How to choose the right cabin for you

When picking a cabin, it is crucial to pick one that fits the type of experience you envision yourself having. Having the wrong cabin on a cruise can greatly impact the attitude you carry around for the rest of your vacation. It is important that you pick both a location within the ship and a style that will suit all of your needs.

First, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the different cruising terminology before choosing the location of your room. Some ships have as many as 20 cabin categories; the price will depend on size, amenities and location. If you have paid for a balcony but it’s on the bow (front of the ship), it’s possible there will be a lot of wind. However, in the stern, or rear of the ship, there tends to be less wind but more noise from the engine.

• Bow – the front of the ship. A balcony here may be windy.
• Stern – the rear of the ship. While there will be less wind, there may be engine noise.
• Mid-ship – cabins here are more expensive because the middle of the ship is reputed to be more stable.
• Top decks – cabins here are popular because they are near the pool and sun deck but can be noisy.
• Lower decks – you might have to walk up more stairs but cabins here are away from the noise of public areas.

The level you want your room on is very much dependent upon the vacation you are looking to have. Are you looking to be around the main activities and socialisation? If so the top deck cabins are your best bet. However, if a relaxing and quiet vacation is the trip you’re in the market for, the lower deck is away from most noise and public areas. Remember: Cabins near lifts will be noisy.

Next, you need to decide what size cabin you’ll need. This should be based upon both the number of people you are staying with as well as the activities you plan to do. If you plan on being in your room only to sleep, perhaps it would be beneficial to book an inside cabin and use the money you’ve saved for extra excursions.

The final decision to be made is to choose whether you want to be starboard (right) or port (left). If you’ve paid for that balcony, make sure you consider the direction you’re cruising in and whether you’ll be able to see the coast from your cabin.

It’s extremely important to consider your budget when deciding the right cabin for you. Remember that many factors play into the cost of your room. The size, location, and services provided will affect how much you pay. An outside cabin at mid-ships will cost you more than an inside cabin near the bow.

Remember, the longer your voyage, the more comfortable you’ll want to be.

This is how you can choose the right cabin for you

Suites and Penthouses

Larger, more luxurious cabins are called “suites”. A suite will often have two distinct areas: the bedroom and a separate living area with a sofa, table and possibly a second television. Suite passengers also receive extra inclusions, such as evening canapes, free laundry, butler service or access to exclusive lounges and restaurants. 

Suites are also distinguished by their level of extravagance, with the top-of-the-range often called penthouse suites or owner’s suites. These apartment-style accommodations can have three or four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dining room, a lounge room, a study, a bar, a grand piano or a hot tub on a private terrace. Spa suites have a Jacuzzi bath, fancier toiletries, plusher bathrobes and easy access to the ship’s day spa.

A suite is ideal for couples who appreciate the finer things in life, but it can also suit families. While a family can book separate cabins for children and other relatives, some families may prefer to stay in the same space. Some ships have dedicated “family cabins”, with more space but fewer luxuries, and “interconnecting cabins” with a door in between two cabins, so parents can keep an eye on the kids. Interconnecting, family cabins and suites are also popular with groups of friends who don’t want to share a room.

Outside Cabin

All other types of cabins have windows. An “outside cabin” is located on the outer edge of the ship, in a better vantage point on the upper decks. The window can range from a small, unopenable porthole to almost floor-to-ceiling. Again, it’s advisable to skip the cheaper porthole cabins, which are found on the lowest passenger-accessible deck of the ship, near the waterline. Most luxury ships do not have inside or porthole cabins, but some older yachts may offer them. 

Inside Cabin

An “inside cabin” is a windowless room, positioned in an inner area of the ship, which is aimed at travellers on a tight budget. Sleeping in a pitch-black room might benefit light sleepers, but waking up in complete darkness can be disorienting. The lack of natural daylight and fresh air is not recommended for a week-long holiday, and the lack of an ocean view defeats the purpose of cruising.

Balcony Cabin

from a small, unopenable porthole to almost floor-to-ceiling. Again, it’s advisable to skip the cheaper porthole cabins, which are found on the lowest passenger-accessible deck of the ship, near the waterline. Most luxury ships do not have inside or porthole cabins, but some older yachts may offer them. 

A “balcony cabin” (sometimes called a “verandah cabin”) is the preferred accommodation, allowing guests to sit outdoors in a private space, enjoying the sea breeze and panoramic views. One of the great joys of cruising is to wake up, throw on a bathrobe and step outside to admire the sunrise on the horizon or watch the exciting arrival into a new port. During the day, you can use it to have an alfresco breakfast or lunch, unwind with a book or sunbathe in privacy. In the evening, a balcony is the perfect place to catch the sunset at sea. 

Balcony cabins may be further defined as superior, deluxe or premium. This grading system refers to the size of the balcony, indoor spaciousness and features such as a walk-in wardrobe or sitting area with a sofa and coffee table. There may be a pull-out sofa bed for a third passenger, which is useful for children or friends travelling together.

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