Cruise Planning Part II: Seven Questions | Travel

#6 of 7: What Type of Cabin Do You Want?

The options on most ships (ranging from least expensive to most expensive) are:

Inside: a cabin with no windows or portholes.

Inside/Outside: a cabin that has a window/porthole that looks out over the ship rather than to the water.

Outside: a cabin with a porthole or window that looks onto the ocean; you can sometimes save money on outside staterooms that have obstructed views due to hanging lifeboats.

Balcony/Veranda: a cabin that has an outside area with seating.

Suites: these range in size from mini, which is slightly larger than an outside stateroom, all the way through two- or even three-bedroom cabins that have pianos, dining room tables and a butler.

The price of the cabin will also depend on what deck it is on (typically, the higher up you are the more expensive it is) and if it is fore (front of the ship), midship (the center) or aft (the back of the ship) — the midship cabins tend to be a little higher than those fore or aft. People who tend to get a little seasick usually book farther down and closer to midship (the movement tends to be felt more in the far front and back of the ship). For that reason, and because of the proximity to stairwells and elevators, the cabins at midship tend to fill up first. Another tip: book aft. The lines tend to put dining rooms in the aft of the ship, since there is less movement, and less chance that your waiter will drop your dinner. If you want to feel the pitch of the ship less, the back is a good bet.

The average stateroom can accommodate two to four passengers, with some even offering beds that can be pulled out from the wall or ceiling for kids. If you need two cabins, and your kids are old enough to be in their own room, but still need supervision, consider booking adjoining staterooms that have doors connecting the two.

Be mindful when booking that if you are near an elevator or stairwell, or below or above one of the public spaces, you might encounter more noise. Tip: Check out the deckplans of your ship and look at the deck above and below. If there is a bar, theater or dance club beneath or above, you should porobably opt for a different cabin