If you have chosen a particular cabin, knowing it's only partially obstructed and it's at the front or the back; make sure you say NO to a possible upgrade at the time of booking as they may move you to a Midship Obstructed Oceanview (it still counts as an upgrade) which is good but may be FULLY obstructed so ends up being worse than your original cabin.
Stumbled on the channel and love how enthusiastic you are. There is one drawback (well maybe not a drawback) you didn't mention about booking a guaranteed cabin. My wife and I had never been on a cruise but were interested. I found a NCL 4 night repositioning cruise on the Pearl from Vancouver to LA. It was less than 3 weeks to departure and the price for a guaranteed balcony was ridiculously low so I booked it. We received our cabin assignment with a week to go. 3 days before departure the assignment changed to pending. It freaked me out a bit but that is what can happen with that kind of booking. The day before sailing we received our new cabin. We had been upgraded from a balcony, not to a suite but to a penthouse!!!!!! Butler, espresso machine, tub and separate shower, dining table. It was amazing, now remember, this was our first cruise. So now we have been spoiled and hooked on balcony cruising. We will likely never have that kind of luck again, but what a way to start our cruising adventure.
On our 1st cruise with our 2 sons we booked a mini suite guarantee because of great rates. We received an owner's suite with a butler and many other treats every day. My son's now complain when cruising with their wife/girlfriend because their rooms are just not up to that first trip!!!
Reminds me of a tip I saw on one UA-cam video about cruising: There will always be someone with a better story than you, never call anyone out, it is just bad manners. But I am not on a cruise. So I could. But I don't. Instead I will mention my economy class (work) trip from Sweden to Japan (via Copenhagen). The first leg of the flight (a one hour hop) I was upgrade from economy to business, as I arrived rather late. A small, local, airport in a small town, so late, but definitely not too late as I lived 20 minutes from the airport by taxi. I walked straight onto the plane, missing out on all the goodies of the business class lounge. The seats were nothing special (just that curtain thing). The next leg, my colleague (we had individual tickets) were upgrades to business from the long stretch, while I sat in the middle of the plane as far aft as it is possible, inside seat in a 4 seat wide. And i still had a good flight and slept well.
I booked our balcony cabin and saw "obstructed view" was $500 cheaper. After some research on what the obstructions were I discovered it was all minor equipment, lack of a full view towards the front or some lifeboats under the balcony. Our room was larger and the obstruction we got (we also let them choose) was a 90% view balcony.. one side was a tiny bit closed off because of placement but the views were stunning and the balcony was large. If anything that little bit of extra wall blocked the wind enough to make sitting out there more pleasant.
I got an inexpensive upgrade from an interior to obstructed balcony, did pay, but only about $200(total as a solo traveller, under $100pp) and my assigned cabin was between two lifeboats, that were below railing height. As a person who has PtSD related to heights, this was fabulous, could only look down one deck to the promenade and no obstruction when looking straight out.
We used to book an inside cabin and an Oceanview cabin when our kids were 11 and up. We would stop by the desk and get extra key cards for each room so we all had access to both rooms. And if you can honestly say that you have well behaved kids, and your steward is fine with it, you can put both kids in one room and the adults in the other. Our steward actually said that our kids were some of the most well behaved he had ever worked with and he had no problems with them, unlike some of the adults further down the hall.
Great tip, Emma. I have been in the "obstructed" balcony several times and it's still amazing! Here are a couple of my tips for cutting costs as a 30 time plus cruiser. I use my Southwest Airline credit card for everything (paying the balance every month) from cable bill to electrical. I stack up my points and use those for the airfare to and from the port locations. Even if cancelled the points just come back to my account. Oh and Southwest up to 2 checked bags including on every fare. Then I have just put in for my Carnival Stock holder benefit for my next cruise. 7 Day $100 on board credit. Thanks for the info!
About 6 years ago we booked a guaranteed inside cabin for a Panama Canal cruise from Florida on Princess. The cost was $509 + $370 =/- port charges. We got our room assignment via email about 3 weeks prior to the cruise. The same day about 5:00 P.M. we received another email offering to upgrade to a balcony for $99. Of course we jumped on it. Cost of the cabin - $608 + port charges.
Great video! We did the "interior obstructed view" on a 14 day to Hawaii from San Diego. The 4th deck on Carnival Miracle are interior with French Doors just balcony cabins. We researched and found a room that the view was between two life boats. Save lots of $$ and were happy with it. Thanks again!
I pick my own after getting an ocean view that was over a dance club. My bed shook in time to the bass every night. Nope! Also had one at the rear of the ship right where the anchor dropped. The noise brought me straight out of bed at 4 or 5 am every morning!
Totally agree on the multiple cabins instead of one big family cabin. On every cruise we've taken, it has been cheaper to get two separate cabins for our family. Not only is it cheaper, but we also get a second full bathroom, better privacy for Mom and Dad, and don't have to step all over each other and our stuff. With teenagers, it's worth it to pay extra to get a second full bathroom, but since it comes out cheaper, it's a win/win. As to the one adult per cabin thing, check your cruise line rules. Some lines allow you to keep the kids in their own cabin as long as they are next door or across the hall. With Carnival, for example, kids of a certain age can be as many as 3 doors down with no adult in the cabin. However, to book like this, you have to call them. Their website won't let you put the adults in a separate cabin even though their rules allow for it.
I used to work for Carnival. For reference, you do not have to have an adult in each cabin with the kids (tweens/teens) but the cabins have to be within 3 doors of each other. We always book our teenage daughters their own cabin, and as long as they are within 3 doors of us, Carnival doesn't care. Now, if it's a balcony, you will need to double-check the age requirement because littles can't be in those without an adult. Also, you can't book these cabins online because the website requires an adult (21+) in every cabin. Three ways around this: 1) call customer service and book with them, or 2) book the cabins online splitting the adults between the two cabins, and then when you have a minute, call customer service and ask them to change the names around, finally 3) once on board, go to guest services and ask to have the names moved around and the sail and sign cards redone. Hope this helps!
If you have a connecting room it won't matter. Just leave the adjoining interior doors open and they can freely move between the two if it were to be an issue (with teens/tweens, not littles).
I used to do guarantee cabin before for every cruise, but since my dad health started to decline I have to buy the cabin I want to be close to them! I saved a lot of money back then!! like always, excellent video!!!
When taking my daughters I normally book and obstructed view as I have to pay for 2 staterooms. Totally recommend them as they are very midship especially right on the center of the deck. And yes you do save money.
I had an obstructed view cabin with a lifeboat blocking part of it. The biggest problem were the ropes and other gear banging against the hull at all hours.
After hearing about the people with inside cabins during covid, I would image passengers will be booking more balcony cabins and cruise will be raising their prices.
