Today we will get into a little more depth regarding cabin types. Again, if I don’t cover something you want or need to know, please leave a comment and I’m happy to respond!
First thing to know, when it comes to the 3 basics I mentioned before, inside, ocean view and balcony, there isn’t much difference in the cabin interior itself. The square footage of the interior is a bit smaller, and the set up is a little different. The main difference will be location and cost.
ALL cabins, no matter what type, come with these same creature comforts:
- Room service
- 24 Hour Room Steward
- Nightly turn down service
- Individual climate control (A/C!)
- Telephone
- Television
- Plenty of closet and drawer space
- Private bathroom and shower
- Personal safe
- Ice bucket and glasses
In addition, some cabins have a small refrigerator. I cannot speak for an interior, but I know ocean view and above all seem to have refrigerators. Also, most ships we have been on have shampoo and body wash in the showers. But check before leaving anything behind.
Interior: Interior cabins are the most affordable way to cruise. Yet you don’t risk losing any comforts at all. The only thing missing would be natural light. Everything else is there, from the same beds, bedding, bathroom etc. If you are someone who requires total darkness when sleeping, this is the best option for you. We also had an interior cabin for our two children directly across the hall from our ocean view cabin. We opted for this because our kids were okay on their own, a bit older and needing more privacy (as did we!). This was cheaper than having a connecting ocean view cabin. Interior cabins sleep two, three or four people in two lower beds and one or two upper bunks (5 with a roll-away or pack-n-play), depending on the cabin chosen. Some interior cabins also offer connecting cabins for families.
Oceanview: Ocean view cabins are a little longer front to back than an interior cabin. This allows added space for a bit longer counter space and the addition of a couch and coffee table. Ocean view can come two ways, with port hole windows or a larger 4’x4′ (roughly) picture window. Port hole cabins are a bit lower priced than the ones with picture windows and are on a lower deck, but are structurally the same. Oceanview cabins sleep two to five people in two lower beds and one or two upper bunks and one on the couch, depending on the cabin chosen. Some oceanview cabins also offer connecting cabins for families.
Balcony: Balcony cabins are identical to Oceanview cabins with the only difference being a large door/window combination that leads out to a private balcony. There are many different balcony options, from standard balcony, to a cove balcony or an aft facing balcony (rear of ship). Aft facing balconies generally only accommodate two guests. Other balcony cabins sleep two to five people in two lower beds and one or two upper bunks and one on the couch, depending on the cabin chosen. Some balcony cabins also offer connecting cabins for families.
Suite: Suites come in different sizes and shapes from Junior suites to Grand suites. All suites sleep two to five and have connecting cabin options like the other categories. What they do offer in addition is VIP check-in, priority embarkation and debarkation, and a deluxe bathroom with a whirlpool tub. They have larger closets and an additional spacious seating area with table. Vista Suites are usually at the back corner of the ship, have a wall of windows and an extra large balcony space with regular chairs and chaise lounges. Suite prices vary greatly.
As new ships are added to every fleet, the creativity with cabins has really taken off. Some class of staterooms, Havana on Carnival for instance, offer private space for all Havana Cabin occupants. You have daytime access to a private pool, larger outdoor space with hammock chairs, and children under 12 are not allowed. Spa cabins have a few more amenities for your comfort like specialty shampoo, body lotion and body wash, use of luxurious bathrobes and slippers, priority spa reservations, and more.
Location of your cabin is also very important. Every cruise line offers deck plans on their websites of the ship you’re considering. Before choosing something, look each deck over. If you’re considering a certain cabin, what is below it or above it? Are there other cabins or is there common space like a lounge, night club or casino? You want to know what’s there and what may cause some noise. Truthfully, we have never had a major problem with noise, but some cabins can have issues. Aft cabins down low, for instance, may be more inclined to have noise from the engines.
Location is also important when it comes to the rear (aft), middle or front (forward) of the ship. If you’re concerned about seasickness always go low and middle. You will feel more motion at the back or front of the ship. You will also feel more motion the higher you are on the ship.
When bringing a family on board, you have one thing to decide….do we save money by having our children in the same cabin with us? If you do, the 3rd and 4th person in a cabin are a lower rate than the first two, and it is indeed cheaper to do it this way. If your children are in a connecting cabin, each child will cost the same as you, because they have their own individual space.
And on the reverse, if you want more quiet, I recommend getting a cabin away from the connecting cabins where most families with children will be. It’s also quieter away from the elevators where people will congregate.
Essentially, the options are pretty limitless!! I’m here to help, just ask!!
Until next time, cruise on……..
Just Cruisin' 