Where are you going to stay on-board?

Where you stay on board depends on your budget and the type of ship you are on. Two important aspects to look for are the type of room you will be staying and the location on the ship.

 Rooms on ships are called cabins or staterooms. The term is interchangeable. Cabins are not the same as your usual hotel room. Cabins are smaller and can run from 120 square feet upwards. Let’s go over the types of cabins or staterooms on a cruise ship.

Inside Staterooms: these are the smallest and do not have windows or portholes. The bathrooms only have showers, a vacuum toilet like the ones on an airplane and a sink. These cabins do not contain tubs. These cabins are the least expensive.

Standard Staterooms: These are the same size as the inside cabins. They are also sometimes called ocean view cabins and are located around the perimeter of the ship. The only difference is that these have windows or portholes. They do not open so if you want fresh air in your room, you will have to think about the next category. Also note that some standard staterooms have obstructed views which are usually from suspended life boat hanging from outside the window.

Staterooms with balconies: these are larger than the standard and are most popular on newer cruise ships. These cabins generally have a wall of glass facing the ocean with a door leading to the balcony. The balcony is usually furnished with two chairs and a small table. You can enjoy the view of the sea and enjoy fresh air on your balcony or even on your bed.

Suites: These are the largest cabins on board a ship and the most expensive. They include one or two balconies, a separate area for sitting and sleeping and can range in size from 250 sq ft depending on the ship. The bathrooms are larger and contain a bath tub as well as a shower. High end cruise lines even offer butler service to suite guests.

The other aspect when deciding on a cabin is location, location, location. You can see the layout of your ship by going on-line. Here are some tips on location:

•  Do not choose the lowest deck as they are normally near the engine and service area. These areas are noisy and can wake you up early in the morning or keep you awake at night.
•  Avoid rooms below or near the kitchen, entertainment areas or service elevators. Some people have reported hearing dragging of feet or people dancing whilst in their cabins.
• Be aware of outside cabins that are located on the promenade deck as the only view you will get is people jogging or walking and the sound of talking and laughing.
• If you are prone to motion sickness, avoid the front of the ship and choose cabins more in the center of the ship as it is more stable there.