How To Choose The Best Cabin On A Cruise Ship
TripSavvy / Lara Antal
Planning a cruise vacation involves many decisions. One of the most difficult is how to choose the best cabin type and location for your budget and lifestyle interests. When looking at cruise ship layouts and decks either online or in brochures, those planning a cruise will quickly notice the many different cabin categories. Sometimes there are over 20 different categories on a ship! Travel agents and journalists often get asked two questions:
- How do you find the right cabin to meet your needs and budget?
Let’s review the different types of cruise accommodations to help you pick the best cabin on a ship according to your needs and style.
Medium Ship Line #: Celebrity Cruises
Celebritys Millennium-class shipsCelebrity Millennium, Infinity, Summit, and Constellationare the smallest in the fleet, each with a capacity between 2,100 and 2,200 passengers. The ships just got a bevy of both new and upgraded staterooms as part of Celebrity’s fleet-wide modernization, and when they launched in the early aughts were some of the first ships to use more eco-friendly engines that combined gas and steam power. The four ships sail from home ports around the world, from Europe to North America to Asia.
Which Is The Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship
If you are looking for the best Royal Caribbean cruise ship, you have plenty of great choices to consider.
Royal Caribbean offers cruises around the world on more than two dozen ships that will provide a great family vacation.
Narrowing down the best ship means finding the right ship for you, depending on your personal tastes, budget and who is cruising with you.
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Best New Ship: Carnival Sunrise
Courtesy of Carnival Cruises
Fresh off a $200 million refurbishment, the changes to the Carnival Triumph were so dramatic that the ship needed a new identity, and so in 2019 Triumph was reborn as Sunrise . Every cabin on Sunrise was remodeled with fresh new furnishings, and dining and beverage additions such as Cucina del Capitano, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Express, and Red Frog Pub. A new Sports Court was installed with mini golf, a ropes course, and Waterworks. In the evenings, head over to the multi-functional Liquid Lounge or the Limelight Lounge, home to the Punchliner Comedy club. Sunrise sails from Ft. Lauderdale to the Bahamas, Cuba, and other Caribbean itineraries plus Bermuda cruises from New York in the fall.
What Is Basically The Same About All Of The Disney Ships
Before going into what is different about each of the Disney cruise ships, lets think about what really is the same.
The level of service is exceptional on all of the Disney ships. It is always very difficult to explain just how above and beyond most of the Disney crew go to give exceptional service to their guests.
You have to experience the Disney difference to believe it. I have witnessed this first hand so many times. The Cast Members go the extra mile and welcome you like family.
Most recently I was on the Disney Wonder and was in Tritons, one of the main rotational dining restaurants, having lunch.
I heard a shout of pure joy as a server recognized a family from a previous cruise. She ran over and greeted that family as if they were long-lost cousins.
Thats the Disney difference that you just cant explain unless you see it. That kind of experience is genuine and is what Disney is all about.
There are other things that are just the same on all of the Disney ships. The large staterooms, most of which have the split bath. The excellent childrens programs. The adult spaces. The Disney rotational dining. Broadway-quality entertainment.
However, there are very distinct differences between each ship. Which Disney cruise ship that you think is the best for you and your family, will depend on other factors.
If you have children of a certain age you will want to look at our Best Disney Cruise Ship for Toddlers Guide.
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Port Vs Starboard: Which Side Is Best For Your Cruise Room
When choosing a cabin for your upcoming cruise, you might run across the terms port and starboard. This is nautical lingo for the left and right sides of the ship , when facing the front, or bow. Is one side better than the other for your cruise room? Read on to find out whether you should choose port versus starboard for your next sailing.
River Ship Line #: Aqua Expeditions
Aqua Expeditions has three river ships: Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera, which sail the Peruvian Amazon, and Aqua Mekong, which traverses the Mekong between Cambodia and Vietnam. Guests sailing aboard these modern, luxurious vessels will partake in daily excursions that introduce them to both the ecology and the culture of their destinations. Aqua also operates the expedition ship Aqua Blu, which sails through Indonesia.
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Cruising On The Comeback
Though mass Covid-19 outbreaks early in the pandemic exposed health concerns surrounding cruising, a new survey indicates travelers may not abandon ship travel after all.
Before the pandemic, 2% of prior cruisers said they wouldn’t cruise again, while as of August 2021, 4% said the same, according to an ongoing survey conducted by U.S. News & Report.
The pandemic hasn’t scared off non-cruisers either. Pre-pandemic, 62% of people who had never cruised indicated they wanted to try it. Now, 61% of people say the same.
Sentiments may be softening with time too. Before the pandemic, about 10% of people that had never cruised said they “never” would. According to the survey, this number rose to 17% in June 2021, but fell to 14% by August.
Large Ship Line #: Norwegian Cruise Line
Things escalated quickly for Norwegian: the cruise line jumped from medium-size ships to mega-ships practically overnight , with just three ships in its current fleet sized somewhere in between. But thats soon about to change. Norwegian currently has six ships on order as part of Project Leonardo, each of which will hold about 3,300 passengers. Its interesting to see a cruise line scale back from its mega-ships and opt for a more manageable size for such a large order. Details about the new ships are scarce, though the first is expected to launch in 2022.
