Cruise holidays have become more affordable over the years without compromising on quality. Did you know that if you were to compare a land based holiday of a similar standard to the cruise
lines you could be saving as much as 25%? Waking up in a new place every morning is a unique experience and is the perfect way to see the world in luxury.
So what’s included in the price?
Accommodation
All cabins come with twin beds that can be converted to a queen size bed; cabins are compact but are comfortable and many can take a third or fourth person. All cabins will have an en-suite bathroom with shower or a bath. Some of the newer cabin styles which are sold to families and larger groups of people have two bathrooms, but that’s still a rarity.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are included in the main restaurants and buffets. There are also special dining events like afternoon tea and midnight buffets included in your price. However, the majority of cruise lines now have alternative, speciality dining in more intimate restaurants which normally come with a cover charge, so we recommended you book these restaurants at the start of the cruise as they fill up quickly.
Entertainment
Shows, comedians, nightclubs and all evening entertainment are included as well as most of the facilities such as the pool, sauna, hot-tubs, fitness rooms, tennis and basketball courts. Some facilities, such as the spa facilities incur a fee. Remember, there is so much more included all in the price of a cruise than what you get on a land based holiday. Just imagine paying for flights to see all the destinations in one holiday!
What about cabin types?
Whilst you tend to spend little time in your cabin whilst onboard the ship there are various cabin options available. Cabins tend to be priced by grade, depending on the size of the cabin and the position on the ship. Inside cabins are the lowest priced but will include all the same basic facilities as an outside. It’s worth bearing in mind that a superior inside will be larger than a standard inside. If you like to be out and about, then an inside cabin is probably the right choice for you as it will be the base where you just lay your head. On Royal Caribbean’s new Quantum Class ships the inside cabins have virtual LED screens which project images of the scenery outside. Outside cabins feature a porthole or picture window for which you can see the grand ocean vista, as with the inside, facilities will remain the same but with the added advantage of natural light. Balcony cabins are the most popular option these days and newer ships are built to reflect this by offering over 80% of its accommodation in this type. Balcony cabins do tend to be larger than both the inside and outside cabin options so balcony cabins are well suited to families. They are a great place to escape and maybe read a book or sip a cocktail whilst waiting to see what’s on the horizon. If you would like to have more than one bedroom and bathroom or maybe a separate living area then a suite maybe the ideal cabin option for you. These vary from mini-suites to full-scale grand suites which may even have a whirlpool or grand piano. On Royal
Caribbean’s Oasis and Quantum-class ships there are two-storey loft suites and the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic features grand villas.
What you should expect in your cabin?
Whatever grade you select, your cabin will have the following:
• Small private bathroom with shower, wash basin and toilet, international shaver socket, towels, soap and shampoo
• Most 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 families
• Telephone and TV – many now also offer satellite channels and films
• Vanity/desk area and chair
• Wardrobe and drawer space, bedside cabinets or drawers
• Your personal cabin steward will tidy your stateroom each day and replace your towels. Most cruise lines offer a turn down service each night.
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