My Best Advice For Choosing The Best Cruise Ship Cabin...
What cabin is best for me? My best advice for choosing the best cruise ship cabin...never listen when people tell you that you'll never be in the cabin!
You can do this! It's easy to find the best stateroom for a cruise on your own just by following a few helpful hints. See expert advice below on options when traveling with kids, best location on the ship (including to avoid seasickness) and important tips why you should book your cruise in advance.
You WILL be in the cabin. You'll need to put your belongings away. You'll also need to store your luggage in the cabin. Then you'll be getting dressed in the cabin at least two times a day (morning and for dinner.) Multiply this by the number of people in your cabin. Do you share one bedroom for 3, 4 or 5 people at home? If not, then why would you want to on vacation? This is your time to relax and enjoy new surroundings, including a beautiful stateroom.
Traveling With Kids? You Have Many Options:
CONNECTING STATEROOMS
Connecting staterooms are terrific for having adult space separate from the kids, as well as two bathrooms. This setup makes it perfect for getting dressed for dinner and everyone having their own area. I know from experience that on Solstice Class Celebrity Cruises ships and most Princess ships, the divider between the connecting verandas opens so you can enjoy a larger outside area and expand the living space inside. Connecting cabins are usually available with verandas, outside views or inside staterooms to fit all price points.
Virtual Hint: Even the most seaworthy of families may hesitate booking connecting veranda cabins because of the outside access children have in their own cabin. Don't let this deter you and set some rules. When my boys were younger, I told them not to go out on the veranda unless we were in the stateroom with them. If you are able to open the connecting veranda door, this is a huge plus. Not only do you enjoy double the size outside space, but you can keep a eye on your kids.
ACROSS THE HALL
Some cruise lines (including Royal Caribbean) allow you to have older children in staterooms across the hall from each other. This is a great stateroom for a cruise if you want to save a few dollars on the ocean view but still want to the convenience of extra space. Although most setups will have an inside cabin across from a veranda cabin, so keep this in mind if everyone in your family will want a view (otherwise, they'll still be visiting your cabin regularly.)
THE SUITE LIFE
If your budget affords it, consider looking at a suite for your family. Think about how much your family will spend time in the cabin...do you have a young child that you'll need to put down for a nap? Do you enjoy having room service on your veranda for breakfast? (This is complimentary, of course.)
The cost of a suite may be less than two connecting cabins. Your travel agent or ship's representative will easily be able to price these options out for you. The pros to a suite are the extra amenities and amount of living space. The larger suites will even have a separate bedroom and a sleeper sofa. In order to keep the sibling fighting to a minimum, in many suites the ship may provide a roll-away bed as well. Unless it's stated that it's placed in the cabin for the entire cruise, it is mysteriously brought into the living area in the evening and taken out in the morning.
The cost of a suite may be less than two connecting cabins. Your travel agent or ship's representative will easily be able to price these options out for you. The pros to a suite are the extra amenities and amount of living space. The larger suites will even have a separate bedroom and a sleeper sofa. In order to keep the sibling fighting to a minimum, in many suites the ship may provide a roll-away bed as well. Unless it's stated that it's placed in the cabin for the entire cruise, it is mysteriously brought into the living area in the evening and taken out in the morning.
PRO TIP: Whether you are booking on your own or going through a travel agent, always check the ship's deck plans found in either the brochure or on-line. You'll see there are symbols shown for each cabin that specify what type of sleeping accommodations the cabin provides. There will be a key with a definition for each, but typically you'll find a symbol designating which are connecting cabins, cabins that may have a pull-out sofa bed in them, or a drop down bunk. It never hurts to double check this yourself so you are not surprised when you arrive. Compare the sleeping accommodations and square footage in each cabin type for the number of people you'll want in one cabin.
Royal Suite on Celebrity Equinox. Comfortably sleeps family of 4, possibly 5.
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Concierge Cabin on Celebrity Reflection connected with 2nd cabin. 2 bathrooms!
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Suite Cabin on Crystal Symphony. All cabins have verandas with fabulous views.
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For pre and post cruise stays in hotels, make sure you have enough sleeping room for everyone. At Harbor Beach Marriott Resort in Fort Lauderdale, we love their Wind Drift suites.
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Where is the Best Location on the Ship?
Location, Location, Location. Do you want convenience, view, or quiet? For first time cruisers, if you are concerned about sea sickness, you will feel less rocking with a mid-ship cabin. Also, being mid-ship is ideal for quick access to elevators or stairs. If you know that you will be constantly retrieving your child from the arcade, kid's zone, or basketball court - all typically located in the front of the ship - then definitely consider mid-ship or forward. However, if you are looking for amazing, large ocean views and a quieter spot, you must snag a cabin in the aft (back) of the ship.
Another good thing to keep in mind when choosing the perfect location is look at the deck above yours. The quietest cabins will be ones with other cabins directly on the deck above. If you have public space above you, such as the pool or a cafe, you may hear them moving chairs or equipment early in the morning. Remember, if you have your heart set on a certain cabin type, not all cabin types are located on all decks or location on the ship. For example, you may have to give up the idea of the largest suite if you don't want to be all the way forward in the ship with public space above you.
Let's Talk About Seasickness
Let's talk about seasickness. Even the most seasoned cruisers have experienced seasickness. First, keep in mind when picking your cabin, an expensive suite isn't always located in the quietest or calmest part of the ship. Mid-ship and a middle deck are your best bet if the seas get rough. Ironically, typically adults experience seasickness the most and kids are least affected. If seasickness is a concern, visit FAQ's for tips and suggestions of how to avoid and help combat seasickness.
How Far in Advance Should I Reserve My Cabin?
- Is now too soon?! If you are picky about where you want to stay on the ship, I suggest to always book your cruise and reserve your cabin as far in advance as possible. This assures that you'll get the best cabin choice for your family's needs and typically the best price. If you have specific dates for your next vacation, keep an eye on cruise schedules to come out 12 to 18 months prior.
- Are you cruising with a group and need multiple cabins? Plan ahead! Decide if you'll need connecting or at least cabins next door to each other. In some instances, even on the same deck would work. In any case, definitely reserve early so you have your choice of cabin availability.
- The beauty about planning a cruise vacation is typically only a minimal deposit is due upfront. Then, the balance isn't needed until three months before sailing so if your plans change, cancel and get your initial deposit returned. For my family, we love booking ahead in order to start planning and virtually vacationing right away.
