Honest Opinion?

Old Jul 29th, 2002, 05:31 PM
  #1  
Lilly
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Honest Opinion?

We are considering going on a cruise this fall for our Anniversary and wanted to get people's honest opinions on the cabins? We are looking into the Adventurer or Voyager cruise ship. We got some EXCELLENT rates for a Inside Cabin. I've only been on 1 cruise 5 yrs ago and had an Oceanview cabin. Just curious, how bad are the inside cabins? We'll you really miss the window? I would love to splurge and get a Balcony Stateroom, But that would be $400.00 more dollars. We are on SERIOUS budget, and would be paying around $1800 including air for a Inside cabin,which is an Excellent price. What are your thoughts? Also, by chance how are the rooms overlooking the promenade? Are they noisy?
 
Old Jul 29th, 2002, 11:05 PM
  #2  
Paul Therault
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Hi Lilly,

Just think if you personally would be comfortable in a room without a window. Many passengers say they do not care since they will not be spending any time in the cabin. But I do not know if they only say that since they do not want to spend the extra money. I personally would not care for an inside cabin mainly due to the fact they are very small and I would have to run up to the outside decks to see anything in the ports.

The Atrium cabins that overlook the promenade are almost completly soundproof except for the parade nights. The windows do not open. It is great for people watching but you have to keep in mind that others can look in. If you take the upper deck cabins, passengers from below will not look up that far. They are also nice to see if something interesting is happening so you can run down and join in. I would not book one if I traveled with 2 others. Too small for me.

If I were on a budget I would not choose a balcony cabin on the Voyager since they are too expensive. Balconies on other ships are much less money. An outside cabin on the lowest deck would not cost that much more and lower outside cabins are better than the higher-up cabins since you can see more out the window without standing up.

Paul
 
Old Jul 30th, 2002, 07:29 AM
  #3  
maryann
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we always take an inside cabin(10 cruises). we were upgraded twice once to the promonade deck and had to keep the drapes drawn and once to the lowest deck with a porthole. it was a washing machine view at sea and UNDER th dock in port. You do the same and eat the same as everyone else, you just can't see anything from your cabin. I would rather spend the extra money on the bar bill and excursions, but to each his or her own.
 
Old Jul 30th, 2002, 10:11 AM
  #4  
Ginger
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If I were on a SERIOUS budget, I would not cruise at all! Why not wait until you can save up and get a real cabin? And unless you drink only water on board, you are going to go broke trying to drink!

I profess to be a cabin snob and I CANNOT stand an inside cabin. Stay in your walkin closet for a week and see how you like it. You don't know what time of day it is, get no natural light, feel like you are in a coffin.

I would either go with an ocean view at the least, or wait, save up, and go with the balcony during the low season.

 
Old Jul 30th, 2002, 11:05 AM
  #5  
Kat
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My family and I just returned from 7/7-7/14 sailing of Splendour of the Seas. We booked one inside cabin and one outside cabin. The outside cabin was slightly bigger, had a loveseat instead of a chair, and of course, a window. The curtains were drawn on the window most of the time - in port we weren't sure who could see in. One morning when the curtains were open, I had just finished dressing when I turned around to see a window washer go sliding by outside (true!!!) When the curtains were open the glare on the tv was awful, so my son kept closing them. If I was to go on another cruise, I wouldn't mind the inside cabin - less noise from balcony above outside cabin, dark room for sleeping - only used the loveseat and chair for storing our purchases. We weren't in the rooms long enough to really enjoy having a window. The inside room has a large mirror instead of a window, so that it doesn't feel closed in. My husband, on the other hand much preferred the outside cabin. It's really a matter of taste and how much time you'll spend looking out the window.
 
Old Jul 30th, 2002, 11:34 AM
  #6  
Sue
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I have been on 22 cruises and have stayed in inside, outside and balcony.
It is wonderful with a balcony but expensive.
When someone asks me about an inside cabin I usually ask if they would request a hotel room with no window.
Most wouldn't. Usually the inside cabins are a bit smaller so as someone above mentioned...like a closet.
 
Old Jul 30th, 2002, 02:04 PM
  #7  
michaelbuttons
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To the questioner, I have been on all ships, including a troop transport where I had only a bunk and a small trunk. I have also been on aide transport which is OK as you eat with the officers but sleep in six man rooms.