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Top 10 Biggest Cruise Ships In The World
Cruise ships are getting bigger and bigger and by the time a new worlds largest cruise ship is built an even bigger ship is already being planned. Cruise Hive looks at the top ten biggest cruise ships in the world by ship size and weight, not by passenger capacity.
The list is also changing as new vessels enter service so hopefully, well be able to keep up with all the new mega-ships that are currently on order. So whats the largest cruise ship in the world right now?
Its currently Royal Caribbeans Symphony of the Seas and shes set to remain number one for many years to come. There are new ships that will come near and enter into the 200,000 gross ton club such as MSCs new World-class ships, Royal Caribbeans own Icon-class ships and Gentings Global-class.
Whats The Best Cruise Ship Cabin Location
Is it better to book a cabin in the front or back of a cruise ship? Will I get better views on the starboard or port side of the ship? Which deck is best on a cruise ship?
When youre faced with choosing one specific cabin among the hundreds of rooms spread across multiple decks on a giant cruise ship, these questions can be overwhelming. You want the best cruise ship location, but how do you know which room that is if youve never been on that ship before?
Dont sweat it! Some of these decisions are already made for you. Many suites are on upper decks, spa cabins are on the decks near the spa, and outside cabins are typically on lower decks. Once youve picked your cabin type , youll have narrowed your choices to only the areas with those categories.
The best cabin position, ultimately, has to do with your personal preferences what you like and what drives you crazy. Here, we list the best cruise ship cabin locations for a variety of sailing preferences.
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Small Ship Line #1: Hapag
German company Hapag-Lloyd is not just in the shipping business: its building a luxury expedition cruise empire, too. Though it currently only has two ships in its fleet, the MS Europa and MS Europa 2, the line has impressed its customers with suite-style cabins, impressive itineraries across all seven continents, and extremely polished service thats anything but stuffy. Hapag-Lloyds budding empire will expand with three new expedition ships scheduled to launch in 2021.
What Are The Different Types Of Cruise Ship Cabins
The price of a cruise ship cabin or stateroom is dependent on its size, layout, and location. Cabins on large mainstream cruise ships are often advertised as standard inside, ocean view, balconied, or suite. The smallest cabins on luxury lines are sometimes much larger than those on mainstream lines and are either ocean view or balconied, making the quality of accommodations one of the biggest differences between cruise lines. Cabin and balcony size and cabin location can vary significantly within the same price range on any ship.
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River Ship Line #: Delfin Amazon Cruises
Sailing the Amazon River in Peru isnt quite like other river journeysits a blissful escape into the wilderness, where you might be surrounded by pink dolphins or piranhas at any given moment. Delfin, the first Relais & Chateaux cruise line, makes the journey incredibly comfortable, offering boutique hotellike accommodations aboard its three rustic-luxe ships. And, as part of the Relais & Chateaux family, the cuisine is spectacular, incorporating regional dishes made with local ingredients.
Medium Ship Line #: Oceania Cruises
Its all about the food on Oceania Cruises. Its 1,250-passenger MS Marina and MS Riviera offer restaurants by Jaques Pepin, a six-course Dom Perignon dinner with a pairing of three vintages, a cooking center where passengers of all cooking skill levels can take classes, and culinary-themed excursions, like a visit to the market in Nice with a chef. Its four smaller Regatta-class ships also have excellent dining options, like the Polo Grill and the Italian eatery Toscana. Two new 1,200-passenger ships are on the way for Oceania, set for delivery in 2022 and 2025.
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Small Ship Line #: Metropolitan Touring
Operating three expedition vessels in the Galápagos, Metropolitan Touring is the ideal cruise line for those seeking a casual experience in the wildlife hotspot. The tiny ships, which only accommodate between 40 and 78 passengers, have a laid-back atmosphere where the focus is very much on wildlife spotting. The company also offers land-based tours in mainland Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia that can be combined with a Galápagos expedition.
Families With Older Children
Liberty of the Seas – If there is one thing older children typically enjoy a lot of, it is water slides and Liberty of the Seas has arguably the best collection of water slides in the fleet. It has racer water slides, which typical now of any Royal Caribbean ship that has water slides, but it is the only ship with the Tidal Wave slide. Liberty of the Seas also offers a rock climbing wall, FlowRider surf simulator, ice skating and more. Moreover, Liberty of the Seas is a terrific value.
Anthem of the Seas – Older kids will find Anthem of the Seas to be one of the best suited for them, especially teens. The SeaPlex area alone is home to so many activities that are perfect for older kids. Bumper cars, roller skating, XBox, circus school…there is so much. Plus, Anthem of the Seas has the FlowRider surf simulator, Ripcord by iFly sky diving simulator and an impressive teens club. If you are a parent, do not plan on seeing much of your kids if cruising on Anthem !
