A Cabin Query

I was just wondering: factoring in what's physically available when you book a cruise, when you guys select a cabin or especially, a cabin and balcony, do you have a preference as to starboard or port, or maybe those aft cabins that run across the rear of the ship? Does it depend on the itinerary? Please respond; I'd be interested in your opinions.

J.

[UConn1]

Only requirement for me is a balcony. Prefer Midship, Mid Deck. If I am booking a suite I usually select cabin at booking. If just booking a balcony cabin then I just do the guaranteed category and pray for an upgrade.

Jodi

[Sailboater]

I've only booked two cruises. Both times I checked the message boards and the intinerary before "guessing" which side might be the more interesting.

The HAL board said Starboard was slightly favored on the Alaska RT through Glacier Bay and I think they were right on. The ship (Zaandam) seemed to spend a bit more time Starboard side to the glacier.

Looking at the Statendams course through the Hawaii Islands I am guessing that Port side will have the best view of the islands most of the time. Particularly during the evening run past the volcano activity but I may be wrong. I'll find out in April.

You might ask on the board for the particular line you are going to be on and see if any one has specific suggestions for your particular itinerary

Mary L.

[BenO]

When I book I pick the cabin by number. I don't put a deposit down without knowing excatly where the cabin is. Your T/A can do this for you, they will check for what is available and you say I want that ONE!!! and that is the one you will be in when you get to ship. You may save a little by getting a guarantee Category and may get a lettle better then you expected but most of the time it wont be what you thought you were going to get

[Tweety]

Have never worried about port and starboard, but always get a balcony when it is available. Going for my first aft balcony cabin on Serenade and I already know I am gonna love that one. Have no preference other than that it is a balcony.

[Dorothy]

J, I think it's about your expectations. If you are someone who has a compelling reason to have a cabin at a certain place, then by all means choose your cabin.

I didn't feel one way or another and went with the guarantee. I wouldn't do it any other way, now. It actually added to the excitement of my cruise to not know about my cabin until I arrived at the pier.

Remember, too, that if you book a guarantee you oftentimes get an upgrade. It seems on Carnival it's the rule rather than the exception. We went from a 4A to a 4D. Yes, same cabin, but a much higher deck, closer to all the action.

If you know you just *have* to have a balcony overlooking the wake, then book a specific cabin. If you're like me and are happy anywhere, go guarantee.

dorothy

[Seahunks]

So far I've had two starboard cabins and I don't feel I've missed anything. Next time however, we will have a cabin overlooking the wake.--Yes, I'm going to say it again. I cannot stop myself!--I have some misgivings about the cabin's window. I hear it's a real pane in the aft.<wink>

Steve

[Thomas]

I always book the side of the ship where the sun sets. Then the stupid captain turns the ship around and ruins it all!

Regards,
Thomas

we always take the cheapest rooms...porthole.....doesnt matter to us, we are always wandering around the ship.....or sipping drinks on the lido deck....then it's off to bed...don't care were we are)