Our first cruise was in an inside on Norwegian. With three adults it was quite cramped but we managed. For our next cruise, it was only going to be two adults, so we booked an inside on NCL again, as we could get out on an upper or promenade deck to take in the views. Then Covid happens. Our September 2020 cruise was cancelled. Meanwhile, hearing the horror stories of people confined for weeks in an inside cabin last spring, we decided we won't ever do anything less than a balcony. So we have a balcony for our new 2nd cruise in October 2022 this time on HAL. Hopefully by then Covid, if not entirely eliminated, will be relatively uncommon and more of a nuisance akin to a cold rather than a potentially fatal illness. However cruise lines have had massive norovirus outbreaks or it's possible that one of us gets sick on board and ordered to quarantine for a couple days or longer. The thought of being unable to get fresh air or natural light during that time is a non-starter for both of us. The difference in cost between an inside with no extras and an obstructed balcony with dining and beverage packages, and prepaid gratuities was about $300 per person after the cabin gratuities were factored in. We opted to get an unobstructed balcony with the included add-ons for an additional $400 per person or about $700 over the cost of an inside each. Over the course of a 14 day cruise that works out to an extra $50 per day to dine at premium restaurants, enjoy premium coffees, smoothies, beer, cocktails, and some wines at no extra cost, but worth it alone for the extra peace of mind. Of course, if you want to save a few hundred bucks and are willing to chance being quarantined for a while, an inside is a great option particularly if all you intend to do inside your cabin is shower and sleep.
Booked 2 cruises back to back for this Nov and will admit, usually I like to be "more economical" and am 100% fine with the inside cabin, this time I made sure to get an unobstructed view and the best ' just in case' vacation insurance. Yes it was more $$, but I haven't been on vacation in 18months so I decided to treat myself and be prepared just in case we do get quarantined. I didn't see a huge price increase compared to pre-covid, as I would check the price but never booked it, but I also did Club Orange through HAL and definitely save some money that way using its 2 class free upgrade. I also did not do the drink package as I just don't drink that much, I like the free hot chocolate and lemonade, instead I like to get the thermal spa during the trip just for the heated ceramic loungers. Those are so worth it! However, to date the cruise line does not know if they'll be open. To add, same ship, same cabin, different destinations.
When I have customer who wants to cruise but they’re on a budget and have claustrophobia and can only afford interior I always suggest obstructed balcony. Best way so they can enjoy themselves and not have to sacrifice their mental health on a holiday 😊 they are out there for sure! 2:10
Another great video! I would add that the guarantee cabins near the lifeboats will probably be the steadiest. Also, your recommendation of multiple cabins is very good. I don't care how large the cabin is, it will get REAL small and crowded after about 5 days on a 7-day cruise! Finally, congratulations on your career move! I did the same thing after 30 years in the food service industry, and began my lifelong dream of writing. So far, so good! Good luck!
I try so hard to block all light from the windows when in a hotel, you're telling me I can opt for rooms without windows? AND their cheaper? That's great!
We've only done a guaranteed cabin once, and it was AMAZING!!!! We were booked in a guaranteed balcony. We would not have even known that was an option, had it not been for our FANTASTIC travel agent!!
A guaranteed cabin could put you under the pool or over a bar/nightclub or beside the closet the stewards go into early in the morning or close to the elevator.. I like to pick my cabin.
We booked a guaranteed balcony cabin on Disney fantasy, and we were good with that because we’re going to get the balcony or we’re gonna get an upgrade. We had the most amazing aft cabin. It was an ADA cabin and very large with a wraparound balcony, it was amazing
Emma very true on all counts. I have had oceanviews where it was only looking straight down that it was obstructed. Also some balcony obstructions are only a cable or support pole etc or a view across the top of life boats one deck down. Also, if you are going to Alaska or Canada/New England a balcony to me is a waste of money since when the ship is moving you will freeze! Book the cheapest balcony on a garanty, you can only go up. Book the highest category balcony and you might get a suite. I booked the lowest category balcony on a garanty for a 23 day cruise and got a mini suite. Heaven. Also consider this, for a family, book a balcony and an inside cabin. Have the family come to the the balcony cabin. You get a cheaper total price and everyone can enjoy the balcony.
My first cruise was with a friend whose family of 10+me (all adults) booked 5 balcony cabins in a row. The balcony doors could open, and we would cavort amongst ourselves without even using the hall! Came in handy in cade of bathroom need or lockouts too!
I once had an "obstructed view" cabin with a life boat near our window. The metal against metal "grating" noise was a constant companion at sea. Never again!
You can often find photos of the obstruction for the ship/cabin you are considering by doing an on line search. We've had obstructed balconies that I actually had to look for the "obstruction," It was a small piece of metal at the ceiling level and didn't obstruct our view at all. I'm hesitant if I can't find out what the obstruction is as it could be essentially the whole view, or it can be nearly nothing. Just a reminder, if you need an accessible cabin, you cannot book a gty or bid on an upgrade. Well, I did make it happen once with a travel agent who was a top seller for the line and was able to go "behind the scenes" and get an open HA cabin that showed as available at the advertised gty rate, but that was using his influence. You are correct that there must be a "21 or older" BOOKED in each cabin. Most cruise lines don't care who sleeps where, and will provide what we called "mom keys" so mom could have access to both cabins.
I was doing some mock booking on RCCL and it was actually $100 cheaper to pick my own room. While during another mock booking it was $200 more to pick my own room.
One question did you use the same variables, i e. same cruise duration, dates, destinations, cabin type including amount of obstruction and location, etc.? That is the only way where the comparison results be valid.
@@emmetlover206, I’m sorry if I came across sounding as if I was giving you a hard time, that certainly wasn’t my intention. I suspect it was my somewhat myopic view of the situation. Have you decided yet on a trip or to wait for a bit yet? I really am just curious. We get our second shots next week, so it will be a little while before we can travel. Canada is being quite slow in opening things up, at least where we are.
@@hume6900 You're good, I have one booked for September. Its not always cheaper to pick your room though. It depends on what sailing you pick and how ever Royal picks their prices. I've seen examples where its only a few dollars different in price while some time there is a huge jump in price. I go with whichever is cheaper because I like to save money and I'm not picky about where I am on ship.
We once took an obstructed view cabin on Pacific Aria at a last minute bargain basement price. It turned out to be all the way forward on the promenade deck and the only view was the fully covered in corridor which was in near complete darkness. Easy come easy go. We spent very little time in the cabin anyway.
This cabin business sounds like advanced calculus, but once figured out you will enjoy yourself regardless, Cruise ship sudoku. Your enthusiasm and "bubbliness" is refreshing.
love this channel! I feel like im so prepared to find and take a cruise for the first time! im gonna start looking soon for mid summer... pending the pandemic lol
Fantastic video and so nice to get away from the dredid covid! It will be great to see more videos about ships and cruises in the future with you on them, personally I think they were the best! Take care, Miles
There's a similar thing with fast trains on the continent. When traveling with the TGV Thalys from Paris to Amsterdam, the first class was cheaper than the second class as the second class was fully booked and the algorithm had driven up the price for the second class. We got champagne and a top-notch meal for almost half the price of a second-class seat. But you need to be able to speak good French, though, to get that.
good morning from world famous Dania beach after 20 cruises i have been able to get most of them at very good deals living near 2 of the biggest cruise ports we dont need air so its very easy to book a last minute cruise anywhere from 2 months out to 2 weeks away but sometimes they run a real great sale and i will buy it way ahead of time you must be flexible with dates and ships to get great prices
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Love your channel. I got the best deal on a balcony cabin. I booked a solo cabin on NCL And a few weeks later I decided to see what an upgrade would cost and what do you know It was only $132 to go from a solo cabin to a balcony…. That was almost $1000 cheaper than the published Rate on the website 👍
Another great video, very informative and well presented - occasional blooper included. You do very well to find on topic stuff to talk about, given how long cruising has been "off the menu". Love the accent :)
Going back over the older videos. My next cruise I did choose my cabin but the were reasons for that so was nearer to family and also not stuck under the buffet ( which would be very noisy more than likely)
Good info as usual my dear! A note on ages of people in cabins - Ruby Princess, July 2018 had my almost 20 year old daughter and her just-turned 12 cousin in the same cabin. Also my son at 17 1/2 year old son and his almost 15 year old cousin together in a cabin.
