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The best cruise cabin for every type of need

So many options Cruise accommodations – also known as staterooms or cabins – are your home away from home while at sea. Far from a one-size-fits-all decision, there are numerous factors to consider when determining the best rooms on a cruise ship to fit your and your companions’ needs. From size to location to view and beyond, there are many things to keep in mind when selecting your stateroom, says Gianluca Corneli, hotel director at Royal Caribbean International. “How many will stay in the room? Is your room a place to hang out or just where you sleep?” Also, think about what you’d like to be near on the ship. “For example, consider if you would like to be near the elevator for convenience or prefer a location down the hallway with fewer guests passing by,” she says. Also factor in any ways you’d like to elevate your stay, like maybe a balcony or a suite for your next Caribbean cruise. It’s no wonder that some of the best cruise lines offer up to 28 different types of rooms on a single ship – they want to ensure there’s an ideal solution for every guest. Let’s focus on upgrading your room choice to the perfect fit for your specific needs. Best for avoiding seasickness Choose: the middle of the ship, on a low deck Picture a ship like a seesaw – the most movement will be felt on either end, while the middle stays fairly even-keel. “Middle and low, that’s where you want to be,” says cruise expert Dori Saltzman, senior editor with trade publication Travel Market Report. “While you don’t need to be on the absolute lowest passenger deck, you don’t want to go above the middle of the ship (vertical wise). You also want to try to be as middle (horizontal wise) as possible. If cabins in the middle of the ship aren’t available, she says to choose aft over forward, because the more forward a cabin is, the more you’ll feel the motion of the ocean. And while this may seem counter-intuitive, be sure to book a cabin with a window or balcony, so you can keep your eyes on the horizon if you start feeling queasy. Best for great views Choose: a cabin with a balcony, preferably at the back of the ship While you can always go to the upper decks of any ship for 360-degree views of your surroundings, there’s no greater cruise ship luxury than enjoying the scenery from your own private balcony. They may also be called verandah cabins. Balconies are the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or glass of champagne during a spectacular sunset and pretend you’re all alone at sea. And some of the absolute best rooms on a cruise ship are located at the rear, where you’ll also be treated to the photo-worthy wake left behind, which is a fun way to mark your ship’s progress. Balconies are also nice for having access to fresh air when you want it, it can be very soothing to listen to the sounds of the ocean from your stateroom, and you’ll have a better chance of spotting wildlife along your cruise too. Best for light sleepers Choose: a deck filled with other guest cabins and away from elevators Finding the best rooms on a cruise ship for light sleepers usually takes a little research, but that due diligence will pay off come bedtime. “You need your cabin to be located away from any bank of elevators, but also away from crew entrances,” says Saltzman. So being surrounded by other cabins of people who want to sleep too is a safe bet. “You also don’t want your cabin to be located above the ship’s main theatre, underneath any restaurants where you can hear the chairs scraping on the floor or under/over any of the lounges that have music late into the night.” Finally, you don’t want to be on a low deck that’s too aft or too forward, as you may end up above the engines or the anchor, which makes a lot of noise when it’s lowered and raised. You may feel a bit like Goldilocks trying to choose that perfect cabin on your next romantic cruise, but the reward of peace and quiet will be priceless. Best for a little more space Choose: a forward-facing cabin While you aren’t likely to find a balcony on a forward-facing cabin, you may find more interior space than similarly priced mid-ship cabins. Why? There are some odd angles in forward-facing cabins that the designers had to work around, thanks to the slanted style of the front of a ship. Those odd angles may work in your favour when it comes to square footage. It’s important to note that while these are some of the best rooms on a cruise ship for extra space, you will experience the most movement in a front-facing cabin, so this choice is not an ideal position for anyone prone to motion sickness. Best for cruising with little kids Most cruise lines offer family-friendly cruises and specific cabins suited for kids, which can be a mix of in-room amenities and proximity to other areas of the ship children will love. “On Disney’s ships, all cabins have two bathrooms, one with a sink and toilet and the other with a shower/bath combo (a small minority of rooms do not have the tub) for families that need the little one to be able to take a bath, while everyone else is still able to wash up,” says Saltzman. “Another good option is the Family Harbour cabins on Carnival’s Vista-class ships (Vista, Horizon, Panorama) and Excel-class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration). Similar to the Disney cabins, these have two bathrooms, one a full one with a shower, sink and toilet, and the other with a sink and shower/tub combo.” Best for staying on a budget Choose: an interior cabin Unless you’re worried about feeling claustrophobic – since there will be no porthole or window to the outside world – an interior cabin is a nice option for saving money (we’re talking $300 for 7-day cruises). Not only is it the lowest-priced cabin type, which means you’ll have more funds to put toward excursions, a drink package or souvenirs, but you’ll also be able to take midday naps or sleep in later because there won’t be any light sneaking in. Another positive is that an interior cabin might encourage you to spend more of your free time roaming around the ship, meeting other people and getting more involved in activities, since you may not find it desirable to spend your time beyond sleeping and showering in a windowless box. Best for mobility disabilities Choose: an accessible stateroom For passengers with limited mobility or no mobility, most major cruise lines offer accessible staterooms in a variety of room types (inside cabin, ocean view and balcony). These options do vary based on the cruise line and the age of the ship, so it’s best to research this in advance and factor the accessible options available into your cruise planning process. Accessible rooms tend to be larger than standard cabins to accommodate wheelchair or scooter users, and they also feature larger bathrooms. Additionally, some rooms will have emergency-call buttons or specific amenities for hearing or vision-impaired guests. For instance, the fully accessible rooms on Holland America Line provide adequate turning space, accessibility routes throughout the room, roll-in showers, wheelchair access on both sides of the bed, handlebars in the shower and hand-held shower heads, says Sissel Bergersen, director of rooms division, Holland America Line. Before you lock in a booking, it may be best to call the cruise line and explain your needs so they can help steer you toward the perfect cabin. Best for being spoiled rotten Choose: a cabin with butler service or a spa cabin For travellers who like adult-only cruises or who are yearning for a little extra pampering, the best rooms on a cruise ship fall into one of two categories. The first is a suite that comes with butler service, where you’ll have someone helping with all the details you don’t want to spend your precious holiday time tending to – like reserving prime-time dinner slots at specialty restaurants, booking shore excursions, packing and unpacking and even drawing rose petal bubble baths. Rooms at this level may also come with exclusive access to private pools, clubs and lounges with more luxurious touches and solitude than you’ll find elsewhere on the ship. The other category that’s becoming increasingly popular is spa suites. On Norwegian Cruise Line, the Haven Spa Suite, Spa Club Balcony Suites and Spa Balcony (available on the Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Epic) have varying amenities that range from more tranquil room décor with an oversized shower and body spray jets to priority access to Mandara Spa. And on Celebrity Cruises, the AquaClass staterooms are focused on wellness, with a pillow menu, complimentary fitness pass, preferential rates on spa packages, healthy room-service menu options, an exclusive restaurant, a spa concierge, access to the SEA Thermal Suite and a yoga mat for use onboard. Best for solo cruisers Choose: a cruise line that offers single rooms or waives single supplements Solo cruises are a wonderful experience, yet so many cruise lines penalise single cruisers by forcing them to pay a ‘single supplement.’ This surcharge is added to the fare of a solo passenger, since cruise room pricing is generally based on double occupancy. This fee can be an additional 10 per cent all the way up to a full 100 per cent of the rate, making solo cruising unaffordable for many travellers. Instead, look for cruise lines that offer single staterooms, like Celebrity, which has the Edge Single Stateroom with Infinite Veranda (available on Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent) and the Single Inside Stateroom on Celebrity Silhouette. Other cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, also offer single cabins – these special solo and studio cabins aren’t subject to single supplements. Occasionally, you may even find cruise lines running special promotions and waiving their single supplement for a regular-size room. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/cruising/the-best-cruise-cabin-for-every-type-of-need" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.

