By Dina 

When going on a cruise ship, a difficult decision can be what type of cabin to book.  For some passengers, they feel the cabin is just a place to sleep and will reserve the least expensive one they can get, which is almost always an inside cabin.  Then there are those passengers who feel that the cabin is an extension of their luxurious vacation, and will only book a suite.  And of course, there are those passengers who fall in between and will book either an outside cabin or balcony.   

So, how can a passenger decide what is the best choice for their cabin selection?  Here is Part I of a series of helping you to select a cabin for your next cruise.
 

The basic four types of cabins:

1. Inside: No window and in an inside corridor of the ship
2. Outside or Ocean view: Has a window or porthole to view outside but this window cannot be opened.  Some outside rooms have obstructed or partially-obstructed views, but this is usually reflected in the price.

3. Balcony or Verandah: Have a sliding glass door to allow you to go outside.  These rooms tend to be larger than an outside or inside cabin.  Many of these cabins, though, do not have a verandah large enough to have a lounge chair or to sun bathe.  Often, the balcony is large enough to have a small table and two chairs.
4. Suite: These rooms are usually balconied cabins that are larger than other cabins.  Additionally, suites might have separate sleeping and sitting areas, as well as larger bathrooms with tubs.  Some suites even have butler service.

Lower Deck vs. Higher Deck

Lower deck cabins are usually less expensive than higher deck cabins.  Lower deck cabins are the best choice for a smooth ride in rough seas, as you will feel less of the roll and sway of the ship.  However, these rooms are the furthest from the common areas, such as the pool and lounges.  This means longer waits for the elevators (or extra stairs to climb).  Many times lower deck rooms with an ocean view will only have a porthole or small window, though.  Also, with a lower deck cabin, engine noise and anchor noise might be a problem.