In our Cruising 101 series dedicated to ocean cruise travel, we've looked at choosing a specific line, ship, destination and itinerary, but now let's analyze how to best choose the right private accommodations, stateroom or suite onboard.
Your cruise ship selection will in many ways already narrow down your cabin choices. For instance, if you're booking a luxury cruise, chances are a suite of varying size will be in your future, but if you've reserving a mainstream mega-ship, there can be all kinds of accommodations available to you.
Capacity and Budget
In the latter situation, it's best to start out by knowing how many people will be traveling with you and whether or not everyone will share one or more rooms. Of course, budget will likely inform such a decision as a single stateroom will almost always be the best value, and individual cabins can often accommodate up to five people, as for a family on Disney Cruise Line, for example.
Configurations
Configurations also differ greatly. If you're traveling solo, for years you would have had to purchase a cabin designed for at least two, paying a single supplement, essentially the fare of a second person, to come aboard. These situations still often occur, but studio cabins specifically tailored to one person like those on Norwegian Cruise Line are finally making it easier for them to travel for no additional expense.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Cruising 101: Choosing an Ocean Cruise Line[/READMORE]
Otherwise, regular staterooms, each accommodating many, can be selected as adjoining rooms in several locations across the ship, and brands like Royal Caribbean International are taking the concept even further by grouping together different configurations that can be booked individually or as a less homogenous cluster for added utility.
Following Disney's lead, more cruise brands like Holland America Line are also introducing split bathrooms, usually with a sink and toilet in one compartment and a sink and shower in another, in order for families or even just roommates to more privately prepare.
Suites
Rather than buying one or several cabins, a larger suite with several separate spaces might pamper a single couple or support a larger group with many added amenities such as butler service. Ship-within-a-ship complexes like on aforementioned Norwegian or MSC Cruises even extend exclusive ship areas to residents therein. In such cases, a price comparison between several cabins versus one suite might reveal the latter to be a superior value.
Location
Location, location, location is the mantra of real estate agents for good reason. Even the best of homes in a bad neighborhood can be devalued, but a fixer-upper in a great part of town can be just the ticket. Similarly, cabin location can make or break your experience due to the ship's motion or close proximity to noisy areas.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Cruising 101: Selecting an Ocean Cruise Ship[/READMORE]
The saying goes that the more you pay, the more you sway, and it's not far off. Traditionally, suites are placed up higher on the ship because it's quite literally considered loftier, but indeed the farther away you get from sea level the more rocking motion you are likely to perceive. That's why Celebrity Cruises was smart when it first introduced its Millennium-class ships with its best suites lower in the superstructure.
Also, the farther forward of aft you go on a ship, more of a see-saw motion can be felt. Newer ships are considerably more stable than smaller and older ones, but to error on the side of caution and prevent any seasickness, a stateroom lower down closest to midship is the best bet.
What's more, there are also staterooms with special locations on certain ships. Royal Caribbean's Voyager-class and larger are so wide that they feature cabins that would be inside ones on other vessels but instead here overlook a central promenade, garden courtyard or a boardwalk. Do keep in mind that some of these can be noisier too with activities occurring in each of these venues.
Also be mindful of what is directly above or below your cabin pick as those areas of the ship can also upset your sleep should sports activities bounce balls overhead or loud work be performed underneath.
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