The perfect cruise starts with cabin selection, here's how to choose the right one
Just choose the right cabin and it's instant cruising.
The choice of cabin for a cruise trip is very important. This is not to say that you cannot have a nice cruise, even in an inside cabin, which is the absolute least expensive option. Leaving informed is essential: if you are well aware of your choice, you cannot be disappointed. However, one should avoid being persuaded by third parties to choose a cabin category that, despite its price, is not for us.
In this article:
Standard categories are indoor, outdoor and balcony on all but a few of the world's cruise ships that do not have balconies because they are small and not newly built.
The interior cabins do not have windows or portholes, but the air conditioning system provides excellent air exchange. A double bed, convertible to two single beds, desk, bathroom with shower and closet are available. Some cabins are quad occupancy, with rollaway bunk beds. Traveling in a quad interior, requires a spirit of adaptation, as space for 4 people is limited, but if two are children, the cost of the cruise is greatly reduced.
It should be kept in mind that many companies let children travel for free, sometimes even until they reach the age of 18. Always check the current regulations for this option. Port taxes and insurance are compulsory, as are service fees; most companies charge these to the on-board account.
There are cabins with partially or totally restricted views, but into which light enters through windows located behind the lifeboats, these cabins are very good value for money.
The window or porthole solutions, on the new generation ships, are larger in size, often have a three-seater sofa convertible into a bed and if quadruple, an additional foldaway bunk bed. It depends on the ships, check well the floor plan and especially the square meters that are always included in the catalogs. Usually cabins with windows are located on the lowest decks or at the extreme bow of the ship.
Instead, there are inside cabins on almost every deck. Rarely are quintuple accommodations found, happening only on some ships or by request to "force" and add a cot at the discretion of the company.
Le cabins with balcony are more expensive, but they give more excitement; the contact with the sea is priceless. Today, cruise lines are building ships with an increasing number of cabins with balconies or verandas. In the catalogs, you will find the measurements of both the room and the balcony, so you can realize how much space you will have.
The price per catalog also varies by location: proximity to elevators provides more convenience and thus you pay more, same for higher decks, pools, and buffet.
Personally, I have traveled in many types of cabins and I know all or most of them from filming and photographing them.I cannot deny that some are really "super," but I must add that I have had beautiful cruises in inside or outside cabins as well. You don't always have large sums of money available to take a trip, but you ALWAYS want to go. So do the math right...who cares if to get to Brazil or the Caribbean, Mexico or China, you have to choose a standard cabin! You will still be sure to have a great time and see beautiful places while sleeping in a nice big bed, served and revered.
The matter changes, when you are basically very demanding and travel solely in luxurious accommodations. In this case, ships have accommodations in large suites with personal butlers, large balconies with Jacuzzis, and much more, such as entire VIP areas where you can find all kinds of comforts and privacy.
A honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply the desire for a special cruise will make you opt for high-end accommodations. I am speaking to you in general, because each ship has its own characteristics.
There are also different categories among the suites and vary according to size, location, balcony size.
Whichever choice is made, each passenger will have the entire ship at his or her disposal: bars, restaurants, swimming pools, waterpark, disco, SPA, except in some cases the VIP or solarium areas for a fee, which are part of more expensive cruise packages.