Picking A Stateroom
By Anne Campbell
If you've never cruised before and you're confused by the variety of accommodations on a ship, you're in for a nice surprise: It's much easier to pick a stateroom than you might think. This is largely due to the fact that today, most cruise lines build ships that offer standard-sized staterooms within specific categories.
For example, if you opt for a standard balcony stateroom, the cabin size will be identical no matter where on the ship it's located. And today, staterooms are consistent in their amenities as well: No matter which category of stateroom you choose, you can expect to find a private bathroom, of course, with toiletries; your choice of twin or queen bed configuration; a color TV; a safe; a mini-refrigerator; closets and hair dryers. Many ships today also stock bathrobes and slippers in cabins. On luxury ships you'll find flat-screen TV's and VCR/DVD players (with free film libraries).
Of course, this is general advice; specifics may vary depending on the cruise line and ship chosen. And in many cases, you'll get even more benefits or amenities with higher-category staterooms (mini-suites, suites, Concierge class, etc.).
Stateroom Terminology
Inside: These cabins have no view, but on the ships used by SoloCruiser they'll be comfortable enough for two people.
Outside: These staterooms have a large picture window (you can't open it) and are frequently the same size as many inside cabins. On a few older ships, you might find the more nautical styling of round portholes rather than picture windows.
Balcony: The joy of cruising in a stateroom with a private veranda -- i.e., a balcony -- is worth the extra money to many cruisers. I love having breakfast on my private veranda, where the sound of the ocean reminds me I'm really at sea. At night, I keep the door to my balcony open and fall asleep to the sound of the sea. However, if you expect to spend
very little time in your stateroom, a balcony cabin may be a luxury you can easily skip.
Suite: This is really a misnomer in the cruise industry since very few "suite" staterooms (except for those in the priciest categories) have two or more rooms, like a hotel suite. For the most part, suites are larger balcony cabins that may also have a walk-in closet and more seating area. Bathrooms in suites frequently (but not always) have a bathtub as well as a shower.
Stateroom Location
Personally, it doesn't matter to me which deck I'm on once I pick the stateroom category. In terms of stability during rolling seas, mid-ship staterooms (i.e., not forward or aft) on the middle decks of the ship experience the least about of movement if a storm moves in. But on today's ships, you can expect smooth sailing in most areas of the world. The Caribbean Sea, for example, is normally as calm as a lake because the islands act as a buffer to the Atlantic Ocean. The same holds true in the Mediterranean, Aegean, Alaska's Inside Passage, the Baltic and Panama Canal. Of course, storms do occur everywhere from time to time.
The only cruising region where conditions are often unpredictable is the North Atlantic. If you sail transatlantic, mid-ship staterooms on the middle decks are your best bet. During a recent April transatlantic crossing between Southampton, U.K. and New York aboard the Queen Mary 2, I experienced very tranquil seas and balmy weather. However, storms and high seas are not uncommon in the North Atlantic. I recommend booking a mid-ship stateroom on one of the middle decks. During inclement weather you'll feel it the least.
Remember, if you haven't cruised in years, you will find new construction and stabilization designs to minimize most discomfort anywhere in the world.
SoloCruiser Staterooms
SoloCruiser will offer you a choice of three types of staterooms: inside, outside and balcony. If you have questions about staterooms, don't hesitate to call us at (888) 765-6278. If your heart is set on a suite and you can't find one on a specific cruise we offer, our cruise counselors will do everything possible to accommodate you.
Copyright Anne Campbell, 2006. All rights reserved