Cruising

Woman’s “ultimate” cleaning hack for cruise cabins goes viral

An Aussie woman has shared her “ultimate” hack for keeping things clean in your cruise ship cabin, claiming her tips will “change your life”. Cruising fanatic Olivia believes there are few things worse when on a cruise than waiting around for dirty dishes to be collected and replaced. She has found a unique way to get around this problem with her “game-changing” hack, that only requires three items: a cheap sponge, dishwashing liquid and a reusable ziplock bag. In a now-viral clip that has racked up almost one million views, Olivia explained she came across the nifty hack on YouTube and was surprised to discover it actually worked. “Go to your local supermarket and purchase the cheapest sponge you can find or use a sponge you have already got at home,” she began. “Once you’ve done this, grab one to two sponges and cut them into little squares.” “Place them all on a plate, grab dishwashing liquid and make sure you drizzle it over sponge squares (evenly).” She then said to place the sponges outside in the sun to dry. “You want the dishwashing liquid to dry into the sponge,” she said. Olivia then demonstrated how it works, taking one of the squares and running it under water before using it to wash the dirty dishes. “Instead of having to wait for your mugs, plates, cutlery in your state room or cabin to be replaced every day or cleaned, if you are staying in a cabin with multiple people and they need to use it, you can (now) clean it so easily in no time.” She said the squares can be used multiple times before the dishwashing liquid is completely used up. “It will last for about a two-week cruise; it’s fantastic,” she said. While hundreds of thousands of people have viewed Olivia’s video, many people were torn in the comment section about the unusual tip. Some praised the unique trick, thanking Olivia for sharing the information. “Okay that’s actually really good,” one TikTok user wrote. “Thanks! Doing this with the wine glasses before I use them” said another. However, while many were impressed by the hack, some wondered why she was washing dishes on a holiday. “Great idea but no…,” one TikTok user wrote. “Girl, we’re not going on a cruise to do the dishes … margaritas and mojitos don’t go into cups,” another joked. Image credits: TikTok

Cruising

6 ways to make your cruise ship cabin feel bigger

Cruise ship cabins can be pretty snug, so you will want to do everything you can to maximise your space. Here's how. 1. Unpack straight away Once you get onboard, you probably want to go and check out the restaurant or have a quick swim. But it’s worth taking the time to completely unpack your bag, make sure all your clothes and extras are neatly stored, and then have your steward put your suitcases away under the bed. You’ll thank us later. 2. Keep things neat Nothing makes a room (on land or water) feel smaller than clutter. Take the time to hang your clothes up when you take them off, keep the benches and table tops clear, and try not to throw things on the floor. It will only take a couple of minutes to do it each day and will make all the difference. 3. Make use of all the storage You’d be surprised how many little cupboards and hidey holes you’ll find all over your cabin. Check all the benches, cupboards and walls for extra drawers or hooks, and you’ll be able to find a place for everything. 4. And bring your own Expert cruisers know to bring along some clever extras to make even more storage space for themselves. Hanging cosmetic bags will keep your bathroom organised and over the door shoe fabric shoe organisers provide lightweight storage space for all your accessories. Most cabin walls are metal, so bring some magnets or magnetic hooks to create your own message board. 5. Move the furniture If you’re really serious, you can do a little interior design of your own in the cabin. Most of the furniture is moveable, so you can shuffle around your tables, couches or even the bed to suit your needs. As long as you aren’t blocking a door or walkway, it should be fine. 6. Utilise natural light Keep your curtains open to your window or balcony door to make the most of the natural light. You’ll be amazed at how much more spacious it makes the room feel. If you're in an inside cabin, turn on the TV and find the channel showing the bow camera. It will act just like a window! Image credits: Getty Images

