Thread: What cabin is best?

Comparing the prices, we realize that a balcony is much better than usual cabin... but still is it worth the money we pay for it? And on the whole, what are the things we should pay attention to while choosing a cabin for better cruise?

It really depends on what you want. Whether it's worth the price is entirely a personal choice - that's why some people will always book the least expensive cabin available while others want a suite. For the most part, once you step into the hallway, everything is equal for everybody. Yes, suite passengers get a few extra perks, but overall everything else is equal.

So is it worth the extra money for a balcony? We always book a balcony because that's what we want. We love sitting on the balcony in the morning while pulling into port. We enjoy having coffee or a nice breakfast and seeing the sites. Then in the evening, we'll sit out there having cocktails while I enjoy my cigar as we pull out of port. And on the days at sea, we enjoy the peace and quiet of reading a book or taking a nap on the balcony.

But that's what we like to do.

Others have to see and be seen and never spend any time in their cabin. They always want to be where the action is, spending all day at the pool or participating in the organized activities.

We've stayed in just about every type of cabin available and for us, we much prefer a balcony cabin or a mini-suite. But if you don't spend much time in your cabin, then you may consider it to be a luxury you don't want to pay for.

As for what to look for in a cabin, again, that's pretty much a personal thing. For the most part, the size of a standard inside, oceanview, and balcony cabin are very similar. They may be slightly larger as you go up, but not a huge difference where size dictates the price increase. And they all offer pretty much the exact same amenities. Location on the ship is more important - with those in the middle of the ship demanding a higher price because they are the most sought after - it's where you'll feel less 'motion of the ocean'. You always want to have your agent check the deck plans so they know what's above you, below you, and around you so you don't end up in a bad location.

What one person loves, another will hate - guess that's why there is so many choices available - there's always something for everybody.

Pete

Originally Posted by Olga Pizza

Comparing the prices, we realize that a balcony is much better than usual cabin... but still is it worth the money we pay for it? And on the whole, what are the things we should pay attention to while choosing a cabin for better cruise?

First of all ... WELCOME TO CLF!

Agree with PE: If it's worth it or not, totally depends on the person.

We like being able to go outside very easily when we wish ... even though we seldom spend much time at all on our balcony. So much depends on the lenght of the cruise and the itinerary ....

While we normally book a balcony .... Honestly (cross my heart) we've had as good a time in an inside cabin (once upon a time) as we have had in suites / mini suites ( ) .

Per your question ... "things to pay attention to choosing a cabin for a better cruise" : LOCATION! Look at the deck plans to see what is both ABOVE and BELOW your cabin!

Have GREAT time planning! Hope this has helped a little bit. Please let us know if you have any other questions.

I agree with the others that location can be very important. For my first cruise, we were "upgraded", but discovered we were under one of the dining rooms. Would hear the vacuum cleaners being used late at night.

The last two cruises we had the deck plans in front of us while booking our cabins, and then marked those bookings "no upgrade." Check out what's over the cabin and what public areas are close by (I think some people would love to avoid being near the kids' area and the laundry rooms).

My hubby loves Balcony cabins and wont cruise in any other unless its a suite with a balcony LOL

I have stayed in outside cabins with a window and for the 4 days that was fine cause I was very busy on deck, but I do enjoy drinking our morning coffee on the balcony.

For location we chose the last 10 midship cabins closest to aft or forward. the more the midship you get the more the money, as you feel less motion. Always look at the deck above your cabin is so your not under the pool or very busy deck. Next to an elevator has never bothered us with any noise.

We have had an inside cabin, an outside, a balcony and a suite.

Inside: They had drapes up so it looked just like a cabin with a window. (Except that it was wall behind the drapes). Very, very dark in the room so you can't tell if it is morining or night when you have taken a nap. Room was exact same size as other cabins with windows etc. Was nice, no regrets in booking it. It was absolutely the last cabin and it was that or no cruise that year. So inside it was for us.

Oceanview: My first cruise was an ocean view on the original Pacific Princess. Our windows were small portholes. Cabin was nice, we hardly spent in time in it.

Balcony: Now because I have allergies/asthma we always book a minimum of a balcony cabin. I want to be able to air the cabin out or be able to get out to the fresh air. We love a balcony even in Alaska. Definitely use it a lot along with a gret deal of time up on deck.

Suite: Not a necessity of life, but sure nice to have the extra room. Most suites have a jacuzzi bathtub and often double sinks. Nice when both of us are getting ready in the mornings or for formal night. We've done suites twice when our family was to travel with us and had the balcony divider opened in between as we were next door to each other.

Cost plays a major role in determining which cabin we chose, but also location too. We like midship and are now going to try aft balconies (back of ship). Can't wait.

Cruising is fun no matter what cabin you chose. There is so much to do on board and places to just have quiet time too if that is what you want/need.

We really enjoy the balcony cabins! Won't cruise without one now.

As others have said, its the location that really matters. You don't want to be under or over a public area that will have late night noise to interrupt your sleep.

Whether you choose a balcony or other type cabin, look to see what is above you and below you.

I am happy in any room on a cruise. DH does NOT feel the same way, he likes his balconies but in the least if balconies are not in ready supply he has to have an ocenaview. Me, I can cruise with an inside and be a happy camper.