When you’re on board a cruise ship, the last thing you want it to be kept awake at night by loud engines – or stuck in the confines of a small cabin with no windows.
Picking the right cabin in line with your personal preferences can make the experience they best you’ve hard – or, if you make the wrong choice, it could ruin your trip.
It’s best to book with an understanding of what you need in mind – and do your research.
Now, consumer experts at Which? have explained how to choose the best cabin for you – and the insider trick that could save you hundreds of pounds on your next cruise.
The first tip? Make sure to choose a top-rated cruise line.
Regardless of what cabin you pick, your experience is going to vary dramatically depending on which cruise line you sail with.
Which?’s top place cruise line is Saga, which offers a balcony as standard – meaning you won’t be confronted with windowless cabins or hefty premiums.
Meanwhile, Silversea provides suites with a private teak veranda and a white-gloved butler service – who will even unpack your suitcase for you. It comes at a price, though.
Selecting your ship is the first port of call, with a range of options depending on your tastes
It’s also important to find the style of cruising that suits your budget.
In terms of selecting your cabin, you might be overwhelmed with choice: interior, ocean view, balcony or suite?
There are generally four different grades of cabin.
An interior is the cheapest, and has no window – although some cruise lines, like Disney, have a screen showing real-time footage of the ocean.
Ocean view cabins have a porthole (usually on the lower decks) or a picture window – a normal square or rectangular window – looking out to sea, offering more light.
Balcony cabins are another grade up again, offering a French balcony (a large window that slides open) or your own private veranda.
Suites are the most expensive and luxurious cabins; multiple spacious rooms often kitted out with high-end extras such as walk-in wardrobes and alfresco hot tubs.
You’ll likely also be seeking a great view, too.
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What’s the biggest mistake people make when booking a cruise cabin for the best views?
You’ll usually have four choices for cabins: interior, ocean view, balcony or suite
If you want a view, make sure to select this – but it may come at a price
The Aft cabins (those at the very back) are usually the first to sell out because of their coveted 180-degree views or wrap-around balconies.
But, to save money, Which? suggests you consider choosing a cabin with an obstructed view.
Experts at the consumer company insist often the obstacle is nothing more than a steel railing or the tip of a lifeboat. To avoid a gamble, check cruisedeckplans.com before you book.
If you search by cruise ship and cabin number, you’ll find detailed descriptions, printable deck plans, passenger photos and even videos.
Also, consider which side of the ship you pick.
For example, a cabin on the starboard (right) of an Alaska northbound cruise will give you the best view of the mountains and glaciers.
Another key factor to consider is noise.
If you’re a light sleeper, give cabins near the main public areas a wide berth – not just the theatre and bars.
For a quieter stay, try to avoid any cabins near the public areas such as the dining rooms
Sleep directly below the upper deck and you could be woken by the scrape of sunloungers at 6am as staff set up for the day. You can also expect plenty of people traffic close to the lifts.
Meanwhile, lower deck cabins situated low at the back of the ship are likely to be most affected by engine noise.
Finally, if you get nauseous on choppy seas, you should be even more strategic about the position of your sleeping quarters.
Midship cabins near the water level are the most stable: you’re most likely to feel the swaying motion on the upper decks at the front or back of the vessel.