We book an adult in the cabin and then once on board , go to guest services and have the cards redone and change the adults back to a cabin together. The door connects and older teens are just across the hall from us, they had a grandparent booked in the cabin to starts. So 4 cabins, 8 people and less money than a family cabin for 6 plus a cabin for 2. And we had 4 bathrooms!!!
Hi Emma, there is another advantage to a partially obstructed cabin which involves a life boat. If you hit an iceberg let's say in the Caribbean, just climb over your railing .... taa daa .... you get the best seat in the life boat. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut. Go Chelsea FC !
It really depends on cruise line and ship. A lot of ships are not busy at all. Especially the larger ships. Even more on port days, ships will be empty! Buffet/restaurants are normally busy except port days.
Re the comment on needing an adult in every cabin, check each line. For example Princess allows children in a cabin by themselves as long as at least one child is 16 or older and the cabin is next to or across from their guardians cabin.
Tip for the lazy ; A front balcony cabin will provide you with free blow dries ! I swear, if I could can that salty mist, I'd soon be a millionaire !💦😂🌬 🚢 Love from Norway 💖
We're going on our first cruise in February 2023 and we booked a particular balcony cabin because we wanted the port side of the ship, as that's where the land can be seen. The cruise company has "upgraded" us to a starboard side cabin, still a balcony but it's closer to the middle of the ship. Would have rather kept our port side cabin!
Oh! Pro tip here on the carnival horizon do not book a forward cabin, they have a crazy squeak in the walls that never quiet down even in very moderate seas. I would attach the video if I could, it’s worse than you’d imagine. Everyone I talked to that was forward agreed, but mid ship and aft we’re fine apparently.
@@SandyToes75 or do as most nordic people. Take the Ferry stockholm-helsinki-st petersburg -Tallinn-Stockholm (one day in each city, night on board). Or the Ferry Helsinki-st petersburg- stay 2 nights-helsinki. For EU citizen there is a 72 hours visa free arrangement (befor covid-19). There are several daily ferries between helsinki and stockholm or Tallinn. And one daily between Tallinn and Stockholm. Packages often are sold as minicruise. Though wouldnt go for a shared cabin, except if you are with friends. People tend to party hard on those bosts
@@Dovndyr13 Thank you for the detailed information. It is much appreciated. That actually sounds like an enjoyable holiday. I will do some research on all of it. Hopefully post CV19 things like that will still be possible. I have my vaccine, both shots and am ready to venture out into the world of travel again.
@@SandyToes75 what i prefer with ferries is that if you like a city, you can stay a day more. But just ask if you have questions. I sailed several times between those 4 cities
not sure if the same rule's apply....but when i was younger and cruising alot,my dad (a travel agent at the time)would book us the cheapest cabin 6 month's in advance.......as the cheaper cabin's sold out they upgrade the early bookings,started on an inside room.....ended up with a spa lvl room 11th floor with full window wall's by the time it set sail.......they upgrade the "cheap cabin's" that book early so they have more cost effective cabins to book closer to the sail date.
I like the first tip, I didn't know that so will file that away. I don't know about a guaranteed cabin though, what if you end up in a really loud area. I think I would probably rather choose so I don't end up beside a thoroughfare or below the pool deck.
The obstructed view sounds like a fun way to upgrade... but I really like my interior cabins. I want total darkness when I sleep, and even the interior rooms could be darker ha ha. But my wife might enjoy a balcony... 😎
Good tips. Some drawbacks to guarantee rooms, aside from being stuck at the far ends of the ship, you might be put under certain noisy features. If you're under a pool deck, you'll hear scraping of deck chairs being set up in the morning. Under the dance club, you may hear music till the wee hours. Under a jogging track, you'll hear footsteps around 5 am. Dining halls, theaters, etc, all have noise but tend not to be crazy hours. Being on a low deck, you'll hear engine noises. Whether guarantee or not, you can *try* to be reassigned a room if you go to guest services either right away or the next morning. There will be a certain number of no-shows and you might be able to take one, although it might be at a greater cost. But the guarantee inside is often the only type of stateroom that will be at the "lead-in" price, e.g., $598 and up.
Good advice. That’s the first thing that I look for. For Princess Cruises there is a web site that someone created that shows you what, if any, the obstruction is. I’ve been lucky in being able to find these cabins listed as “obstructed view” with nothing showing outside the window. Of course the price difference btw the lower priced stateroom is something you need to decide like inside vs “obstructed ocean view or obstructed view balcony”.
I was assigned my guaranteed cabin a week after I booked for p&o iona apparently its because there was 3 of us. My mum booked a select and got one 2 cabins away from me, hubby and child x
Great informative video thanks Emma!😋 I would be happy to take a risk and ask for a balcony cabin with obstructive view , however as I’m a wheelchair user I’d need to have an accessible cabin as well . I’m sure there’s no way round this issue , which is a shame . I’d just be happy whatever cabin , as long as I’m cruising !! X
I got lucky one time as my travel agent managed to book an inside window view cabin overlooking central park (on the RC Oasis class) for the same price as an inside cabin.
I had one of those once. It was nice and noise was not an issue for us. We had 2(not connecting), and a Central Park balcony. The balcony location had a noise when sitting on the balcony of course but so do the ones on the outside of the ship, you get the pool deck noise that travels and the music that floats. The difference in the cabins for the same price was amazing!
Hey hun hope you are well. Sorry we haven't been able to visit you for a while we were in Bulgaria then Malta were we got stuck due to Covid and flights we're cancelled. But great to catch up with you again. Thanks so much for sharing this knowledge, hints and tips. Love it can't believe this. Amazing. Thanks again. Stay safe and catch up again real soon God bless you huny.
I totally agree about the obstructed balcony....we have been in one several times. -I have seen the "they select" option but have never used it. I might reconsider. Thx!
My first cruise was on Carnival Conquest empress deck on the very front obstructed view, and the double doors to the "secret deck" were right outside our door. It was great.
... did an obstructed view cabin on the REGAL PRINCESS ... there were two life boats right there yes ... but the balcony was situated between the lifeboats ... besides you have the entire ship to explore ... not spending that much awake time in it anyway ...
I would rather have a well positioned cabin than a slightly upgraded cabin because I’m lazy and I hate making a long walk, especially in the endless halls of a cruise ship. But, I’m very interested in the notion of getting an obstructive View if I can get the light like you said , vs trying to wake up in the very dark inside room. I’m like you, we book a lot of inside rooms because the price difference allows us to cruise longer or multiple times per year.
Markus ... if you downgrade from an inside cabin, the next lower is as galley slave rowing to the beat of the drum for the Emperor. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut.
