Best Cruise Bargain

The category where you book is important in determining where a stateroom is located.  So lets start at the lowest level then work up.  

Please note: Stateroom images and features are samples only.  Each cruise line and ship may be different from the one shown.  Furniture placement, fixtures, colors, configurations, and window/porthole views may vary. 

Cruise lines offer different viewing options from your room.    Usually they are port holes, picture windows, and balconies. 

Port holes:    This view gives you some viewing access which is usually close to the water line. Generally,  it gives you the feeling of your room being more open and allows light from the outside of the ship.  For some, seeing the actual sea line movement is relaxing and for others,  motion sickness can occur.  Port holes are NOT for everyone.

Picture windows:   This view is probably the most popular and affordable.   These rooms are usually located higher off the water.   There is usually a comfy small sofa or chair so you can sit in the privacy of your room and enjoy the beautiful scenery when entering or leaving port.   Based on the input from other cruisers,  this was the stateroom of choice.         

  Just look at the view through this window! .  

Advantage:   The cost is not much higher price than the port hole.  Most of the rooms offer beds that can sleep two.  There is usually a small sofa and/or chair close to your own private window for viewing those magnificent sights.   Wake up to an ocean sunrise!   The rooms located at or above the main deck offer better views.    

Disadvantage:    Probably the only disadvantage is the location of this room that you select.  If you choose a deck below a running deck,  you could hear the pouncing of runners.  There is usually a certain time frame for running, but depending on your sleep patterns,  you could be subjected to the noise.  Based on the deck location,  prices rise accordingly.   A room at deck level is not as good as being either being below or above the deck, because  the main deck is very busy with other shipmates strolling by.   So there is less privacy and more interruptions to your viewing.   But if you like watching people and having easy access to other decks,  then this deck level is for you. 

Many older cruisers seem to like this level since a lot of the amenities are located on the same deck so changing decks is not a problem for them.  Many times it is easier to get on and off the ship faster. 

Cruise lines offer discounted staterooms with windows that have an obstructed  view.  This means that part of the ship obstructs your full viewing ability.   If you want the openness of a window  and you don't mind obstructions,  then  this room would be comfortable.  However,  if viewing is what you want,  then  do not get an obstructed view room.   You could get better room placement to an area on the ship that you use most by getting an inside room at a reduced price.    In other words,   room selection  just depends on what your desires are.     

Based on  perception of other cruisers,   it seems apparent that many travelers believe that the higher the location of your stateroom, the more prestigious.   Well,  it is true that the suites and higher priced rooms are located on the upper decks,  but it does not mean a smoother ride!  The higher your room is located above the deck level,  the more you will experience the feeling of the horizon moving either up and down or back and forth.  However,   the closer that you are to the center of the ship,  the less you will feel this motion.    The bow and stern is where movement is the greatest.   The center of the ship is where you will feel the least amount of motion.

Each cruise ship offers balcony rooms that vary in price and may differ in size, style, colors, configurations, and amenities.  .

Disadvantage:   Price.   Balconies and suites are more costly.   If you're sensitive to motion,  for your first cruise,  consider  finding a room on a lower deck then consider the price difference.  It just may be a trade off.

AFT VIEW:

Many newer ships now have staterooms at the aft end of the ship. The views here are wonderful.  Many lines have cabins with balconies,  and the views can be almost 180 degrees.  However, with the ships engines toward the back,  the closer you get toward the rear of the ship, the more vibration you may feel as the ship maneuvers in and out of port.  If you are a very light sleeper then the small amount of  vibration could cause you some problems.  But for most cruisers, it doesn't really interfere.  

BALCONY OR NOT?

Well,  again,  that depends on your cruise budget since these rooms do cost more.  They are located higher up so it best to get your room towards the center of the ship. 

The view of course is spectacular and is well worth the money if you are wanting privacy. However,  consider the weather when selecting a balcony room or a viewing window.  If you are cruising to Alaska,  the temperature is often cold and wet.   The price difference for the balcony may not give you any better experience than a window view.    You could just go out on deck to get an outside view, but then enjoy the warmth of your own window view inside.   

Now if you are traveling to a destination with warmer weather, then of course,  your balcony  view may well be worth the cost.   If you plan to cruise Hawaii, then you usually have a new port of call each day.   The air is warm and the water is blue.   You probably will spend more time on your balcony.   So these are things that you should consider when deciding upon a balcony room.

LOCATION,   LOCATION,  LOCATION.........

What should you consider.............Is noise going to bother you?   Then  do no select a room  located by a disco/dancing area.  Cruise lines usually centrally focus these areas away from rooms, but be sure your room isn't close by, or on the deck below.   Staterooms close to disembarkation get very crowded at that time and creates a lot of noise from all the busy shipmates.   This would be the same for those rooms located close to elevators.   Although ships today are built with sound proofing and insulation between decks,  all noises are almost impossible to get rid of.    But sometimes cruise lines offer a small discount for these rooms.

Also many people don't like being on the deck under a dining  or pool area, or any area where there is a lot a foot traffic.  For many, being in the back of the ship, you may feel the low vibration of the engines or the low frequency sound source.   But for some,  it may lull them to sleep. 

Again,   consider what would make your cruise the most enjoyable for you.   Noise or convenience?   Discount or full price?   Just weigh the differences and you'll be certain to enjoy your cruise.   Don't be misled by super bargain prices,  make sure what you will get and where you will be.   This web site is here to help. 

Of course location of your stateroom should be your primary consideration, however,  no matter where you stay on the ship,  the ships activities and amenities that are offered are also something that you should consider.   Happy sailing and enjoy your cruise. .

                          THE BEST OF THE BEST,  WHEN IT COMES  TO SAILING

Imagine sailing to your favorite destination and along the way enjoying an ever-changing view out your window; dining on your private balcony as you spot dolphins and whales; enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres as you watch the sunset from your own lounge chair; soaking in your private hot tub and beckoning your butler for more champagne.