What you need to know about cruising . . .

The obvious disadvantage in booking an inside cabin is lack of natural light. But the savings can be substantial, with money better spent on shore excursions than on a window. I personally have no problems with an inside cabin, but I know a lot of people who ONLY book outside staterooms. In my opinion, your best bet is on a low category inside or outside cabin. As I am not a travel agent, you might want to check with a travel professional for more input. But HIGH category outside staterooms are a waste of money on Carnival and Royal Caribbean, as most lower priced outside cabins are identical. That's not to say that specially priced cruises aren't out there...they are. And frequently you can get an outside cabin upgrade for $50, which is worth the additional cost. What I am talking about is the difference between an $800 outside cabin and a $1200 outside cabin...chances are good there isn't much difference in size OR location. Usually you pay more for a higher floor.

I don't plan to spend much time in my cabin. What's the most affordable way for me to get on the ship? Very good question, and one we hear quite often. The most affordable way to get on the ship other than stowing away is to book an "inside guarantee." The rate is often a little lower than the rate for the lowest category on the ship. You will not receive a cabin number when booking. It will be assigned as late as the day of sailing. And your cabin assignment could be in any category on the ship. You could receive the lowest category on the ship or the highest. You never know. However, expect an inside cabin. The drawback is that you don't know where you'll end up. It could be the front, back or middle, so if that's a concern to you, we recommend avoiding this pricing program.

Since most cabins on today's ships only differ by the fact they're on a different deck, most folks don't mind taking a chance of where they end up. Most of our clients who take advantage of this deal are quite satisfied with their accommodations. If you seriously plan to spend little time in your cabin, then consider this promotion.

Return to top of this page

Cabin location and motion sickness
Where is the best location for my cabin if I'm concerned about the ship's motion? While motion sickness shouldn't be a major concern on today's ships, you should still know the best way to avoid it if possible. If it's available, you should request a cabin that is relatively close to the middle of the ship. If you can imagine a see-saw in the play ground, it's the ends that go up and down, not the middle. (No, cruises are not like see-saws). You should also look for a cabin that's closer to the bottom of the ship, not the top. The higher you are, the greater the potential to feel a left to right rolling motion. Example, the top of a tall palm tree will always sway more in the wind than the bottom of the tree.

Again, today's ships are fully stabilized making your cruise comfortable in virtually any location. As a matter of fact, if motion discomfort were such an issue, the suites on a ship wouldn't be at the top and near the front.

To make sure you get the best cabin for you, book early, book early, book early. If wait, you'll have less to choose from.

Return to top of this page

Inside vs. ocean view cabins
Is an oceanview cabin worth the extra money? Our clients tell us the the biggest advantage of having an oceanview cabin is that it makes your cabin seem so much bigger. It's amazing what natural light will do for a room. It also gives you some perception of time. When you wake up at 7:00 am in an inside cabin, you can't tell if it's 2 in the morning or 3 in the afternoon. For them an oceanview cabin is worth it for this reason alone. Want to know what the weather's like? Open your curtain. With an inside cabin, you throw on some clothes, run outside and run back again.

On the other hand, our other valued clients say the opposite. "Who needs a window. I'm only going to be in there when I sleep anyway. I could use that extra money on shore excursions, my bar tab, or my next cruise."

Who's right? They both are. It's really up to you. Oceanview cabins generally cost about $100 more per person for a 7 or 10 night Caribbean cruise and about $200 more per person for a European or Exotic itinerary. Our agents will be glad to discuss the features and benefits of both types of cabins without pressuring you into something you don't want.

The only itinerary where we highly suggest an oceanview cabin is Alaska. With daylight hours approaching 20 - 22 hours in the peak season, it's wonderful to be able to enjoy it from your cabin.

Is there any difference between cabins on the lower decks and cabins on the higher decks? You find the Deluxe Cabins and Suites on the higher decks of a cruise ship, so, yes, there is a difference here. For example, a Category 4, Inside Cabin on Carnival's Fantasy on the Riviera Deck is the same size as an Oceanview Category 9 on the Empress Deck. The difference become evident in the Cat 11 and Cat 12 Demi-Suites and Suites. However, Standard Inside Cabins and Oceanview Cabins are basically the same on any deck. But for the higher the deck of the cabin, the higher the price.

On today's newer ships, there are basically four types of cabins:

Inside Cabins - these are cabins without windows

Oceanview Cabins - basically the same size as inside cabins only they have port holes or picture windows.

Deluxe Cabins - about the same size as an oceanview cabin, except it may have a private balcony which adds to the overall square footage of the cabin.

Suites - significantly larger than other cabins on the ship, often with a private balcony or verandah.

How many people can I get into my cabin? Most cruise ship cabins are built to accommodate two passengers. However, there are many on each ship that can accommodate three and four passengers. Carnival, The Big Red Boat, and Disney all have ships that sleep five in one cabin. These cabins are obviously very popular among families and go quickly during family vacation times. So book them early if you need them.