So after all that sea going I would say to you to squeeze your budget into a windowed room as you will be spending time in the room. The new ships have large square windows that do not open. That is fine, window washers are automatic and take about thirty seconds. Windowed rooms looking on to public decks are not the smartest choice. you cannot have children and feel safe with a balcony. I sailed on the Queen Mary when a child and that ship was classed. You got a cabin and service depending on which class you booked and doors prevented you from entering a better class area. Today's travelers would certainly complain about that.

The constantly presented idea here that you spend little time in your room is just so much baloney. You may eat breakfast there, you may want a rest before dinner, you will need a rest and shower if off ship and it is very warm. You will find the windowed room about middle of the road on the new ships. There are actually very few windowless rooms in some of the ship plans I have inspected.

I have no comment on one line as opposed to another, all are a vacation on the water with a few stops that are usually way too short. One can book a cruise one-way in case you did not know. You can get off or get on other than Florida or the start-off port. Budget, I understand. Take your budget to a good travel agent and have him/her shop for you. Most people are not happy in a windowless room unless around 21 years old and not in need of any sleep. Sleeping in public rooms which I have seen happen is a bad idea.

All opinion appearing here is just that, opinion, including mine. If you have not been on many ships keep an open mind, don't compare things (poison to a vacation), find a second agent if the first is not doing the job for you and do get a window. In all those bunk trips that I took, the best difference between those and cruise ship is a WINDOW.

I am still looking for river boat info and apparently no many travelers try this boats.
 
Old Jul 30th, 2002, 03:38 PM
  #8  
Lila
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Window is the best way to go!!
 
Old Jul 30th, 2002, 04:20 PM
  #9  
Elaine
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For our 4th cruise recently, I booked an inside cabin for the first time and then worried about it...from booking to sailing. But it was fine and will be the way-to-go for us in the future. More important than inside or outside for me would be "where". I think I would feel claustrophobic if I were down on one of those lower decks where it is just a maze of cabins. We've always been on an upper deck, be it inside or outside. And we had a 'larger' inside, and found it very comfortable.
I'm sure you'll have a great time. I've enjoyed every cruise we've been on, but especially liked RCI.
 
Old Jul 30th, 2002, 05:12 PM
  #10  
Parrot Mom
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You can live without a balcony...but an inside cabin would make you claustrophobic.. I don't care what people say about spending little time in your cabin.. I want to wake up and open the curtains and see the sea or a port..I want light. Cabins are basically soundproof..even next to the Casino..you don't hear a thing.
 
Old Jul 30th, 2002, 05:25 PM
  #11  
Anthony
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I have been on 4 cruises, most recently back on 7/22/01 Sun Princess South bound Alaska; before that, 01/15/02 on the Celebrity Millenium. Of the 4 cruises, I had windows in 2 cruises, although I paid for inside cabins on all my trips. I had a great time on my Alaskan cruise, and did not feel claustrophobic in the least.
We are thinking of another cruise maybe the end of the year, or in Jan.
It will be an inside cabin too.
So while the rest of you pay extra for a window and balcony, I will take my inside cabin,at the lowest price, and have the ability to take a cruise every 4-6 months, with the money I save.
 
Old Jul 30th, 2002, 06:21 PM
  #12  
Peter
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Lilly - there are obviously some real snobs on this site. My family of four have been on 8 cruises and have stayed in everything from a small, small inside on the Majesty to the owners suite on the Rhapsody. To me the only difference was space to store clothes and being able to keep out of each others way preparing for dinner. Other than that, for us, it really didn't make a hugh difference. Was it nice to be able to go out on the balcony and relax - sure - but $400-800 worth - no.

My wife actually prefers an inside cabin because she says she's had the best sleeping she's ever had. The gentle rocking motion with no light knocks her out.

Do whatever you can afford. I'd rather cruise in an inside cabin than spend a week at DisneyWorld in their best hotel room!
 
Old Jul 30th, 2002, 06:25 PM
  #13  
Pam
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Ditto on Peter's comments. As he would say, just be sure to take a flashlight!
 
Old Jul 30th, 2002, 08:07 PM
  #14  
dana g
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Spend a little more and get natural daylight. It's worth every penny.

I've read on this forum people say they spend only 2-3 waking hours on their cabin, go inside.

However, I think very few people actually fit into that mold. Stop and think--up before breakfast, shower, back to the cabin if it's a sea day, out on the deck a bit.

My admin insisted she would only be in her cabin 2-3 hrs a day, came back crying the blues. She could have had an outside cabin for only $100 per person more, inside was a big mistake.

Another person we sailed with years ago on the Royal Princess ( outside cabins only ) said never again to an inside cabin. Not that there was so much more room, but the natural daylight.

