Angeltraveler » Cruising

How to choose a cabin

Paulineh — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:15:21 +0000

There are a lot of considerations to take into account when choosing your cabin for your next cruise but the two most important are the cost and the location.

Some things you might like to consider:

Price - if you are only going to consider this one item then choose the cheapest fare you can get.
How many people are sharing the cabin - this will impact on the size of the cabin and the layout. Check the deck plans and cabin categories carefully. If you are a large family you might need two cabins.
Location - if you get seasick like I do, then you will want a mid ship location on a lower deck. If you are going with family, you might like to be closer to the public areas of the ship for quick access. Lower decks are cheaper though but you may hear more engine noise. Aft balconies are larger than usual sizes for the same category as they wrap around the back of the ship. Ill stick to the mid ship location though where I know I am more stable.
Cabin categories - inside, outside, balcony and suite -Inside cabins give the best value but can be dark.Outside cabins offer more light but are usually the same size as inside (before booking check whether you have a porthole, a window or an obstructed view). Balcony cabins have access to a small balcony where you can sit and watch the sea or when you come into/out of port. Suites have larger cabins and bathrooms usually but are also the most expensive. When you book a guarantee cabin you book the category but not the specific cabin so its a bit more of a lucky dip where you will end up but then again you may be upgraded.
How much time are you going to spend in the cabin - If you spend most of the time out of your cabin then maybe a lower category will be better value. If you like to relax in your cabin then a balcony or suite may be your better choice.

I hope this information helps you make a decision but any cabin is better than none at all. Enjoy your cruise!

RARE SPECIAL EDITION CARNIVAL CRUISE BARBIE NRFB 1997

US $39.95

26d 12h 33m

Preventing the dreaded seasickness

Paulineh — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:02:28 +0000

Now this article is close to my heart. I have always suffered with motion sickness all my life but when I first cruised the Inside Passage of Alaska I didn't think we were going to the open sea so I thought I was going to be OK. Well that wasn't the case and for about 24 hours I was seasick. Luckily that was the only time we were in, or passed the open sea but it did remind me that seasickness feels like hell. It can ruin your vacation.

On my second cruise to the Caribbean I researched a lot on the internet and came up with a product called Meclizine Hydrochloride (brand name I used was BONINE). This works wonders but I did experience a bit of diarrhea on that trip when on sea days although it was not rough seas at all. The third trip was to the Mexican Riviera and this time I only felt lightheaded on sea days but I was still overall OK.

Well on the fourth time on the Far East Asian cruise I think I got it all worked out. On this trip the seas were rough and many people were sick, but not me. I took the Bonine and also ginger tablets and I was fine with no other symptoms. The ginger settles the stomach. I could eat and walk around the ship and the only trouble was keeping my balance, but that was the ship and not my problem. I will now take both the Bonine and Ginger Extract for future cruises.

This has been my experience and a friend of mine uses the sea sick bands but I haven't wanted to chance that. She doesn't suffer from motion sickness at other times so I will stick to my tried and true method. You will need to see what works for you. Please read the label first though for any medication you take as it may interfere with your other medications or conditions.

The differing opinions on cruising

Paulineh — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:58:41 +0000

There are many different opinions about cruising but I am going to mention three here. The first is that it is a great experience, the second is that a cruise provides good value, but a third group hate it and don't find it a good way to travel at all. I fall into the first category and love cruising although I must add only for cruises up to 14 days, then I tend to get a little home sick.

Some of the common reasons people give for not liking cruising is that it is boring, but really that's not true. It's all about what you want to do on board. Again here people differ as some like to participate in all the activities, others just want to sit in the sun, read and relax while others like me, do a combination of these things but I must admit overall I just do my own thing and relax and read.

Another myth people have is that if you don't like to party and drink then you won't fit in with the others on board. In reality most cruises consist of a wide range of people including singles, couples, families and groups traveling together. These people are from all age groups and definitely they aren't all party people.

Some cruise destinations such as Alaska and Australia/New Zealand do attract an older group whereas the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera has a younger group overall.

Don't let others opinions influence you too much. You don't know what you are missing out on unless you experience something first hand. Cruising is great in so many ways, so find out for yourself.

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