Are you a first-time cruiser who needs help deciphering some of the cabin lingo? Here’s everything you need to know plus recommendations and tips so you’ll be an instant pro at choosing a cabin.

Choosing a Cabin Type

First you’ll want to determine what type of stateroom works for your travel style. Most ships have four types: inside (no view), outside or ocean view (window), balcony or veranda (door to a private balcony), and suites (larger, often multi-room). Pricing and square footage tends to increase as you move up this list.

What type of stateroom is best for you?

• Inside – A good choice for the active set who don’t plan on much cabin time. Instead they’ll be jogging the deck at sunrise, sunning on the pool deck, sightseeing in port, and dancing until the wee hours. Inside staterooms are the most budget friendly, too.
• Ocean View – Great for those who want to see outside, but don’t desire direct access. Windows make the stateroom feel larger, too.
• Balcony – Perfect for a bookworm’s quiet afternoon read or for a romantic toast your own private sunset with your partner. Balconies facing the stern are particularly popular for their broad views.
• Suite – Families appreciate the extra space, and in some cases an extra bathroom. Convenient for adults to have a separate living space when young ones need to go to bed early.

Travel Maestro tip: Seriously consider a balcony. You won’t regret it. Sipping your morning coffee on your private veranda as a dozen shades of blue stretch to the horizon creates a distinctive peace that you’ll recall long after the vacation.

Choosing a Cabin Category

Within each cabin type, there may be multiple categories for different locations on the ship. The largest ships can have 30+ stateroom categories! Here are some stateroom location factors that you may wish to consider when choosing a cabin category:

• If a member of your party has mobility issues, you might choose a location near an elevator.
• If you’re concerned about motion, go midship for the least rocking. TM tip: the bow and the higher decks feel the most motion, although even that is minimal on large ships.
• On some itineraries the view will be better from one side or the other. For example, on a northbound Alaska Inside Passage itinerary, cabins on the starboard side will have more spectacular scenery. TM tip: Those cabins can get booked 18 months in advance, so plan early.
• To minimize the possibility of hearing noise from outside your stateroom, steer away from cabins that are near elevators, crew service doors, or directly beneath entertainment venues and nightclubs. TM tip: Keep in mind that pool chairs are stacked and unstacked and the pool deck is pressure washed daily. Cabins directly below are likely to hear these early and late rituals.
• Many newer ships have created concierge levels that are a ship within a ship. These areas offer special services such as priority boarding, exclusive pool cabanas, or special spa access. A dedicated lounge might offer continental breakfast or a cocktail hour, much like a hotel concierge level. TM tip: Couples vacationing on a cruise popular with families may appreciate the exclusive access of a concierge area.

Price Considerations

Generally, the higher the deck, the higher the cabin price. Cruise rates are quoted as per person, based on double occupancy. Third and fourth guests in a stateroom pay a lower price than the first two guests. TM tip: Solo travelers staying in a double cabin often pay a single supplement up to 100%! Ask about special single cabins that have no supplement.

Opting for a “guarantee” cabin is usually your best bet for the lowest price in any given category. A guarantee means that you are assured of getting the category purchased – or better – but you can’t choose the specific cabin. This option gives the cruise line flexibility in allocating cabin assignments and in return you get a discount. TM tip: Guarantees are often upgraded to a higher deck than category purchased and occasionally even upgraded to the next stateroom type, for example from outside to balcony. Upgrades are not guaranteed, however.

Get Help From an Expert

These tips should help you identify how your priorities affect choosing a cabin. But don’t stop there. Be sure to enlist the help of our cruise specialists. They’ve seen many ships first-hand and know if there are any special offers available, so they can make recommendations that fit your personal style.

 

* All images courtesy of Royal Caribbean International^®