Cruising

Flight attendant reveals cabin crew’s “least favourite” passenger

A former flight attendant has revealed the type of passenger that cabin crew hate the most. After working on planes for six years, Kat Kamalani knows a thing or two about how to deal with difficult passengers. And while most people may think it's the screaming babies that cause the most issues, Kat said it's actually the people who complain about the noise who prove the most troublesome. “I promise you, there's nothing that irritates us more as a flight attendant when people complain about a baby crying,” Kat said in her now-viral TikTok video. “DON'T even ask to be moved to a different seat, no one wants that baby to stop crying more than that parent.” “So if you're travelling, bring noise-cancelling headphones, or maybe ask the parent if they need help.” The short video has been viewed more than 1.4 million times, with thousands of people commenting in support. One mother recalled the time she was in the exact situation when her baby was crying on a flight and wrote, “I had a flight attendant tell me ‘let her cry, you won't see these people again anyways’. It helped me so much.” “Babies cry probably because height pressure causes them ear pains,” another TikTok user wrote. A current flight attendant also weighed in on the discussion, saying, “I am a flight attendant and I get really mad when passengers complain to me about the crying baby...like what do you want me to do?” Image credits: TikTok / Instagram

Travel Tips

Cabin staff reveal what it’s really like to work on a cruise ship

It’s undoubtable – cruises are a fantastic way of meeting new people. Couples, families, individuals and even the staff themselves can help make a trip memorable. But have you ever wondered what it’s like to work on a cruise, meeting new people every single day? <a href="http://experience.usatoday.com/cruise/story/best-of-cruising/2015/04/03/what-its-like-to-be-a-cruise-ship-cabin-steward/70842246/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USA Today</a> sat down with two Carnival Cruise crew members to find out. <ol start="1"> <li>Prepare to be pranked – Carnival Breeze worker Galyna Berzina from the Ukraine revealed that some passengers like to play pranks on the crew and vice versa! Some of these practical jokes include stuffing a bed with pillows to make it look like someone’s lying there. One staff member took it a step further, creating a “pillow person” sitting in the bathroom, giving one passenger the fright of her life!</li> <li>You hear all types of requests – young couples often ask the crew members to make adults-only “naughty” towel animals for them, but Berzina says staff aren’t allowed to.</li> <li>It’s always busy – Carnival cabin staff work in five-hour shifts with a four- to five-hour break in between. They usually have to take care of around 26 cabins a day. Carnival Fascination crew member Merlyn Parola from the Philippines says, “to work as a cabin stewardess is not much different than working at a hotel, though you need to be more speedy.”</li> <li>You get a decent break – cabin crew usually work for between six and eight months at a time, followed by a two-month break. In between their shifts, staff can go onshore or remain on the ship like a regular passenger.</li> <li>You get paid well – staff are mostly paid from passenger tips, which are pooled together and distributed amongst the crew. Berzina says the income is enough to keep her and her family financially comfortable. “The salary is good, I can't complain. I pay for my son's education and I support my family.”</li> <li>The crew quarters are comfortable – staff have access to a phone, Internet, TV, and a decent selection of food. However, unlike regular passengers, they don’t have windows.</li> <li>Meeting people is the best part – Berzina says meeting the passengers is the highlight of the job, particularly children who are fascinated by towel animals. “People come from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and honestly, it's interesting. They talk about different things. It's stuff you can't learn in a book.”</li> </ol> Image: Getty

Cruising

Outrage after 1830s "slave cabin" listed for rent

Airbnb have copped an online slating after one of their listings, which was advertised as a bed and breakfast, was exposed as a former slave cabin. A user on TikTok found “The Panther Burn Cottage at Belmont Plantation” listing in Greenville, Mississippi, which was described as an “1830s slave cabin” and used as a “tenant sharecropper’s cabin”. The property was available to rent for $165 per night, and was slammed by TikTokker and lawyer Wynton Yates, who expressed his shock over the property saying it was anything but quaint and charming as described by some of its guests in reviews. “This is not OK in the least bit,” he said. “And I know there’s going to be someone saying ‘Oh you’re looking for controversy where it doesn’t exist.’ No." “This is an 1830s slave cabin up on Airbnb as a bed and breakfast." “They say it in the listing, ‘This particular structure, the Panther Burn Cabin, is an 1830s slave cabin from the extant Panther Burn Plantation to the south of Belmont.’" “How is this OK in someone’s mind to rent this out? A place where human beings were kept as slaves.” While the listing itself was alarming, what really concerned and infuriated Wynton was the reviews from previous guests. “We stayed in the sharecropper cabin and ate in the main house. The house tour was great and so was the breakfast,” one review read. “’We stayed in the cabin and it was a historic but elegant’ – a slave cabin is elegant?” a furious Wynton asked. “The history of slavery in this country is constantly denied and now it is being mocked by being turned into a luxurious vacation spot.” Wynton's video was viewed over 3 million times, which prompted Airbnb to remove the listing entirely. “Properties that formerly housed the enslaved have no place on Airbnb,” Airbnb said in a statement to <a title="www.usatoday.com" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2022/08/01/airbnb-banning-former-slave-quarters/10209183002/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USA Today</a>. “We apologise for any trauma or grief created by the presence of this listing, and others like it, and that we did not act sooner to address this issue.” The company said it’s working with experts on developing new policies for dealing with properties tied to slavery. Image credits: TikTok

