How to Choose the Perfect Cruise Ship Cabin

Guest Blog #92, Entry #545, June 5, 2011

Summertime means vacation, and what better way to spend a vacation then cruising? Besides the fabulous ports of call, splendid food, and unlimited services available around the clock on cruise ships, have you ever thought about the gorgeous interiors on cruise ships?

Cabin interiors mimic 5 star luxury hotels

Image courtesy of About.com

Guest Blogger, Ben Johnson, lends tips for choosing the perfect cabin interior when you book your next cruise excursion.

________________________________

One of the most important decisions you make when booking a cruise holiday is deciding which cabin type to pick. When you consider that this cabin will be your second home for the next 1 or 2 weeks the decision is even more important and can make a difference between having a great cruise holiday and wish you’d never booked it.

With many cruises offer in excess of 15 cabin types; the decision can sometimes be a little daunting. What are the cabins really like and how do you decide which is right for you?

All cabins are designed to be aesthetically pleasing while being ergonomically sound. However, all cruise cabins are not the same. Staterooms or cabins on large conventional cruise ships are usually described as either standard, ocean view, balconied or suite. Staterooms on smaller luxury cruises are usually much grander and often have two options available either ocean view or balconied.

Choose a cabin that fits your lifestyle

Image courtesy of: About.com

Deciding on which cabin is right for you is simply down to personal choice. If you are likely to spend the vast majority of your time exploring the ships and participating in the onboard activities then splashing out on a balconied suite may not be the best option for you. However, if you enjoy losing yourself in a good book or just being able to take in the seas breeze in the comfort of your very own deck then  an outside cabin or balcony maybe the best option for you.

The location of your cabin can play a major role in your decision making if you’re claustrophobic then an outside cabin with an ocean view would be the sensible decision. However most standard outside cabins simply have a large window, if you would like to breathe in the sea air then a cabin with a balcony would be the better option. It’s also important to note that most balconies are often only large enough for a table and chair and usually overlooking your neighbors, if you want ultimate privacy then a suite would be the sensible choice.

Depnding on how you plan to spend the cruise will dictate your cabin choice

Image courtesy of Discover China Tours

The furnishings and interior aboard cruise ships are usually no-frills, but attractive and practical. Luxury cruise lines such as Azamara Club Cruises have wall-to-wall carpets and individually controlled air conditioning as well as plenty of storage space. All cabins usually feature personal safes, table & chair, mini-bar and internet access.

While all of this information can be a little overwhelming, it highlights how much variety there is among cruise ship cabins. When booking your next cruise holiday, consider your personal needs as well as the layout of the ship before deciding which cabin is right for you. Of course the usual factor when deciding which cruise cabin to select is the price but regardless of whether you buy a standard cabin or go all out on a suite you’ll be sure to have a great time

Ben Johnson is a freelance travel writer and cruise enthusiast. While specializing in European cruises and maritime law, Ben’s knowledge covers a wider spectrum of consumer tourism.

For more travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.