Cruising

[NicolaUK]

Soooo we're booking a cruise

http://www.vh1bestcruiseever.com/

Any tips on what cabin to book?

Any general tips as we haven't done this before?! 

[Thongy]

Hmmm, no idea.  Think I'd prefer one with a window or porthole-y thing, rather than one on the inside of the ship.

[Keswick]

OMG! Didn't think I'd ever be asked that on here!

OK rules of cabin choice.......

First of all, if you might get seasick lower down and midships is best (and is usually cheapest so all good news). Otherwise higher gives you closer access to all facilities. Always avoid being close to lift shafts, stairwells and main facilities - like the launderette. Always look at what is directly above/below you - another cabin above you is better than public facilities like bars and clubs.

Sometimes the lowest deck for passengers is a bit grim often having the medical centre there and half of the deck may be crew accommodation - so it's not as 'holidayish' as other decks. Personally, I would always book one deck above the lowest for passengers.

Inside cabins are cheap and if you won't be spending much time in them may not be worth the extra for a seaview. We have never had an inside cabin but have booked two! Last year we got a free upgrade to outside. This year we didn't get a free upgrade  - so rang up and got a cheap last minute upgrade to outside.

Some ships have twin beds not convertible to doubles, others do. Some even have bunks which will (probably) mean a smaller cabin. Make sure you know what you are getting if it matters to you.

Many outside have windows but be aware that you can't necessarily open them. Also, some outsides have restricted views due to lifeboats etc (they should say which ones are restricted on the deck plans).

If you have loadsamoney then there are the balconies and suites - never been in that catagory ourselves! Usually stupid money when first booking but may be worth an attempt at a cheap upgrade later on as a cheap inside is usually resellable easier than a stupid-price suite. Of course balconies are lovely on hot sea days when you have your own little piece of the ship all to yourself! Also, some lines offer free room service and, if they do, balconies can mean you can have breakfast on your own balcony - must be bliss!

[NicolaUK]

Thanks for that, I think we're going for an ocean view, deffo not bunks - good tip about stairs/lifts as no doubt there'll be lots of drunk people on there due to the nature of it!

As much as we'd love a balcony it's way out of our reach!

They definitely do free room service, looking forward to that

[NicolaUK]

Booked it, we're on the upper deck in an ocean view

[Keswick]

Enjoy! I'm sure it will be brilliant given what's onboard but it will be interesting to see what you think of cruising as an accommodation and travel option.

Three weeks today and we are on our way to Stockholm!

[NicolaUK]

If you'd asked me a month ago I wouldn't have been saying I was going cruising but this is one of those lifetime things, 3dd and Shinedown are bands we've seen many times and to see them like this should be great fun!

Not the cheapest holiday, granted but am sure it'll hold some memories - possibly rather hazy ones

[Thongy]

You might not need any sea-sickness tablets, as it will just seem like permanent drunkeness!

[NicolaUK]

http://sixthman.tv/video/1466AB5DA5/sixthmans-fan-interaction-advice

[Lesley25LK]

Wow!  Didn't think I'd see you cruising, but I'm sure you will love it, especially as it is a dedicated cruise.
Doubt you'll be sea-sick unless it is rough weather.

Our last cruise had us just round the corner from the lifts and we were worried (was an upgraded room) but we never heard a peep.
Read up as much as you can on the ship (cruise critics) so you know what you are going to.  The cabins are small but are more than adequate as you are hardly there.

Is this one of those tip for everything cruises?  If so be aware you will probably have the tips added as soon as you check in (if not before) and these tend to be $10 pppd, and then you also have to tip for every drink you get at the bar.  This is the reason we've only sailed on British ships, as the thought of adding $560 to a holiday for tips to us is just ridiculous.  If you drink spirits, then pack them in your case.
Grand Cayman was on our last itinerary, but we never made than port so I can't give any advise on the island, except you can go to Hell there

[NicolaUK]

Booked our Orlando hotel earlier too, 5 nights before the cruise at http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/MCOMDGV-Parc-Soleil-by-Hilton-Grand-Vacations-Club-Florida/index.do just need to sort flights now!

[atro1]

Carnival--that's who we went with from Miami. It was ok, entertainment a bit naff and drinks expensive as were the gratuities! And people taking photo's all the time became a bit intrusive. We had an inside cabin with a picture window or should I say a picture of a window,
Food was ok we only ate in the restaurant the once, I much preferred eating  outside in the wings watching the sun go down, very romantic.
Lunchtime they had a Chinese section where you picked what you wanted and they cooked it for you. That was one of the highlights every day. But I am a bit jaded where sea life is concerned.
Nic we were on the 'Inspiration', fabulous sun spot right aft [thats the blunt end Steve] two hot tubs comfy sun loungers, no children allowed. Great! But I am sure you will have a great time. Gambling tables very poor but the sushi bar was good.

[NicolaUK]

Nice one Alec, same boat then! I can't see there being many kids on this trip TBH.

[atro1]

Nic. A ship can carry a boat but a boat cannot carry a ship. Easy way to remember what you are going on!!

[NicolaUK]

Ok cap'n!