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For three, five, seven or however many days, the ship’s cabin will be your second home. Depending on your plans for rest and relaxation, you might want to give some thought to your choice of cabins. If you plan to be on the go, go, go and partake of all the ship has to offer, then pay for the cheapest cabin rate. After all, you will only be in your cabin to sleep and change your clothes. However, if you need to be alone and plan to huddle in your cabin at times, reconsider your options.

All cruise cabins are created for comfort with a sensible design where you can move with ease. Nonetheless, all cruise cabins are not the same. Your normal, average cruise ship cabin is going to be smaller that what you would find at some landlocked hotel. To compensate for the size, cruise lines spoil the passengers with mints on their pillows, shampoos, bath gel, fluffy robes and other amenities.

The cruise ship cabins were designed to make the best of the least amount of space possible. Sure some cabins have more room than others, but in any case, not a square inch is wasted. The cruise literature depicts a roomy cabin but that is just trick photography. The furnishings are utilitarian, but attractive. There is often a queen or king sized bed that could be broken down into twin beds if you were traveling with a companion other than a spouse or significant other. A closet or wardrobe is also in the cabin with a desk, bathroom, shower and chair. Depending on the size of your cabin, you might even have a little nook with a small couch and table.

Inside cabins tend to be the most economical. If you do not mind not having any windows or portholes to see outside, then this might be the choice for you. Inside cabins are usually about the same size as the outside cabins. It does tend to be darker when you have an inside cabin, so keep that in mind.

Outside cruise ship cabins have a window or a few portholes, which allow the sunshine to come into your cabin. If you are susceptible to claustrophobia and the thought of an inside cabin with no window gives you the shakes, book an outside cabin.

If enjoying the ocean views in the privacy of your own cabin is a must, consider booking an outside cabin with a balcony or terrace. This option is pricier, but it gives you a private view of the ocean with your own little deck.

If you have the expendable cash and want the “ooh-la-la” factor, consider the cruise ship suite option. Just picture the usual amenities along with some excess square footage. You definitely have room to maneuver! You’ll have extras like a mini-refrigerator and a private veranda.

The only thing about booking a cabin is that you cannot pick what part of the ship you want. You pay the going rate for the kind of cabin you want and hope for the best when it comes to its location like being near elevators or the bow are of the ship. If you are worried about seasickness, request a cabin on the lower decks. You may not be able to be accommodated, but it never hurts to ask. Just remember to keep in mind why you are on the cruise in the first place. Choose the best type of cabin for your needs and enjoy your cruising experience.

Kirsten Hawkins is a cruise and travel expert specializing in discount cruises and travel. Visit www.luxury-cruise-deals.com/ for more information on how to cruise the world for little or no money.

You don’t need a Miss Manners at sea to know there are some basic, common sense rules of etiquette for cruising. No, there is no handbook on it, but the key words here are “common sense.” For some less thoughtful folks onboard, taking a vacation means taking a break from using their brains.

Picture a cruise ship like a floating village or small town at sea. As with any unfamiliar place you go to, you should get to know the lay of the land, so to speak. No one is going to be just like you; people from all over the world, from different cultures and religions are sharing the same floating space as you are. Everyone should learn how to live in harmony for this short stay so that all of you will have the best vacation possible.

Some cruisers have been to their share of ports and know what to do. However, newbie’s need to pay some attention to their surroundings. Read the literature about the ship’s activities. And if there is any doubt about something, ask a member of the cruise ship’s personnel. Now, let’s talk about some of those unspoken shipboard “rules:”

Cool it with the complaints - You are on vacation! Nothing is more unattractive than a grown-up whining like a child over something like waiting in line. You know that saying “When in Rome?” Well, it is your vacation. No worries, no deadlines, no being late to anything … you’re on a ship and nothing on board is going anywhere. Say hi to the people next to you; challenge someone to a game of paper, scissors, rock to break up the monotony.

Respect the Dress Code Guidelines - Cruise ships will often post some clothing guidelines for dinner or live entertainment for that day. If you don’t follow the guidelines, you will not be thrown off the ship. However, you would feel mighty uncomfortable wearing your Bermuda shorts and flip flops to a semi-formal dinner or dance.

Say so long to the seat savers and line cutters- It is a bit exasperating to take the time to arrive at a decent hour to catch the next lounge act only to have a sea of coats draped over chairs and no bodies in the seats. And line cutters, shame on you. It is one thing for you to stand in line and have your spouse join you after a quick trip to the rest room. It is a whole new ballgame letting in your twenty newfound friends from the poker tables cut in line.

No hogging of the gym equipment/hot tub/lounge chairs/computers, etc. - There are possibly several thousand other people who at some point want to use stationary bike or hot tub privileges. Be mindful of others who are discreetly waiting without complaint for their turn.

Designated smoking areas - There are specific areas just for smokers on board. Do not be selfish and light up at the dining room table while others are eating. Here’s a big clue: if you see ash trays, you can light up.

These unspoken rules sound perfectly logical don’t they? Yet, some cruisers forget themselves in their quest for a good time and other people suffer for it. If you are unsure of something, ask. Let your common sense rule. And don’t worry, it won’t get in the way of your good time.

Kirsten Hawkins is a cruise and travel expert specializing in discount cruises and travel. Visit www.luxury-cruise-deals.com/ for more information on how to cruise the world for little or no money.

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