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How to Choose a Cabin |
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How to Choose a Cabin |
It's true some cruise ship cabins are truly cramped, or, as Mark Twain said, not big enough to swing a cat in. But there are also penthouse suites on some ships that are the size of apartments (the most deluxe have grand pianos and outdoor Jacuzzis). And as you can see in any cruise line brochure there are also lots of offerings in between.
So how do you choose? Price will probably be a factor.
If you're trying to save money and don't plan on being in your cabin except to change your clothes and to sleep, a small space with no window or just a tiny porthole may do you just fine.
If, on the other hand, you're claustrophobic or just like to spread out, you may want to spend bigger bucks for a more spacious bigger-windowed retreat. I recommend if you can afford a cabin with a balcony (or verandah as they are sometimes called) you get one, especially if you like a quiet place to read or reflect on the sea. It's the best cabin amenity out there! Size of cabin is noted in the cruise line's brochures, but may not make a lot of sense unless you mark out the square feet on your floor at home.
By way of a guide: 120 square feet is closet-sized. 180 square feet is comfortable for two people 250 square feet is suite-sized (but still not very big when you compare it to a hotel room).
Some other things to consider when deciding what kind of cabin is right for you:
1. An inside cabin means no windows at all and is the lowest- priced cabin category. An outside cabin means there's a window. A minisuite means there's a sitting area. A suite usually means there's a separate sleeping and sitting area (and sometimes a separate dining area as well).
2. Your cabin will have a shower, but a bathtub is considered an extra on cruise ships, and you'll have to pay a premium if you want one.
3. If you book a cabin with a balcony, inquire about the size. Is there enough space for a lounge chair? A table? And is the verandah really private, or can your neighbors see you.
4. If noise bothers you, make sure your cabin is not near the engine room, disco, gym or children's play area.
5. Make sure your cabin has beds that can be configured the way you desire. Some lower-end cabins only offer bunk beds. Most cabins have twin beds that can be combined to make a queen, but you'll have to let the cruise line know which configuration you want.
6. If having a TV is important to you, make sure your cabin is equipped with one. Other cabin amenities to look for include safes, minibars, VCRs, bathrobes and hair dryers, all of which may only be available in top cabins.
7. Not all cabins have sitting areas, desks or vanities. If any of these areimportant to you, ask which cabins have them.
8. Some cabins connect to the cabin next door, which is great for families or friends traveling together. Most ships have cabins for four (with upper and lower berths or a sofa bed) and some even for five.
9. The more people sharing a cabin the more you save (rates for the third and fourth-passenger in a cabin are highly discounted). Singles sharing a cabin can divide the total cost by four and all save.
10. The most expensive cabins are typically on upper decks, but if you suffer from sea sickness, you may want a cabin in the middle of the ship, which is more stable.
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Phone: 360 794-4886 * 800 433-5945
Fax: 360 794-0311www.vacationshop.com * Travel@Vacationshop.com