Tips on booking inside cabin for cruise...?

It really depends on what you are looking for. For the least amount of motion low and middle is best. However, many like to be up high because that puts them closer to the pool deck.

Some people like inside cabins because they are the least expensive cabins. These people only use the cabin for sleeping, showering and changing clothes. These people spend the money they save on other fun things.

However, when you are in an inside cabin there is no connection to the outside. You cannot tell if it is day or night unless you leave your cabin.

Thus, some people like to get ocean view cabins because then they have a window on the world. Others like to have not only a window, but a private space where they can sit, relax and watch the world go by. These people book balcony cabins. Other people like the extra room a suite provides and thus book suites.

When booking a cabin look to see what is above and below you. You don't want to book a cabin below the disco, unless of course you are going to be one of the people in the disco when it closes. A cabin just below the pool deck can get a little noisy at 5:00am when the crew starts dragging the chairs around on the pool deck. However, you might not care if you and the sun both get up at the same time.

Cabins with cabins above and below are the quietest.

For the most part cabins in the same category are all the same. So someone in an inside cabin on the lowest deck has the same cabin as someone in an inside cabin on the highest deck. Yet the person in the lowest deck is paying less. Perhaps the person on the highest deck can just walk outside and be next to the pool, while the person on the lowest deck has to take the elevator or the stairs.

It is even possible that an ocean view cabin on a bottom deck will cost less than an inside cabin on the highest deck. It is also possible that a cabin near the front or rear of the ship will cost less than a cabin of the same type on the same deck, but in the middle of the ship.

So as you can see, for every cabin and every location there are both advantages and disadvantages. Just find the one that minimizes the disadvantages and maximizes the advantages for you.

Inside Cabin

I book inside cabins most of the time I rather go on more cruises inside - then less cruises outside. I have had outside and it was nice to be able to put clothes away and get cabin set for the week and still be able to see the ship leave the port. That was nice so if the price was close go for it, or if money is no object then go for it. A scenic cruise like Alaska, yea go ahead and book the outside.

Caribbean - not so much But when I am lucky enough to be on a cruise and we like to go often I am happy where ever. You will only be able to book 3 people in a cabin that allows 3 or more - period. It is a little bigger cabin and that equals more closet space- Yeah! The pull down bed my son likes it. He has been cruising since he was 8 and now is 14 sometimes you can book a cabin that will have a small sofa that will have a pull out bed. We had our niece with us once and she had her own cabin but stayed with us in this extra bed. I think they liked the pull down better. Yes book as close to the middle of the ship as you can. Our last cruise we were in the back, that is all they had available and it was ok we did run into some rough seas and felt it but I just tried to go to sleep as fast as I could. You will have a great time where ever you are enjoy!

For your first cruise I would recommend the best cabin you can afford since the cabins tend to be smaller than expected. And those who says you arent gonna spent a lot of time in your cabin dont know what theyre talking about or are the kind of gues that stays in the pub for the entire cruise. If you have I great cabin you will spent time in it I can ensure you that and the price gap between an interior cabin and an outside cabin with a balcony arent that big on modern superliners. So I would recomend a cabin with a balcony if your cruise is in the warm part of the world. I would also recomend a cabin high up in the middle of the ship a few cabins away from the (posible) noise of the elevators. With three guests the third cruise for a much reduced price and that could make it possible for you to choice a larger suite and that would be recomendeble since having three persons in a normal cabins is very tight and there isnt that much store room either. Also remember that most third beds come in form of upper pullman beds (with a stair for some to climb al. the time). So a good placed suite could be a real hit for you. Godd luck and enjoy your cruise! Johan

It is true that you are only in your cabin to shower, change clothes and sleep. However, having a private balcony is nice when you want peace and quite instead of the party.

The smaller the ship, the more motion you will feel. For example, we felt alot of motion on the 70 ton Carnival Ecstasy while we barely felt any motion on the 110 ton Carnival Conquest.