I booked an obstructed view cabin on HAL with the assumption that *only* the view was obstructed. I assumed that the sliding door would still open so I would be able to get fresh air and hear the ocean. But nope. Life boat in front, door impossible to open . . . but the worst part was that there were crew members working on the lifeboats, right outside my window, every day. They would just pop up out of nowhere and scare the crap out of me by being RIGHT THERE. The 2nd day they showed up after I had showered and wasn't dressed yet. 😳 So then I felt like I had to keep the curtains closed the whole week. We are the kind of people who are up until 4 a.m. but sleep til noon, so having them clattering outside at 8 a.m. wasn't good either. All in all, I would not do it again. The port hole was better than that!
Oh dear! Was that obstructed view balcony? Pretty sure they can’t reduce function, just view. Is have asked to move that isn’t what you booked if you couldn’t open the balcony door?!
When five of us cruise together we get adjoining cabins with balconies. There is a partition they can remove on the balcony to create one big balcony for the family to share.
If you get adjoining cabins, you need to book one adult per cabin, but can sleep in the cabin you want once you get on board. You can also go to guest services to get extra room keys for those who switch which cabin they are sleeping in.
Emma I've been told some people can book a trip on a ocean going freighter .... have you tried this ? They give you odd jobs to keep you busy , I saw this on Discovery TV Channel . I think this would be a wonderful way to see ports and parts of the world we would otherwise not visit . 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌍✨✨✨
Excellent Britishism, which you said at 9:00 mins: " Lucky Dip" - my American friend watching this with me said, "What did she just say. -a dip in the ocean?" And I informed him with a horribly long answer the whole lucky dip ritual. I laughed so much trying to explain it to him. But I settled on "You've got to taks your chances." I'm not sure if I'm accurate.
We wish to take a UK cruise on Maraella. However, none of the videos we have watched tell us the BED SIZES of the different cabins. It would be most helpful to let us know if the double beds are standard, queen, or king size beds. I'm rather tall and need a little bit more room. Do you have any videos that tell us? Thank you, Emma! Jason & Linda Gant
Sailed on P&O Britannia. I did some research and looked at pictures and deck plans. Their obstructed view balconies looked over the top of the life boats, some obstructions but great views and cheaper.
I have been upgraded several times to unstructed view on princess and our group usally do get group close together on same floor and twice to balcony which was great
For people under 21 it depends on the cruise line. On carnival guests 12 and under can be in their own room but it has to be directly across or directly next door to their parents. They cannot be in a balcony room alone. Ages 13-17 can be up to 3 cabins away from parents. 17-20 can be anywhere on the ship but they still need to have parents on board. We figured this out when booking for a cruise in October. I have no idea what other cruise lines rules are.
It is counter intuitive yes and I always think it is a weird description. It really means 'guaranteed minimum'. About 50% of the time when I have booked an 'inside guarantee' but clicked on the 'free upgrade', I've ended up with an ocean view.
Good one Emma I will remember that about obstructed view cabin might try one out one day we have an oceanview cabin on Voyager next year up near the front of the ship on deck twelve that will be interesting to see what it is like
I'll definitely take a look at obstructed view rooms now. I absolutely cannot do the guaranteed rooms where they pick for you, as too far forward or back will leave me seasick the whole trip.
I got a nice obstructed balcony on carnival Miracle Sf to Mexico 4/22. On deck five most balconies are obstructed. But I chose one in between lifeboats so should be good.
If you have an inside cabin, just turn the TV on to the bow camera with no sound. That way you'll have morning light rather than a totally dark cabin.
If you have chosen a particular cabin, knowing it's only partially obstructed and it's at the front or the back; make sure you say NO to a possible upgrade at the time of booking as they may move you to a Midship Obstructed Oceanview (it still counts as an upgrade) which is good but may be FULLY obstructed so ends up being worse than your original cabin.
Yes be very careful when offered any upgrade. Once you accept it, there’s no going back. You’re stuck with it for better or worse.
Why would they think moving from a partially obstructed view to a fully obstructed view is an upgrage?? Seems backwards.
@@zammymynakersnackstbmoth because you're going from an oceanview to a balcony. The balcony is a higher class even if it is obstructed.
Like walking through a minefield...
@@georgemartin1436 That's why I don't go on cruises. Wait, why am I watching these videos?
Stumbled on the channel and love how enthusiastic you are. There is one drawback (well maybe not a drawback) you didn't mention about booking a guaranteed cabin. My wife and I had never been on a cruise but were interested. I found a NCL 4 night repositioning cruise on the Pearl from Vancouver to LA. It was less than 3 weeks to departure and the price for a guaranteed balcony was ridiculously low so I booked it. We received our cabin assignment with a week to go. 3 days before departure the assignment changed to pending. It freaked me out a bit but that is what can happen with that kind of booking. The day before sailing we received our new cabin. We had been upgraded from a balcony, not to a suite but to a penthouse!!!!!! Butler, espresso machine, tub and separate shower, dining table. It was amazing, now remember, this was our first cruise. So now we have been spoiled and hooked on balcony cruising. We will likely never have that kind of luck again, but what a way to start our cruising adventure.
How grand!
The Cruise Fairy gave y’all
an extra toss of Fairy Dust🧚♀️ !
On our 1st cruise with our 2 sons we booked a mini suite guarantee because of great rates. We received an owner's suite with a butler and many other treats every day. My son's now complain when cruising with their wife/girlfriend because their rooms are just not up to that first trip!!!
She did talk quite a bit about guaranteed cabins
🚢 Fantastic!
Reminds me of a tip I saw on one UA-cam video about cruising:
There will always be someone with a better story than you, never call anyone out, it is just bad manners.
But I am not on a cruise. So I could. But I don't.
Instead I will mention my economy class (work) trip from Sweden to Japan (via Copenhagen).
The first leg of the flight (a one hour hop) I was upgrade from economy to business, as I arrived rather late. A small, local, airport in a small town, so late, but definitely not too late as I lived 20 minutes from the airport by taxi.
I walked straight onto the plane, missing out on all the goodies of the business class lounge. The seats were nothing special (just that curtain thing).
The next leg, my colleague (we had individual tickets) were upgrades to business from the long stretch, while I sat in the middle of the plane as far aft as it is possible, inside seat in a 4 seat wide. And i still had a good flight and slept well.
I booked our balcony cabin and saw "obstructed view" was $500 cheaper. After some research on what the obstructions were I discovered it was all minor equipment, lack of a full view towards the front or some lifeboats under the balcony. Our room was larger and the obstruction we got (we also let them choose) was a 90% view balcony.. one side was a tiny bit closed off because of placement but the views were stunning and the balcony was large. If anything that little bit of extra wall blocked the wind enough to make sitting out there more pleasant.
Yesss!!! This is exactly what I love 😀💕
I got an inexpensive upgrade from an interior to obstructed balcony, did pay, but only about $200(total as a solo traveller, under $100pp) and my assigned cabin was between two lifeboats, that were below railing height. As a person who has PtSD related to heights, this was fabulous, could only look down one deck to the promenade and no obstruction when looking straight out.
