Learn 2 Cruise

Location, location, location! Choosing a cabin is like buying real estate…location, location, location! The location of your cabin or stateroom (these terms are interchangeable) can make or break your cruise. Loud music from a nearby lounge or noisy guests congregating by the stairs may keep you up at night. When choosing your cabin, consider your vacation style and the reason you’re traveling. Are you a night owl and want easy access to the stairs so you can get to the lounges in a second? Or are you a person who likes peace and quiet while sailing? The answers to these questions are key when making your selection.

For the calm and relaxed traveler I recommend a cabin located away from the Lido Deck (upper deck). The Lido Deck is where the action is and if you are right below it be prepared to hear the screech of moving deck chairs and footsteps. Choose a stateroom that is located above and below another stateroom. Go for something mid-ship to avoid being near the stairwells. And check the deck plan to make sure you are not next to any service areas or public laundry rooms as those places can be noisy at all hours. For the traveler that is out all night and really ready to party go for a room near the stairs. It will allow quick and easy access to the lounges and bars. Maybe try one of Holland America’s new Lanai staterooms. The balcony opens up into the common areas on the Lido Deck. This is a great way for social sailors to meet one another and enjoy a late night cocktail on the deck.

A word of advice is to always look at the deck plan. Don’t just assume you know what you want. Order a brochure or check on line to see for yourself exactly where your cabin is located.

Cabin Categories

After deciding the location of your stateroom you need to choose the category. The amount of categories you have to choose from may seem overwhelming at first but keep in mind there are really only 4 basic categories. Cruise lines then break down these categories based on deck level, location within the ship, and amenities. Guests with physical challenges can find staterooms for their needs available in most categories. Below is a brief description of the 4 basic categories and a few reasons why you may want to choose that one for your cruise:

Suites – Junior, Superior, Deluxe, Grand, Owners and Penthouse. These staterooms typically offer more amenities than other categories and some even come with a personal butler. Private balconies attached to Suites are often lager and may offer panoramic views.  Today’s cruise Suites are often larger than a condo or apartment. For example on the Crystal Serenity, their top state room, the Crystal Penthouse with Verandah offers over 1300 square feet of space along with a Guest Bath and large flat-screen TV’s in the bedroom, living room and bathroom! Master baths with ocean views, complimentary pressing and private workout areas are just some of the amenities cruise lines are offering their guests who book these grand accommodations. This is the choice for the ultimate cruise and for travelers who like to be in their room. It’s a home away from home for people who want nothing but the best on their vacation.

Balcony (Verandah) – Deluxe, Family, or Ocean View. This category provides you with a private balcony averaging a size of 50-90 sq. ft. on most ships. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean offer a balcony that overlooks Central Park or the Boardwalk on their ship the Oasis of The Seas. Balcony staterooms range in size from 180-300 sq ft depending on the ship. If it comes down to going on one cruise and getting a balcony or going on two cruises and getting an inside room, always go for the balcony! I have yet to meet a cruiser who regretted spending a little more to get a balcony. The views from a cruise ship are simply unbeatable! There is truly nothing like enjoying breakfast while watching the whales frolic in the pacific from your own private balcony.  Be on the lookout for the “Aft Balcony”, a gem for some, boasting 180 degree views and more square footage than a standard balcony. But others dismiss these cabins because of additional vibrations from being at the back of the ship and because of the staggered construction people above you can see down onto your verandah.

Outside (Ocean View) – Deluxe, Superior or Family. This category offers you an outside sea view. It can be a full window, porthole or obstructed view, but keep in mind your window does not open. If you choose this category avoid obstructed view staterooms because chances are you will only see the safety boats hanging off the ship. Outside staterooms are great for cruisers on a tight budget as they are typically a little larger than an inside yet the ocean view window will give you a more spacious feel.  You still have a view of the sea but will pay considerably less than a balcony. I recommend reserving a guarantee on an outside stateroom as it’s very possible you will be upgraded to a balcony, where you really want to be. I will go into more detail about Upgrades and Guarantees in an upcoming feature.

Inside – Inside cabins are located on an interior corridor with no windows. If you enjoy vacationing in your closet this is the room for you. No, really I would not recommend this category for any traveler except maybe college kids on spring break. The average square footage is approximately 120-195 and these cabins are usually located on lower decks where you sometimes feel more movement. Some luxury lines like Regent seven Seas do not even offer an inside category and only have all suite ships. Often inside rooms are booked for kids because they are hardly ever in their rooms and don’t require a lot of space.

In addition to choosing your room category keep in mind bed configurations. Staterooms are typically outfitted with two twin beds that can be pushed together to make a queen bed. If you require room for kids or a 3^rd or 4^th guest ask about adjoining rooms or pull out sleeper sofas and pullmans. When booking your stateroom be sure to ask your travel agent or cruise line representative for their suggestions on accommodating your needs.

Cabin Amenities

When you have secured your accommodations be ready to expect some of the following amenities in your stateroom (Amenities vary by cruise line):

• Flat screen TV
• DVD Player
• Waffle Robes for use during your cruise
• Spa quality bath and skincare products
• Complimentary fresh fruit replenished daily
• Nightly turndown service
• Fine linen towels and Egyptian cotton sheets
• Standard cable channels such as CNN, ESPN, CNBC, Fox News, TNT, etc. (reception pending)
• Wireless in-room Internet access
• Hair dryers
• In room safe

As I mentioned in our What 2 Pack article, as a rule of thumb the smaller the ships the larger the closets. Luxury cruise lines typically have fewer cabins allowing for them to add amenities like larger sitting areas and nice size closets to their staterooms.

Keep in mind if you think you might get seasick choose a cabin that’s located most mid-ship. In a mid-ship cabin you feel less swaying and virtually zero vibrations. Most luxury cruise lines have hired engineers to design their ships with stability at the forefront of their plans virtually eliminating the feeling of movement for its guests. Only on extremely rough seas will you still feel the movement of the seas.