Inside Stateroom, Ocean View, Veranda? How To Choose

Ocean View Stateroom

Probably the most important factor that determines which stateroom you choose is your cruise trip budget. If you don't cruise often, you may decide to spend a little more and choose a veranda room. If you are lured by the ridiculously low priced fares offered on occassion (often way less than $100/night) for an inside stateroom, you might book that and hope for an upgrade or a low priced incentive to upgrade. Here are some insights from our cruise experience ( 52 and counting).

When we first started cruising, we opted for the inside staterooms. Our budget didn't stretch far enough for the higher priced. We thoroughly enjoyed those cruises. After all, what's not to like about a cruise? We enjoyed all the amenities that everyone else did on the ship and never felt deprived of services. Those days we spent little time in our room and more time out on excursions or enjoying the activities on deck. I remember one Alaska cruise we booked an inside stateroom but felt like we had a private balcony because on our end of the hall was a door to an outside deck in front where we could slip in and out quickly to see things along the way. Nowadays, there is always a TV channel that is closed circuit showing the scene in front of the ship thus giving you an outside view albeit through the miracle of a television monitor.

• If you are budget conscious, the cruise is ten days or less and does not include a lot of scenic cruise days where you might enjoy a view more, go for an inside stateroom and use the money you save for the next cruise or excursions or well, a little pampering in the spa.

Now along the way, we got upgraded (when you accumulate enough loyalty points you get slight upgrades). We found ourselves in a room with a small ocean view window. It was lower in the ship which had some advantages when we hit rough waters. The lower and more centered you are on a ship, the less roll. It was delightful to wake to the morning sun. (In the inside stateroom we had to rely on a wake up call). And I enjoyed being able to see out without having to rely on the TV. The room was not any bigger than an inside stateroom but felt more open because of the window.

• If you fear claustrophobia, this might be the way to go. A little more expensive but still a good buy especially if you are doing something like a trans-oceanic crossing. You wouldn't spend a lot of time out on a veranda especially crossing the Atlantic. 

Veranda View, Norway

Well, then along came the opportunity to have a veranda. I must admit it came very close to spoiling me entirely. But then, our travel had changed a bit. We were taking longer cruises and many were in areas where a balcony would be well used. I loved waking up in the French Polynesian islands and having breakfast on the balcony while taking in the spectacular views. I remember another cruise where we were anchored in a Norwegian fjord and I spent the afternoon enjoying a book on my lap, a spectacular view in front of me, fresh air and quiet (many were on excursions). I did a lot of smiling and deep sighing and will never forget that experience.

• If you are going on a cruise where you know there will be spectacular views to take in, lots of scenic cruising and the veranda fits in with your budget, then go for it. I know some who have even calculated which side of the ship might be better for the view (a cruise travel agent might be handy there). On some ships there may be some extra perks with the stateroom like an afternoon plate of goodies but again those come with a little more cost. Check out what you are paying for and if you would really want it. 

We have been upgraded a time or two to a lower priced suite which is just more like a larger room with a veranda. Not so spectacular that I would pay the extra for it but certainly wouldn't turn it down if offered as an upgrade. Of course as you work your way up the ladder or rather the ship, you'll find more amenities, like a butler and maybe your own hot tub, and you'll climb up to a higher deck. Now that last bit amazes me. The priciest suites are on the uppermost decks on most ships. Remember what I said about the roll of a ship? The higher you go, the more you will roll. Why would I pay to get seasick?