Types of Cruise Ship Accommodation

The type of cabin you choose for your cruise will definitely impact your budget. It's important for you to have a clear understanding of what you're buying.

Accommodations Vary By Ship

Not only do shipboard accommodations vary from cruise line to cruise line... they often vary from ship to ship within any given cruise line. This has to do with when the ship was built and the purpose the ship was built for and the size or scale of the ship.

You need to know....

• Is it a new or old ship?

• Was it built as an ocean liner, adventure cruises, Caribbean cruises?

• Is it a mega ship or a small sailing ship?

• Is it built for adventure cruises or luxury?

• Is it a family oriented ship or a "party boat”?

Cabins (sometimes called staterooms) also vary according to "demographics"... (age, income, lifestyle of the passengers.) In other words, who are the passengers going to be? It will all affect the price of your cabin.

So How Big (or Small) Are They?

Cabins can vary in size from.....

Small - from under 100 square feet -- including the bathroom! (Cozy!)

to ...

Very Large - a "Garden Villa" on the top deck of the Norwegian Star is over 5000 square feet! I don't know about you, but that's bigger than my house!

Typically, you'll find cabins that are less than 150 square feet compact to say the least. You may feel a little cramped.

Carnival Cruise Lines' cabins, for example, start in the range of 185 square feet and are some of the largest standard cabins at sea.

Above the 200 square foot size, you'll usually find mini-suites and suites. Most often they'll come with private balconies where you can enjoy your own private outdoor view of the sea. (Very, very romantic!)

How Many People Can Stay in One Cabin?

Your cabin choice also depends upon how many people are going to stay in the cabin. Some cabins accommodate only two people. Others while the same size; can accommodate three or four persons. This is usually accomplished in cabins that have upper berths that fold out of the wall or come down from the ceiling.

Fitting three or four passengers into a standard size cabin may also be done where a sofa bed is available. Another possibility is that the cruise line may provide a cot, usually set up at night and removed from the room during the day. My personal recommendation is to look for a cabin size of at least 170 square feet or more if you want to have more than two people in your cabin.

What is the Difference Other Than Size?

OK... it's pretty obvious how size can make it cozy or comfortable. What other differences are there?

Layout

• Side by side Berths (beds in ship speak) or one above the other bunk bed style?

• How is the bathroom arranged?

Furnishings

• Is it twin beds or a queen or king? Most mass market cruise lines arrange their beds in twin configuration and on some ships these twins CANNOT be made into a queen or king. Not too much fun if you are on your honeymoon! Most twins can be converted to Queen or King but make sure to ask.

• Are there chairs to relax in?

• Room for a desk/dressing table?

Amenities

• TV, DVD/VHS Player, CD Player?

• Telephone? (Watch out of very high rates to call home – you want to keep that idea for emergencies unless you have deep pockets!!

• Bathtub/shower or just a shower?

These may be important to you, so pay attention to these details... ask about them if you can't find it in the brochure.

Even the lowest category cabins today will have private bathroom facilities (most with a shower but no tub) and often they'll have telephone service and a color television. Some will come with refrigerators. If you must have a TV or a refrigerator, make sure they're on your checklist.

Remember, next to the itinerary and the ship, the cabin type will be your most important consideration!

Why?

Because you'll be living in this room for the duration of your cruise. The wrong type of cabin can dramatically affect your cruise comfort and how much you enjoy yourself.

Coming Next ... 5. What Part of the Ship Should You Choose For Your Cabin?

This Guide to Cruising is being updated regularly - Please bookmark this page and come back again for the next 'chapter'

1. Introduction to this Cruising Guide ...

2. How much more you can enjoy a cruise compared to a 'land' based holiday ...

3. How to research a cruise holiday

4. Types of Cruise Ship Accommodation

5. What Part of the Ship Should You Choose For Your Cabin?

6. How to choose your cruise cabin

7. Choosing and Booking your Cruise Part 1 and Part 2

8. Should I book my Cruise through a Travel Agent?

9. Cruises - FAQs ... Answers to frequently asked questions on Cruise Holidays

10. Your Cruise Checklist ... Things to consider when choosing your cruise ...

11. So what do all those sailing terms mean?

12. How to Choose a Cruising Holiday - What different Itineraries mean ...

13. Cruise Destinations - Caribbean Cruises

14. Cruise Destinations - Alaska Cruises

15. Cruise Destinations - Hawaii Cruises

16. Cruise Destinations - Mexican Riviera Cruises

17. Choosing the right kind of cruise ship for your kind of holiday

18. What kind of cruise traveler are you?

19. Next ...Singles Cruising