Stop! Don’t book your stateroom until you read this.

Picking the right stateroom can be a very difficult task. It can mean the difference between a great cruise and a fabulous cruise of a lifetime. It’s important to read this thoroughly before you decide which room will fit all of your needs and make your vacation amazing.

Type of Cabin:

1. Inside: Inside rooms are almost always the smallest and least expensive way to go, but they may not be as pleasurable. Inside staterooms do not have windows or portholes and can make some people feel slightly claustrophobic. The rooms are usually pretty basic and can only hold up to four people. So, if you are cruising with more than two kids, you’ll need to get more than one inside stateroom.. Some families like to book a balcony for the parents and put the kids in a nearby inside stateroom; and some cruise lines have connecting rooms.
2. Ocean view: In an ocean view (outside) room you will typically find a small picture window or porthole that do not open.  They are often similarly sized to an inside cabin or a bit larger. Some ocean view rooms with portholes can be partially obstructed and these will usually go for a lesser rate. The obstruction is usually a lifeboat that does not cover the window fully.
3. Balcony: These rooms feature a veranda, and can be very impressive and can make your cruise vacation amazing. You can step outside and enjoy the fresh air or check out some amazing views of the port cities prior to docking. Balconies usually have privacy wall dividers, but you probably be able to hear your neighbors.
4. Suite: If you really want to treat yourself, a suite is the way to go! Not only do you get a bunch of additional perks, the room is larger and the balconies are usually more private. Suites often have separate living and sleeping, and offer a wide variety of extra amenities.
   

   Stop! Don’t book your stateroom until you read this. Quantum Family Suite

Location:

1. Bottom level: Where you are located on the ship plays a huge factor in how much you will enjoy your stateroom. For instance, on the bottom level you may feel less movement but noise may play a factor. Above your room may be a bar or a dance club, usually this is not a problem aboard cruise vessels but if you have sonic hearing it may just drive you nuts! Also, being on the bottom level may take you more time to get to and from activities.
2. Mid Level: If quick accesses to on-board activities are important to you mid level ship is a fantastic idea. Less walking to the elevators and faster access to food; my personal favorite! Mid level is a great option for those traveling with children too because you can shuttle them to and from fairly quickly. Lastly, mid level is perfect for those who get sea sickness. This area will have the least amount of movement.
3. Forward or Aft: If you like a quieter space away from all the action, try to get a room in the front or the back of the ship. These areas do not have as much traffic and cost a little less too. The problem is this part of the ship is more apt to have movement. So, if sea sickness is a problem for you I would not suggest this location on the ship.

CruiseExperts.com is here to help! Our travel advisors understand that selecting a cabin can be hard if you’re not familiar with the ship. Call us at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784), we will be happy to help you find the right location at the best price! Remember to like us on Facebook and join our InnerCircle for more exclusive offers.