All cabins are created the same, right? Well, with the exception of size perhaps ... right? Or perhaps the addition of a balcony? Or the deck it's on ... See, not all cabins are created equal.
Experienced cruisers have learned a few secrets about determining the best stateroom choices. It’s true that most contemporary and premium class ships being built today offer “cookie cutter” cabins that are very similar in dimension and layout. But even if they all appear to be the same according to the deck plan, there are some things you can do to make sure you get the best bang for your buck. The prime consideration is location, location, location.
Many will tell you that higher and more toward the center is better. In fact, some cruise lines price their cabins that way. Carnival just last year went through an extensive cabin re-categorization for just that reason. However, deck and forward, midship, or aft aren't the only determining factors.
Carefully view the deck plan to check for elevator, lobbies, and high traffic areas like buffet entrances. Staterooms in this area can be a little more lively (read noisy) than others. And also take note if the cabin is near an active public area. A few years ago, I was in a beautiful balcony cabin that was directly across from the room stewards' storage locker. Every morning, Scotty and I were summoned from our dream-filled sleep not by the sound of gentle waves slapping against the hull but by not-so-gentle clanking of room-service delivery carts and trays ... who are these people that eat at 7AM anyway??
You can do a lot of this research yourself, but here’s a hint. That's part of my job as your travel consultant. Do you think I take all these cruises just for fun ... well??? I am there, scoping out the rooms next to the atrium that blare music from the bar till 2AM ... just for you!!
Carefully view the deck plan to check for elevator, lobbies, and high traffic areas like buffet entrances. Staterooms in this area can be a little more lively (read noisy) than others. And also take note if the cabin is near an active public area. A few years ago, I was in a beautiful balcony cabin that was directly across from the room stewards' storage locker. Every morning, Scotty and I were summoned from our dream-filled sleep not by the sound of gentle waves slapping against the hull but by not-so-gentle clanking of room-service delivery carts and trays ... who are these people that eat at 7AM anyway??
You can do a lot of this research yourself, but here’s a hint. That's part of my job as your travel consultant. Do you think I take all these cruises just for fun ... well??? I am there, scoping out the rooms next to the atrium that blare music from the bar till 2AM ... just for you!!
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