Cruising with 9Travel brings you the best tips and tricks plus everything you need to know, from self-confessed cruise addict, Honida Beram aka Cruising With Honey. She has sailed the seven continents of the world, on a seafaring mission to uncover the globe and share her adventures.
My first cruise was in an inside cabin; a room with no window, no balcony and not much space. I was a little shocked by the size and, to be honest, I felt a little claustrophobic.
I was on a tight budget but I still wanted to try cruising, so I chose the cheapest cabin available. For this two-night cruise, I paid the grand total of $359 for two people. A bargain in my books.
Since that very first foray into sea travel, I've been fortunate to have cruised in many different types of cabins, from the very basic to the super luxurious.
READ MORE: 'One thing to avoid when you first get on a cruise ship'
So how do you choose the right cabin for you?
There are many factors to consider including your budget, who you're cruising with, if you have special needs, if you're prone to seasickness, the destination and how many nights you'll be cruising.
Cabin categories
Inside cabins
If you're sticking to a budget, there is absolutely nothing wrong with an inside cabin. In fact, I have had some of my best sleeps in inside rooms, as they are super dark due to the absence of natural light.
If you only want a place to sleep and shower, an inside cabin is a great choice. But be aware that they can be some of the smallest cabins on a ship and not a great choice for more than two people.
READ MORE: How to do the Islands of Tahiti on any kind of budget
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Oceanview cabins
Oceanview cabins are the next step up. Depending on the ship, oceanview rooms have a window (port holes don't really exist anymore except in crew cabins) and these windows can be quite large. They are more expensive than inside rooms but cheaper than balcony cabins.
The beauty of an oceanview cabin is the natural light and generally more floor space. Oceanview cabins are a great option for those who might not like the idea of a balcony (my mother is one of those people who is terrified of heights) or nervous parents.
The downside is that there isn't any fresh air (the windows do not open, which might seem obvious but needs to be noted) and sometimes, depending on where your cabin is located, your view might be of an outdoor deck or obstructed by a lifeboat.
I can recall one rather embarrassing moment in an oceanview cabin, obliviously getting changed and realising too late that passengers taking a stroll on the deck had uninterrupted views of me in my birthday suit. Learn from me and make sure to draw your curtains.
Balcony cabins
Balcony cabins are my go-to choice. I love sitting out on the balcony drinking in the ocean views, listening to the waves and having my own private retreat. I also love having fresh air.This type of cabin might not be the right choice for parents with young children.
Let me stress that balconies are very safe, but as a parent myself, I can understand the nerves.
Suites
Mini-suites, suites, penthouse suites (and even higher categories) are your most premium lodgings. The higher the category – just like in hotels – the higher the price and the higher the number and variety of inclusions.
Mini-suites are generally balcony cabins with more floor and storage space, and larger bathrooms. They often feature walk-in wardrobes and a bathtub/shower combo. Mini-suites generally have a sofa and small dining table.
Each ship will have different names for their suites, and limited availability, but what you can expect is a much larger room with separate living and sleeping areas. Luxury inclusions like coffee machines, spa baths, premium toiletries and even your own personal butler are just some of the added extras.
These premium suites often have the best location on the ship with extra-large balconies. Some feature two levels, several bathrooms and even a jacuzzi on the balcony. Being a suite passenger also affords the guests access to exclusive restaurants, events and other snazzy perks.
Family cabins
Family cabins that allow up to five people are less common. The larger, family-focused cruise lines do have a limited number of family cabins, but these are usually snapped up very quickly. The maximum capacity of most cabins is four guests, no matter how young the passenger. Yes, babies are counted.
How many is a crowd?
When booking a cabin, consider how many people you'd be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind the main issue is the configuration of the beds. Cabins with four guests will be set up with bunks, sometimes a pullman (a bed that folds out from the ceiling).
Cabins with three guests will have twin beds (which can be pushed together by your room steward to form a queen bed) and a convertible sofa bed.Honey tip: Ask your room steward for a sneaky upgrade and get a mattress topper if you've pulled the short straw and got the sofa bed. You can thank me later.
Ask your room steward for a mattress topper if you've pulled the short straw and got the sofa bed. You can thank me later.
Cabins with two guests will be set up as either twin beds or one queen bed.
And if you're travelling solo then you might have a single or a queen, depending on the category you have chosen.
If you're cruising with young children, a cot can be provided on request.
Two other important factors to consider are the bathroom and the storage space. Sharing a compact bathroom with four people can be challenging. Likewise having enough room for all your clothes, toiletries and other personal belongings can be uncomfortable. If you can, store your luggage under your bed.
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Location, location, location
Here's a secret: I suffer from seasickness. Even after 50+ cruises. So, the location of my cabin is imperative.
When booking your cabin, within each category (inside, oceanview, balcony etc) are sub-categories. These sub-categories determine the location of your cabin. Simply put, you might have booked a balcony cabin, but it could be located anywhere on the ship unless you select a specific room.
Your travel agent can help you pick the right location. There also might be a slight price difference. For example, a cabin at the front of the ship on a high deck – where you'll feel the most movement – will typically be cheaper than one mid-ship and on a lower deck.
Honey tip: If you're prone to motion sickness, choose a lower cabin, middle or closer to the back of the ship is your best bet.
A few other things to be mindful of is whether you'd prefer your cabin closer to the elevators for easy access. If you're sensitive to noise you might want to avoid a cabin that is underneath the pool deck or near the theatres and music venues.
Special needs
The great thing about cruising is that guests with special needs are catered for. If you have a wheelchair or other mobility device, cruise ships have accessible cabins with wider doorways, larger bathrooms (and no steps) and more room around the beds to manoeuvre. Accessible cabins are limited so it's wise to book early.
Days and destination
Two last things to think about when choosing a cabin are the length of your cruise and the destination.
If it's a long cruise, you might want the creature comforts of a large suite. Likewise, a cheaper inside cabin for a short 3-night cruise is perfect.
The destination is just as important. There's no point staying in an inside cabin on your dream cruise through the New Zealand fjords as you'll miss the opportunity to sit on your balcony and watch the breathtaking scenery.
Whether you splurge for a suite or stay in a budget-friendly cabin, remember you're still on a cruise. Enjoy the experience and navigate your own wonderful adventure.
Stay tuned for more expert advice in the next instalment of Cruising with 9Travel.