We used to book an inside cabin and an Oceanview cabin when our kids were 11 and up. We would stop by the desk and get extra key cards for each room so we all had access to both rooms. And if you can honestly say that you have well behaved kids, and your steward is fine with it, you can put both kids in one room and the adults in the other. Our steward actually said that our kids were some of the most well behaved he had ever worked with and he had no problems with them, unlike some of the adults further down the hall.
That’s good 😀❤️
Congratulations on raising well-behaved children.
That’s exactly what my family did too
Thanks for saying something about the SOLO Crusiers... Cheers
Great tip, Emma. I have been in the "obstructed" balcony several times and it's still amazing! Here are a couple of my tips for cutting costs as a 30 time plus cruiser. I use my Southwest Airline credit card for everything (paying the balance every month) from cable bill to electrical. I stack up my points and use those for the airfare to and from the port locations. Even if cancelled the points just come back to my account. Oh and Southwest up to 2 checked bags including on every fare. Then I have just put in for my Carnival Stock holder benefit for my next cruise. 7 Day $100 on board credit. Thanks for the info!
Hey Shawn! Thanks so much for watching. That sounds very sensible! 😁❤️
Definitely love southwest, free bags!!! And now you really do need to use the card that will give you the best points/rewards benefit. Smart planning!
@@j.l.5958 round trip is less than $12 with points.
About 6 years ago we booked a guaranteed inside cabin for a Panama Canal cruise from Florida on Princess. The cost was $509 + $370 =/- port charges. We got our room assignment via email about 3 weeks prior to the cruise. The same day about 5:00 P.M. we received another email offering to upgrade to a balcony for $99. Of course we jumped on it. Cost of the cabin - $608 + port charges.
Oooo!! That’s amazing. Yay 😀❤️
Great video! We did the "interior obstructed view" on a 14 day to Hawaii from San Diego. The 4th deck on Carnival Miracle are interior with French Doors just balcony cabins. We researched and found a room that the view was between two life boats. Save lots of $$ and were happy with it. Thanks again!
Sounds amazing! Thanks for watching 😀❤️
I think I'm misunderstanding. How is an interior "obstrucyed" if it has now window.
It had a balcony type door/window but there is a lifeboat in front of your view.
@@brdzfan2597 Oh. Thank you
@@brdzfan2597 We call it a french balcony, Usually you can open the doors on a french balcony which i expect you couldn't
I pick my own after getting an ocean view that was over a dance club. My bed shook in time to the bass every night. Nope! Also had one at the rear of the ship right where the anchor dropped. The noise brought me straight out of bed at 4 or 5 am every morning!
🤣🤣🤣
That sounds hellish!
Totally agree on the multiple cabins instead of one big family cabin. On every cruise we've taken, it has been cheaper to get two separate cabins for our family. Not only is it cheaper, but we also get a second full bathroom, better privacy for Mom and Dad, and don't have to step all over each other and our stuff. With teenagers, it's worth it to pay extra to get a second full bathroom, but since it comes out cheaper, it's a win/win.
As to the one adult per cabin thing, check your cruise line rules. Some lines allow you to keep the kids in their own cabin as long as they are next door or across the hall. With Carnival, for example, kids of a certain age can be as many as 3 doors down with no adult in the cabin. However, to book like this, you have to call them. Their website won't let you put the adults in a separate cabin even though their rules allow for it.
I used to work for Carnival. For reference, you do not have to have an adult in each cabin with the kids (tweens/teens) but the cabins have to be within 3 doors of each other. We always book our teenage daughters their own cabin, and as long as they are within 3 doors of us, Carnival doesn't care. Now, if it's a balcony, you will need to double-check the age requirement because littles can't be in those without an adult. Also, you can't book these cabins online because the website requires an adult (21+) in every cabin. Three ways around this: 1) call customer service and book with them, or 2) book the cabins online splitting the adults between the two cabins, and then when you have a minute, call customer service and ask them to change the names around, finally 3) once on board, go to guest services and ask to have the names moved around and the sail and sign cards redone. Hope this helps!
If you have a connecting room it won't matter. Just leave the adjoining interior doors open and they can freely move between the two if it were to be an issue (with teens/tweens, not littles).
I used to do guarantee cabin before for every cruise, but since my dad health started to decline I have to buy the cabin I want to be close to them! I saved a lot of money back then!! like always, excellent video!!!
When taking my daughters I normally book and obstructed view as I have to pay for 2 staterooms. Totally recommend them as they are very midship especially right on the center of the deck. And yes you do save money.
I had an obstructed view cabin with a lifeboat blocking part of it. The biggest problem were the ropes and other gear banging against the hull at all hours.
After hearing about the people with inside cabins during covid, I would image passengers will be booking more balcony cabins and cruise will be raising their prices.
Our first cruise was in an inside on Norwegian. With three adults it was quite cramped but we managed. For our next cruise, it was only going to be two adults, so we booked an inside on NCL again, as we could get out on an upper or promenade deck to take in the views. Then Covid happens. Our September 2020 cruise was cancelled. Meanwhile, hearing the horror stories of people confined for weeks in an inside cabin last spring, we decided we won't ever do anything less than a balcony. So we have a balcony for our new 2nd cruise in October 2022 this time on HAL.
Hopefully by then Covid, if not entirely eliminated, will be relatively uncommon and more of a nuisance akin to a cold rather than a potentially fatal illness. However cruise lines have had massive norovirus outbreaks or it's possible that one of us gets sick on board and ordered to quarantine for a couple days or longer. The thought of being unable to get fresh air or natural light during that time is a non-starter for both of us. The difference in cost between an inside with no extras and an obstructed balcony with dining and beverage packages, and prepaid gratuities was about $300 per person after the cabin gratuities were factored in.
We opted to get an unobstructed balcony with the included add-ons for an additional $400 per person or about $700 over the cost of an inside each. Over the course of a 14 day cruise that works out to an extra $50 per day to dine at premium restaurants, enjoy premium coffees, smoothies, beer, cocktails, and some wines at no extra cost, but worth it alone for the extra peace of mind. Of course, if you want to save a few hundred bucks and are willing to chance being quarantined for a while, an inside is a great option particularly if all you intend to do inside your cabin is shower and sleep.
Booked 2 cruises back to back for this Nov and will admit, usually I like to be "more economical" and am 100% fine with the inside cabin, this time I made sure to get an unobstructed view and the best ' just in case' vacation insurance. Yes it was more $$, but I haven't been on vacation in 18months so I decided to treat myself and be prepared just in case we do get quarantined. I didn't see a huge price increase compared to pre-covid, as I would check the price but never booked it, but I also did Club Orange through HAL and definitely save some money that way using its 2 class free upgrade.
I also did not do the drink package as I just don't drink that much, I like the free hot chocolate and lemonade, instead I like to get the thermal spa during the trip just for the heated ceramic loungers. Those are so worth it! However, to date the cruise line does not know if they'll be open.
To add, same ship, same cabin, different destinations.
When I have customer who wants to cruise but they’re on a budget and have claustrophobia and can only afford interior I always suggest obstructed balcony. Best way so they can enjoy themselves and not have to sacrifice their mental health on a holiday 😊 they are out there for sure! 2:10
Another great video! I would add that the guarantee cabins near the lifeboats will probably be the steadiest. Also, your recommendation of multiple cabins is very good. I don't care how large the cabin is, it will get REAL small and crowded after about 5 days on a 7-day cruise! Finally, congratulations on your career move! I did the same thing after 30 years in the food service industry, and began my lifelong dream of writing. So far, so good! Good luck!
