Accommodation & Dining

Cruises include full board accommodation and entertainment. Your accommodation will be in a cabin according to your choice of category. It is vital to know and understand the different cabin options available.

The cheapest cabins are internal ones, which means they do not have a window, porthole or balcony and offer the cheapest option. For those who have no claustrophobia problems and who only intend to use their cabin minimally to sleep in, and who otherwise intend to spend their time around the ship or on excursions, it serves the purpose. Like most cabins they are comfortable, well equipped and have their own bathroom.

The next step up is an outside cabin with a window or porthole, non opening.

Then you come to the popular balcony cabins which feature prominently on all the newer cruise ships. They come in differing sizes and in some cases with different facilities such as extra large balcony, balcony jacuzzi and so on. On some cruise lines there are balcony cabins which include other upgraded facilities. While most balcony cabins have sea views, on the larger ships there are some facing inwards and only those near the very back of the ship will have sea views. Although inward facing these cabins have their own advantages in that you always have something interesting to watch on the deck below. Fascinating for children who can become bored looking at the sea. Although facing inwards, these cabins are far enough away from one another to still provide privacy.

Suites are the most expensive and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and facilities. Ships differ in the design of their suites and what they include.

Unless otherwise stated, cabins will normally have a shower rather than a bath tub.

Most cabins are available with sleeping accommodation for more than one person and in many up to 4 or 6. There are also adjoining cabins for large groups where there is a connecting door and the balcony dividers can be folded back.

Each ship has its own unique cabin options but before deciding on which cabin to try and book certain steps are advisable. Do your research by looking on cruise deck plans sites which are invaluable and will point out disadvantages of cabins which may, for example, have an obstructed view from balcony. They also often have videos of actual cabins. Ideally, whichever category you opt for, it is best to be on a deck with cabins above and below. Public areas above your cabin can be a cause of noise both during the day and at night - including during cleaning activities. Cruise deck plans will also show connecting cabins which you may want to avoid.

At the time of booking you may be asked for your evening meal time preference, either early or late sitting. If a preference is not chosen the ship will allocate you a time. On many ships there is a free time flexible option allowing you to dine any time within a certain time frame although you will still have to request a daily time once on board. Table size can be requested but not confirmed although the restaurant staff will do their best. It is normal to share a table with other cruisers dining at the same time. Your dining time and restaurant will normally be shown on your ship's card. Evening meals are changed daily and although offering three courses you can order whatever combination you like - 2 starters, main + 2 desserts, no starter + dessert etc etc Daily menus can often be found outside the restaurant or in daily schedule, allowing decisions to be made in advance. It's possible, if you are on fixed time dining that you will be on the same table each day. Otherwise you may find you are on a different table with a different waiter each time. Either way you can be sure of great attention and service.

Not all main restaurants are open for breakfast and/or lunch. There is usually one main dining room only open at such times. Information will be shown on the daily schedule available to all passengers.

In addition to main restaurants, all meals are available in the buffet. This is a self service facility offering a really wide choice although can be packed at peak times. The secret is to find a table first, allow one member of group to remain or put something on table to indicate it is taken and then go to pick up food and drinks. Special drinks can be ordered from circulating bar staff. Buffets are open at set times throughout the day and again this will be shown in daily schedule.

A further option is snacks and finger food which will be found at various points throughout the ship. The selection varies depending on the ship.

Room service is another possibility although this may incur a charge, depending on your category. Many cruisers choose room service for breakfast. A breakfast menu will be found in your cabin to be completed and hung on your door by a certain time.

Bars will be in abundance offering an enormous variety of drinks and cocktails - not all alcoholic. Certain bars seem to excel at certain types of cocktails and there is a daily special cocktail advertised,

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