Another Cruise Question

I've only been on one cruise in my life, and someone else was in charge of the planning, so, I really have no idea what anything means!

We are trying to decide on a room...Any opinions on what is better to look for? We are looking to get a balcony room. I really have no idea about the different decks, etc, so any info would be greatly appreciated!!!

We are thinking about going on a Carnival Cruise, if that makes any difference.

Also, what does "Aft View" mean?

Thanks SOOOOOOO much!!!

Re: Another Cruise Question

Aft is the rear of the boat.
Port is the left side.
Starboard is the right.

I've never sailed on Carnival, so I am not familiar with their ships.

As for decks, we look for something a little quiet, not near restaurants or bars or clubs, or right under the outdoor things like a running track or pool. Make note of where the elevators and stairs are.
We always do balconies because we use them.
We also like to book midship or towards aft, on a higher deck.
The higher the deck, the more the room costs.
Never all the way in the back because you may hear/feel the engines.
Never all the way in the front because you feel the motion of the boat more.

Ship layouts are available on the websites, so you can get a feel of what is around the various rooms.

Re: Another Cruise Question

Re: Another Cruise Question

Trying to sort through the different categories of cabins can be very confusing! So once you find a ship and itinerary that you are interested in, try to find the ships deck plan on the cruise line site. This will really help you visualize where your cabin will be.

As the previous poster(s) mentioned, the better the location on the ship, the higher the price of your cabin. Geography is everything! Give some thought to how important the view from your cabin is. If you don't plan to be there for much else than sleep and a shower, then you don't need to spend the extra money for a balcony. If on the other hand to plan to do some relaxing and/or enjoy some privacy, then a balcony would probably be a good choice.

I usually try to get something midships, on a middle deck that is a short stroll from an elevator/stairwell. This usually gives you easy access to the parts of the ship you will be frequenting the most.

Hope that helps, and good luck!


Bob
Mouse Tales Travel

Re: Another Cruise Question

I just came back from a royal carribean cruise to bermuda and had an aft balony. It was great because the room was larger and the balcony was large too, you could see the other balconies below. We did feel the ship move a lot and walking to the back of the ship got really tiring after a few days. I have also stayed in the middle of the ship with a balcony and found it much better. I would try to get a high deck with a balcony.

Re: Another Cruise Question

I would look for a room on a high deck and more in the center of the boat. That way, you feel the rocking of the boat less. Definitely go with balcony though.

Re: Another Cruise Question

I have been on 2 Carnival cruises. I definitely recommend getting a balcony room, it feel less claustrophobic. We had one that was partially obstructed (the bottom of a lifeboat was hanging down the top of our balcony but not enough to be bothersome) so it cost a bit less than a regular balcony room. The good thing about Carnival is that they will also give you free upgrade if you ask (depending on availability).

Re: Another Cruise Question

Re: Another Cruise Question

Re: Another Cruise Question

You also want to check the deck plans to see what will be above and below your cabin. If it's the club or theater or restaurant (or something similar) it might be noisy at times of day that you prefer it wouldn't. Also, some cruises have a jog or walk planned for the early AM on a particular deck - if you end up without a balcony room, they could be passing by your room early in the morning.