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Prices for the cruise are determined by the cabin category, which in turn is based on deck location, amenities, whether the cabin is outside (with a porthole or windows) or inside (with no daylight), and sometimes, but not always, on cabin size.
Don't expect to snap up the bottom-priced loss leader (the one advertised in big print in the ads) because some cruise ships may have only four or six of these, long since allotted or sometimes assigned to cruise staff or entertainers.
Standard cabin amenities always include a bed or berth for each passenger, closet and storage space, some sort of table or dresser, private bathroom facilities (except on some sailing ships) with toilet, sink, tub or shower. Most have individual temperature controls, telephone and radio and/or TV.
Pleasurable extras in upper price categories may include private verandas, suites with separate living room and bedroom, mini- refrigerators, sitting areas and picture windows.
Families with children or several people traveling together will save money by booking cabins with third and fourth upper berths, pull-down bunks that go for much less money (sometimes free) than the first two beds in a cabin.
Disabled travelers will find most vessels have one or more cabins that are specially configured to take care of wheelchairs with wider doors, turning space, low or flat sills and grab rails in the bathroom. If you tend to get seasick, cabin location is really important. The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balconied stateroom, choose the lowest level and the most midship one you can find.
Here is the overview of cabins by type:
| Type: |
Pros:
|
Cons:
|
Recommended for:
|
| Inside Cabin (Without Porthole or Window) |
Most affordable category |
No outside view |
Passengers who are absolutely sure that they won’t spend too much time in the cabin during the cruise |
| Outside Ocean View with Porthole or Window |
Have outside view |
Windows or portholes cannot be opened |
Passengers who seek cruise with affordable price but with a view of the sea. |
| Cabins with Balconies or Verandahs |
Outside sitting area and access to ocean's fresh air |
Balconies are small, with space enough for only two chairs |
Cruisers who wants to have a private space where can enjoy panoramic view of the sea |
Suites
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Largest space available, separate sleeping, sitting rooms and balcony.
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Most expensive category
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Cruise families who seek a lot of space, enjoy luxury accommodation in private and are willing to pay for it
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Keep in mind that actual size of cabins differs from one company to another and there are even different cabin sizes depending on class of the ship within the same company. On luxury cruise lines even the smallest cabins are larger than most of the cabins on contemporary lines. Also, some ships have sub-categories of cabins like suite and luxury-suite.
Information’s about cabin features and square footage are available in the cruise line brochures or with travel agents.
Another important factor concerning cabin selection is location.
Cruise Ship Cabin with Outside ViewThere are few issues to be considered before making a booking in order to avoid disappointment upon embarking.
Inexperienced cruisers sometimes accept offer from travel agent or cruise line for “guaranteed” cabin in order to save some money. That means you have guaranteed just certain type of cabin but not the location.
So, before booking you may want to check the following, potentially disturbing issues:
- Is the cabin located under the dance floor of night-disco club? If so, your cabin could be irritatingly noisy.
- Is the window of your cabin at the promenade deck? If yes, you will have people walking just by your window and not everyone may like that.
- If you want a cabin with a view of the ocean check that it is not obstructed or limited by some object like lifeboat or anything else. That happens sometimes.
Overview of cabins by location:
| Location: |
Pros: |
Cons:
|
| Higher deck |
Close to pool and sundecks area |
Higher price than those on the lower decks. More rocking motions especially on small ships. |
| Lower deck |
Lower price than for higher deck cabins. Less rocking on rough seas. |
Possible noise from ship_ engine or anchor movement. Access to pool and sundecks area requires usage of stairs or elevators |
| Midship (Middle of the Ship) |
Less rocking on rough seas. Best access to all ships amenities. |
Possible noise of traffic in the hallways. Lifeboats or tenders can block the view. |
| Bow (Forward) Cabins |
Sometimes suites are located on this part of the ship and have big balconies due to shape of the ship. |
Biggest rocking on ship. Not recommended for passengers with motion sickness. |
| Aft (Rear) Cabins |
Often cabins with the biggest balconies and with a spectacular view. |
More rocking than on midship. Close to dining room and lounges so problem with noise is possible. |
If a large family or group of people is on cruise together, some lines offer option of having conjoined cabins. Also all ships have certain number of cabins which are accessible for disabled people.
Cruise Ship BalconiesCheck what kind of beds are in the cabin and how that suits you. Most twin beds can be converted into one king-size bed for couple.
Make sure that you get well informed about all aspects mentioned above before booking. Having a good stateroom on cruise vacation will significantly improve your ship experience.
It will be your home at sea during the cruise.
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