I try so hard to block all light from the windows when in a hotel, you're telling me I can opt for rooms without windows? AND their cheaper? That's great!
Yes! Haha 😂❤️
The darkness is the #1 reason people love their IS cabins.
We've only done a guaranteed cabin once, and it was AMAZING!!!! We were booked in a guaranteed balcony. We would not have even known that was an option, had it not been for our FANTASTIC travel agent!!
Would you mind sharing your travel agent? Thank You! 😃
A guaranteed cabin could put you under the pool or over a bar/nightclub or beside the closet the stewards go into early in the morning or close to the elevator.. I like to pick my cabin.
Me too but Emma was just giving cost cutting ideas.
We booked a guaranteed balcony cabin on Disney fantasy, and we were good with that because we’re going to get the balcony or we’re gonna get an upgrade. We had the most amazing aft cabin. It was an ADA cabin and very large with a wraparound balcony, it was amazing
Emma very true on all counts. I have had oceanviews where it was only looking straight down that it was obstructed. Also some balcony obstructions are only a cable or support pole etc or a view across the top of life boats one deck down. Also, if you are going to Alaska or Canada/New England a balcony to me is a waste of money since when the ship is moving you will freeze! Book the cheapest balcony on a garanty, you can only go up. Book the highest category balcony and you might get a suite. I booked the lowest category balcony on a garanty for a 23 day cruise and got a mini suite. Heaven. Also consider this, for a family, book a balcony and an inside cabin. Have the family come to the the balcony cabin. You get a cheaper total price and everyone can enjoy the balcony.
Thanks so much for watching, couldn't have said it better myself! :)
I love how appreciative you are. Great tips
My first cruise was with a friend whose family of 10+me (all adults) booked 5 balcony cabins in a row. The balcony doors could open, and we would cavort amongst ourselves without even using the hall! Came in handy in cade of bathroom need or lockouts too!
I once had an "obstructed view" cabin with a life boat near our window. The metal against metal "grating" noise was a constant companion at sea. Never again!
Oh goodness, how annoying! You didn’t sign up for that 🤯❤️
You can often find photos of the obstruction for the ship/cabin you are considering by doing an on line search. We've had obstructed balconies that I actually had to look for the "obstruction," It was a small piece of metal at the ceiling level and didn't obstruct our view at all. I'm hesitant if I can't find out what the obstruction is as it could be essentially the whole view, or it can be nearly nothing. Just a reminder, if you need an accessible cabin, you cannot book a gty or bid on an upgrade. Well, I did make it happen once with a travel agent who was a top seller for the line and was able to go "behind the scenes" and get an open HA cabin that showed as available at the advertised gty rate, but that was using his influence.
You are correct that there must be a "21 or older" BOOKED in each cabin. Most cruise lines don't care who sleeps where, and will provide what we called "mom keys" so mom could have access to both cabins.
Another great video, you do such a good job and the information is so helpful.
Thank you! I try 😁❤️
I was doing some mock booking on RCCL and it was actually $100 cheaper to pick my own room. While during another mock booking it was $200 more to pick my own room.
One question did you use the same variables, i e. same cruise duration, dates, destinations, cabin type including amount of obstruction and location, etc.? That is the only way where the comparison results be valid.
@@hume6900 Yes, I looked at dates right before and same cabin. Didn't look at if it obstructed though.
@@emmetlover206, I’m sorry if I came across sounding as if I was giving you a hard time, that certainly wasn’t my intention. I suspect it was my somewhat myopic view of the situation. Have you decided yet on a trip or to wait for a bit yet? I really am just curious. We get our second shots next week, so it will be a little while before we can travel. Canada is being quite slow in opening things up, at least where we are.
@@hume6900 You're good, I have one booked for September. Its not always cheaper to pick your room though. It depends on what sailing you pick and how ever Royal picks their prices. I've seen examples where its only a few dollars different in price while some time there is a huge jump in price. I go with whichever is cheaper because I like to save money and I'm not picky about where I am on ship.
We once took an obstructed view cabin on Pacific Aria at a last minute bargain basement price. It turned out to be all the way forward on the promenade deck and the only view was the fully covered in corridor which was in near complete darkness. Easy come easy go. We spent very little time in the cabin anyway.
This cabin business sounds like advanced calculus, but once figured out you will enjoy yourself regardless, Cruise ship sudoku. Your enthusiasm and "bubbliness" is refreshing.
love this channel! I feel like im so prepared to find and take a cruise for the first time! im gonna start looking soon for mid summer... pending the pandemic lol
Yesss!!! That’s awesome: thanks 😀👏🏼
Fantastic video and so nice to get away from the dredid covid! It will be great to see more videos about ships and cruises in the future with you on them, personally I think they were the best! Take care, Miles
I hope so too! 😂❤️🙌 Thanks Miles!
There's a similar thing with fast trains on the continent. When traveling with the TGV Thalys from Paris to Amsterdam, the first class was cheaper than the second class as the second class was fully booked and the algorithm had driven up the price for the second class. We got champagne and a top-notch meal for almost half the price of a second-class seat. But you need to be able to speak good French, though, to get that.
good morning from world famous Dania beach after 20 cruises i have been able to get most of them at very good deals living near 2 of the biggest cruise ports we dont need air so its very easy to book a last minute cruise anywhere from 2 months out to 2 weeks away but sometimes they run a real great sale and i will buy it way ahead of time you must be flexible with dates and ships to get great prices
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I’d rather pick my own. I look for those quirky cabins- perhaps an extended balcony. Same price as others.
Love your channel. I got the best deal on a balcony cabin. I booked a solo cabin on NCL
And a few weeks later I decided to see what an upgrade would cost and what do you know
It was only $132 to go from a solo cabin to a balcony…. That was almost $1000 cheaper than the published
Rate on the website 👍
Another great video, very informative and well presented - occasional blooper included. You do very well to find on topic stuff to talk about, given how long cruising has been "off the menu". Love the accent :)
Hey Mark! So glad you enjoyed it. Cruising is still in the front of my mind even though it's been... AGES!
When booking farther out I check price difference for A 2 to 4 week period. Prices can very by a hundred dollars or more from 1 week to the next.
I have booked 4 - 6 weeks before sailing and received a 50 % discount from earlier bookings.
Most cruises that I’ve seen have a price guarantee and we’ve received OBC when the price goes down.
Going back over the older videos. My next cruise I did choose my cabin but the were reasons for that so was nearer to family and also not stuck under the buffet ( which would be very noisy more than likely)
Good info as usual my dear! A note on ages of people in cabins - Ruby Princess, July 2018 had my almost 20 year old daughter and her just-turned 12 cousin in the same cabin. Also my son at 17 1/2 year old son and his almost 15 year old cousin together in a cabin.
We book an adult in the cabin and then once on board , go to guest services and have the cards redone and change the adults back to a cabin together. The door connects and older teens are just across the hall from us, they had a grandparent booked in the cabin to starts. So 4 cabins, 8 people and less money than a family cabin for 6 plus a cabin for 2. And we had 4 bathrooms!!!
