How to Choose Your Stateroom

Today’s blog post is by Danielle Fear. Danielle found her passion for cruising back in 2007 when at the age of 21 when she embarked on her first cruise voyage onboard P&O Cruises Oriana. Cruising had never entered her mind, and the thought of having a holiday onboard a ship was not appealing. Her first cruise was the complete opposite to everything she had imagined a cruise to be. It was lively, fun, full of energy, the average age was definitely not 80, and she didn’t have to wear a dress every evening as she had expected. Those twelve days on-board really were amazing and she caught what is often referred to as “the cruising bug.”

Your Options

Regardless which ship you sail on, whether you go to Alaska or Australia, one thing we all need whilst onboard is a cabin or stateroom, as they are also known. You have quite a few choices when it comes to onboard accommodation. You can choose an inside cabin, which is the smallest (and cheapest) cabin option. Next is the ocean view option, which is usually very similar to the inside cabin, only slightly bigger and with a window. Moving up again is a balcony cabin (self explanatory), and then for those amongst us with a few more pennies you have the options of mini suites, suites and even loft style apartments, which sometimes come with your own personal butler.

Although there can be a vast choice in onboard accommodation, no matter which you choose you shall be more than comfortable and pleasantly impressed by your new floating apartment.

My Experience

When I took my first cruise, I went for the inside option. I have to admit — when I opened the cabin door, I was shocked at how small it was. However, it was beautifully furnished and not a thing was out of place. After a day, or so I started to fall in love with this little cabin. It had everything we needed and for the two of us, and ultimately, it was more than big enough. 

An inside cabin reminds me I’m on a ship! I don’t want a living room, bathroom, dining area and bedroom; if I wanted all of that I would stay at home. I much prefer the cosiness of my pre-assembled hut whilst onboard. Take note too, inside cabins are perfect for afternoon naps. No need to draw the curtains or fight with the balcony doors, just turn out the light and ta-da — it’s instantly night time!

Movin’ on Up!

The first time I was offered an upgrade to an outside cabin, I turned it down. I still remember the guy on the phone asking me three times “now are you sure you don’t want this cabin?”  When offered the upgrade to an outside cabin again on another cruise, I took it. I was actually glad I did. I really enjoyed having the extra space, and it was nice to wake up in the morning and see what was going on outside without having to leave the cabin or check the webcam.

For your first cruise, don’t over analyze the cabin options too much. Focus mainly on the size of the cabin and forget everything else. If going on size alone you feel you would be able to comfortable in a cabin, you have just made your decision. Given the amount of time you actually spend in your cabin (very little), it’s really not worth getting flustered over.

In the grand scheme of things, your cabin is a very small decision when it comes to your cruise and regardless of your cabin choice you WILL sleep in the world’s most comfortable bed – GUARANTEED!

Happy Cruising!