Selecting the right kind of cabin for your cruise holiday can be a rather daunting experience given the range of different accommodation available on each ship.

Cabins are generally like compact hotel rooms with much the same facilities.

The price of your cruise will be determined by your choice of grade of cabin – or stateroom as many cruise lines call them.

Inside, Outside, Balcony or Suite?

For example, inside cabins – those without windows or balconies – will be the most keenly priced and come equipped with exactly the same facilities as those facing the outside of the ship.

You will also find that superior cabins tend to be on the higher decks of the ship with standard cabins lower down. As a general rule, it is better to choose the biggest cabin you can afford if you plan to spend a lot of time there.

An inside cabin is perfect for a short cruise or if you do not plan to spend much time in your room other than to sleep, shower and watch television – ideal if you plan to party all day and night. Some inside cabins on modern megaships have windows overlooking an interior promenade area.

The next grade up will be an ocean view cabin featuring a porthole or picture window to see where your ship is taking you.

Probably the most popular option is a cabin with a balcony which enables you to blow away the cobwebs, relax with a drink or have breakfast served while viewing the scenery.

Cabins at this level come in various sizes and can easily accommodate families. It is also possible to select interconnecting cabins for those travelling in larger groups, but these tend to be booked up early.

Suites are the next level up, offering more than one bedroom and bathroom, walk in wardrobes, king size beds and dining tables. Some even have whirlpool baths and grand pianos.

Some cruise lines will offer free cabin upgrades depending on the cruise itinerary and time of booking.

What to Expect

Whatever grade you select, your cabin will have most of the following:

• Small private bathroom with shower, wash basin and toilet.
• An international shaver socket, towels, soap and shampoos.
• Modern ships have twin beds which can usually be converted into a queen-sized bed.
• Some cabins will have one or two additional fold-away beds which are ideal for children.
• Telephone, radio and TV – flatscreen in many cases offering satellite channels and films.
• Vanity/desk unit ands chair.
• Wardrobe and drawer space, bedside drawers.

Your cabin may have:

• A bath – more likely in higher grade cabins and on British ships.
• Hairdryer.
• VCR or DVD player.
• A sitting area with a sofa or two chairs and a table.
• Fridge/mini bar and personal safe.
• Balcony equipped with two chairs or sunbeds and a table.

When you check into your cabin your cabin steward will introduce him or herself to you and explain all you need to know about the facilities.

Your cabin steward will make beds, tidy and replace towels on daily basis as well as providing room service meals and drinks.