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Introduction to Cruising
Interested in taking a cruise but not sure what to expect?
Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions:
- What's it like to cruise?
- What's included in a cruise?
- What's the best cruise line for me?
- How do I choose my stateroom?
How do I choose my stateroom?
For those new to cruising, choosing a stateroom can be daunting. Below are some points to consider when selecting your onboard accommodations.
Stateroom Type
While every cruise line offers a variety of stateroom options, it's helpful to remember that there are four basic types on any cruise ship:
Inside
An inside stateroom is one without a window. (Some cruise lines now offer a virtual view to the outside.) Typically, these staterooms are the smallest and most affordable options. Inside staterooms are ideal for the budget-conscious traveler, and for those who do not plan to spend a significant amount of time in their stateroom.
Ocean View
Ocean-view staterooms include a window or a porthole. Based on the location of the stateroom, the view might be obstructed by a lifeboat or other deck equipment. Ocean-view staterooms are usually slightly larger than inside staterooms.
Balcony
Balcony staterooms provide a private balcony accessible from the stateroom via a sliding door, allowing travelers to step outside without going up to a public deck. Balcony staterooms vary in size, but are similar in square footage to an ocean-view stateroom.
Suites
Suites provide more spacious accommodations, often with a separate living and sleeping area, and a private balcony. Suites vary widely from ship to ship, and offer an array of services and amenities.
Location
Prices are largely determined by the stateroom’s location aboard ship.
Aft (back of ship):
Aft staterooms offer a view over the stern's wake, and often have a balcony that is more spacious than those located along the sides of the ship.
Mid-Ship:
Mid-ship staterooms tend to be the most popular, in part because travelers are less likely to feel roll and sway.
Forward (front of ship):
Forward cabins provide easy access to many onboard amenities, including fitness rooms and theaters.
Deck:
Forward cabins provide easy access to many onboard amenities, including fitness rooms and theaters.
When selecting a stateroom, browse through deck plans to determine the location of preferred attractions and amenities such as pools, restaurants, shopping, casinos or theaters.
Typically, the higher the deck is from the waterline, the more expensive the stateroom.
Port:
The left side of the ship when facing forward.
Starboard:
The right side of the ship when facing forward.
Inside:
Usually refers to inside staterooms, but can also be used for staterooms that overlook ship features such as a promenade or indoor park.
Outside:
Ocean-view, balcony or suite staterooms with a view of the ocean.
Stateroom Selection
Once you've selected a stateroom type and category, you’ll be able to select a specific stateroom. This process is similar to selecting a seat on an airplane; you’ll be provided with a deck plan of available staterooms so that you can choose the one that is best suited to your needs.
What's Near Your Stateroom:
Areas near mechanical equipment (such as elevators or laundry rooms) and public areas (such as pools and nightclubs) may be noisier than staterooms in more isolated locations.
What’s Above and Below Your Stateroom:
Use deck plan maps to examine what is directly above and below your stateroom to avoid choosing a noisy spot.
Guarantee (GTY or GUAR):
A guarantee is a stateroom anywhere on the ship as selected by the cruise line. You are guaranteed to receive at least the category you’ve booked, with the possibility of an upgrade.
Interested in taking a cruise but not sure what to expect?
Read on for answers to some commonly asked questions:
- What's it like to cruise?
- What's included in a cruise?
- What's the best cruise line for me?
- How do I choose my stateroom?
How do I choose my stateroom?
For those new to cruising, choosing a stateroom can be daunting. Below are some points to consider when selecting your onboard accommodations.
Stateroom Type
While every cruise line offers a variety of stateroom options, it's helpful to remember that there are four basic types on any cruise ship:
Inside
An inside stateroom is one without a window. (Some cruise lines now offer a virtual view to the outside.) Typically, these staterooms are the smallest and most affordable options. Inside staterooms are ideal for the budget-conscious traveler, and for those who do not plan to spend a significant amount of time in their stateroom.
Ocean View
Ocean-view staterooms include a window or a porthole. Based on the location of the stateroom, the view might be obstructed by a lifeboat or other deck equipment. Ocean-view staterooms are usually slightly larger than inside staterooms.
Balcony
Balcony staterooms provide a private balcony accessible from the stateroom via a sliding door, allowing travelers to step outside without going up to a public deck. Balcony staterooms vary in size, but are similar in square footage to an ocean-view stateroom.
Suites
Suites provide more spacious accommodations, often with a separate living and sleeping area, and a private balcony. Suites vary widely from ship to ship, and offer an array of services and amenities.
Location
Prices are largely determined by the stateroom’s location aboard ship.
Aft (back of ship):
Aft staterooms offer a view over the stern's wake, and often have a balcony that is more spacious than those located along the sides of the ship.
Mid-Ship:
Mid-ship staterooms tend to be the most popular, in part because travelers are less likely to feel roll and sway.
Forward (front of ship):
Forward cabins provide easy access to many onboard amenities, including fitness rooms and theaters.
Deck:
Forward cabins provide easy access to many onboard amenities, including fitness rooms and theaters.
When selecting a stateroom, browse through deck plans to determine the location of preferred attractions and amenities such as pools, restaurants, shopping, casinos or theaters.
Typically, the higher the deck is from the waterline, the more expensive the stateroom.
Port:
The left side of the ship when facing forward.
Starboard:
The right side of the ship when facing forward.
Inside:
Usually refers to inside staterooms, but can also be used for staterooms that overlook ship features such as a promenade or indoor park.
Outside:
Ocean-view, balcony or suite staterooms with a view of the ocean.
Stateroom Selection
Once you've selected a stateroom type and category, you’ll be able to select a specific stateroom. This process is similar to selecting a seat on an airplane; you’ll be provided with a deck plan of available staterooms so that you can choose the one that is best suited to your needs.
What's Near Your Stateroom:
Areas near mechanical equipment (such as elevators or laundry rooms) and public areas (such as pools and nightclubs) may be noisier than staterooms in more isolated locations.
What’s Above and Below Your Stateroom:
Use deck plan maps to examine what is directly above and below your stateroom to avoid choosing a noisy spot.
Guarantee (GTY or GUAR):
A guarantee is a stateroom anywhere on the ship as selected by the cruise line. You are guaranteed to receive at least the category you’ve booked, with the possibility of an upgrade.
