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By
Dina
As
discussed in last week’s column, cruise cabin selection
can be a difficult decision. There are many factors to
consider in cabin selection. Last week’s column
discussed the four basic types of cabins (inside,
outside or ocean view, balcony or verandah, and suites)
as well as lower deck vs. higher deck. This week’s
column concludes the discussion with cabin location
(bow, midship, or aft), as well as noise, and
“guarantee” cabins.
Cabin location: Bow,
Midship, Aft
Bow (Forward) Cabins: These cabins tend to get more motion than other parts of the ship (some
people say these cabins appeal to passengers who want to
feel like “real sailors”). The windows on forward
cabins are sometimes smaller and can be slanted or
recessed. This means that passengers might not be able
to see as much out of these windows. Suites are often
located on the front of the ship to allow for larger
balconies. These cabins may present greater views, but
these cabins also tend to be windier.
Midship Cabins:
These cabins tend to be a popular cabin location because
they are centrally located and tend to have less
motion. This, of course, is a better choice selection
for passengers who tend to get seasick. A drawback to
these cabins is they tend to have more outside traffic
since other passengers are walking by. Also the view
from these cabins might be blocked by tenders or
lifeboats, as well as be noisy when these are raised or
lowered, so check before booking this type of cabin.
Aft (Rear) Cabins:
Rear cabins tend to get more motion than midship cabins,
but less than forward cabins. The balconies on these
cabins tend to be large. Privacy might be limited,
though, if the cabin is located below a restaurant or
lounge.
Cabin Location:
Noise
When selecting a cabin, review its location for noise
possibilities. Look to see what areas of the ship are
above, below, and adjacent to the cabin. Sources of
noise include the show lounges, discos, kitchens and
serving areas, elevator lobbies, jogging tracks, and
pool decks. In addition, cabins that are low and rear
or low and forward might get more noise from the anchors
and propulsion machinery. A “safer” selection for a
cabin is selecting one with cabins both above and below
your cabin.
“Guarantee” Cabin
When
booking a cruise, passengers may be given the option of
specifically selecting their cabin or a “guarantee”. A
“guarantee” means that the passengers are guaranteed
that they will receive a cabin in the category they
booked or possibly a cabin in a higher category. A
“guarantee” cabin may be less expensive than choosing a
particular cabin. With a “guarantee” cabin, the
passenger does not have any choice to cabin location
assignment. A “guarantee” cabin is great for passengers
who wish to take a chance on being assigned to a higher
category cabin (and will not be disappointed if assigned
to a less than desirable cabin location), but is not a
wise choice for passengers who desire a specific
location on the ship. |
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