Choose the ideal cabin for your cruise

Picking the ideal cruise cabin can be a tough decision. If you are a first time cruiser, it can be even more difficult depending on what advice you get.  Cabin location and type also affect the price you pay to cruise. Thus, one big consideration on picking a cabin is what creature comforts do you want and expect when you cruise? Also, how important is location within the ship to you?

Do you want to be out on the deck all of the cruise or in other venues where you only sleep in the cabin? If that is the case you may not be as keyed in on cabin location as much as price, whereas someone who wants to relax in the cabin and enjoy use of their balcony will likely be more focused on where that cabin is located. Cabin location can also be important for those who prefer to sleep into the day and stay up all night as locations under active areas of the ship could be loud.

If you want to be close to the action choose a cabin on an upper deck so you are close to all of the outdoor activities. Most indoor activities around various ships are spread out more than the concentration of outdoor activities.  The Theater is one big draw inside ships and usually is active with things going on during the evening and nighttime ours. Of course different ships have different amenities so for instance on the RCCL Oasis of the Seas, locations on aft deck six are ideal for getting close to many activities as are the upper decks.

If you like to walk a bit every day, for exercise consider a cabin at the ends of the ship instead of around the elevators. Conversely, those who are a bit more mobility impaired may want to consider a cabin near an elevator for easier access around the ship.  These are my ideal picks of course depending on when you book these ideal location may not be available. Further, some may want to exercise and still be near an elevator while others with mobility assist devices will want to be away from the elevator.  Ultimately cabin location ends up a personal choice if you book far enough in advance of what is left when you book close to departure time.

When I help clients pick a cabin for their cruise, it’s important to know what they like to do when cruising, if there are mobility issues, if they want to spend lots of time in the cabin or just go there to sleep and shower. I have to look at all of these aspects together to make recommendations of what cabin category and then what cabin specifically will work best for them. It’s all about having an enjoyable cruise experience.

For those who prefer to eat all of their meals in the cabin a larger suits tends to be a good choice as in smaller cabins you’d be eating from the bed or on the very small coffee table which is about at the same level as you are sitting.  Eating in the cabin is a nice way to really relax, enjoying the cruise but not the crowd.

Personally I like the fresh air and natural sunlight to be available at all times, at least during the daylight hours. To that end I prefer a balcony cabin if it is just two of us and if there are additional family members then I prefer a larger cabin just to have the extra space. What do you like about cruising? What kind of experience do you want out of the cruise, active, relaxing, privacy?  It is all part of what you need to think about as you decide what kind of cabin is best for you.  No simple answer to the equation it takes a good experienced agent who has a lot of cruise experience to best help pick the ideal cabins.  

Does Cabin Location impact cruise prices?

Cabin location for most cruise lines will affect the bottom line price you pay for the cruise.  Cabin size, location on the ship, and date of sailing are the biggest factors in the price of the cabin. Of course where the ship is sailing, cruise line, and length of cruise come into play as well but those are likely pretty much understood by all.

When I see advertised pricing for cruises a few questions come to mind, among them are is this price for the base fare only where port charges and taxes need to be added on?  Then I look at what kind of cabin was used to generate the price.  Most often pricing is for an inside cabin with the fare covering the base fare and port charges.  Texas are usually an add-on, but some agents like Brooks Cruise Services prefer to post prices as the total per person fare inclusive of taxes. 

Once you decide what cabin class you want, within the class cabins have different locations.  Cabin classes are Inside, Outside/Ocean view, Balcony/Verandah, or Suite (this class includes mini-suites as well).  On the larger cruise ships, like in the real estate market location is king. The cabins of equal size and amenities are then divided by location into different sub-classes of cabins. Each sub-class ends up with different prices based on the location. Sometimes the price difference is also based on if the cabin can accommodate more than two passengers and/or connects to other cabins, as these cabins are in higher demand for many families.

Cabins closer to elevators typically are in the higher rent district than those far forward or aft of the nearest elevator.  Another area cabins tend to raise in price is closer to the outdoor action, hence high deck cabins are usually more expensive than lower deck cabin.  Some ships have most of the suites in a specific section of the ship and often the surrounding cabins are among those which are higher rent.  Some will argue about the benefit of being closer to elevators and certain activities but on average more people want to be closer than those who want to be further away.

There are some exceptions which usually occur on luxury ships and smaller ships where the cabins are all closer to the action and tend to vary less in size. They still have different categories of cabins so there will usually be price difference but usually fewer price points on the same ship as compared to larger ships.

