Cruise Accommodation Guide
What kind of cruise accommodation shall I choose?
This is another important question, as it raises the main difference with selecting a hotel. There is a lot more to choosing your cabin (or stateroom, or suite, as many cruise lines call them) on board a ship, and you need to be aware in advance of this variation in terminology.
While it may (at first glance) seem a rather bewildering choice (and some of the cruise lines don’t help themselves in this respect by making it seem like an advanced lesson in algebra! Just another reason to stick with the specialist advice of The Cruise Line), the main things to keep in mind are as follows:
Inside or Outside
Cruise ship accommodation is divided, in its most basic form, into two types, outside cabins, i.e. rooms with an outside view, and inside ones, i.e. cabins which have no window or sea view. This is simply a function of the way large ships are built, to use the available internal space. Inside cabins are always cheaper than outside ones and are usually just as comfortable, using clever lighting and mirrors to avoid any feeling of claustrophobia. However, if the lack of an outside view bothers you, make sure you select an outside stateroom.
Balcony or no Balcony
If you have selected an outside cabin, your next choice is whether to go for the luxury of your own private balcony (or verandah) or not. This often provides a wonderful extra dimension to your voyage, affording you the chance to enjoy the view on your own terms, perhaps with a morning tea or coffee, a pre-dinner drink or even main course dining a deux, a splendid additional possibility on some ships.
Suite or Penthouse
While most staterooms vary very little in terms of their size and facilities, you can move up in terms of onboard accommodation by opting for a suite or penthouse, which provides much more space and amenities. Most will have a separate living room as well as a bedroom, and some even feature kitchen and dining facilities. The most elaborate offer additional features such as a grand piano, balcony Jacuzzi, high-tech entertainment centres and wet bars. The most luxurious lines also offer a butler service with their top-range accommodation.
Of course, if you have any other questions regarding the choice of accommodation on cruises, please give one of our Voyage Consultants a call on 0800 008 6677 and they will be delighted to answer any queries you might have.
Back to New to Cruising