Real Estate

Off-the-grid homes head to New Zealand’s most stunning spots

If getting away from the hustle and bustle of life for some peace, quiet and a mental recharge is particularly tempting, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to do so - and get totally immersed in nature while you do - thanks to the latest introduction to Aotearoa’s tourism scene. Unyoked, an Australian startup created by Cam and Christ Grant in 2016, found success with their concept cabins located in remote areas of NSW, Queensland and Victoria, and now they’ve taken their concept across the water to New Zealand. The pair started up with the belief that spending time in the wilderness is good for the body, mind and soul, with a company ethos being about total immersion in nature. The exact locations are still a secret, but the cabins will be appearing in some of New Zealand’s most stunning and remote locales, including the Bay of Islands, the west coast of North Island, and around the Port Waikato coastline, from July. Though they promise to be remote and far away from civilisation, you won’t be without creature comforts if you choose to stay there. Ahead of the launch, Unyoked has confirmed they’re collaborating with some top local brands, including Raglan Roast coffee, McLeod’s Brewery, J.M.R&Co, Webster’s tea and Sleepyhead beds. As of publication, one cabin called Maia is in the works, located on a 70-acre block of native bushland in Ōkaihau, about 3.5 hours north-west of Auckland. With a minimum two-night stay for Friday and Saturday, Maia will cost you $269 for weeknights or $299 for weekends. For more information about Maia and future cabins, head <a href="https://www.unyoked.co/results/NZ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. Image: @unyoked.co (Instagram)

Domestic Travel

TikTok shows bird inside cabin on flight from Europe to US

A passenger on a flight from Europe to the US has shared a video of a bird that was trapped inside the cabin during her flight. Brooke Frazier uploaded a video to TikTok of a bird flying throughout the cabin of the plane she was on, writing, "Bird stuck on our eight hour flight from Europe lil guy about to be so confused.” In the caption, she wrote that the bird had “hopped on” the flight in Belgium and was “going crazy” during the flight to the US. <div class="embed"><iframe class="embedly-embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7051627241830403374&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40totallychillfemale%2Fvideo%2F7051627241830403374&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign.tiktokcdn-us.com%2Ftos-useast5-p-0068-tx%2F7dd3104a4c624e7ebda67ae7affa603c_1641834912%7Etplv-tiktok-play.jpeg%3Fx-expires%3D1642078800%26x-signature%3D26FoJY0C1LvfiLhbFiJa3bTZQBc%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" scrolling="no" title="tiktok embed" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></div> The video has received almost 12 million views, almost 2 million likes, and over 20,000 comments. Commenters were quick to see the humour in the situation, with one suggesting it was something out of a movie, writing, “Pixar movie. European bird runs away cuz all his family bullied him for being small. now he's raised by a bunch of pigeons from Jersey”. Brooke herself responded with her own movie synopsis, saying, “migrant bird opens a bakery in jersey to show his pursuit of the american dream while going back to his roots with family recipes”. Another commented “Omg I hope he speaks English,” while another said, “He’s gonna have to learn to fly on the right side.” Brooke posted a followup video once they’d touched down, asking, “Does anyone know if Pfizer protects against bird flu?” Many users wanted more information on the bird’s fate, with one person writing, “They should provide a free return trip for him”, while another said, “It’s gonna be so lonely without its friends”. Brooke herself commented, “I started tearing up bc it's whole family is in Belgium and it's gonna get off and have to make new friends." Image: TikTok

Travel Trouble

What the code words and phrases used by cabin crew really mean

Most cabin crew members converse with each other in an interesting way to not alert passengers to their conversations. Flying doctor Ben MacFarlane has spent a lot of time on planes, and has become privy to the unique ways cabin crew discuss parts of the job while in the air. Many of their phrases would seem like gibberish to the average flyer, but once you know what keywords to look out for, they all start to make sense. Here are just a few of the phrases cabin crew have decoded for the flying doctor, as he told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-9965305/Is-Tom-Cruise-board-crack-cabin-crew-code-hear-holiday-flights.html">MailOnline</a>. “Is Tom Cruise on board?” If you ever hear cabin crew use this phrase, it is actually not linked to the famous movie star being a passenger. Instead, it refers to the identical pots of tea and coffee on the meal service trolleys, and helps staff identify which pot is which. As Ben says, “If 'Tom Cruise is on board' then crew are following T&C positions that day.” “Tea, Tom, is in the pot on the left of the cart. Coffee, Cruise, is in the identical pot on the right. Simples.” “Do you want to sing or dance?” This phrase refers to the safety demonstration at the beginning of a flight. “Some crew like to have the microphone and read out the words of the PA,” said Ben. “Others prefer to stand in the cabin doing the actions with the seat belt and life jacket.” “Pick the PA role and you sing. Do the demo and you dance.” “Have you found Bob yet?” This phrase is more likely to be heard on a long haul flight when cabin crew have more time on their hands. Bob is not an individual person, but rather refers to the Best On Board. According to the flying doctor, “Every cabin crew member looks for theirs: the most beautiful woman or hottest guy they fancy the most.” “That’s my ABP” ABP is cabin crew code for an Able-Bodied Person. Cabin crew often earmark a strong, able-bodied person to help in case of an emergency landing. This person may be asked to organise passengers in a calm and orderly queue while waiting for emergency aids. “I’m off to the coffins” This doesn’t refer to actual coffins, but a designated sleeping zone for cabin crew during a longer flight. “Following a ‘crew rest rota’, flight attendants punch a secret code into a secret door, climb the ladder and find half a dozen bunks built into the ceiling above the economy cabin,” says Ben. “Have we met?” This doesn’t refer to introducing yourself, but rather to passenger’s seat belts being buckled for landing. “If one flight attendant is checking the cabin from front to back and the other is going from back to front, they have to say out loud that they've 'met' in the middle.” This then indicates that the plane is ready to make a safe landing. Have you ever heard these phrases used while flying? Let us know! Image credit: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

