Lets talk about one of the most important decisions you need to make, picking the right cabin. Much of this decision depends on the type of cruiser you are. I usually don’t spend much time in my cabin, so for me size doesn’t matter. Others prefer to spend a considerable amount of time in the privacy of their room; if that describes you, it makes sense to splurge on accommodations that are more luxurious.

Although most ships have 20 or so different room categories, there are basically four different types of cabins:

• Inside cabins are located on inside corridors and so have no window.
• Outside cabins are located on the outside wall of the ship and have a window.
• Balcony cabins are outside cabins with a private deck.
• Suites are larger balcony cabins with bigger private decks, a separate bedroom, and a sitting area.

If you are like me (and don’t spend much time in your room) then it makes sense to book the cheapest available cabin which usually means I choose an inside cabin. I get to enjoy the same cruise as everyone else at the cost of an outside view. To me being inside is no big deal but be warned while in the cabin you will lose all sense of time and will have no clue what the weather is like (unless you turn the television to the outside cam channel) because of the lack of a view. You may also want to avoid an inside cabin if you are claustrophobic because it is like sleeping in a really big walk-in closet.

On the other hand, outside cabins eliminate the problems of inside cabins by giving you an outside view. The thing you have to remember is not everyone has the same definition of “outside view”. Let me just debunk that little myth, not all outside views are created equal. The degree of your outside view can vary from a tiny porthole that may be blocked by a lifeboat to huge floor to ceiling picture windows, so be sure to do your research.

Balcony cabins allow you to actually go outside to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the ocean. I must admit that occasionally I do like to splurge on a balcony, there is nothing like stepping out on your own balcony as you pull into a port. Just keep in mind that not all balconies are “private”. These days many ships are built with recessed decks that will give the people above you full view of everything (and I mean everything) you do on your balcony.

Suites are basically the big brothers of balcony cabins. I’ll take these in the form of an upgrade but for my style of cruising, it doesn’t really make sense to book one. Some suites are relatively basic while others are borderline palatial, complete with private courtyards and personal butlers.

In real estate, location is everything. In cruising the location of your cabin can be everything. Because of the design of today’s cruise ships, most don’t have a separate section for passenger cabins. Cabins tend to be interspersed among the ship’s public facilities. Since it is possible your cabin may be above a lounge, casino or other noisy area of the ship you have to be careful which cabin you choose. Many cabins will get noise and vibration from the ship’s engines, and some will even get noise when the anchors are raised and lowered. If you are someone bothered by everyday hustle and bustle, it would be wise to stay away from the children’s playroom, high-traffic elevators, self-service laundries and crew workstations. Definitely, avoid cabins above the disco and below the pool area. Also avoid cabins at the extreme front and back of the ship, if you are prone to sea-sickness. The closer you get to the ends of the ship the more you will feel the rocking. It is also true that the higher your cabin is on the ship, the more you will feel the rocking. To almost completely eliminate the chances of motion sickness, book a cabin on the lowest passenger deck in the middle of the ship.

If you study your ships deck plans you can usually avoid booking a bad room. Always check out where the proposed cabin is located in relation to the ships noisy areas. Pay special attention to any of the unmarked white or gray spaces nearby; these usually denote a housekeeping or room service station.

Even if you are someone who only uses your cabin to sleep, don’t underestimate the importance of proper cabin selection. Do your research. Check the internet, ask your booking agent questions and choose your cabin carefully. If you do those things, I guarantee you will sleep much better.