Types of Cruise Ship Cabins
Many cruise ships today have standard cabins of similar size and
accoutrements, with the price differential being the location.
The least expensive, inside standard cabins on a mainstream
cruise ship run from about 120 square feet to 180 square feet.
Since most cruise ships are relatively new or have been
refurbished, the cabins usually are tastefully decorated with
twin beds that can be pushed together to make a queen-sized bed
for couples. The cruise staterooms have wall-to-wall carpeting,
individually controlled air conditioning/heating, dresser or
storage space, closet, telephone, and satellite television. The
television usually has news, sports, local on-ship channels for
broadcasting information on shore excursions or from guest
lecturers, and movies.
Some cruise cabins have VCRs or DVD players, and some
televisions also have radio/music channels. The cabins also
usually have a night table, reading lamps, and a chair. Most
modern cruise ships come with a hairdryer, so you won't have to
bring one from home. Some standard staterooms feature personal
safes, table, desk with chair, convertible loveseat,
mini-refrigerator, and even Internet access, although it is
often much more costly than in the common Internet lounge. The
cruise line brochure or Web site usually specifies what
amenities are in each cabin.
The standard cruise cabin bathrooms are usually tiny and most
only have a shower (no tub). The shower usually has good water
pressure, with the only complaint being the small size. Don't be
surprised if the shower curtain keeps trying to attack you! The
bathroom also has a sink, toiletry shelves, and a noisy vacuum
toilet like on an airplane. Often there is a small step up
between the bedroom and bathroom, perfect for stubbing your toe.
The bathrooms also usually have a retractable clothesline for
drying your swimsuit or hand laundry.
The next step above an outside cabin is one with a balcony
(verandah). These cruise cabins have sliding glass doors, giving
you access to the outside. The sliding doors also mean you can
see outside from anywhere in the cabin, i.e. lie on the bed and
still see the ocean outside. Usually the cruise balcony cabins
are also larger than the standard cabins, and some qualify as
mini-suites. Which means they have a small sitting area with a
loveseat or convertible sofa. The cruise mini-suites also
usually have a curtain that can be drawn to separate the
sleeping and sitting areas. This feature is ideal for couples
(or friends) that have different sleeping habits.