Some of the newer ships have incorporated some really interesting cabin locations, often priced at quite a premium, but in some cases less expensive for other cabins of a similar category.  Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Allure are two ships where we definitely see a really wide variety of cabin types and locations. There are a number of balcony and suite cabins where you overlook interior courtyards.  These locations are perfect for people watching. Of course if you can see the people, the people can see you so you do tend to lose some privacy with these cabins.

Ultimately many factors together determine what price you pay for your cabin. Yes the person in the cabin next to you could be paying more or less for a similar cabin. What is most important though is that you have a happy cruise in a cabin that you can be happy with for that cruise.

Cruise Fares; When is the typically best time to book my cruise?

When to book a cruise to get the best price, that is a question I hear often.  The generally most accurate answer when looking across the board for all cruises is that booking them when the cruise is first released for sale generally gets the best fare. There are some exceptions I will explore here as well.

Generally most cruise lines come out with early booking fares that are as low as you will see for most cabins on most sailings. They do this to encourage folks to put down some money to secure their cabins.  This is also when you have the best shot at securing some of the best cabins on the ship.  Both agencies setting up groups and folks who know they want select cabins book in the first couple days a particular sailing is listed.  If you want one of the prime suites on the ship, such as the Presidential Suite, or Royal Suite on the Freedom of the Seas, typically they need to be booked in the first couple of days they are open for sale.  That is not to say these cabins can’t ever be secured closer to sailing, but it is a rare find.

Some cruise lines regularly sell a lot of their cabins when the sailing is first announced.  Disney is one where when they announce new sailings cabins become short in supply very quickly. Many of the sailings operate on a fully refundable deposit basis, so other than tying up some money in a deposit, it’s in most folks minds not a big deal to grab and later release a cabin.  If you think you want to sail a route and can swing the deposit money being tied up for a while, securing you cabin early is worth locking up some money.  If you consider the increase in cost for the cabin, it often represents a great return on your money having the cabin booked.

A number of luxury cruise lines have pricing programs where as a select number of cabins sell all of the prices for the ship go up at a predetermined percentage level. The number of cabins for the first rate increase is often reached fairly quickly after release of the sailings.  There are some lines that offer a single price from start to finish, but these are rare sailings and typically start out quite expensive anyhow. The reason they don’t change prices is the minimal number of guests makes it nearly impossible to offer different prices among the few cruisers on their small ships.

If you plan to sail a group, it is usually a very good idea to work well in advance so you can secure a block of cabins at the very best prices as the cruises are first put on sale. Over time as the supply of cabins dwindles, the prices for new bookings climb. For those who secured their cabins ahead and the groups they keep their lower prices.

Some folks say, at least on certain lines, it’s best to wait for last minute deals. Although on select sailings it is possible to snag a great deal at the last minute, that is the exception, not the rule.  Some cruise lines will put on sale those cabins they want to move to fill up a ship. Most often when those cabins go on sale they are not the best cabins you may want as your cabin on a given sailing. Often the cabins on sale are in only specific cabin categories, so if you have your heart set on a specific category, you may be disappointed by waiting.

Recently, I booked myself in a junior suite on the Mariner of the Seas and then the next day looked for a client what was available.  The same cabin had gone up $100 per person after I booked my cabin. I see all the time where cabin prices increase and seldom see where cabin prices drop. Most folks I know are in the same boat, usually seeing cabin pricing increase instead of decrease.

The key, if you know you want to sail book early and lock in the best price. Just check the terms of the deposit if you may need to change sailings to ensure you can get the full deposit back if needed.

Cruising as part of a Group Cruise

One way to pick up some overall savings on the cost of a cruise is to sail as part of a group. You will find that you may get discounted fares or additional perks, sometimes both.  If the group you hear about is offering none of the options, consider strongly using another agent, since any agent who is offering you nothing special to put you in a group is purely trying to make more money for their own pockets.

Recently, one of the groups I was involved with started picking up steam.  The group rates over time became just a small fraction of the going rate for the same cruise.  This happens fairly often as cruise ships fill space and the prices go up.  (That is probably a good blog topic for one of the upcoming blog entries.)  As the cruise price increases, the group cabins that were locked in at lower rates become very valuable commodities.

Most cruise lines offer perks for group cruises. The travel agent who sets up the group is able to choose how the perks are delivered, as in what form that take aboard the ship. On Board Credit, a party, and bottles of wine for sail away are among the options frequently given to customers.  One of the options is cash to benefit a particular charity, which is a nice way to cruise with a group of like minded folks, and support the charity all at once, without having to reach into your pocket for more money.

If you are one who likes to pull together a group it’s worth asking the travel agent what extra perks can be given to the tour group leader. Depending on the cruise and number of cabins sold, it’s possible you can get some nice perks for helping to pull together an entire group.

