The Truth About Cruise Cabins: What Every Cruiser Should Know

The bit about others having slept in your bed is also true of every hotel on planet earth.

Regarding more balcony cabins than regular cabins, is that I think more people want a private balcony. I certainly prefer a private balcony where I can enjoy morning coffee in my robe, or a quiet afternoon where I can truly relax with a favorite book. In the public areas, I get distracted with people watching.

Great video. I (RN) always travel with an allergen-proof/dust mite proof zippered pillow cover and my own pillow case. I put the cover over the ship's (or hotel's) pillow and case, then zip it shut and add my own pillow case. When the trip is over, I take them off, put them in a large zip lock bag then into the outer pocket of my carry-on. I've been doing that for over 30 years. My allergist told me many years ago, NEVER take your own pillow on trips because you carry those germs allergens home with you to your own bed.

I didn't think about the rounded edges. What a sensible touch.

I love the windows suites on the older Princess ships. They are in a perfect location and usually sell for far less than a regular suite.

The pre-fab cabins are a byproduct of modern maritime safety regulations (SOLAS). Back in the land of long-ago cabins and staterooms were often very fancy with elaborate woodwork, carpets and handmade furnishings. The decks, walls, doors and almost all of the furniture were made of wood or other materials that were flammable. A number of serious shipboard fires resulted in very strict rules about what ships can be made of and the materials used for furnishings. Almost nothing flammable is allowed onboard. The QM2 got special permission for the use of some real wood onboard as part of its retro-ambiance. But that is a rare exception, and Cunard has some unusual fire suppression systems on board. Most cruise ships have little or no flammable materials in cabins. The old SS United States famously had only two pieces of wood onboard, the grand piano in the first-class lounge and the butcher's chopping block in the galley.

I love watching interviews with cabin designers and naval architects about how ships are designed and the little tricks that they have included in them.😊

Great video Gary. You always have such insightful content. Thank you ❤

Cruise lines are businesses and there is nothing wrong with them trying to make a profit. Choose the cabin that you are comfortable with its price. There are many cruise lines, ships, and itineraries to chose from.

A tip for those traveling on an extended cruise with a lot of sea days, bring an HDMI cable with you so you can hook your computer to the tv in the room and watch movies saved!! We were on a transatlantic cruise in April with a lot of sea days and thankfully I planned ahead so we had plenty to watch while in the cabin! Even had a May the Forth party with lots of Star Wars!!! Anyway Thanks Gary for the great videos!! They are most appreciated!

"Ship within a ship" is just going back to having three class fares like in the golden age of ocean liners, lol.

I travel everywhere with my own bed sheet. It’s a sleeping bag-style thin sheet that you use on top of the hotel/cruise bed.

I'm loving the 6000 cloud and the :O face above 4500

Thank you, Gary, for helping me "wise up."

But doesn't the market drive this too? For example, in the post-Covid world, I won't NOT have a balcony. Not only for the fresh air, but JUST IN CASE we get stuck for weeks in our cabin, I want to have a balcony. But aren't balconies the more popular option? Personally, I love that forward cabins are less money. We LIKE those. We like the rocking of the ship! They also have less traffic outside the door. We have to remind our TA every time....no...we want forward, REALLY.

Another comment. I like my balcony. On nice days at sea, I like to sit out there and read a book or watch the ocean.

I always go for the lowest level at midship, to minimize the risk of seasickness

The issue I have is that you never know how firm the beds are. I HATE firm beds and I cannot find any lines that offer softer beds. I read comments on forums, but people have conflicting views, so I never know what the truth is.

Great video Gary ❤ the only cruise line that I know of in Australia that has Australian electricity sockets is p&o Australia. All of the other ships had US and EUR power points. So when we cruise we usually have to take an international adapter with us. Im not sure now that after Feb 2025, that p&o will no longer be in existence and two of there ships will be branded with carnival (the 3rd ship will be no more), if they will take out the Australian sockets when it goes into dry dock. Im hoping that they keep them as is ❤

Very informative, thanks for sharing 😊