take pictures you might be disappointed if the windows haven’t been cleaned of the inherent sea salt build-up from the ocean spray.

A better but more expensive option is to choose a Balcony Cabin. This category enables you to step out for some fresh air, offers a place to sit and unwind away from the crowds, and gives you quick access for the perfect photo opportunity. Be forewarned though that the “Infinity Balconies” made popular by Celebrity Cruise Lines is essentially an Ocean View cabin with a window that opens; more on this below.

Now that you’ve decided upon the cabin type lets talk about cabin occupancy and floor space. Floor space is listed as a range (eg 198-224) but there’s no way of knowing which end of the range a specific cabin is at, and a 20 square foot difference is essentially a foot of extra/less cabin width, and that’s significant if there’s more than one of you in the cabin. Assume the smaller cabin size. Now for the occupancy; anything beyond double occupancy means that either the couch opens up for a bed or a bunk is lowered from the ceiling, or both. Either way, once set up the available floor space is further compromised and that will likely impede the flow and usability within the cabin and subsequently your enjoyment of it. The only way around this is to upgrade to a Suite, Mini Suite, Family Suite or bigger.

The location of the cabin is paramount to your overall enjoyment. Use deck plans, actual pictures of the ship, or YouTube videos to determine what might be around you. Avoid a cabin under the noisy pool or buffet, or above/next to the theatre, late night disco or other high energy venue. If sensitive to smoke, avoid proximity to the casino, cigar lounge or other designated smoking areas. Also consider avoiding adjoining cabins as they offer little privacy when it comes to conversations on the other side of the door. A special note for people prone to sea sickness; while larger, newer ships have better stabilizer technology than older ones you can vastly improve your experience by choosing a lower cabin toward the middle of the ship as there’s less dramatic movement here.

The Celebrity Edge Class ships introduced the Infinity Veranda. This has been replicated by a few other Cruise Lines and some River Cruise ship designs. The design benefit is increased cabin space by extending the cabin into what would otherwise be the balcony. And while this is appealing to many its essentially a large Ocean View Cabin with a window that opens for that fresh sea air experience, but its at Balcony Cabin prices. The reality as any balcony lovers will tell you is that its not a balcony experience. The mechanism to move the upper window down and out of the way is loud and takes over 40 seconds lower and once its open the cabin climate control is turned off which makes for a hot and humid or cold room very quickly. This isn’t ideal for that perfect picture opportunity or for any travel partner who might be enjoying a relaxing moment in bed. Additionally, the black-out curtains also move up and down with that same loud and slow motor mechanism and not until its two thirds up can you see out, revealing what's along side (which could be a wall of balconies from of a ship docked 50 feet away from your window). There’s no quick peaking outside.

So now that you’ve decided upon a category you might be inclined to book the cheaper “guaranteed cabin”. Be aware that the Cruise Line is not in the business of giving away a prime cabin. They will give you the best available which on a fully booked ship will be the cabin no one else wants, and you may not find out what your cabin assignment is until close to the embarkation day. If you’re new to cruising you owe it to yourself to go for the best experience and being under a noisy pool deck, or dining room won’t give you that.

Clearly a lot to consider, so for the best experience do your homework, choose what will work for you and enjoy.