The most time I spend with clients booking a cruise is going through costs of the cabins, inside vs. ocean view vs. balcony. What is the difference and why would one be better than the other? To best describe what your paying for is to know what each category offers. A ship generally has four categories, inside cabins, ocean view rooms, balconies and suites.
The inside cabins are the smaller and offer no view. There are two twin beds or pushed together, turns into one queen bed, a small changing area and bathroom. These rooms are very comfortable and give you adequate room to move around. Most people are great with inside rooms, it is the least expensive and with the money saved you can use it on tours, shopping, beverages, getting a massage or a vast amount of fun activities onboard the ship or onshore. I am told by regular travelers that they spend only their sleeping time (which is sometimes little) inside their room. So if you have a budget and want the experience of the cruise life, save your money on the accommodation and spend it on the adventure.
In between the covers of inside vs. balcony, lies the ocean view room that is typically bigger in size and offers a large picture window view out of your cabin. Please remember that these windows do not open, but if you are claustrophic an ocean view will cure that phobia. Costs will increase slightly per person but it allows you watch the sunrise from your window each morning. My favorite thing about ocean views is that for a few dollars more I get a better cruise experience of not just knowing I am on a cruise, but having the view acknowledges I am on a cruise.
Balcony rooms are sought after for several reasons. View is the number reason customers grab on to these spacious rooms. Alaska cruises are known for their close to shore encounters with views of foliage, wildlife, colorful landscapes and ocean life. The balconies are grabbed fast and furious on these cruises. Other cruises such as the Panama Canal cruises and the Greek Islands are mentionable as well. A balcony room might be considered because it adds more space to your living quarters. A guilty pleasure of mine is becoming that queen or king for a week, sitting out on your balcony as you pull into a port, watching all the activity on the wharf and enjoying breakfast delivered to your room early in the morning. At night you can enjoy a drink on the deck with a loved one under the stars in private. A warning however, once you have had the balcony room experience you will never want to go back to the previous two categories.
The last category is the Suites, limited in numbers but this is about the room experience. Much larger in size generally the bedroom is completely separated from a living area and the bathrooms have tubs as well as showers. These rooms generally come with perks, such as priority off boarding for excursions, concierge service; some suites have baby grand pianos in them, priority seating on some entertainment venues and so on. Some suites can also accommodate up to eight individuals in the suite.
Remember when booking your cabin to first ask, there are so many promotions, so don’t inhibit yourself before deciding. If you’re flexible with dates and you want a balcony or suite ask which dates are less expensive. Ask about upgrade promotions. Stay within your budget.
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