When you have a group of folks who know one another ahead of the cruise you will have a group with whom you can hang out while aboard the ship.  Having folks that you know and want to chat is really nice if you aren’t one who likes to go meet new people.  It also helps if you have enough friends in your group when you want to have private shore excursions.  Private excursions can be really nice as you can usually modify the pace of the tour as needed to meet your group’s needs without having to worry about what non group members think.

If your group is purely a like minded group, at least you know there is a common thread for what brings these folks together. To that end, depending on the type of similar “liking” the group has, it’s possible that small/large group gatherings will be great for folks to get to know one another. When gatherings like this happen at the start of the cruise, it makes for a great opportunity to get folks visiting with one another thru the entire cruise.

Group cruises can be a lot of fun and typically save youmoney in one form or another.  We love toput our clients into groups for extra perks and savings.

Cruising at Christmas!!! What a Blast!!!

Big Holidays are among the top times for folks to cruise. Our family has sailed on 2 New Years Eve Cruises and a Christmas Cruise.  Both were a lot of fun and we will likely take that same kind of cruise again.

Over the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year holiday time frame you will see a ship transform from a cruise ship to a Winter Wonderland.  It can be pretty exciting to go outside in the Tropical heat and walk back in to see displays that are distinctly Christmas, with Gingerbread houses, Christmas trees and the like around the ship. There are usually various seasonal activities for the entire family.

The first Holiday Cruise we took was a New Year’s Eve cruise several years ago on the Grandeur of the Seas. It was an incredible experience.  We brought our daughter along on this cruise after having gone on two without her previously.  She really liked Royal Caribbean, especially the kid programs and the balloon drop on New Year’s Eve at midnight. I believe that we pulled out of Cozumel several hours before the count-down and big celebration.

The following year we were aboard Voyager of the Seas for New Year’s Eve and had our first full suite. Wow, it was a really incredible experience. A larger ship with more space for a balloon drop and a bigger party made it an even more enjoyable experience.  Royal Caribbean hit a home run with the Royal Promenade on Voyager Class and large ships.

There are kids parties and adults only parties in various parts of the ship.  At midnight free flowing champagne was available for the guests. I saw many grab several glasses so they could really get in the party mood.  It is one opportunity though to pick up some free booze on the ship.  Of course if you have access to the Concierge Lounge as is a suites privilege on Royal Caribbean free bubbly is not that exciting.

More recently we cruised over Christmas on the Voyager. (I’ve sailed Voyager four times myself.) This was a really enjoyable cruise. We were fortunately to snag a couple of Junior Suites at the relatively last minute and my parents joined us.  On this cruise we met lots of multi-generation families who were also like us celebrating Christmas aboard. Of course like us many families make the big gift for the year the trip itself.  Yes, many folks do choose to make a vacation the primary Christmas gift, it is one way to give without stacking more ties on the rack in the closet.

With Christmas Caroling, special food, a nice Christmas meal the cruise ship crew work hard to make the holiday sailing special.  Santa usually visits to ensure all kids aboard get a nice gift while they are at sea away from their homes.  The Christmas dinner is usually quite nice with a Christmas theme.  Of course you still get all the normal ports of call, maybe in a different order to ensure you will be at sea on Christmas.

The weather is reasonably good at this time of year, seldom have Hurricanes popped up this far outside of the season.  In the Caribbean it is really quite nice, not too hot during the day but much warmer than home is for many of those aboard the ship.  The seas are generally not too bad this time of year either.  Of course as cold fronts cross the Gulf of Mexico, the front can kick up wind creating a gentle roll on the ship, but nothing that is usually too bad.

With a special Holiday Season environment created aboard the ship, it’s definitely a great time to sail the seas on a cruise ship.  

We welcomed Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas to Galveston on Friday!

For those living near the Texas Coast and who prefer to drive to their port the wait for the Summer Season to pass and arrival of a new Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) ship to Galveston. The Mariner of the Seas comes in to replace Voyager of the Seas. Voyager now sails out of the Port of New Orleans, which for cruise ships puts it at the end of Canal Street, close to the French Quarter.

Mariner is a few years newer, sports all glass balconies, and had both Chops and Portifino. It makes it a slight step up from Voyager with these features. Otherwise it is pretty much the same ship.  Of course, they are sister ships out of the same class.  Also, Voyager is only a few hour drive away.

Add to the excitement Carnival Magic tied up in Galveston today, recently Carnival Triumph started visiting Galveston, and Carnival Conquest moved to sail from New Orleans today, it’s quite a shake up for the ships in this region. 

