How to Pick the Best Room on a Cruise Ship

Years ago, cruise ships were the domain of the rich and famous. These days, however, most anyone can afford to hop on board and sail the seven seas. Similar to a hotel, cruise ships offer different types of rooms, each with various accommodations. It’s always a good idea to consider where you’ll be staying before hauling your luggage inside the cabin. This article is a quick guide to picking the best room for your tastes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a porthole cabin if you’re on a tight budget. Although these are typically on the lowest decks of the ship and have only a small circular window, they are also the least expensive and rather economical if you aren’t planning on spending much time in your room. Besides this, they give you a wonderful “washing machine” view when the waves slap against your window.

2. Pick an ocean view cabin so you can see the sea. These rooms are higher up than porthole cabins and have larger windows that offer a better vista. Still, their space is restrictive and the windows are sealed, so you can forget about feeling an ocean breeze shy of going above deck.

3. Select a cabin with a veranda if you like the wind in your hair. Typically, these rooms are larger and some even offer a sitting area with a sofa. A sliding-glass door gives you access to your own personal balcony, which is generally small but sufficient.

4. Book a suite if you have the money and plan on spending a decent amount of time in your room. Suites are the best form of accommodation, providing the cruise guest with a balcony, bathrooms with bathing tubs, greater floor space and sometimes even butler service. The best part is telling other guests at dinner what kind of room you have when they ask. If the paparazzi start snapping pictures, you can always close the curtains.

5. Pick the best location for your tastes. Besides having different types, the rooms on a cruise ship come in a variety of locations. Individuals that get seasick easily should avoid cabins in the front or rear of the ship, because these receive the most motion. Even so, aim for the back if you want a larger balcony and a magnificent view of the sea. Higher deck cabins are closest to the pool and sun decks, so book one of these rooms if you plan on sunbathing and would rather not climb several flights of stairs every day to do so. Adventurers will prefer a room in the bow (front) of the ship, since ocean spray, high motion and fierce gales rock these cabins at every turn. Finally, note the location of all dining halls and dance floors. If you like quiet, never book a room directly beneath them.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are traveling with your children, consider booking a family suite with adjoining cabins that have connecting doors.
• Take into account how far your room is from the ship’s activities and note how much traffic will be passing by your door or window.
• Avoid a room near the engines or else you’ll be listening to their roar for the duration of your cruise.