your very own personal deck space!

There is one decision when booking a cruise that everyone needs to tackle, where will I sleep!? Cruise ships of this modern day have a HUGE variety of different accommodation on offer, each with their pros and cons, but each, really doing the same thing? In this post I will look at the most popular cabins available to you as a passenger in hope that it may give you an insight as to the next grade up from what you’ve cruised in before.

Let’s start with the lowest grade available on all ships, the inside cabin. Some dread it, for some they can only afford it, but for most it’s the grade you choose if you want more than one cruise a year!

There is no doubt that inside cabins offer the most cost effective way to cruise, especially if you spend next to no time in the cabin, with no windows meaning no natural light it is a definite no-go for all you claustrophobes out there! But as mentioned it definitely a good option if you want a cheap cruise, and would rather have more cruises throughout the year. I would also but it down to itinerary, stunning sunrises over the Norwegian Fjords? Don’t book and inside. Main attractions inland? Book an inside.

Example of an Inside cabin.

Moving on to Outside cabins. To me this type of cabin means nothing. Why pay for an outside, just pay that little bit more for a balcony! In my opinion I really think that outside cabins are a waste of time, I understand how possibly a slanted window, such as selected cabins on P&O’s Oceana would be a benefit because you can lie in bed and watch the scenery sailing by, whereas on some of the new ships they’re behind the bed? What is the point in that? You have to get UP to see out? Effort. Natural light is a bonus I agree but like I said, just go for a balcony! Don’t get me started on obstructed views, why pay to look at nothing but a life boat? Pay for a balcony or back down to an inside! I am glad on that on three new ships, Royal Princess, Regal Princess, and Britannia there will be NO outside cabins!

Emerald Princess Outside cabin.

Now my favourite, Balcony cabins. A real sense of freedom, you don’t feel enclosed and you can enjoy your own sea air in PRIVACY. Offering more space, and more amenities you really do get ‘your own personal deck space’. That little bit of preserved territory that is ALL yours for your sailing. A dream for many but not for all, balcony cabins can be snapped up on a good deal. A satisfying feeling booking a client in a balcony when they’ve only sailed inside. Balcony cabins come in all different shapes and sizes, standard, premium, deluxe, and even Superior deluxe depending on the cruise line.

Celebrity solstice class Balcony cabin.

P&O’s Superior Deluxe balcony.

And now finally of course, suites. Suites are really for an ultra special occasion, or if you have bags of money to be honest. Only a few suites per ship you will find, sometimes even only one of the highest grade. Of course having ‘suite dreams’ is everyone’s main goal, but at £9000 EACH for a 7 night sailing? There is no doubting it’s a rarity. Personal butlers, libraries, grand pianos, 3 bathrooms (with Jacuzzi baths), and hot tubs on the balcony there is no doubt you will have the most amazing experience, and some passengers won’t travel in anything lower! I’ve seen some amazing suites in my time, I’ve even tried the beds in a few, and they somehow feel different to the others on ship, I wonder why?

Queen Mary 2’s highest suite.

Royal Caribbean’s loft suite.

Believe it or not, this is a REAL suite on board Celebrity Reflection, that pod at the end is the shower, an no, no one can see you!

What sort of cabin do you usually have on ships? Do you prefer the ‘lower grade more cruise’ option? Or do you go all out each and every time? I’d love to know your thoughts.