© Viking
HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CABIN
In our line of work, much of our time is spent getting to know the product. We visit new ships as they’ re launched and do a full inspection so that we can share that knowledge with our clients. We know ships, deck plans, room types and can help you understand your options. We can tell you which cabins have a slightly larger balcony or layout to better suit your needs. Do you want to be near the stairs or elevators for easy access? Or do you want to be closer to the bow or stern? Is it important to you to be near the theater or main dining room?
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SUITES
Here’ s something the glossy brochures whisper but don’ t quite explain: Suite Class, the cruise industry’ s best-kept open secret, is like a ship within a ship. Norwegian’ s The Haven, Celebrity’ s Retreat and MSC’ s Yacht Club all create a private enclave within the larger vessel: keycard-only elevators, a secluded pool deck, an exclusive restaurant where your coffee arrives before you realize you wanted it. On Cunard, the Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites come with a private dining room and butlers who seem telepathic.
© AmaWaterways
PREPARE FOR SMOOTH SAILING
As soon as you put down your deposit, consider booking specialty dining reservations and shore excursions, as some popular ones sell out early. We also recommend that you arrive at your departure port one day early. It prevents the stress of possible travel delays and gives you a chance to explore the city. And if your departure is overseas, the extra day will allow you to get acclimated to the time zone. If you’ re sailing on a line with selfservice laundromats( Princess, Holland America and Disney all have them), pack detergent sheets instead of liquid. They’ re TSA-friendly and don’ t leak. Check out our Ultimate Cruise Packing Guide on page 70.
TAP INTO THE CREW
While sailing, the crew is laser-focused on providing excellent service for you. Introduce yourself and don’ t be afraid to ask them what their favorite dishes are or even a“ don’ t-miss” spot when in port. They know the ship inside and out and can give you informative hints like which nights are best for which shows and where you can find a quiet reading nook.
ONE MORE THING
If your dates are flexible, ask about a repositioning cruise. These are one-way sailings from one region to another, often with lower rates and more at-sea days than a typical cruise, allowing you to enjoy the amenities that your ship offers— from the spa to seminars to relaxing days at the pool. ■
16 · NAUTICUS 2026