Choosing a Cruise Stateroom: What to Consider

When I receive cruise inquiries and start discussing all the category options, most the responses I hear are “Oh, I wouldn’t have even thought about that.” If you have ever priced out cruises online, you know there are many price points and category types - and for good reason… the location, views, space and amenities, all play a role in your cruise vacation experience.

There are several stateroom options when cruising. The options can honestly be quite overwhelming. Will you have a jogging track with people stirring about outside your ocean view window? Will the balcony be off-limits when you are in port due to location?  Is there a life boat obstructing your balcony or window views?  The list goes on of things to think about when mapping out your room location/category.  How then, can you determine which cabin is right for you?

Let's explore your options a little further to help you better determine what your choice is…

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Will you be near the elevators?
The determining factor here is whether you are seeking convenience or quiet. Rooms that are closer to the elevators experience quite a bit of foot traffic, so you could find yourself hearing footsteps in the wee hours of the morning. If you can sleep regardless of noise, however, the convenience of being close to the elevator may be valuable depending on the location to activities you want to experience, friends/family rooms, mobility issues, etc...

Do you want to be at the back of the ship, the front of the ship, or in the middle?
In all honesty, this one is a little tricky. It can depend on what is above or below you. For example, if you're directly above or below the dance club, theater or the ship's casino your room could be filled with the vibrations and thuds of music, slot machines and other murmuring. It's a good idea to look at the layout of the entire ship to see what elements could be around you.

Balcony, Suite or Interior?
A room with a balcony is always worth the investment, especially for special occasions. Think about it, if you're cruising somewhere spectacular like Alaska, you can take your morning coffee amongst views of scenic glaciers. And, let's not forget how romantic a dinner for two on the balcony could be. Interior cabins with no view may be a little cheaper, but for some cruise goers, this can also mean they are more likely to get seasick because they can't see what's around them. You will also enjoy the space – the interior and ocean view staterooms can feel like closets for those that may be claustrophobic or if it’s your first cruise experience - make it more enjoyable by selecting the right stateroom.  

If you're cruising for a major event such as your honeymoon, 50th birthday party or a milestone wedding anniversary, consider upgrading to a junior suite or full suite. They are significantly more spacious, and you'll feel like a VIP, especially when you consider that most cruise lines offer additional perks and amenities to suite guests!

How long do you plan to spend in the room?
For some cruise goers, they just want a place to sleep at night. Others enjoy hanging out in their cabins for longer periods of time, such as on sea-days. If you know you will be spending more time in the cabin, you will most likely want a larger space to spread out. So, perhaps the better question is, what kind of traveler are you?

Of course, there are many other factors you may want to consider before making your cabin or cruise choice. If this sounds like you, Destinations HD can assist you in making the perfect decision for your needs. Give us a call at (913) 244-9195, today!

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