We did one cruise on the Royal Princess in the absolute lowest category, "obstructed view." We could see the ocean below the lifeboats, and sky between them, but it made a huge difference to have daylight and to see the ocean.

Stop and really think how much you will be in the cabin, how much out in the public areas, how much in port.

For us, it is quite a bit of time. I like to spend time in my cabin reading.
Some cruises I go through 4 books. I am a lover of the ocean and the great indoors.

We've been on 13 cruises, all outside or balconey. Love to leave the door open and hear the sound of the ocean.

It's worth it to us, and think you would feel the same way, or you might not have asked.

 
Old Jul 30th, 2002, 09:44 PM
  #15  
kenwood
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You anniversary is obviously a party for you trip so get the window. All the testimonials to inside cabins are very suspicious to me. This is not a matter of age or snobbery. You do spend quite a lot of time in a cabin unless you like being in some lobby 24/7 for weeks. Insides are not as good as natural light and that is all there is to it. Shop more, use a large agency, insist on an experienced agent or the one with the most cruise experience. Save on other things. Here is a tip from my sister who always looks terrific. Pack everything black, everything. Then it all goes together and noone ever notices how you dress you always look good and you do not need a dress-up bag. A few scarves, a T-shirt or two and black stuff. Works all over the world and keeps the bags light. Another tip is avoid the shore trips, buy a guide book, find the bus station. You will be proud of yourself and have a better time and SAVE money.
 
Old Aug 4th, 2002, 03:10 PM
  #16  
Lilly
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Thanks for the insight. I'll keep looking for that AWESOME deal. Reading all the posts makes me want a Balcony room. I know right now our money says NO WAY, but it's sooo tempting to say go for it. I know me & DH would absolutely LOVE a balcony stateroom. Decisions, Decisions.....
 
Old Aug 4th, 2002, 07:37 PM
  #17  
Andy
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Lilly- If budget is a major cost and you really want to cruise, then do the INSIDE CABIN- you are hardly in the room at all except to change clothes and sleep=-==

If you get claustrophobic, then GO OUTSIDE-

We have been crusing for over 28 years and have only had 1 INSIDE cabin ( on our 1st cruise to the MED)--it was all that was available....It truthfully was NOT BAD---just extrememly DARK at nite-Bring a tiny flash light or you will break your neck getting to the bathroom--

And we had our first balcony this past Nov.---I LOVED the Balcony, but it is NOT the DO OR DIE option that I am looking for-I will do a balcony again ONLY if the PRICE IS GOOD......

So You are the only person to decide-
Everyone is correct in saying the inside is slightly smaller than the outside cabin-but the mirrors do make it feel larger......

Hope this helps
 
Old Aug 5th, 2002, 04:58 PM
  #18  
telly
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Hi Lilly,

I've sailed on the Explorer of the Seas, their sister ship last July 2001. The bigger the ship, the more I like it. I think I consider myself a veteran cruiser since I've sailed more than 20 times and tried all sorts. The Explorer should have had more choices of restaurants for such a big ship. The rooms overlooking the promenade will be not a good idea, no privacy unless you keep your curtains drawn all the time. I got the category D9, outside with balcony. I liked it. Most of the cruises I sailed I try to get similar category. If I had to choose between a deck or having extra square footage, I'll take the extra space. I also got my kids across the hall from my cabin, a category M inside. I like having a window, helps me when I get queasy. My kids like to hang out in my room more than theirs. I've tried an inside cabin once on a Mediterranean cruise because my friend wanted me to take the same category as hers and I thought it would bother me but it didn't. Got used to it after 2 days. If given the choice though, I'll always take one with a window. As far as getting more space on a bigger window than an inside, not really, unless you upgrade to a larger stateroom but the window has nothing to do with the room size. Best is to checkout the website for room sizes to get an exact measurement to see for yourself. If you are watching your budget, it's tough because sodas & alcoholic drinks onboard do add up. Hope this helps.
 
Old Aug 6th, 2002, 03:57 PM
  #19  
Andy
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Been inside on the Voyager.
Small cabin (as are ALL RCCL cabins)
Big enough to do what you gotta do.
We prefer inside (higher deck levels).
Like dark room at nite.
Just see water when at sea - dark at nite. When at port - we are in port.
Booked inside on Explorer in Jan.
You'll love it wherever you are.
 
Old Aug 8th, 2002, 04:45 PM
  #20  
Whatz Up?
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Not sure...Just Hang Loose?%!@
 
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