Cruises

There are four main types of cabin to be found on a cruise ship being an interior or inside cabin, an ocean view or outside cabin, a balcony room and a suite. The layout, position and size of these types will vary from one cruise ship to another so in order to get the most out of your cruise, it is important to do your research about cabin types, prices and location on the ship before you book. We've outlined some things to consider when choosing a cabin on your cruise.

An inside cabin is a windowless room located in the middle of the ship meaning no view to the outside or natural light. This isn't as unappealing as it may sound, there are definite upsides to being inside - the significantly cheaper price point being the main one. Booking an inside cabin leaves more of your holiday budget in your pocket while still giving you access to all the ship's facilities. As you endeavour to take advantage of the extensive entertainment and activities on board you may spend very little time in your cabin and find you just need somewhere quiet and comfortable to sleep at night while your days and evenings are spent making the most of the cruising lifestyle.

Well that depends. If budget is tight and you spend very little time in your room, you may be better off with a cheaper ocean view or inside cabin. Ocean view cabins can sometimes be more spacious as they don't have a balcony utilising the floor space. However if you have the budget, there are distinct advantages to balcony cabins such as having immediate access to the fresh sea air. It is a truly special thing to be able to enjoy your morning coffee or evening glass of wine while watching the sunrise or sunset over the ocean. Depending on your location, being able to enjoy the scenery from the privacy of your own room is a major drawcard especially as the outer decks can become quite crowded when view points of particular interest.

Forward cabins are at the front of the ship and appeal to many as they often have great views, especially when arriving at and leaving ports. Forward cabins can be more spacious and configured differently from a standard balcony cabins as they are arranged across the bow of the ship. Forward rooms can be subject to more motion as the ship breaks the waves, so may not be the first choice for those prone to sea sickness. The aft is at the back of the ship and the uninterrupted views over the ship's wake are a big drawcard for these cabins as are more space and bigger balconies. This can mean a higher price point for aft cabins. There might be some vibration or noise from the engine or anchor at the aft of the ship.