Symphony of the Seas – The strength of the Oasis Class ships are the staggering amount of activities and things to do. For older kids, having plenty of options is usually the best bet and Symphony of the Seas has plenty to keep the older kids busy. Dual FlowRiders, ice skating, a large Adventure Ocean area, teens club, Boardwalk…that just barely scratches the surface of what is offered.
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Best Cruise Ships In The World: 11 Reasons Oasis
Ever wonder what is the best cruise ship in the world? Everyone will have their own opinion, and whats best for one person may not be best for another. But while we have yet to sail every single ship out there, in our book nothing tops Royal Caribbeans Oasis-class cruise ships at least for now.
First introduced in 2009 with Oasis of the Seas, the cruise line is still building this family of vessels, with Wonder of the Seas in 2022.
In total there are just five of these ships in the world:
- Oasis of the Seas
- Wonder of the Seas
So what makes them so special? In a word: Size.
Despite being introduced more than a decade ago, Oasis-class vessels are still the largest cruise ships on the planet. For some people, bigger ships are a drawback. But because of that size, Royal Caribbean is able to do things that are simply unimaginable on a smaller vessel. The result is that your experience on the ship can be completely different than sailing a typical cruise, and in so many ways, we believe it is better.
To give you an idea of exactly why, here are what we think are the major reasons Oasis-class ships beat anything else sailing today.
Discover The Best Cruise Ships
There are so many reasons to get excited about a Royal Caribbean® cruise. Choose from itineraries that take you to top-rated destinations, from sun-soaked Caribbean isles to ancient temples in Asia and everywhere in between. And make the most out of every moment at sea onboard the worlds best cruise ships, loaded from bow to stern with game-changing thrills, dazzling entertainment, next-level dining and activities for all kinds of adventure-seekers. No matter which ship you choose to sail on, this is a fleet filled with incredible feats.
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Standard Cruise Ship Cabins
Many cruise ships today have standard cabins of similar size and amenities, with the price differential being the location. The least expensive, inside standard cabins on a mainstream cruise ship run from about 120 square feet to 180 square feet. Since most cruise ships are relatively new or have been refurbished, the cabins usually are tastefully decorated with twin beds that can be pushed together to make a queen-sized bed for couples. The staterooms have wall-to-wall carpeting, individually controlled air conditioning/heating, dresser or storage space, closet, telephone, and satellite television. The television usually has news, sports, local on-ship channels for broadcasting information on shore excursions or from guest lecturers, and movies. Some cabins have VCRs or DVD players, and some televisions also have radio/music channels. The cabins also usually have a night table, reading lamps, and a chair. Most modern cruise ships come with a hairdryer, so you won’t have to bring one from home. Some standard staterooms feature personal safes, table, desk with chair, convertible loveseat, mini-refrigerator, and even Internet access, although it is often much more costly than in the common Internet lounge. The cruise line brochure or website usually specifies which amenities are in each cabin.
Small Ship Line #: Ecoventura
As Ecoventura operates a fleet of three expedition yachts with a capacity of only 20 passengers, you know youre getting a personalized experience on board. The ships sail two week-long itineraries in the Galápagosyou can combine them both if you want more time with the islands incredible wildlife. The luxurious ships each have 10 well-appointed cabins, a lounge where naturalists provide lectures and briefings before excursions, a dining room and bar, a library filled with scholarly tomes on the Galápagos, and a sundeck for relaxation.
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Medium Ship Line #: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
As far as all-inclusive cruises go, Regent Seven Seas is the real deal. Everything from specialty excursions to meals and alcohol to airfare is included in the rates. Even the mini-bar is free! The only things youll have to pay for are spa treatments, laundry, and the casino. The cruise lines five ships each carry 750 passengers or fewer, but the ships are actually quite large, offering each guest plenty of personal space, especially in their cabins. Regent Seven Seas specializes in round-the-world itineraries.
The 7 Best Ships For First
For newbies looking to take their first cruise, the most confusing question is which ship to try. They can be hard to tell apart at first glance, but trust us, the experiences on board different ships and lines are vastly different. So how do you choose the best cruise ship for your very first cruise? It depends on what you’re looking for, but here are some suggestions to get you started:
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Best Adventure Cruise Line: Adventure Canada
This is the third straight win for Adventure Canada
While Adventure Canada does indeed lead small ship adventures through the rivers, icy fjords and secluded waterways of Canada, this expedition cruise company also takes travelers to experience landscapes and cultures further afield: places like Scotland, Iceland, Ireland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
The company shines with an always stellar lineup of onboard experts and guides.
There’s something for everyone aboard this winning ship
Dining options abound aboard Carnival Horizon feast on barbecue at the worlds first Guys Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse, sink your teeth into a juicy burger at popular Guys Burger Joint, enjoy some culinary theater at Bonsai Teppanyaki or tuck into seafood with ocean views at the Seafood Shack.
Both included and specialty dining shine, with something for everyone.