With winter weather setting into much of North America and Europe, many are already thinking about an escape to warmer weather. Some are considering cruising for the first time.
Seasoned air travelers understand there are major differences between airlines, plane types, cabin classes and even seats within each class, all of which can make one’s flight more or less comfortable and pleasant.
For cruisers, the choices include cruise lines, ship sizes, specific ship, cabin or suite classes, as well as cabin/suite locations within each class, which will make one’s cruise more or less comfortable, pleasant, and worth the cost.
Today I will focus on ship sizes, cabin types and locations.
A ship’s size directly determines how many passengers will be sharing its amenities, resources and activities with you. More often than not, it determines the ambience of the ship and how luxurious it will be.
Larger ships generally offer lower fares, more entertainment which is often more lavish than that on smaller ships, and more activities, which tend to attract families and younger passengers. Many of the larger ships today have a resort feel. Quite a few larger ships offer specific child and teen programs.
Smaller ships tend to be more intimate and more luxurious. They have fewer and generally simpler entertainment options. They are usually more quiet and low-key. Smaller ships typically have a wider variety of destinations and more itinerary flexibility, as they can visit locations unable to handle larger ships. Smaller ships tend to attract older passengers and usually charge premium fares.
Smaller ships may have a specialty dining room or two, but they don’t have the number nor variety of restaurants found on larger ships. Most make up for that with very high quality food and service, and the ability to order “off menu” much of the time.
I’ve cruised on both large and small ships and found the cruises and passengers on the large ships seem to focus more on the ship itself, its activities and entertainment, while on the smaller ships, the focus is on shipboard quality and the cruise’s destinations as the primary experience.
Once you’ve chosen your cruise line, destination and ship, it’s time to choose a cabin.
There is something called a “guarantee cabin.” It’s when you choose a minimum cabin class, instead of a particular cabin. A short time before the cruise takes place, the cruise line assigns the cabin. You can save some cash with this choice, and while it’s possible you could score an upgrade, you could also get the worst cabin of the class you chose. I’ve used this choice a couple of times without good luck. I always choose my exact cabin now.
There are inside (no window), ocean view, inside view and promenade view cabins, cabins with balconies and all kinds of suites on ships today. You can save cash on an inside cabin, but for some, not being able to see outside is a big deal. Cabins with inside or promenade views, some with balconies, aren’t particularly private and can be noisy. If you choose a cabin with a balcony make sure you know if it faces the inside of the ship or the ocean before choosing it. Be sure of what you’re looking at and remember facing inside to a public area of the ship isn’t very private and can be noisy. Cabins with an ocean veranda are really nice if you’re cruising in an area with pleasant temperatures and weather, and you prefer to relax with privacy, instead of in the ship’s outdoor public areas.
Some outside cabins have an obstructed view, which can save you cash. It’s important to realize that not all obstructions are equal. Some can be minor, while others can have your entire window looking at the side of a lifeboat.
TIP: Just like it’s important to look at a plane’s seating diagram when choosing a seat for your flight, you’ve got to look at your ship’s deck plans carefully, and not be timid about contacting the cruise line about cabin location questions, before choosing your cabin.
Cabins come in a variety of sizes. Cabins with less than 160 square feet can feel very confining. Personally, I prefer cabins that are about 200 square feet or more and have a small sitting area. It makes for a more pleasant cruise.
If you suffer from motion sickness, you’ll want a cabin toward the center (midships) of the ship where it’s most stable, not the bow or stern. Cruise ships today are equipped with stabilizers which minimize their rocking motion, but some people are sensitive to motion sickness and should choose their cabin accordingly. Also, lower decks, which are normally less expensive, are more stable than upper decks. (There are motion sickness preventatives which work for most cruisers.)
I want my cabin to be a quiet oasis away from the noise and activity of the rest of the ship. If you’re like me, you want to choose a cabin away from public rooms, theaters, restaurants, bars, sports venues, music/dancing areas, pools/hot tubs, general recreation areas, elevators, stairwells, self-service laundries, etc. If you’re on one of those ships offering family suites, and you want quiet days and nights in your cabin, stay away from this area, too.
There are times when cabins on the lower decks can be especially noisy. If you’re near the bow, you will definitely be awakened by the anchor being dropped at an early port arrival. Cabins at the stern may hear some engine noise, though newer ships are quieter.
Bon Voyage