If you want to lock in your cabin, select the an inside cabin on the highest deck. Be sure to check the areas around the cabin and don't book right next to stairs or elevators or service access. Also avoid booking rooms over/under the casino, theater or kitchen. Too much noise. Too low in the back of the ship, you hear engine noise. It is also easier to get to the action if you are booked a few floors above the lowest passenger floor. Elevators are always busy and you end up marching up and down the stairs constantly.

However, many travel/cruise agents will encourage you to leave the selection of the cabin up to the cruise line in hopes of getting an upgrade.

The theory is by booking the cheapest room, the earliest in advance, you have a chance of getting an upgrade later in the booking cycle as more people are willing to pay for the inside cabins and those that booked early get bumped up in order to accomodate the late bookers that won't pay for the larger cabins. Don't count on getting an upgrade; it is nice but does not happen that often.

With 3 in your cabin, at least 1 may have to sleep on the Pullman bed. This is a bunk that pulls down from the ceiling. Even my kids hate these beds!

Pack lightly...very limited closet space.

Pack a power strip. Only one power outlet in cabin.

3 ppl in an inside cabin will be tight but i've done it and doing it again in 4 weeks. i also book inside because its the cheapest way to go. we are in our cabin to sleep and get changed, thats it. otherwise we are wondering the ship or sitting in the sun. if you are short on money just go cheap. i've only done this on 4 day cruises and i think if you were to do a 6 or more day cruise the inside stateroom might be a little to cramped for all that time.

My advice, depending on how long you are cruising for, if its a 3 or 4 night cruise go for the inside cabin and spend your money of drinks and excursions but if its a much longer cruise you may want to consider a larger room

also book a cabin in the middle of the ship as low as possible. the middle lower cabins are more stable and you are less likely to get sea sick while in the cabin bcause you dont feel the motion as much.

on royal caribbean there are cabins that have 2 twin size beds and a pull out chair that will sleep 3, some cabins have to pullmans that will sleep 4 total to a room.

Ever notice that the suites are on the higher decks and often the higher decks have no inside cabins? Inside cabins are cheaper which is why people are rec'ding. those to you.

I for one do not like being on the lower decks because, mainly, they are so crowded with cabins...Tons of insides and outsides...which increases foot traffic and congestion. Also, elevators are slow so you are forced to walk farther up and down stairs to get to your cabin. You will be visiting your cabin more often than you think to change clothes, drop off purchases, etc. It's more convenient to be on a higher deck, in my opinion.

I would rec'd a family type cabin if you can afford it. If not, try and get at least a deck 4 or higher cabin toward the center of the ship. The further you book in advance, the easier it will be to get exactly the best cabin for your needs. Tell the booking agents your needs and they will help fulfill them.

well personally I say book a inside guarantee cabin you don't spend much time in your cabin and this is the cheapest ..Save your money for more important things like fun in ports and some drinks... you will want some pics and there is always the duty free shops ..I have been all over the ship and the only real difference is how far you are from the buffet. Besides when your at sea you have plenty of time to walk around .you might even get a upgrade if you book early enough.

Having just returned from a cruise about a month ago, I can tell you to book the best cabin you can afford. Book an outside cabin as high up in the ship as possible. The extra money spent is well worth it. If you happen to fall ill or if the weather is rough, believe me you do NOT want to be on the inside.

Our cabin had a nice, large balcony with sliding doors for a fabulous view and fresh air. Great fun to watch land approach as we came into port the first day, sipping coffee from room service.

The beds usually accomodate two with a third fold-out suitable for a child or small adult. Space is limited, but the design utilizes every inch efficiently. Again, the extra area of a balcony will be appreciated.

When you book, make sure you book a cabin that can accommodate three people. To minimize motion, select a cabin as low as possible and in the middle [higher decks will feel the motion more than lower decks].

Some tips:

Make sure you take a clock - there won't be one in the room.

To make getting ready for dinner easier, you can shower/change in the gym locker room. [The showers will be much larger. Take along your toiletries - some ships have them in the gym, some don't.]

For more info, go to CruiseCritic.com and click on "Boards", then choose your topic!

Have a great cruise!