How plane cabins can clean up their act

Qantas has <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-19/qantas-social-distancing-coronavirus-covid19-measures/12263242">unveiled a range of precautions</a> to guard passengers against COVID-19. The safety measures expected to be rolled out on June 12 include contactless check-in, hand sanitiser at departure gates, and optional masks and sanitising wipes on board. Controversially, however, there will be no physical distancing on board, because Qantas claims it is too expensive to run half-empty flights. The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing airlines to look closely at their hygiene practices. But aircraft cabins were havens for germs long before the coronavirus came along. The good news is there are some simple ways on-board hygiene can be improved. Common sense precautions As an environmental microbiologist I have observed, in general, a gradual loss of quality in hygiene globally. Airports and aircrafts have <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/WNN/video/overcrowding-concerns-planes-70616212">crammed ever larger numbers</a> of passengers into <a href="https://time.com/5636154/airplane-legroom-shrinking-asia/">ever smaller economy-class seats</a>. Although social distancing can’t do much in a confined cabin space – as the virus is reported to be able to travel <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jid/advance-article/doi/10.1093/infdis/jiaa189/5820886">eight metres</a> — wearing face masks (viral ones in particular) and practising hand hygiene remain crucial. Since microorganisms are invisible, it is hard to combat such a powerful enemy. During flights, I have observed a vast array of unwitting mistakes made by flight crew and passengers. Some crew staff would go to the bathroom to push overflowing paper towels down into the bins, exit without washing their hands and continue to serve food and drinks. We have the technology for manufacturers to install waste bins where paper towels can be shredded, disinfected and disposed of via suction, as is used in the toilets. Moreover, all aircraft waste bins should operate with pedals to prevent hand contamination. Also, pilots should not share bathrooms with passengers, as is often the case. Imagine the consequences if pilots became infected and severely ill during a long flight, to the point of not being able to fly. Who would land the plane? For instance, the highly transmissible <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/symptoms.html">norovirus</a>, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, can manifest within 12 hours of exposure. So for everyone’s safety, pilots should have their own bathroom. Food and the kitchen Aircraft kitchen areas should be as far as possible from toilets. Male and female toilets should be separated because, due to the way men and women use the bathroom, male bathrooms are more likely to have droplets of urine splash outside the toilet bowl. Child toilets and change rooms should be separate as well. Food trolleys should be covered with a sterile plastic sheet during service as they come close to seated passengers who could be infected. And to allow traffic flow in the corridor, trolleys should not be placed near toilets. At times I have seen bread rolls in a basket with a nice white napkin, with the napkin touching the toilet door. Also, blankets should not be used if the bags have been opened, and pillows should have their own sterile bags. Mind your luggage In March, luggage handlers <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-31/qantas-baggage-handlers-test-positive-to-coronavirus-in-sa/12107258">were infected</a> with COVID-19 at Adelaide Airport. As a passenger, you should avoid placing your hand luggage on the seats while reaching into overhead lockers. There’s a chance your luggage was placed on a contaminated surface before you entered the plane, such as on a public bathroom floor. Be wary of using the seat pocket in front of you. Previous passengers may have placed dirty (or infected) tissues there. So keep this in mind when using one to hold items such as your passport, or glasses, which come close to your eyes (through which SARS-CoV-2 <a href="https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-how-it-spreads-transmission-infection-prevention-protection">can enter the body</a>). Also, safety cards in seat pockets should be disposable and should be replaced after each flight. In facing the COVID-19 crisis, it’s important to remember that unless an antiviral drug or a vaccine is found, this virus could come back every year. On many occasions, microbiologists have warned of the need for more <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30912268/">microbiology literacy</a> among the public. Yet, too often their calls are dismissed as paranoia, or being overly cautious. But now’s the time to listen, and to start taking precaution. For all we know, there may be even more dangerous <a href="https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-pandemic-is-paving-the-way-for-an-increase-in-superbugs-135389">superbugs</a> breeding around us – ones we’ve simply yet to encounter.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/134552/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ipek-kurtboke-1006582">Ipek Kurtböke</a>, Senior Lecturer, Environmental Microbiology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-the-sunshine-coast-1068">University of the Sunshine Coast</a> This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/plane-cabins-are-havens-for-germs-heres-how-they-can-clean-up-their-act-134552">original article</a>.

