What are the different factors that contribute to the cost and comfort of cruise ship cabins (also called cruise ship staterooms)?  Their

• size
  
  
• location
  
  
• layout

One of the biggest differences between cruise lines is the quality of their accommodations.  The smallest cabin on a luxury line is much larger than the smallest cabin on a mainstream line.

Mainstream cruise ship staterooms are usually called either standard inside, ocean view, balcony or suite.  The size of the cabin and size of the balcony can vary, even within the same price range.


Standard Cruise Ship Cabins - From the Least Expensive To the Costliest:


Standard Inside - No Porthole, No Window

• The least expensive stateroom is often between 120 and 180 square feet.  That’s roughly three times the size of a walk-in closet.

• For the most part they’re quite tastefully furnished.

• They usually have wall-to-wall carpeting, a dresser, night table, chair, a closet and twin beds that can often be pushed together to make a queen-sized bed. 

• There’ll be a telephone and satellite TV.  You be able to control the air conditioning and heating in your cabin.

• The bathrooms are often small with a shower instead of a tub.

Outside - Ocean View

• These cabins are almost identical to inside standard cabins except for the view.

Most modern cruise ships have large picture windows instead of portholes.  You can’t open the window, so you’ll need a balcony if you want to feel the breeze.


Outside - Balcony

• Usually larger than standard cabins, these have verandas beyond sliding glass doors.

• The balconies are just wide enough for a couple of chairs and a small table and offer little privacy.

• You’ll find larger balconies near the rear of the ship.

• If they’re called mini-suites they’ll have a small sitting area and a convertible sofa or loveseat.  A curtain separates the sitting area from the sleeping area.

Outside - Suite

• Balconied cabins are larger and often have bigger bathrooms with bathtubs.
  
  
• Butler service may be available.

The Location Of Your Cabin - One Of Your Most Important Choices

When you take a sailing cruise one of your most important decisions is which cruise cabin to reserve.  Your selection of cruise ship staterooms often makes or breaks the quality of your vacation.

Whether it’s online or in a brochure, one of the first things you'll want to do is find the layout of the vessel.   When you look at it you’ll see an overview of the ship’s decks, the location of the cruise ship staterooms, and diagrams of the interior floor plans. 

There will also be a list of the different categories of cruise cabins.  On a very large cruise line ship there can be over 20 categories.  Don't let this overwhelm you.  With what you'll learn here you'll be able to find the right cabin for you.


Your physical comfort will be determined primarily by the location of your cruise cabin.

Look at what’s above, below, and next to your cabin.  For the most part you would like to be surrounded by other staterooms rather than public areas.

Unless you like staying up through the night, you should definitely avoid cruise cabins that are near or under:

• a dance floor

• the pool

• a kitchen area

• a restaurant that’s open all night

• the gym

For privacy - avoid an ocean view stateroom on a promenade deck.  The passers-by will look into these cabins.

Don’t book a cruise cabin near a service elevator or you will hear plenty of noise.

And to avoid crowded corridors, stay away from the doctor’s office and housekeeping areas.


What's the Difference Between One Deck And Another?


Lower Deck Cruise Cabins

Pros

• You’ll have a smoother ride in rough seas.

• They’re the most affordable cruise cabins.  Book one and you will save hundreds of dollars.

Cons

• You’ll be the furthest from most of the activities so you’ll have to climb more stairs and ride more elevators.

• You may also hear the anchor noise and engine noise.  This is especially true on an older cruise line ship.  These noises can be very grating on your nerves.

Higher Deck Cruise Cabins

Pros

• The views are nice.

Cons

• Because these cruise ship staterooms are closer to the sundeck and the pool deck they’ll usually cost more.

• Imagine you’re on top of a pendulum that’s swaying back and forth - the higher your deck the more you’ll feel the motion of the ocean.

Bow Cruise Cabins

Pros

• Great views.

Cons

• If you want to feel like a real sailor, especially during rough seas, book a forward cruise cabin.

Aft Cruise Cabins

Pros

• You’ll feel less motion in the cruise ship staterooms at the rear of the ship.

• You’ll have a beautiful view of where you’ve been.

Cons

• You’ll often give up your privacy because the restaurants and lounges usually overlook these cabin’s balconies.  People will look down on you while you’re sunbathing.

Midship Cruise Cabins

Pros

• These cruise ship staterooms tend to have less motion.

Cons

• They often go for a premium.

If you book a midship cabin make sure you’re not near the lifeboats or tenders because they’ll block your view.  The tenders are quite loud when they’re being raised and lowered.


Guarantee Cabins

A “guarantee” cabin means you pay for a category instead of a specific cabin.  Although it can be less expensive it might be in a bad location.  If you book a guarantee cabin you will be taking a big chance about where the cruise line will put you.


Which Is Right For You?

When you take a long cruise the differences between cabins is considerably more important than when you go on a two-day sail.

If you’ll be away for three to four days or more, get the best cabin you can afford and you’re almost certain to have a wonderful time.

Whatever cruise ship cabins you're looking for, you'll find some of the greatest savings at CheapCaribbean.com .

The Travelzoo Top 20® is the definitive list of the week's best travel deals. Join 12 million people and sign up!