Frequent cruisers

we are going on a carribean 5 day cruise - 3 stops altogether. Which place on the boat would be the best place to get our room? do you think it's important to have a balcony? just looking for any suggestions! TIA.

Re: Frequent cruisers

Personally I always try to book rooms away from stairwells or elevator areas because they tend to be louder since people are always getting on and off elevators. If you are on a lower floor try to stay away from the very back. And if you get seasick the lower you are the less you will feel the movement of the ship.

For DH & I we usually get a room somewhere in the middle, the level floor doesn't matter to either of us. We have had every room from a balcony to an inside and quite honestly for the amount of money we saved getting an inside we would do it again - this being said though because we have cruised alot. If it's your first cruise I would definitely reconmend getting a window.

Re: Frequent cruisers

I like to be midship or slightly towards aft, on a higher deck, with a balcony.
I stay away from busy floors - floors that have bars or clubs or shopping or food.

The motion of the boat is felt more towards the front of the boat, although if the weather is rough, you will feel it everywhere.

DH smokes, so he uses the balcony as his smoking room.
I like to sit out there before going to breakfast, or in the late afternoon before we head out to dinner.

Re: Frequent cruisers

i cruised in march and it was the first time i didn't have a balcony - it was fine and next time i cruise, i may go without a balcony again for the savings. i wasn't in my room much anyway.

like a pp said, i just make sure i'm not close to the stairs/elevators. i do prefer staying on a higher deck but that's just me.

Re: Frequent cruisers

thanks for the input - the balcony is about $100 more than an oceanview

Re: Frequent cruisers

We prefer middle of the boat and on a high deck.

Middle of the boat as the front can be more rocky and in the back you may hear the anchor. Like the higher deck as it is closer to pool, food, activities, etc. No need to take the elevator as much.

When you look for your room, make sure you check the levels above and below you. For example you dont want to be the deck below the pool as you might hear them moving the chairs around at 4AM if you are right under that area. I hear that is sometimes a problem. Or, if you are on a boat with a promenade make sure you aren't near a bar, etc.

As for type of room, we've been going for insides. We've had concierge balcony, oceanview, etc but the inside prices are so reasonable. (Would rather have an inside and go on better excursions or get more drinks.) In the Caribbean it all looks the same so I dont see a need to spend extra on a window or balcony. Plus, we're never in the room for more than a half hour besides when we're sleeping. When we went to Alaska we had the concierge balcony, but there was many different things to see during travel time. It was worth it then, but for the Caribbean we don't waste the money.

Re: Frequent cruisers

Depending on the ship, some ships have bigger balconies that are not advertised but you can find out which rooms are the best on cruise critic.

I love Celebrity, and know the best rooms, we actually have one booked, its a suite and it happens to be 2 times the size of a regular suite.

I have been on a couple ships and the balcony was just as big as the room, you could fit 2 lounge chairs, a table and 2 chairs on it.

Also stay away from room directly under the pool deck, because in the morning the crew is cleaning and drags the chairs and alot of people complain about the noise

Its best to get a room that is sandwiched between 2 floors that are rooms.

Re: Frequent cruisers

Re: Frequent cruisers

Re: Frequent cruisers

Re: Frequent cruisers

Well it really depends on the length of the cruise, how much you would like to spend time in your room vs outside public decks, itinerary.

If you want to save money - go for the port hole rooms or inside cabin. You can use the money for other items.

I personally like the balcony when I can get it. I use it a lot when we do get one.

We bring drinks onto our balcony for sale away, sit on it to read or relax when the other person is showering etc. It is nice to have it for breakfast in your room etc.

If you can't spring for it you will still be okay - but I personally enjoy the time I spend on it - and make an effort to find time to use it.

If you have sea days or depending on your itinerary (a place where you will want to see a lot or enjoy watching sail aways) then I would get one. If you are going some place where you will be constantly out of the room then you have to evaluate if it is worth it to you. You can always watch sailaway from the main decks but I find them to be crowded and sometimes it is nice to get a little time away from the partying and have some quiet time with your DH/SO.

Etd to add - as far as where to get your cabin -

Smoother sailing is middle of the ship lower decks - the higher up you are and the more forward or to the rear of the ship you will feel the most movement if that matters to you.

I also usually try to stay away from stairs and elevators - which maybe more convenient but late at night or early in the morning can be very loud (esp after people have been partying).

Message edited 6/26/2010 12:50:49 PM.

Re: Frequent cruisers

We enjoy getting a room with a balcony. On our honeymoon we had a balcony and we sat out there playing with our travel scrabble We also enjoyed being out on the balcony when pulling into a port in the morning.