Part of making a cruise reservation is choosing the specific cabin you want to stay in. And there’s more to think about than whether you want an inside (windowless) cabin or an outside cabin (most have a window or balcony).
While there’s no one “best” cabin location, there may
be a location that’s best for you. Most cruise lines show cabin locations on
their online deck plans; ask your professional travel advisor to help you look
around and make your choice. There’s a lot to consider, including your budget,
your desire for a view, the distance to the nearest elevator, how many companions
you’re sailing with, how soundly you sleep, and more.
First, think about where you want to be along the
length of the ship. Toward the front, the outside cabins may have a bit more space
– and excellent, forward-facing views – due to the curvature of the ship. The middle
of the ship is usually the most stable; you won’t feel the waves as much as you
could in the front or back. Toward the back, as in the front, the cabins may be
a little more spacious, and the outside cabins often have the largest balconies
on board.
Then, decide what deck you want to be on. Lower decks can
offer economical options and less sway, though the outside cabins may have just
a small porthole window. On higher decks, the size of the windows in the outside
cabins usually increases, and cabins with balconies are located well above the
water line. Just remember that the motion of the ship is usually more
noticeable the higher you go; the cost of your fare will probably rise, too.
Finally, check on what’s adjacent to your cabin. That
includes what’s on each side (which may be another cabin, an elevator, a
laundry, or another service area), as well as what’s above and below. If you’re
adjacent to a pool, activity deck, elevator shaft, crew service area, restaurant, or entertainment venue, you may hear some noise at times. Also check the
location of the ship’s anchor, which can make a surprising amount of noise when
it’s dropped and retracted.
After you reserve a cabin, you might be able to change
your mind as long as cabins in your preferred location are still available. But
there may be a charge when you change. So, choose your cabin wisely, then get
ready to sail!
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