Cruise Cabin Selection - Picking the right cabin.

nospam@example.com (Travel Ann) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:11:09 -0700

The most common questions that are posed to me are in reference to selecting a cabin. Everyone wants something for nothing. For newbies they just want to know what is the difference between the different types of cabins.Most cruise lines seem to offer a bevy of cabin categories to choose from but really there are only four main ones. Inside, outside balcony and suite.

Inside cabins are those that do not have a window. There is one caveat to that on some Royal Caribbean ships there are inside cabins that have a window that faces the promenade deck or shopping concourse. They can relieve ,a little, the feelings of claustrophobia but you better keep your drapes drawn if you don't want your cruise mates to see you in your knickers.
Outside cabins are also known as ocean view. True to their name these have porthole windows or big picture windows and have a glorious view of the ocean. Balcony cabins are usually similar in size to the inside or outside cabins but have the added benefit of a balcony.Suites are sweet. What you get is a large, by cruise standards ,room and balcony . Sometimes you get a jacuzzi tub or other luxuries.

There may be 4 different categories of cabin within one main category. This refers to the deck or floor where they are located. Back in the early days of cruising the passengers in cabins on higher decks were allowed to eat at certain restaurants where cabins on lower decks were restricted in their dining choices to the lower class venues. This is no longer the case.

Most cruise lines offer what they call guarantee cabins. If you book a guarantee cabin it means you are guaranteed what you paid for or a higher category . With these types of bookings you do not get to select your specific cabin but you can save big bucks. Of course where they put you is at the discretion of the cruise line so be prepared to accept that.

The best way to get something for nothing in cabin selection is to pick a ship that has lots of balcony and outside cabins relative to inside cabins. You can then book an inside and have a better chance of being upgraded for free. If you're really picky then book
an outside on one of those ships to make sure you have a view and you are likely to be upgraded.

Now you may ask how in the heck will I know which ships those are? Travelin' Ann will reveal all her secrets to you.

Alright let's concentrate on my favorite cruise line which is Carnival. I'll list the least likely to be upgraded on to the most likely.

The Holiday and the Celebration-the two oldest Carnival ships have only 10 balcony cabins therefore no chance to snag a free one there.

Fantasy class includes Fantasy, Ecstasy, Sensation, Fascination, Imagination, Inspiration, Elation and the Paradise .

These ships have only 54 balcony cabins so you are unlikely to get one unless you pay for it. You probably can get upgraded by deck though if you book the lowest category inside or outside Though you won't be upgraded from inside to outside you will be upgrade a few decks.

On the Carnival Destiny you have about a fifty fifty chance to get an outside cabin by booking an inside guarantee. Most of the outside cabins have balconies so there is a good chance to get a balcony by booking an ocean view as a guarantee cabin.

Carnival Triumph and Carnival Victory have mainly outside and balcony cabins. Sixty percent percent are outside cabins and sixty percent of those have balconies. I would book an inside guarantee and roll the dice.

Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, and Carnival Liberty. Your chances are great to get a free upgrade on these ships. Book an inside and you'll probably be upgraded. Most likely you will end up with an ocean view but there is a good chance to be upgraded to a balcony especially if there are most than two passengers traveling together.

On the Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend and Carnival Miracle you are most likely to hit pay dirt on these ships. There are only about twenty percent inside cabins on this ship so an upgrade is all but a sure thing.

Remember though the upgrade fairy doesn't give a fig if you are a past guest, getting married, or booked way ahead. It's all about the odds on this one kiddies. My advice is based on the most likely scenario. This logic can be skewed by large groups booking up all the good cabins so nothing is for sure. I have been studying these things for a decade though and I am rarely wrong. Try it, you'll like it!

How to avoid sea sickness on a cruise.

nospam@example.com (Travel Ann) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 12:03:52 -0700

The pleasure of cruising along on open water with the sea breeze blowing at tropical temperatures is one that every person should be able to experience without the unpleasant side effect of nausea. I suffer from motion sickness from a variety of different sources. Even movement on a television screen makes me sick. Or when someone who is sitting nearby nervously shakes their leg. Elevator rides make me nauseous and horse back riding too.

I have been sick to my stomach on a small fishing vessel that I paid a fortune to charter so when my brother suggested a cruise years ago I thought to myself that I may have more fun jumping off the Eiffel tower. At least it would end. I have since traveled on many cruises without the troublesome problem of sea sickness. I want to share what I have learned so that you too can enjoying cruising as much I do.

The easiest and most economical way to stop sea sickness is to walk. This is what is meant by getting your sea legs. When you walk around a moving ship the fluid in your inner ear learns the motion of the ship in a controlled way. When you feel sea sickness coming on walk,walk,walk. The worst thing you can do is take to your bed. Lying down will make your nausea worse. Once your body becomes accustomed to the motion you will no longer feel ill and will be able to sit and lie down when you want to.

Another drug free way to curb your motion sickness is by wearing a Sea Bands bracelet. The bracelet has a small bead on the inside that puts pressure on the inside of your wrist. This is a pressure point that will reduce nausea. Children and pregnant women can use Sea Bands as there are no side effects to this method. They are available at most drug stores. Buy these before you leave home and put it on before boarding the ship to be safe.

The use of ginger can help to reduce the nausea part of sea sickness but not the dizziness. Other herbal remedies have been tried but not scientifically proven to work. Staying above deck and getting fresh air will go a long way to normalizing your inner ear.

Cabin location can also be a factor in how much motion you feel while trying to sleep. Select a cabin that is in the middle of the ship both horizontally and vertically. If you pick a middle deck you will feel less motion from the sea and if you are close to the center of that deck you will feel less vibration from the engines and under workings of the ship.

Sail on a ship that has stabilizers. All of the newest mega liners have stabilizers that help minimize the rolling of the ship back and forth. Consider sailing on a ship that uses the Azipod propulsion system. All of the Carnival Cruise Lines ships have them. This system pushes rather than pulls the ship through the water which reduces motion and creates much less vibration. It also has the added benefit of allowing sharper turns for the ship without causing a lean.

Medications such as Dramamine or Gravol decrease nausea. You don't have to buy these at home as they are available on the ship at the pursers desk where they are usually given out free of charge. Unfortunately these drugs can make some people drowsy which does not make for an exciting cruise experience.

Ear patches work wonders to get rid of sea sickness. The trans dermal scopolamine patch is about the size of a dime and is worn behind the ear. It's effects last about 72 hours. This patch must be applied 8 hours before boarding the ship or you'll be playing catch up later. The trans dermal patch does have side effects ranging from drowsiness to dry mouth.

Even the astronauts from NASA have problems with motion sickness so you are not alone now are you weak and frail. Go on and book your cruise with peace of mind because now you'll be like me and everyone else who is openly addicted to cruising.

Cruise Advisor - Cruising Tips

Cruise Cabin Selection - Picking the right cabin.

How to avoid sea sickness on a cruise.