Ultimately we now see the Cruise Season kick off here along the Gulf of Mexico.  Only another year and we will see at least two more ships here for the season.  The cast may change in some ports but the stated plan is for a net of two new ships, both in Galveston at that.

Brooks Cruise Services knows the scene well having sailed many times in addition to selling the cruises.

For the cruises specifically out of Galveston advance bookings appear to be king. This is especially true if you hope to sail in a Suite level cabin as they have sold well in this market.  We personally love sailing in a Junior Suite or above as it is more roomy.

Sailing from Galveston or New Orleans offers so many opportunities to see different ships and a hand full of different ports. The distance to ports though makes less than 4 night impossible and for 7 night cruises the list of candidate ports rather small, but there are fun things to do in these ports.  A week long cruise will have sufficient time to enjoy doing a lot of different things while on the cruise.  They are definitely worth enjoying, since for those who live nearby the transit time is significantly reduced. Galveston and New Orleans both offer some neat opportunities before and after the cruise as well.

Cruising on the Same Cruise Line Repeatedly, does it make sense?

Some folks like to explore new ship every time they sail. After a few sailings on many lines you will run out of ships within a cruise that line thus you end up on more than one cruise line. On the flip side I know many folks who like one or two ships better than any others and they will repeatedly cruise that same ship.  Those folks often cite getting to know the crew as one reason they like sticking to just one or two ships.

Personally I have enjoyed exploring a number of ships within primarily one cruise line. I have sailed other cruise lines and really have enjoyed all on which I cruised. Within Royal Caribbean I even have a favorite class of ships, the Voyage Class. That does not negate the fun we had on the Allure, but the Allure and Oasis only visit so many ports due to their size and inability to get into many ports due to their size.

An argument in various circles is how much value there is in sticking on one cruise line, or even just one ship?  Personally, I know that among the cruise lines there are various levels of past passenger perks given out to those who constantly return to the same cruise line. Usually, there is nothing official given out for returning to the same ship, but when you get to know some of the crew it can definitely make a difference.

For sticking with the same cruise line, depending on what cruise line we discuss you may get discounts for booking future cruises, on board credit, past passenger coupons for use on board future cruises, free internet, and free ship to shore phone calls. Some of the past passenger programs really get very generous for their most frequent cruisers, offering hours per day of ship to shore calls and unlimited internet use (which sure would make it possible to work and cruise at the same time).  Others offer free cruises after a set number of nights/cruises on their ships.

Recently one cruise line invited all of their past passengers at a certain level to an exclusive gathering with the head of the line to visit and share feedback.  That is quite a forum for bringing up any issues or changes that would improve the cruise experience further.  Years ago Continental Airlines did some similar things with their top frequent fliers and the head, Mr. Bethune.

Keeping in mind cruising (or yachting as it is on some of the small ships) is intended to be a very enjoyable experience, one can understand where getting feedback from passengers who know how it is really working is very important for the cruise line executives.  One CEO reads all positive feedback emails directly sent to him, because he believes that if someone with positive feedback wants to take time to write a message the least he can do is read the positive response.  I don’t know that he personally reviews all negative feedback directed at him.

Those who are champions of sticking to one line are typically comfortable with the line. Many have explored other lines and know that the one they love most gives them the product they most desire when cruising. I can hardly blame anyone for sticking with a product they like best.  When I think Chevy, Dodge, or Ford Trucks and most folks I know out in the ranching/farming world are die-hard fans of one not the other two.  Other folks say they like one cruise line for select destinations or when certain family members are cruising together and others for other destination or passenger arrangement.  I am among those who prefers, certain lines/ships based on where we want to sail and what family members are together.  If we have our daughter sailing with us, despite her liking the upscale cruise experience, we tend to prefer Royal Caribbean for all of the on-board activities that she enjoys.  If it is just us, we like to enjoy going upscale on the likes of Celebrity.

I am a firm believer in experiencing different things and seeing different places. I also feel it’s important to enjoy your experience and return to providers of service who take care of you. Thus, if you like Carnival but want to cruise Europe instead of the Caribbean stick with Carnival. Of course if you really want to see Alaska from a different vantage point, then it makes sense to experience different cruise lines.  It is all about making sure you enjoy your vacation so don’t let someone say you need to stick on one cruise line only.  I like the past passenger status perks I’ve earned on several cruise lines.

Cruising is meant to be fun, so it’s always interesting to hear folks discuss staying on one line only versus picking the best deal for each cruise.  Typically those who are most loyal to specific lines aren’t always looking at the very best price for any cruise they undertake but know how to get a well priced cruise while ensuring they get the vacation experience they want.   I am among those typically loyal, but not to the extent I won't experience something different.  See some of our cruise reviews.