When planning a cruise vacation one very important detail to decide is picking your cabin. While this seems relatively simple in theory, there are many factors to consider. From the type of cabin (interior, oceanview, balcony, suite, etc.), to the location of the cabin (aft, mid-ship, forward), and even how many cabins to reserve for the number of passengers in your family, picking the right cabin can make or break your trip.
Starting with cabin type, for cruisers that do want to splurge on a suite, there are generally 3 main cabin categories on most cruise ships. Interior cabins are the most inexpensive and are great for cruisers that want a great deal and don’t plan on spending too much time in the room. If you don’t mind the lack of natural light and lack of an outside view, this may be the right choice for you.
Oceanview cabins are a great compromise for cruisers that may not want to pay a premium for a balcony, but still want a view of the outside of the ship. I have sailed in an ocean view personally, and I really liked the ability to see the ocean and where we were. I don’t think I would have liked how dark an interior cabin gets with no natural light.
Balcony cabins can be the priciest out of these three categories, but in my opinion are completely worth it if you can afford it. There is nothing like being able to watch the ocean go by as you sail away or having breakfast while watching the sunrise on your own private balcony. On my last cruise, my husband and I agreed that it was worth the extra money! However, if a balcony doesn’t fit in your budget or you simply don’t care about having a balcony, interior and ocean view cabins are still great options.
The location of your cabin can also have a big impact on how smoothly your vacation runs. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest cabin location offered or to just let the cruise line pick your cabin for you (which is also often the cheapest option), it may put you in a place on the ship that could be inconvenient for you and your family. For example, for people that get sea sick easily, picking a cabin mid-ship and on a lower deck of the ship is often the best to minimize any rocking feeling while you rest.
Considering what is around you can help you pick the best cabin. Checking a ship’s deck plan can help you see how close any elevators or stairs are to your room as well as what is immediately above or below you. Ideally, you don’t want to be sleeping right below a nightclub or any super loud space.
You may want to pick a cabin that is close to amenities that you plan on using frequently. In my case, our last cruise cabin was a few floors directly below the buffet so we could hop on an elevator and be at the buffet in only a minute or two from our cabin. Using a travel agent (like myself!) can be very helpful in making sure you are where you want to be.
Finally, considering how many cabins to get for your family and how much space you need can help ensure everyone is happy in your travel party. While many cabins can fit up to 4 guests, this can be incredibly cramped, not to mention having to share one bathroom! While this is doable, and the most budget friendly, it can be tough to share such a small space. Pay attention to the square footage of the cabin(s) you are booking so you can determine whether it makes sense to get an additional cabin. Like hotels, some cabins are adjoining so you can be together with your family without being too crowded. Still, you can save a lot of money by simply sharing one cabin, and if you pick a bigger cabin type depending on what is available on your ship, this can work well.
It may not seem like it at first, but picking a cabin is a big decision that can ultimately affect your budget and your vacation as a whole! From picking the cabin category, to the location, and even how many cabins you need for your travel party, it can be a little confusing! This is why I recommend using a travel agent that can guide you through picking a cabin and simplify the process. I personally love cruises, and I want my clients to have the best cruising experience and best cabin for their needs! Happy Cruising!
Fla. Seller of Travel Reg. No. ST37113.