If you’re new to cruise, choosing a cabin for your first cruise holiday can be a daunting task. You’ll be asked what type of cabin you’d like and then told about different positions on the ship, but what does it all really mean?
Firstly you’ll need to decide on which type of cabin you’d like to book, so let’s go through the most common cabin types available on cruise ships which you can book through Paramount Cruises.
Inside Cabin
An Inside Cabin, sometimes known as an interior cabin, is generally the cheapest cabin on a ship. As they are located facing the inside of the ship, there’ll be no windows or natural light coming into the cabin. This can be a bonus if you enjoy the odd afternoon nap or two! There is often a preconception that inside cabins will be smaller and cramped, this isn’t generally the case and you’ll have the same facilities that can be found in any other cabin – such as an en suite bathroom, closet storage space, a TV, vanity mirror, air conditioning and many other features that your chosen cruise line provide.
Outside Cabin
Outside Cabins, or oceanview cabins as they can also be known, are cabins with a window. This window will either be a porthole or picture window. Outside Cabins tend to be located on lower decks, as a result the windows do not open, but whilst they don’t provide you with any fresh air they do provide natural light. This can be particularly helpful if you prefer waking up naturally or you simply want to check what the weather is like before heading up to breakfast.
Balcony Cabin
Depending on which cruise line you sail with, these cabins will either be called Balcony or Veranda Cabins. As well as the usual features within the cabin, you’ll also have a small balcony usually with a table and chairs for you to relax in privacy. Balcony Cabins are by far the most popular type of cabin, as you have your own private outdoor space as well as providing fresh air into the cabin. They’re also hugely sought-after on scenic itineraries such as Alaska or the Norwegian fjords, or when sailing to bucket-list destinations such as Venice or New York!
Mini Suite Cabin
Mini Suites can go by various names. Some cruise lines use the term Club Balcony, whilst others may call them Junior Suites. Generally, a Mini Suite will be a slightly larger balcony cabin, however the real difference will be found in the various perks that you will benefit from by booking this cabin type. These of course vary by cruise line, so do check what your chosen cruise line offers it’s Mini Suite guests. You might find fresh fruit or sparkling wine waiting for you in your cabin, or there might be a dedicated lounge for you to make use of.
Suite Cabin
If you’re looking for a bit of luxury and privacy, a Suite Cabin will certainly be the best option for you. Choosing a Suite Cabin can feel like you’re cruising on a completely different ship, as well as enjoying more luxurious accommodation, you’ll often have your very own restaurant exclusively for Suite guests, as well as a bar and lounge to relax in. A Suite only sun deck or pool is also common depending on the ship, plus you’ll benefit from other perks such as butler service, priority boarding and disembarkation, in addition to drinks packages and other promotional offers depending on which cruise line and ship you’re sailing on. Perfect examples of these exclusive suite offerings are The Haven by Norwegian Cruise Line, The Yacht Club onboard MSC Cruises or The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises ships.
Obstructed & Partially Obstructed Cabins
If you’ve been looking through the deck plan of a cruise ship trying to decide on a particular cabin for your next cruise, you may well have seen various symbols that denote features of a particular cabin. One of the most common symbols will be to describe an Obstructed Cabin, but what does that actually mean? This is most common when part of the ship’s structure is obstructing the view from your window or balcony. You’ll often find these cabins on lower decks where the lifeboats may be obstructing your view. Some obstructions may completely obscure your view out to sea, whilst others will be very minimal, these partially obstructed cabins can often be a good way of saving money if you’re willing to compromise on your view slightly.
