Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with new information.
Cruise ship cabins have improved since the days when you hit a wall on your way to your bathroom. However, there is still the difference between being in a small, windowless interior space versus a room with a private balcony or even a lavish room. For many people, upgrading to the best cabin you can afford makes a lot of sense.
Consider a yacht cabin as your hotel room for the week and start by thinking deeply about how long you’ll actually be in your room (or rooms). If you’re planning on doing everything on board, partying until midnight and only using your cabin to sleep, shower and shave – and especially if you’re on a tight budget – then a Cheap cabins with or without windows or windows may suit your needs.
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On the other hand, if you want a private place to escape the crowds and frenetic pace of yachting activities, without missing out on any of the sea and coast views, you might want to upgrade to a cabin. balcony or suite with balcony. – even if it adds hundreds or thousands of dollars to your yacht vacation budget. You’ll have more privacy to lounge around, read a book, watch a movie, or order room service.
Here are some reasons why it pays to upgrade your cruise ship cabin.
Right to use departmental privileges
At the top end of the yacht accommodation are suites. Be aware that “suite” is a flexible term on a cruise ship. It could mean just a 250 square foot room, with or without a curtain separating the bed and sofa area. On a larger budget, you can book a multi-room, multi-bathroom apartment – or even spectacular suites it’s an oasis the size of a house.
Storage is reason enough to upgrade to a suite, but other perks come with the experience. On some large ships, the suites are in a separate complex with its own restaurant, sundeck, swimming pool and lounge open only to guests in the deluxe rooms.
RELATED: 7 reasons to buy a suite on your next trip
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If you want a king-size bed, a rarity on yachts, you’re more likely to find one in a suite. Bathtubs and whirlpool tubs, other rarity (most cabins only come with showers), are typically also a suite perk.
Suites tend to come with larger balconies than you’ll find with balcony cabins. In the top-of-the-range suites, these spaces are huge – complete with outdoor living rooms, dining areas, and hot tubs.
Depending on your vessel, extra perks can include everything from thick robes and designer soaps to complimentary drinks and specialty dining. Your suite will likely come with concierge desk services to help you book shore excursions, spa treatments, and dining reservations. You can even have a butler around and call you.
If you’re thinking of upgrading to a suite, read carefully how much space you’ll actually get and assess if the perks are something you’ll actually be using.
Bring spa life into your cabin
The spa cabins have décor designed to inspire moments of meditation and even romance. These paid cabins are often located near spas and fitness facilities – it’s not necessary to wear a bathrobe or gym shorts throughout the entire ship. Spa cabins are usually balcony cabins or suites with more space than standard cabins.
Cabin amenities can include bathtubs and special soothing bath products, premium bathrobes, designer waters and even beautiful scents. Complimentary use of the spa’s thermal suite, where you’ll find a range of wet and dry experiences such as a sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool and aromatherapy shower .
You will enjoy priority when booking a massage, and complimentary spa treatments may be included. The same goes for fitness classes; you will be able to sign up for free before classes are open to others on board.
If you’re a big spa fan or like to hit the gym, these suites are well worth the upgrade.
Related: 6 best cruise ship spas
Fresh air is great
Balcony cabins – standard cabins with step out space to sit – are one of the most popular room types on cruise ships both for the view and the fact that you can open the door to let in the ocean breeze and listen to the sounds of the ocean. wave. (A recent innovation is the balcony cabin, where a large window opens.)
If you have a standard balcony, step outside, it will be equipped with two chairs and a small table for drinks. Larger balconies can have couches and actual dining tables where you can enjoy a private meal.
RELATED: 6 reasons to book a balcony cabin
Some cruisers consider the balcony an unnecessary upgrade. They just love booking a cheaper cabin and aren’t afraid to joke around to get a couch on the open deck. However, others enjoy the option of being able to go outdoors directly from their cabin, even in their bathrobe, to enjoy the sea.
On itineraries where stunning coastal scenery is a particular focus – such as the glaciers in Alaska and fjords in Iceland and Norway – a balcony in particular worth the upgrade.
Be aware when considering a balcony upgrade that not all of these accommodations are spacious. They may even be the same size as standard window cabins, and the balconies they provide may not be as large. On the smallest ships, your knees can rest against the railing when you sit. The aft cabins, with rear views and often larger balconies, are some of the most sought-after cabins on board.
Extra space when traveling with children
With space being cargo on cruise ships, the mistake some families make is cramming everyone into the cramped quarters of standard accommodation – kids in bunk beds dropping from the ceiling or bed sofa, with parents (or grandparents) sleeping on a regular bed. Such proximity may not be conducive to family harmony, especially when you share a bathroom and limited closet and drawer space.
Better options, if your ship has them, are family cabins designed to sleep five or six that provide more space to spread out. On some ships, these accommodations have the bonus of a half-bath in addition to a full bathroom. These cabins are sometimes located near children’s facilities, so you can send the kids right down the hallway for camping-like activities.
Related: 8 best cruise ships for kids
Families can also consider booking two adjacent cabins, which give older children and adults privacy and have two full bathrooms. If you need space, check out the prices of family suites, which can be just a few hundred dollars more than a basic family cabin and include exclusive perks for suite guests.
Key point
In most cases, an upgraded cabin is always better than the most basic room on board. The only thing stopping you from splurging on a larger space, private balcony, and extra perks is your budget.
If you change your mind after you’ve booked, you’ll find several ways to upgrade your cabin to a higher class room. However, there are times when you should just say no to that cabin upgrade offerespecially if what the cruise line thinks is a nicer room is not what you consider better accommodation.
If you think you’ll be happier staying in an upper class cabin, you should book now so you can control the exact room type and train location you’ll enjoy most during your stay.
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Additional reporting by Erica Silverstein.