International Travel

“Terrifying”: Qantas plane passengers evacuated after smoke filled cabin

Passengers on a Qantas flight was forced to evacuate through slides at Sydney Airport after smoke and “burning” smell filled the cabin. The airline’s spokesperson said the Sydney to Perth flight QF575 on Sunday morning was forced to turn around 20 minutes into the flight due to hydraulic issues. Passengers told the <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-15/qantas-plane-evacuated-at-sydney-airport-due-to-smoke-in-cabin/11801034">ABC</a> the plane was on the tarmac after landing when smoke began to fill the cabin. “We were on the runway waiting to be towed in and we started to smell burning,” passenger Dillon Parker said. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Just had to evacuate my flight to Perth after engineering issues. Everyone had to exit the plane via slide onto Sydney tarmac after the cabin filled with smoke and the captain screamed evacuate. Terrifying. — Ally Kemp (@politic_ally) <a href="https://twitter.com/politic_ally/status/1205992177903366144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/Qantas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Qantas</a> flight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QF575?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QF575</a> mid-flight hydraulic issue, landed back in Sydney, smoke in cabin, passengers told to evacuate, flight crew could not taxi correctly after landing due to hydraulic issues, slides activated. Brother was on flight. <a href="https://twitter.com/SevenPerth?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SevenPerth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Channel7?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Channel7</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/abcnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abcnews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsSyd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@9NewsSyd</a> <a href="https://t.co/SzrzhbcxDh">pic.twitter.com/SzrzhbcxDh</a> — Richo Hannington (@RichoHannington) <a href="https://twitter.com/RichoHannington/status/1205992556380639232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2019</a></blockquote> The flight took off from Sydney Airport at around 8.45am (AEDT) and returned before 9.30am. The Airbus A330 was unable to taxi upon landing and had to be towed to the gate. The Qantas spokesperson told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/terrifying-incident-leads-to-qantas-flight-delays-011242798.html">Yahoo News Australia</a> the flight did not require an emergency landing. “Once back at the gate, the captain made the decision to evacuate the aircraft as a precaution and three emergency slides were deployed,” the spokesperson said. “Passengers were evacuated through both the slides and normal exits.” Qantas Fleet safety captain Debbie Slade said some of the passengers may have had “itchy eyes” or a “scratchy throat” from exposure to the hydraulic fluid leak. “The crew did a great job of putting their training into action and following the procedures for a set of circumstances like this,” Slade said. “We’ll investigate exactly what happened, including liaising with Airbus, before this aircraft is returned to service.” Slade said what appeared to be smoke might have been “mist from the hydraulic system”. Some people said they sustained injuries to their arms and legs as they were exiting the aircraft. NSW Ambulance said “all patients had been evacuated” with one passenger being taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital for “minor injuries”. Qantas said it would assist the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau in its investigation. “Qantas is providing support to customers on the affected flight and managing some delays to other flights that occurred as a result of this incident,” the airline said. “The airline extends its thanks to all customers for their patience and understanding.”

Travel Trouble

Husband shocked as cabin crew threaten to kick wife off flight

British journalist Mehdi Hasan was furious as he watched his wife leave the flight in tears after she was told she would be “escorted off the plane” allegedly because she wanted to sit with her family. The horrific incident took place on a Southwest Airlines flight between Houston, Texas and Washington DC and was shared online by her husband. Hasan explained that him and his family were flying home when the incident occurred. The airline in question operates on an open-seating policy, which means that here are no allocated seats. Passengers can sit in any available seat on a first-come-first-served basis. Hasan explained that his wife had asked another passenger “politely” if they could switch seats so that the family could sit together, which the other passenger agreed to. The Twitter thread, which has now gone viral, explains the situation as it happened. “Hey @SouthwestAir: not a good look for your flight attendant on SW5539 to DC last night to loudly tell a brown woman in a headscarf she’ll be “escorted off the plane” for making people feel “uncomfortable” – because she wanted to sit with her husband & kids!” he wrote. “The flight attendant called ground staff onto the plane, complained about the Muslim woman – my wife! – to them, & escalated rather than de-escalated the situation – simply because my wife politely asked a guy if he’d give up his seat for our family (which he was fine with!).” Hasan added that another flight attendant who was called to the incident agreed with the family. “Even her own @SouthwestAir colleague from the ground staff who came onboard to check things wondered why the flight attendant wouldn’t shut up & let things go so we could take off,” he said. He then sarcastically thanks the airline for “ruining the end of our Thanksgiving trip”. “Thanks @SouthwestAir for ruining the end of our Thanksgiving trip and leaving my wife in tears – because she wanted us all to sit together as a family while your flight attendant wanted to single her out and humiliate her. Thanks a lot. “FYI: @SouthwestAir flight staff seem to have form when it comes to mistreating brown/Muslim passengers. Hadn’t flown with them for years and, at this point, don’t plan to do so again anytime in the near future. Not worth it.” Hasan’s thread struck a chord and received many messages of support. “I’m so sorry this happened to your wife. How upsetting for her & distressing for your children to see,” one person wrote. “I hope the airline takes action against their staff member. @SouthwestAir Isn’t it quite normal for a family to want to sit together? This is totally unacceptable behaviour.” An airline spokesperson said that they had started to “gather information internally” about the incident. “Once we learned about the customer’s social media message, we began to research the flight and gather information internally. “We also reached out to the customer directly to discuss his family’s experience prior to departure. “From our initial discussions, we understand that some passengers on Flight 5539 were involved in a disagreement over seat selection near the end of boarding. (Southwest does not assign seats; customers select their seats as they board the aircraft.) “The flight crew requested a customer service supervisor come on-board to help address the situation, and the conversation was resolved before the plane left the gate. “The family was able to sit together, and the flight arrived safely in Washington, D.C. on Sunday night. We remain in communication with the customer who sent the tweet and are working to address his concerns directly.” Hasan has rejected this statement entirely, saying that the airline have made up a “totally false narrative”. “Update & a new thread from me: @SouthwestAir have apologized privately but refuse to apologize publicly; offered travel vouchers to fly with them (!) that don't cover the costs of our flights; & have made up a totally false narrative,” he wrote. “.@SouthwestAir told The Sun "we understand that some Passengers...were involved in a disagreement over seat selection." This is false. There was no disagreement, only a flight attendant who was trying to incite passengers against my hijab-wearing wife.”

