Pick the right cruise cabin

By Anita Dunham-Potter

Travel columnist

updated 3:31 p.m. ET March 3, 2006

In the old days of cruising, you didn’t ask much of your cabin. A bed, a head, and a porthole would do. After all, you didn’t expect to spend much time in it — not unless you were seasick. But cruising has changed. Today’s cruise ships are floating resorts, and the cabins aspire to be holiday havens. Some succeed and some don’t, so it pays to give a little thought to your cabin selection. Here are some tips from lessons learned the hard way.

CABIN CATEGORIES

Just the facts. There are four basic types of cruise cabins: inside cabins, outside cabins, balcony cabins, and suites. Inside cabins are located on inside corridors and so have no window. Outside cabins are located on the outside wall of the ship and have a window. Balcony cabins, also called veranda cabins, are outside cabins with a private deck. Suites are larger outside cabins with bigger private decks, separate bedroom(s), and a sitting area. Some suites have two or more bathrooms and perhaps some exclusive services, like your own personal butler.

• Insider tip. Inside cabins are less expensive than outside cabins, yet passengers in these cabins are afforded the same ship’s amenities as passengers in outside cabins and suites. Still, there are some things to think about before choosing an inside cabin. The few times I have cruised in an inside cabin, I have found myself feeling very confined and confused because I couldn’t tell what time of day it was or what the weather was like outside.

• Insider tip. Outside cabins offer a window to the world, and having a view of tropical islands or Alaskan glaciers is a special treat. But what qualifies as a “window”? Some are just portholes; others are full-length picture windows. Moreover, not all outside cabins offer an unobstructed view; some are partially blocked by lifeboats. You need to ask your booking agent.

• Insider tip. Balcony cabins allow you to enjoy the outdoors and listen to the sounds of the sea. But is your private balcony really private? Some newer ships have recessed decks that may give passengers above a full view of you on your balcony. Also watch out for balcony cabins near outside elevators, like the ones on Holland America’s Zuiderdam; these do not offer complete privacy.

• Insider tip. When in doubt, book a higher category. “One of the biggest mistakes people make is underestimating the value of their cruise category,” says Brian Major, director of public relations for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). “For example, people who book an outside cabin can upgrade to a balcony cabin for not much more money and it makes a big difference in the quality of a vacation.” Sure, he’s an industry spokesman, but after taking dozens of cruises in many different cabin categories, I can assure you he’s right.

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