Choosing a ship cabin

Q: We will be going on our first ocean cruise in May. We are confused about which cabin to book. Which level is better; higher or lower? Is it better to be closer to the middle of the ship or at either end? Is it advisable to have a cabin close to restaurants, swimming pools and elevators? Is a balcony or suite worth the additional cost? Please help us with some guidelines. - Lettie Beukes

A: Basically, you can be guided by the price; the higher the price, the better the cabin. Before you decide on the actual location of your cabin, however, you need to decide whether you are happy to stay in a room with no outside view and whether you are prepared to pay more for a porthole or a window. You may also have to decide whether are happy with bunk-style accommodation or are prepared to pay more for a proper bed. Once you have made your selection of cabin category, your location options will be significantly narrowed down. If you are prone to seasickness, you should choose a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck where you will feel the least motion. If you are a light sleeper or like to sleep late in the morning, avoid high traffic areas near to restaurants, lifts, games rooms and swimming pools. You should also avoid the bow of the ship, where noise from the anchor could disturb you. However, if you go to bed early, avoid cabins close to discos, casinos, nightclubs and dining areas. If you have difficulty walking or expect to spend a great deal of time at the pool, then select a room closest to a pool area. Only you can judge whether a balcony room or suite is worth the additional cost, sometimes up to twice that of a regular cabin. The advantage of a balcony room is that you have large sliding glass doors, giving you fresh air and a great view and the balcony usually affords you the outdoor privacy you may not get in another cabin.