International Travel

Why you should always avoid this cruise cabin

While cruisers will surely be keen to spend most of their time out of their cruise cabin and above deck, or out at the islands and beaches they’ve paid to venture to - that doesn’t mean they won’t spend much time in their cruise cabin. There are often a number of rooms to choose from when booking an ocean getaway, which range in size, price and location. There is one category of a ship cabin however that travellers should avoid at all costs unless they are willing to make a big risk. Online cruising specialist is Cruise Bulletin has urged those looking for advice for when booking a cruise to avoid “guaranteed cabins” unless they are willing to book a room that might not meet their expectations. While guaranteed cabins sounds like a good idea considering travellers could end up with the better end of the stick for an awesome price - they do run the risk of getting a cabin they might not have anticipated. Guaranteed cruising may offer a room that seems great because of the price, but you never truly know what you’re gonna get until you’ve already booked. “These types of cabins are sold with a big discount on them (which is why they get booked),” Cruise Bulletin said. “The cruise lines do tend to use them to fill up those ‘awkward’ spots that guests wouldn’t normally choose to book. “These include cabins above the theatre, below the sundeck and next to the lifts are common examples.” This means travellers might end up with a stateroom that could be too noisy, cramped, or badly positioned on the vessel for them. Experts recommend thorough research ahead of booking a cruise to ensure they are satisfied with their room decision. If you are thinking of going with a guaranteed booking, just remember you always run the risk of ending up with an unsuitable room.

Cruising

Cruise insider reveals trick to bagging cabin upgrade that WORKS

Cruise ships are not so different from hotel rooms and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and amenities. While some passengers would prefer to save a few hundred dollars by going for a smaller room so they can enjoy their time out in the sun or in the ocean - there are passengers who prefer a level of luxury that can cost. A former Carnival Cruise Line employee Joshua Kisner told <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/travel/cruise/1147756/cruises-2019-cruise-2020-ship-cabin-upgrade-crew-purser-passenger">express.co.uk </a>there are simple tips to get a free upgrade so passengers might enjoy lapping in luxury without scraping the back of their wallets. In Kisner’s book, The Truth About Cruise Ships, he wrote sometimes the ships he worked on were fully booked, meaning the only way to get an upgrade was if there were no-shows (cruisers who paid but for some reason or another couldn’t make it onboard). “The pursers didn’t know if there were any no shows until the ship sailed. “Most of the time the cruise line was very accommodating and unfortunately, the ones who complain themes usually got the most compensation.” If a passenger goes out of their way to seek out the cruiser after the cruise ship has set sail, they may be able to get a room upgrade. If you are looking to do this, it is advised not to unpack - so scooting to another cabin will be of ease.

Cruising

Top 5 ways to save space in a cruise cabin

1. Store your luggage under your bed Depending on your cruise line and the design of your room, this hack may or may not be a possibility. However, this tip can be helpful even if you put your luggage in a wardrobe compartment. Remember, using any dead space to hide away the unnecessary items while you’re holidaying are essential to maximise your space and get the most out of your cabin. 2. Rearrange furniture You may be worried you’re not allowed to do this but rest assured, if it is able to be lifted from its place then you should be fine to do a little room re-designing as long as there is no furniture blocking exit and entry doors. 3. Use a door shoe organiser You may not bring many pairs of shoes but it’s a necessary accessory for a cruise cabin as it opens space up that you might not have thought of. It can be used for more than just shoes and instead be a place to unpack toiletries, sunscreen, perfume and cologne, deodorant and much more. 4. Pack away your laundry Take a few minutes every night to pack away dirty laundry. If you’re not willing to spend a small fortune to wash your clothes on the cruise ship, then it’s a good option to bring plastic bags or even a separate bag for dirty beach towels, undergarments and wet swimmers. 5. Pack smarter not more It’s the most obvious hack to save room in your stateroom, but it is crucial. Although overpacking is a habit you may possess, it is important to reevaluate how many socks you actually need, or if those extra four pairs of shoes on top of your other two pairs are really necessary.

Cruising

Cruise cabin price hacks to look out for

Booking a cruise can be an overwhelming process, especially when faced with the task of wading through all the expenses that are associated with holidays. Stick to your travel budget by reading on a few tricks of the trade to get a cruise steal that saves you a fair few dollars. Guarantee cabins A guarantee stateroom is a selection you can choose while boking your cruise to pay a lower rate for your cabin type (inside, outside etc). There is always a catch to reduced prices though and guaranteed cabins are not exempt. While cheaper, these staterooms are chosen by your cruise line and can either be a lucky match or the worst cabin in the category cabin you choose. So, while you might end up with a higher-category cabin with breathtaking views that are on the more expensive decks, there is also a chance you could get stuck with a room in a noisy corner of the ship, a blocked view or one that is smaller than anticipated. Letting a cruise line choose your cabin can be risky, so make sure you’ll be happy with whatever cabin is assigned to you. Beware of the upgrade Look out for upgrade deals before you book your stateroom as cruise lines tend to offer promotions that can save you a good dollar or two. However, read the fine print carefully as you may be stuck with cabin decisions that are not what you are looking for. Value adds When booking your cruise cabin, take into considering the cost of the rest of your trip. If you also need to factor in prices for your airfare, pre-cruise hotels and activities onboard, you may not be able to afford the fancy cruise suite you’ve had your eye on. Look for value-added perks on offer from cruise lines and travel agents. Complimentary onboard cash, prepaid tips and included airfare are all promotions that have been offered before and could be offered for your next cruise. These little deals and saving tricks are all ways to free up some money to pay for other holiday expenses. Price drops Cruise fares are much like airfares and change constantly. Typically you can find the lowest costs by booking your cruise earlier (eight months before sail date) or booking very late (two weeks before departure). Fares often drop just days after final payment for cabins are due which is around two months before sailing. Scoring a higher category cabin for a bargain price can be possible but it is risky for your travel budget as fairs will just go up if a cruise category is selling well. What are some of your cruise price tips and tricks to keep an eye out for? Let us know in the comments below.

