What are the differences between categories?

[Jane0218]

Are 'A's better or worse than category 'B's? What about the rest (ie 'GG' vs 'H')?

 

Are 1's better or worse than 5's?

[CaptData]

Quick explanation

 

You have four Cats Inside (lowest no ocean view), Ocean view (which has a window to see out of, Balcony which has a balcony and a Suite (these are the most espensive and usually come with extra perks of some sort).

 

Each of these cats are borken down according to their location and deck they are on. For instance you have an inside on the lowest deck far forward, these are usually considered by many to be the worst cabins to have and are usually the cheapest. These are usually the smallest cabins in the worst areas. Example you can feel and hear vibrations and engine noise, the anchor being lowered ect. This is generally the ones marked KK inside or the lowest letter. The next level up inside may only have a K or if they are in the middle of the lowest level they may have a K. The next level inside may have a JJ or J. The rest of the insides may have an L. The ones with the L may be slightly bigger in size as while example the KK may be 114 Sq Ft while the L may be 124 Sq Ft.

 

The next Cat is OV The ones with the port holes will/may have a double letter ie MM while the rest of the floor has an M. The OV that is far in front may have a strange configuration and port holes rather then a square window. Also there will be some OV that will have the life boats covering most of the window. The ones with lifeboats will have the word obstructed view or something. These cost more then the inside.

 

The balconies are where the classes really start becoming interesting. Depending on ship and location. Also level on the ship. The suites are usually the largest rooms on the ship and come with extras such as butlers, priority tenders, free coffees (latte), Bottle of wine, bars extra depending on line.

[wrp96]

Usually A's are better than B's and so on, and 12's are better than 11's and so on. But it depends on the cruise line.

[Shifra]

Usually A's are better than B's and so on, and 12's are better than 11's and so on. But it depends on the cruise line.

Overall this is correct. Just remember the higher number isn't always the best cabin for you.

 

I always like to get cabins toward the rear. I like the quieter area, it's easier to get to the aft sections of the ship which I enjoy most. As you can see there is more than catagory when selecting a cabin and higher doesn't always mean best for you.

[Happy ks]

I'm sometimes surprised by the category price fluctuation. Say you have a balcony cabin on deck 7, for 1200. per person, the next deck up, deck 8 has an identical cabin, only it is 1250. per person. Now, those cabins on deck 8 are under the pool deck, you will have tons of noise early in the am and all day from the activity of the day. And, you have paid $100 more for the priviledge of hearing all this noise. This is all theoretical, all ships are different. My point is, most of the time cabins are quite similar in size, until you get to the suite level. You have to be careful choosing the location and what is above you and below you, too. We typically try to get a cabin that is sandwiched between two all cabin decks, mid ship or aft, either one, doesn't matter to us. We have been far forward and did not care for the location there, way too far away from everything.

 

While we don't see a great value in balcony cabins, others wouldn't cruise without them. If the balconies were actually large enough for more than 2 chairs and a small table, we would probably like them more. Until we can afford that, we'll enjoy the great big balcony on the top deck.

 

Just remember, (with the exception of the extra extra perks of the suites), all the cabins have the same ammenities and go to the same place.

[Sow There]

Today, unlike days gone by, most rooms are identical other than location. A balcony cabin on one deck is identical to a balcony cabin on another except the deck.

 

That's why many book the lowest price cabin in the categories CaptData listed and leave themselves open to upgrades (that means higher floor, not larger cabin). Others pick a cabin based on the location and convenience to shipboard activities. We like to book near the stairway to the Lido deck so we can grab a breakfast tray for our room and a quick lunch when were moving between on board activities.

[celbercrz333]

Always make sure you know which level has the life boats on them. You might find a room that has an "ocean view" is actually restricted by the life boat. I like to have a room with ocean view only. You might find that if you do have a life boat in front of your room, then you'll pay a little less. There are plenty of sites out there (this one included) that will give you layouts of the ships and the cabin numbers. Look for one you think you'd like and see if it's available.

[serene56]

A's abd B's on Carnival just denotes what deck. A being on the lowest deck for the category...inside and oceanview 4A and 6a are on the Riveria deck. where 4B and 6B are on the main deck.

 

cat 1 on the older ships will have Bunk bed type of cabins. These cabins are also insode with no windows..etc.

 

cat 5 have two beds on the floor that can be pushed together. and have a port hole window.

[hajekfam]

Usually A's are better than B's and so on, and 12's are better than 11's and so on. But it depends on the cruise line.

Celebrity uses numbers for regular cabin categories with 12 being the cheapest inside and 4 or 3 being the the most expensive ocean view, 3's or 2's being verandahs (depending on the ship). Letters are used for suites (Sky suite-SS, Celebrity suite-CS, Royal suite-RS, or Penthouse suite-PS) and concierge class (CC).