Expert Tips for Booking the Best Stateroom on Your Next Cruise

February 12th cannot get here fast enough. I am officially counting down to my next cruise, a family cruise, and I am very ready to trade this cold weather for a sea day and sunshine.

Carnival Valor

We're sailing on Carnival Valor, out of New Orleans, along with some family members. We may go the night before and leave our car at the hotel and uber to the cruise terminal. I strongly suggest adding a travel day before your cruise; due to unforeseen circumstances with airlines, traffic, etc.

I booked a balcony stateroom, which I love, but honestly, I love a suite stateroom, it has more space and a larger tub/shower combination. However, I can make just about any cruise cabin work. That said, some cabins absolutely make the experience better, and some quietly make it worse.

Cabin selection is one of the most misunderstood parts of cruise planning, so I’m here to guide you in choosing the perfect stateroom. I use my expertise to help my clients book cabins that truly enhance their cruise experience.

Deck Plans

Here are some tips:

• GTY cabins are a gamble. You are booking a category, not a location. If sleep, views, or predictability matter to you, choosing your exact cabin is usually worth it versus the cheaper GTY option.

• Always check what’s above and below your room. Cabins above and below other cabins tend to be quieter. Cabins under pools, buffets, gyms, or public decks usually are not. There’s little noise buffer between adjoining rooms.

• Deck plans leave out important details. They typically do not show awnings, overhangs, partial obstructions, or structural quirks - this is where your travel agent comes in. 

• Use YouTube before you book. Real cabin walkthroughs show what diagrams hide. Shade issues, balcony size differences, metal dividers. Videos tell the truth in a way deck plans don’t.

• Lido deck cabins and high deck issues. Nighttime furniture scraping travels straight through ceilings. Higher decks can also mean more motion, longer elevator waits, and more congestion. Lower midship cabins are often quieter and more stable.

As your travel agent, I’ll help you avoid common cabin mistakes and make sure your cruise is both relaxing and memorable. No matter what, I truly believe that even a bad day at sea is better than most days on land. The key to an amazing cruise experience is keeping a positive attitude and embracing every moment.

Ready to trade the cold for sunshine? Book your cruise with me today for expert cabin selection and a stress-free experience! Click HERE to get on your way to a Xcape to Remember!

-JC Royalty