- 27
- Jul
- 2016
Cruise Booking 101: Don’t book a cruise before you read this!
Experience the best vacation ever – get help from the experts when it comes time to book a cruise cabin.
Many questions are involved when it comes times to book a cruise, and one of the most researched subjects and frequently asked questions revolve around staterooms and cabins on a cruise. Picking the correct stateroom is a crucial step and can literally make or break your cruising experience. Almost all cabins (or staterooms, as they are referred to onboard), are smaller than your average hotel room. If you think of a standard hotel room as a candy bar, your cruise cabin would be the “bite-size” version. There are various layouts and room sizes, as well as locations or decks where the room is located. Choosing the best room for your trip should not be done based on price alone; while you may think you are getting a great deal with a cheaper room, if you are unhappy with your room for the entirety of the cruise you could disembark with a bitter taste in your mouth.
So what should you know before you book your cabin on a cruise? First, keep in mind cruise cabins come in a variety of options including inside, outside/ocean view, balcony or suite varieties. Each one has their perks and your decision should be based on several factors. To start, consider the following questions:
- Do you get seasick often?
- Do you consider yourself to be claustrophobic?
- Are you someone who enjoys peaceful time sitting on a balcony?
- Do you consider your hotel or cabin somewhere just to sleep or do you tend to spend large amounts of time in these areas when on vacation?
These are just some of the questions to ponder before you book your cruise cabin. Also, consider the following aspects about each type of cruise stateroom offered:
Inside Rooms: Inside rooms are the smallest rooms on the ship. They have no window or porthole, so they are often not an ideal choice for anyone claustrophobic. Inside rooms tend to be basic with little to no frills often seen in larger rooms. They can hold up to four people and are great for those who enjoy sleeping in a dark room and do not need a window. Often times, parents will book a larger, more extravagant room for themselves and place the kids in a nearby inside room. If this scenario might work for you, inquire if your cruise line offers connecting staterooms to keep the family close together but in separate living spaces.
Outside/Ocean View Rooms: Outside or ocean view rooms contain a window or porthole that remains closed at all times. Their size is typically that of an inside stateroom on a cruise or a bit larger. Some people feel less claustrophobic when they are able to see outside and can watch the horizon line. These rooms generally come in a variety of price ranges, as some windows or portholes are obstructed by a life raft which lowers the rate of the room.
Balcony Rooms: Balcony rooms can truly turn your journey into a luxury adventure. They typically offer more amenities and frills then smaller rooms and best of all, can provide you with breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery and landscape. Most balconies have privacy dividers between cabins but you may still see or hear your neighbor. If sitting on your private balcony and/or having access to the fresh air without having to go into main public areas is important to you on your trip, a balcony room may be right for you!
Suites: The ultimate in luxury, suites are the way to go if you are looking for an extravagant cruise. Depending on the cruise line, many suites come with an abundance of perks and amenities. They also offer you separate sleeping and living areas, giving you plenty of room to spread out. This will be your most expensive option, but if it is in your budget why not treat yourself?
The location of your chosen stateroom should also be considered when it comes time to book your cruise cabin. Bottom level rooms are known for experiencing less movement, but tend to have slightly higher noise levels. It may also take you longer to get to activities on a higher level because of stairs or waiting for an elevator. Mid-level rooms are a great option if you deal with motion sickness, as this area experiences the least amount of movement on a ship. It is also in line with most activities and food serving areas, so you can move about quickly. Forward or Aft locations are ideal if you seek privacy and a quiet surrounding. While these rooms are attractive because they tend to be cheaper and have less traffic, they are known for experiencing the most movement on the ship – something to keep in mind if you get seasick!
With so many cruise cabin locations to choose from, why not let an expert help you select the right stateroom for your journey. Call CruiseExperts.com today at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784). Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and join our InnerCircle for exclusive offers and cruise news you can use! Also, check out our new Resource Center, where you can receive expert knowledge from us before your next cruise or cruisetour!
Our team of cruise consultants and support staff, based in Central California, counts nearly a century of combined talent, knowledge, and enthusiasm in the travel industry. We’re not just another internet upstart; our seasoned team has gained the trust and business of thousands of satisfied cruise and land vacation customers from all over the country since 1995. We ARE the original Cruise Experts.