Cruising

Cabin crew hospitalised after “mystery odour” on flight

Five airline crew have been hospitalised as a precaution due to noticing a mysterious odour whilst departing from Philadelphia to Fort Lauderdale in Florida. After the plane landed in Florida at around 11am PST, American Airlines confirmed to Fox News about the incident. “Shortly before landing, crew members complained of an odour on board,” a spokeswoman for the carrier told <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/travel/american-airlines-staffers-florida-airport-odor">Fox News</a>. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en-gb"> Breaking: Five passengers transported to Broward health after reporting feeling sick on a plane at <a href="https://twitter.com/FLLFlyer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FLLFlyer</a>. No word on the cause. <a href="https://twitter.com/WPLGLocal10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WPLGLocal10</a> <a href="https://t.co/lumRGSdjYb">pic.twitter.com/lumRGSdjYb</a> — Ian Margol (@IanMargolWPLG) <a href="https://twitter.com/IanMargolWPLG/status/1083414718818250752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">10 January 2019</a></blockquote> “The aircraft, an Airbus 320 with 137 passengers and a crew of five, landed safely and taxied to the gate. Two pilots and three flight attendants asked to be taken to the hospital as a precaution. “No passengers requested medical attention. The aircraft is being evaluated by our maintenance team.” No word has been received as to whether or not the crew members are in good health. According to a witness, they wouldn’t let anyone else board the plane. "I heard one of the security guys walk by, and he's like, 'I need four wheelchairs. We need one ASAP," passenger Andrew O'Donnell told ABC 10, according to <a href="https://www.express.co.uk/travel/articles/1070769/florida-flights-american-airlines-plane-pilot-cabin-crew-sick">express.co.uk</a>. "They just sort of wheeled everybody off and they said they smelled an odour on the plane. “And when that happened, they said that they obviously weren't going to let anybody else on." Have you ever noticed anything unusual on one of your flights? Let us know in the comments.

Travel Trouble

Couple's creepy discovery in cruise ship cabin: "Is that what I think it is?"

A US couple from Florida made a creepy discovery in their cruise ship cabin during what was supposed to be a relaxing holiday. Chris and Dana White were enjoying their three-day Carnival cruise to the Caribbean last October before they found a device pointed in the direction of their bed. When they went to have a closer look, they realised it was a video camera that was intentionally placed in between their TV wires. Speaking to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.insideedition.com/" target="_blank">Inside Edition</a> Mr White said, “We were just really flabbergasted that there’s a camera in the room and it’s plugged up and it’s working.” “I just immediately felt like we had been invaded,” Mrs White added. “Our privacy has been invaded.” After making the shock discovery, the pair informed the cruise company who then asked an employee to remove the camera from the premises. After launching an investigation, the company said that a “video transmitter” was found by the staff on the ship but did not mention if the device was connected to a power source or if it was able to record, according to a report by <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.usatoday.com/" target="_blank">USA Today</a>. Carnival has alerted US Customs and Border Protection and has also given the transmitter to the FBI for a more detailed analysis. The incident comes after a young couple came across a <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/the-terrifying-moment-a-couple-make-an-eerie-discovery-inside-their-airbnb" target="_blank">video camera in their Airbnb</a> while visiting Canada. The camera was built into an alarm clock. Has anything like this ever happened to you on holiday? Share your story with us in the comments below.

Travel Trouble

Qantas flight forced to turn back due to “whistling” cabin door

A Qantas pilot has been forced to turn back to Sydney after passengers reported a “whistling” noise coming from one of the plane’s doors. The Qantas flight QF7 was only a few hours into a 17-hour trip to Dallas, Texas when the noise started. After less than three hours in the air, the plane was forced to divert back to Sydney. The plane had to dump some of its fuel into the ocean in order to make the safe landing. A spokesman for Qantas explained “a door seal was creating a high pitched whistling noise in the cabin so in the interests of passenger comfort the captain decided to return to Sydney. “Cabin pressure was always maintained and the aircraft landed safely and without incident. “Engineers are inspecting the aircraft.” Qantas said the safety of passengers were never at risk but said the noise from the door would become have become irksome to passengers. Passengers were transferred onto a different aircraft on their return to Sydney. The flight change means they will arrive in Dallas approximately six hours late.

Travel Trouble

5 cruise cabins you want to avoid at all cost

For those who love travelling by cruise ship, there are many various ways you can compromise on the luxury of your accommodation to save money. But, if it is your first time on a cruise, choosing the wrong cabin may leave a sour taste in your mouth and may turn you off this form of travel forever. Here are the cruise cabins first-time cruisers need to be wary of: 1. The teeny-tiny cabin When you are on a cruise you are hardly spending any time in your cabin but you still need it to be big enough to function. When booking your cabin, don’t get so distracted by the price that you ignore the room dimensions. Also, check if a balcony is included in the total square footage of the room because while the view is nice, it needs to be considered in the tiny space. 2. View expectations If you are going into your cruise with the expectation that you will be getting a picturesque balcony view, then you need to know exactly what you’re getting before you book. A cabin might have a view, but it could be obstructed leaving you with the unpleasant sight of lifeboats rather than a romantic sunrise. To avoid this problem, read the reviews of others who have stayed in the same cabin. 3. Unfortunate location An irritating mistake that many first-time cruisers make is not looking at the deck plans before booking a cabin. If your cabin is near a dance club, sports venue, lido deck or all-night eatery, you can expect to have your sleep disturbed. Also, if the ship offers family suites, keep in mind that your neighbours might be loud, young children. 4. Lack of privacy Beware of cabins that open onto a promenade deck, park or boardwalk as you might have to keep your curtains close for the entire cruise if you don’t won’t those strolling past to have a look inside. 5. Cabin motion For those who have a history of motion sickness, book a cabin that will most likely be more stable. Cabins that are midship, closer to the interior and on a lower deck, are said to have less of a rocking motion. However, if you want a balcony room, many believe that contact with the horizon line is said to reduce nausea. What are your tips for booking a cruise cabin? Let us know in the comments below.

Travel Trouble

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