Hi Emma, there is another advantage to a partially obstructed cabin which involves a life boat. If you hit an iceberg let's say in the Caribbean, just climb over your railing .... taa daa .... you get the best seat in the life boat. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut. Go Chelsea FC !
Hmmm not sure about that one haha!! Thanks for watching 😁❤️
An iceberg in the Caribbean 😂😂. That made my day.
@@BayouBarbie504 Hey, there's always a first. Stay safe
Good possibility in 2020!!
I really enjoy promenade view cabins on RC. I like seeing the parades and if anything is going on from my room.
My son went on a cruise in 2016 and said it's cool if you like to be around a lot of people. He didn't, but his wife did.
It really depends on cruise line and ship. A lot of ships are not busy at all. Especially the larger ships. Even more on port days, ships will be empty!
Buffet/restaurants are normally busy except port days.
Re the comment on needing an adult in every cabin, check each line. For example Princess allows children in a cabin by themselves as long as at least one child is 16 or older and the cabin is next to or across from their guardians cabin.
My favorite “obstructed view” cabin, is the ben&jerry cabins on the Freedom class boats of RCCL
Tip for the lazy ; A front balcony cabin will provide you with free blow dries !
I swear, if I could can that salty mist, I'd soon be a millionaire !💦😂🌬 🚢
Love from Norway 💖
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I have usually gone for guaranteed balcony cabins and have always had a good cabin, if you are flexible this is never an issue.
We're going on our first cruise in February 2023 and we booked a particular balcony cabin because we wanted the port side of the ship, as that's where the land can be seen. The cruise company has "upgraded" us to a starboard side cabin, still a balcony but it's closer to the middle of the ship. Would have rather kept our port side cabin!
Interesting information, Emma. Will research your suggestions. Thanks for sharing your tips. Enjoy the weekend.
Thank you!!! Appreciate it ❤️😁
Oh! Pro tip here on the carnival horizon do not book a forward cabin, they have a crazy squeak in the walls that never quiet down even in very moderate seas. I would attach the video if I could, it’s worse than you’d imagine. Everyone I talked to that was forward agreed, but mid ship and aft we’re fine apparently.
Oh how strange! That sounds creepy...
The souls of all the Mermaids killed by the ship🥺🧜🏼♀️
So far never been on a cruise, only ferries in the Baltic sea and the Mediterranean sea... But yes a window cabin really makes a difference!
Thanks for watching 😀👏🏼
The Baltic is on my “to do” list.
@@SandyToes75 or do as most nordic people. Take the Ferry stockholm-helsinki-st petersburg -Tallinn-Stockholm (one day in each city, night on board). Or the Ferry Helsinki-st petersburg- stay 2 nights-helsinki. For EU citizen there is a 72 hours visa free arrangement (befor covid-19). There are several daily ferries between helsinki and stockholm or Tallinn. And one daily between Tallinn and Stockholm. Packages often are sold as minicruise. Though wouldnt go for a shared cabin, except if you are with friends. People tend to party hard on those bosts
@@Dovndyr13 Thank you for the detailed information. It is much appreciated. That actually sounds like an enjoyable holiday. I will do some research on all of it. Hopefully post CV19 things like that will still be possible. I have my vaccine, both shots and am ready to venture out into the world of travel again.
@@SandyToes75 what i prefer with ferries is that if you like a city, you can stay a day more. But just ask if you have questions. I sailed several times between those 4 cities
Great video. Now that the pandemic is winding down I want to cruise again and I'm loving watching your videos!
Thanx for showing examples of obstructed cabins.
not sure if the same rule's apply....but when i was younger and cruising alot,my dad (a travel agent at the time)would book us the cheapest cabin 6 month's in advance.......as the cheaper cabin's sold out they upgrade the early bookings,started on an inside room.....ended up with a spa lvl room 11th floor with full window wall's by the time it set sail.......they upgrade the "cheap cabin's" that book early so they have more cost effective cabins to book closer to the sail date.
I like the first tip, I didn't know that so will file that away. I don't know about a guaranteed cabin though, what if you end up in a really loud area. I think I would probably rather choose so I don't end up beside a thoroughfare or below the pool deck.
The obstructed view sounds like a fun way to upgrade... but I really like my interior cabins. I want total darkness when I sleep, and even the interior rooms could be darker ha ha. But my wife might enjoy a balcony... 😎
Haha! Yeah soooo dark 😂🙌
Good tips. Some drawbacks to guarantee rooms, aside from being stuck at the far ends of the ship, you might be put under certain noisy features. If you're under a pool deck, you'll hear scraping of deck chairs being set up in the morning. Under the dance club, you may hear music till the wee hours. Under a jogging track, you'll hear footsteps around 5 am. Dining halls, theaters, etc, all have noise but tend not to be crazy hours. Being on a low deck, you'll hear engine noises. Whether guarantee or not, you can *try* to be reassigned a room if you go to guest services either right away or the next morning. There will be a certain number of no-shows and you might be able to take one, although it might be at a greater cost. But the guarantee inside is often the only type of stateroom that will be at the "lead-in" price, e.g., $598 and up.
Love those "double quotes" Emma!
Good advice. That’s the first thing that I look for. For Princess Cruises there is a web site that someone created that shows you what, if any, the obstruction is. I’ve been lucky in being able to find these cabins listed as “obstructed view” with nothing showing outside the window. Of course the price difference btw the lower priced stateroom is something you need to decide like inside vs “obstructed ocean view or obstructed view balcony”.
Yes! So true. So glad you’ve had luck with it 😁❤️
I was assigned my guaranteed cabin a week after I booked for p&o iona apparently its because there was 3 of us. My mum booked a select and got one 2 cabins away from me, hubby and child x
Ooo that’s good!!! Perfect 😁🙌
Haha I like my bedroom pitch black so an inside cabin sounds like a dream to me and it's cheaper. Awesome lol
Great informative video thanks Emma!😋 I would be happy to take a risk and ask for a balcony cabin with obstructive view , however as I’m a wheelchair user I’d need to have an accessible cabin as well . I’m sure there’s no way round this issue , which is a shame . I’d just be happy whatever cabin , as long as I’m cruising !! X
Ahh yes! Limited your options sadly 😕❤️
I got lucky one time as my travel agent managed to book an inside window view cabin overlooking central park (on the RC Oasis class) for the same price as an inside cabin.
Oooo I'd love that!
That sounds really nice. Good TA!
Was it noisy?
I had one of those once. It was nice and noise was not an issue for us. We had 2(not connecting), and a Central Park balcony. The balcony location had a noise when sitting on the balcony of course but so do the ones on the outside of the ship, you get the pool deck noise that travels and the music that floats. The difference in the cabins for the same price was amazing!
Fantastic thumbnail Emma! Made me want to know more 🚢
Thanks Chris! ❤️
I love your practical approach to booking cabins.
Hey hun hope you are well. Sorry we haven't been able to visit you for a while we were in Bulgaria then Malta were we got stuck due to Covid and flights we're cancelled. But great to catch up with you again. Thanks so much for sharing this knowledge, hints and tips. Love it can't believe this. Amazing. Thanks again. Stay safe and catch up again real soon God bless you huny.
I totally agree about the obstructed balcony....we have been in one several times. -I have seen the "they select" option but have never used it. I might reconsider. Thx!
