I am starting a little cruise education series to share some of the knowledge I have gathered over the years. First and foremost, I would love to help plan your cruise when you are ready. You don’t have to do this alone. And it won’t cost you extra working with me, I can often throw in some extra amenities too.
First topic: cabins and pricing, because it can get confusing fast.
The main cabin types
Inside cabin. These are on the inside of the ship with no windows and no natural light. Most budget-friendly option, and we’ve booked them for our kids. We always book a balcony for our own room, we love the private outdoor space.
Oceanview cabin. Similar to an inside cabin but with a window, and it tends to cost slightly more than an interior. The natural light makes a difference, and being able to see outside is a big step up.
Balcony/verandah cabin. This one is the bees knees. I love having morning coffee outside and evening drinks on our own private little balcony. Another thing I love about a balcony is watching the ship sail into and out of port. If you’re sailing Alaska or Europe, a balcony is absolutely worth it.
Suites. Suites come with more space and perks like priority boarding, concierge service, and upgraded amenities. Perfect for celebrations or if you just want the most relaxed experience and some pampering.
A couple quick tips
Cabin location matters just as much as cabin type. Midship on a lower deck means less motion. Also consider FWD (front) and AFT (back) cabins, the further forward you go the more movement you’ll feel, and the further back you go the more vibration you may notice. I prefer a mid cabin somewhere in the middle.
Booking early always gets you the best cabin options, this is critical when you’re traveling with a large group.
GTY, or “guarantee,” cabins can save you money, but the cruise line picks your room for you. You basically get the leftovers and don’t find out where you’re staying until sailing time. I don’t recommend this. If you’re going to invest in a cruise, spend a little extra and pick the perfect cabin.
What this actually looks like in pricing
A 7 night Caribbean cruise might run $1000 per person for an inside cabin, or $5,000 or more for a suite, depending on the season. Same ship, totally different experience.
Up next
Part 2 of this series covers what’s actually included on a cruise versus what will cost you extra.
Have you cruised before? What cabin type did you pick, and would you choose it again? Reach out and tell me, or better yet, let’s start planning your next one.