Table Of Content
- Suites
- If you want to spend your budget on activities
- Is upgrading to a balcony room worth it?
- I worked on cruise ships for 6 years. Here are the 5 best and 5 worst rooms to book for your trip.
- Where are the best cruise SUITES?
- The Cons: Cruise Aft Cabins
- What Is the Best Cruise Ship Cabin?
- Best for staying on budget
Concierge-level cabins will give you access to a concierge and niceties like afternoon canapes. Even solo cabins can come with extras, such as exclusive lounge access found on lines like Norwegian. Cabins located near a ship's elevators are perhaps the most underrated stateroom you can get on a cruise.
Suites
Another decision you will have to make is where you want your chosen stateroom to be located. Although I ultimately ended up as an entertainment host, I started my career in guest services, where I frequently dealt with passengers' room complaints. Whether you prefer a more active, exciting sailing experience or a quieter, calmer atmosphere can help determine which is best suited for your needs. This makes the experience more immersive and enjoyable, especially when you sail through scenic areas or arrive at a new port. Booking a stateroom guarantee means Royal Caribbean will pick the exact room assignment for you, while guaranteeing you will get that room category or higher.
If you want to spend your budget on activities
It can take some studying of deck plans, but as seasoned cruisers know, it's worth holding out for a cabin that is far away from anything that could keep you up at night. Note that on some ships, all or most of the rear-facing cabins are large, pricey suites, but this isn't always the case. Carnival Cruise Line ships, for instance, typically have quite a few non-suite accommodations at their backs. Some cruise vessels — particularly river ships — have cabins clustered at their backs with public areas at their fronts.
Is upgrading to a balcony room worth it?
Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer. The rooms underneath the pool will hear the scrape of early morning deck chair set-up or the thumping vibrations of late-night deck parties. Rooms above the dining room or bars may hear the buzz of conversation or dining room song-and-dance showdowns. The best suites are going to be found on ship's that have a "ship within a ship" concept, such as Norwegian Cruise Line's "The Haven," MSC Cruises' "Yacht Club," and Celebrity Cruises' "The Retreat." To put that in perspective, Symphony of the Seas is as long as the Empire State Building is tall (minus its antenna).
I worked on cruise ships for 6 years. Here are the 5 best and 5 worst rooms to book for your trip.
Position your home away from home to be as close as possible to your favorite onboard destination to maximize your vacation time. A convenient location by the elevators especially comes in handy when seas are rough. If you already struggle to get around, you do not want to have to walk long distances on a ship getting tossed around by the waves. Have you ever dreamed of having breakfast delivered straight to you to be enjoyed outside? It is one of those quintessential cruise things that are on many people's bucket list!
The Sky Suite is a 330-square-foot suite that includes a private, spacious, 84-square-foot veranda. With a king-sized bed you can sink right into and even a menu for pillow options, you won’t have to count sheep to fall into a restful sleep. Plus, the double faucet vanity means no one has to wait to freshen up their makeup or get ready in a hurry.
The Cons: Cruise Aft Cabins
While most cruise ship balcony rooms are along a ship's port or starboard sides, aft cabins on your cruise (as well as forward cabins) often provide even bigger decks and more square footage. That means choosing between the back or the front of the ship, respectively. While it might not seem like there's much difference at first, there are pros and cons to an aft balcony room or one at the front of the ship.
However, if you’re prone to motion sickness, you might want to reconsider this option since the front of the ship may experience more movement than other areas. However, the front of the ship often provides a more immersive sailing experience, as you’ll get to enjoy fantastic unobstructed views of the ocean ahead. During sea days, the experience of being in the front or back of a cruise ship can vary greatly. In the front, you may notice more motion and rocking, especially when the ship encounters choppy waters. However, by carefully researching and comparing cruise lines and offers, you can find the best deals for your back-of-the-ship vacation.
Best for staying on budget
Ultimately, the best room location for you on a cruise ship will depend on what you value most during your vacation. Whether it’s convenience, relaxation, or breathtaking views, there is a room location that will meet your needs and enhance your cruise experience. When selecting a room, there are several factors to consider, such as the ship’s layout, proximity to amenities, noise levels, and the type of view you desire. Each cruise ship is unique, so it’s essential to understand the various options available and make an informed decision. Many first-time cruisers are very concerned with getting seasick, and while it can happen, it should not be a primary concern when choosing a room. Do not let this fear force you to overpay for a cabin that looks to be the only choice worth considering.
MSC Cruises cabins and suites: Everything you need to know - The Points Guy
MSC Cruises cabins and suites: Everything you need to know.
Posted: Fri, 17 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Those odd angles may work in your favor when it comes to square footage. And some of the absolute best rooms on a cruise ship are located at the rear, where you’ll also be treated to the photo-worthy wake left behind, which is a fun way to mark your ship’s progress. The idea of being out of your door and straight into an elevator is one that will appeal to passengers who plan on accessing several areas of the ship during their cruise. And, if you're traveling with younger children or older party members who have difficulty climbing stairs, a cabin close to the elevators could be a real game changer for your trip. Of course, these rooms are located in high-traffic areas, with people coming and going from the elevators all day — and sometimes into the night.
This lets passengers avoid crowded public areas and enjoy fine dining in a less frenetic setting than the main dining room. Plus, the average cruise ship cabin is much less spacious than the average hotel room. If you're used to booking the cheapest room for a land-based stay, you might not want to take the same approach for your vacation at sea.
Soak in the jacuzzi on your suite’s veranda while you sail between the islands. It’s an excellent option for entire families on a quest to experience the Galapagos in the height of luxury. From the floor-to-ceiling window in the shower, where you can feel one with the ocean, to the in-suite espresso machine, you’ll have every need taken care of. There are 559 total square feet in the Royal Suite, which includes a separate living area, bedroom, and private veranda. You’ll have open-air access to the sea, where you can even dine in your suite al fresco.
For passengers with limited mobility or no mobility, most major cruise lines offer accessible staterooms in a variety of room types (inside cabin, ocean view and balcony). These options do vary based on the cruise line and the age of the ship, so it’s best to research this in advance and factor the accessible options available into your cruise planning process. Sometimes midship standard cabins are a good choice due to their central location and less motion. They are excellent for those who have mobility problems or who are seasick prone.
You'll find a huge range of cabins all around the ship and at all sorts of prices, from the affordable to the outrageous. And quite often, the room you'll end up booking is somewhere inbetween. By selecting a quiet room location, you can enjoy a tranquil and restful retreat during your cruise vacation. If you value stability, convenience, and a quieter environment, then opting for a midship room is an excellent choice for your cruise vacation.
