Pick a Cabin, Any Cabin!

Let me just say, straight up, that no one really cares what kind of cabin you are in. By the time you and your friends are meeting up for drinks and dinner, where you sleep is not really going to be much of a concern. And if the potential new friends do have some sort of an issue, are they really the sort of people that you are likely to hang out with?

Generally speaking though, every cabin has its advantages and disadvantages. But when it comes down to it, it’s all about size. When it comes to choosing, size matters to some, not so much to others. Read on to try out these cabins for size…

Single Cabins

Some cruise lines have finally figured out that not everyone is a couple, AND that not everyone likes to share with a stranger…or pay a higher premium in the form of a single supplement just, to stay by themselves in a twin cabin. While many river cruises have offered random single cabins with no single supplement for a while, ocean cruises have been slow to come to the party. Norwegian Cruise Lines jumped on-board early in 2010 with their studio cabins – specifically designed for one. Smaller than a twin room, with a single or small double bed, en-suite and storage, more often in an interior or ocean-view cabin with a shared “singles” space nearby. Other cruise lines have seen the light (so to speak) and now accommodate singles better. If you want to avoid the single supplement, simply ask your consultant for recommendations.

Inside Cabins

Most inside cabins can be described as cosy or cheap and cheerful. And depending on whether you are going twin share or triple or quad share depends on how cosy it is going to be. The cabin size can vary depending on where the cabin is positioned on the ship, and sometimes have “interesting” floor-plans when placed into the various nooks and cranny’s (aka “spare” corners) of a cruise ship.

Modern day demands for more hotel-like amenities have seen the addition of compact en-suites with showers, more storage in the form of a wardrobe, desk, dresser or small table, either a chair or small lounge, and the ever-present TV. Nice, neat and comfy cosy.

The main difference with an inside cabin is that there is no natural light, and for some this can be a little disconcerting. In an attempt to alleviate perception of being closed in, or fears of the dark Royal Caribbean have installed a “Virtual Balcony”, giving a projected, real-time view of the ocean and destinations outside. Other cruise lines have classed cabins with obstructed views or interior promenade views as an inside cabin, both of which bring filtered light into the cabin.

It has also been suggested that people who feel queasy just watching the horizon feel better when they are in an inside cabin, because it really feels like being in an interior room. Personally, I have had the best night’s sleep in a snugly dark inside cabin – which was just perfect after a full day of swimming, relaxing and dancing until midnight.
The popular bonus for an inside cabin is their lower price point – and really, you only use the cabin to sleep in, right?

Oceanview Cabins

I can see the sea! You have a real view to the real ocean in an ocean-view cabin. This comes via a porthole (usually round or square) or various sizes of window, some are even floor to ceiling! And whilst you can see through the window, they more often than not are fixed and cannot be opened. And it is good to note that some cabins will have obstructed views being close to the lifeboats or tenders.

Again all the mod cons are provided, similar to an inside cabin, hotel-like amenities, and with twin, triple and quad share variations. The cabin size could be similar to an inside cabin through to larger, roomier sizes with more regular floor-plans (normally placed alongside the outer hull of the ship).

Many cruisers feel that they need to see the sea while in their cabin, it is a cruise after all! However, for those who don’t particularly mind (after all there is a whole ship of ocean views) an inside cabin may be a more viable option.

Balcony Cabins

The fresh open air and sea breeze is what is on offer in a balcony cabin. Light floods through full-height glass sliding doors that lead to your own private balcony. Just perfect for getting away from it all and relaxing on personal sun loungers, drinking champagne or dining just the two of you.

Balcony cabins are extremely popular because they offer the privacy of an outdoor space and they are often combined with a little extra interior space. Most balcony cabins are configured as twin share with a queen bed (or twin beds), and on some ships, a triple or quad share balcony cabin is available. Each has similar features with regard to wardrobe and TV, with roomier bathrooms, dressing and lounge areas.

And while the fare is higher, it is the benefit of watching the sun set over the open sea horizon from your own balcony that draws cruisers in. Essentially, more space, more light, more air!

Suites

A premium cabin or suite comes with all the perks, and size, and extra amenities. While the other cabins have showers, with a suite you are treated to a deluxe soaking tub as well as a shower… sometimes even an ultra-luxury jetted-spa, and with the higher end suites you could even find an outdoor spa tub on your balcony as well. Dining and dressing areas, larger wardrobes, in fact everything is bigger and better – bigger rooms, larger balcony, a better TV – some suites even have a coffee machine.
The benefits of staying in a suite are as many and varied as there are different cruise lines. They could range from dining privileges in specialty restaurants, priority boarding/disembarking, invitations to the captain’s cocktail party, access to VIP areas, pools and dining, fully stocked in-room bar replenished daily, dedicated entertainment seating through to complimentary concierge services and more.

The ultimate bonus, of course, is a butler. Available on some cruise lines, a butler might unpack/pack your suitcases, make restaurant reservations, deliver morning and afternoon tea, canapés, personally set up and deliver balcony dining for two, organise laundry, run you a bath, get you a Martini and any of your guests a cocktail at 4pm every day…make sure to ask your cruise consultant when booking if your suite has a butler – it is definitely something to look forward to. From mini-suites through family suites, multi-roomed suites to owners’ and penthouse suites, again you will find the price may be higher, but think of all those luxuries and space and personal touches and an extra roomy deluxe cabin. Is this the cruise of a lifetime? Are you celebrating a milestone or anniversary? Do you want this cruise to be special? After all, you’re worth that little extra, aren’t you?

In a nutshell, multiple cabins are available on any cruise ship, from the comfortable inside cabins to an ocean-view giving you glimpses of the sea. A balcony cabin will give you your own personal space to relax outdoors, and the space and views expand as you move up into the suite category, as do the extra amenities and inclusions. Whatever style of accommodation you choose on your cruise – an inside cabin or a full-on suite everyone has access to all of the daily fun, great variety of food and entertainment offered on-board and destination experiences. And remember this…even for the most discerning guest life on-board is pretty much the same for everyone when they are asleep!