My first cruise was on Carnival Conquest empress deck on the very front obstructed view, and the double doors to the "secret deck" were right outside our door. It was great.
What is the ‘secret deck’
Thank you, Emma! All of this is news to me, & is very, very helpful. 🥂
Yay thanks Casey! If you need anything anytime just let me know, big thanks for being a UA-cam member! 😀💃🏼
... did an obstructed view cabin on the REGAL PRINCESS ... there were two life boats right there yes ... but the balcony was situated between the lifeboats ... besides you have the entire ship to explore ... not spending that much awake time in it anyway ...
Great tips for the flexible cruiser!
Thanks so much :D
I would rather have a well positioned cabin than a slightly upgraded cabin because I’m lazy and I hate making a long walk, especially in the endless halls of a cruise ship. But, I’m very interested in the notion of getting an obstructive View if I can get the light like you said , vs trying to wake up in the very dark inside room. I’m like you, we book a lot of inside rooms because the price difference allows us to cruise longer or multiple times per year.
Absolutely! I have a daylight alarm light which does help actually, but still, can't beat real daylight :)
Reading the title made me wonder how to downgrade from inside cabin.. ;)
Useful and informative video again; thank you! Well edited too. :)
Haha! Yeah that’s tricky 😂❤️ Thanks for watching Markus and being on the live stream!
Markus ... if you downgrade from an inside cabin, the next lower is as galley slave rowing to the beat of the drum for the Emperor. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut.
@@bobkrakovich1851 Oh Bob! I so enjoy your comments, here and elsewhere.
@@SandyToes75 Thanks, I'm that sort of a person. People enjoy a good chuckle during these trying times.. Hi from Bob and Jill in Connecticut
I booked an obstructed view cabin on HAL with the assumption that *only* the view was obstructed. I assumed that the sliding door would still open so I would be able to get fresh air and hear the ocean. But nope. Life boat in front, door impossible to open . . . but the worst part was that there were crew members working on the lifeboats, right outside my window, every day. They would just pop up out of nowhere and scare the crap out of me by being RIGHT THERE. The 2nd day they showed up after I had showered and wasn't dressed yet. 😳 So then I felt like I had to keep the curtains closed the whole week. We are the kind of people who are up until 4 a.m. but sleep til noon, so having them clattering outside at 8 a.m. wasn't good either.
All in all, I would not do it again. The port hole was better than that!
Oh dear! Was that obstructed view balcony? Pretty sure they can’t reduce function, just view. Is have asked to move that isn’t what you booked if you couldn’t open the balcony door?!
We frequently book suites when we have 3 or more cruisers. Suites comfortably hold 4 and are typically cheaper than booking 2 inside cabins.
I’ve never found that to be the case, but if you have, awesome! 👏🏼
Have never found that to be the case!
When five of us cruise together we get adjoining cabins with balconies. There is a partition they can remove on the balcony to create one big balcony for the family to share.
Love doing that! Great tip 😀👏🏼
Yes I would it all depends who your room mate is 😎✨💖
Thank you for doing this video. Very informative.
Cheers!
If you get adjoining cabins, you need to book one adult per cabin, but can sleep in the cabin you want once you get on board. You can also go to guest services to get extra room keys for those who switch which cabin they are sleeping in.
Yeah we used to do this, can get tricky with room keys though theyll usually only let one key per person work at a time so obvious reasons 😀👏🏼
We prefer obstructed view because they’re cheaper and still give me some sunlight. I need to be able to see outside so inside cabins aren’t for me.
Emma I've been told some people can book a trip on a ocean going freighter .... have you tried this ? They give you odd jobs to keep you busy , I saw this on Discovery TV Channel . I think this would be a wonderful way to see ports and parts of the world we would otherwise not visit . 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌍✨✨✨
Ooo never heard of that, interesting! ❤️
Excellent Britishism, which you said at 9:00 mins: " Lucky Dip" - my American friend watching this with me said, "What did she just say. -a dip in the ocean?" And I informed him with a horribly long answer the whole lucky dip ritual. I laughed so much trying to explain it to him. But I settled on "You've got to taks your chances." I'm not sure if I'm accurate.
Hahahaha, is that a British thing?!?! I’ll have to use that! 🤣❤️
@@EmmaCruises Yes, Lucky Dip is ours !!!
I would like to be near the buffet and have a balcony, obstructed view cabin would be fine. I love sitting out there with a book, drinks, snacks.
Sounds good! 😁🥳
forgot thank you so much you are a real dear for doing your clips
You are so welcome :D
Thankyou Emma ,great job .
We wish to take a UK cruise on Maraella. However, none of the videos we have watched tell us the BED SIZES of the different cabins. It would be most helpful to let us know if the double beds are standard, queen, or king size beds. I'm rather tall and need a little bit more room. Do you have any videos that tell us? Thank you, Emma! Jason & Linda Gant
Sailed on P&O Britannia. I did some research and looked at pictures and deck plans. Their obstructed view balconies looked over the top of the life boats, some obstructions but great views and cheaper.
12:51 looks oddly familiar. Nordhavn, Copenhagen. Have you actually taken the dfds Copenhagen-Oslo mini-cruise?
I have been upgraded several times to unstructed view on princess and our group usally do get group close together on same floor and twice to balcony which was great
Sounds good! 😁❤️
For people under 21 it depends on the cruise line. On carnival guests 12 and under can be in their own room but it has to be directly across or directly next door to their parents. They cannot be in a balcony room alone. Ages 13-17 can be up to 3 cabins away from parents. 17-20 can be anywhere on the ship but they still need to have parents on board. We figured this out when booking for a cruise in October. I have no idea what other cruise lines rules are.
Oh really?! I’ve never been on a cruise that let me do this. Interesting! Thanks 😀😍
Check rates on last minute cruises. Cruises leaving the same day will give a really good price just to fill the space.
You usually need to leave 24 hours or longer so that all the documents can be filled :)
So guaranteed cabin means just about the opposite of what it sounds like, lmao.
It is counter intuitive yes and I always think it is a weird description. It really means 'guaranteed minimum'. About 50% of the time when I have booked an 'inside guarantee' but clicked on the 'free upgrade', I've ended up with an ocean view.
Good one Emma I will remember that about obstructed view cabin might try one out one day we have an oceanview cabin on Voyager next year up near the front of the ship on deck twelve that will be interesting to see what it is like
Ooooo that’ll be good!! Have the best time 😁❤️
@@EmmaCruises yes can’t wait for that to happen fast enough woohoo 🥳
Much information here for the uninitiated. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! 😁❤️
I'll definitely take a look at obstructed view rooms now. I absolutely cannot do the guaranteed rooms where they pick for you, as too far forward or back will leave me seasick the whole trip.
Yeah I’m a seasick person too but the money saved I spend on seasickness pills if I need to.. 🤣🤣🤣
@@EmmaCruises I get it bad. I wear the bands and have like 4 different types of meds and ginger supplements...but I still love cruising 🤣🤣
What do you get if you don't have a guaranteed inside cabin? A broom closet?
I got a nice obstructed balcony on carnival Miracle Sf to Mexico 4/22. On deck five most balconies are obstructed. But I chose one in between lifeboats so should be good.
Sounds good! 😁🥳
Emma sterling presentation!!