4 golden rules to find the best cruise ship cabin
Inside, outside, balcony or suite? Here’s how to choose the best cabin for your next cruise.
1. Set your budget
Sure, we’d all stay in a suite if money was no object but you’ll need to be realistic about your budget and select the best cabin you can afford. Inside cabins are the cheapest and offer great value. If you plan to spend most of your time on shore at ports or making use of all the ship facilities, then an inside cabin could be for you. If you really value having fresh air in your cabin and being able to sit outside, then it’s worth spending a little more for a balcony. Many cruise lines run promotions offering free cabin upgrades, so book carefully and you could be getting more for less.
2. Pick the location
Unlike a hotel, a cruise ship is a moving object, constantly subjected to the forces of the ocean. As cabins are spread across the whole vessel, some will be more affected by this movement than others. If you’re prone to seasickness, choose a cabin that sits towards the middle of the ship rather than at the bow or stern for a more stable ride. It also pays to look at a deck plan and see how far a cabin will be from the lifts or stairs if you want to minimise walking. And you can see where the other amenities are so you don’t find yourself in a cabin right under the noisy nightclub.
3. Think about your companions
Cruising is popular with solo travellers, couples, families or multi-generational groups. Luckily, there’s a cabin type to suit all of them. Families can look into connecting cabins that give everyone some privacy while still keeping the group together. These will be more expensive than a single cabin with extra fold out beds, but it’s worth the investment to avoid spending your holiday crammed in like sardines. Solo travellers can choose single cabins to avoid paying an extra supplement while couples may want to splash out on cabins in a private, adults-only section of the ship for a relaxing break.
4. Compare the amenities
All cabins share the same basic features (like ensuite bathrooms, televisions and daily servicing) though if you want a little extra, there are a whole host of specific cabins offering even more. Choose a spa cabin for direct access to the spa’s facilities and a dedicated spa restaurant. Some ships offer exclusive ship-within-a-ship areas with just a few suites and access to private facilities like a restaurant, swimming pool and sun deck. Suites will come with butler service to do everything from unpack your suitcase to plan an in-room cocktail party. These extra perks can change your whole onboard experience.
What sort of a cruise ship cabin do you normally choose? Do you think this article is going to influence your decision on your next cruise? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Related links:
How I discovered the 10 rules of cruising
Just how much does each day on a cruise cost
5 things NOT to pack on a cruise