Do you really want a Balcony Cabin? Reprinted with permission from The Tobago News.
One of the joys of being a travel professional is the satisfaction received from exceeding a client’s expectation.
When a client knows what they want, and communicates that to you clearly, a travel professional can use their skills to deliver the wow factor. Recently, I returned a call to a client who insisted that she wanted to book a Balcony Cabin on a cruise. However, the more questions I asked, the more it became clear, that this was a teaching moment for me. In a nutshell, the client’s desires, travelling companion’s needs, and the experience they wanted, could not be accommodated with a Balcony Cabin. The challenge was that the client was being confused by all kinds of descriptions and photos that can deceive the average consumer.
Here is what you must know; there are four basic types of cabins. Suites, are larger cabins, a step-up from Balcony, with a separate living room, and a bathtub or Jacuzzi. Balcony Cabins offer a private outdoor deck, where you can take in the sea breeze, in addition to a joint bedroom and sitting room area. An Ocean view Cabin, is exactly what the word implies, a view of the ocean through a permanently closed window or porthole, with a joint bedroom and sitting room area. Inside Cabins, means no windows and a joint bedroom with a sofa. Generally, Inside Cabins don’t have a significant sitting room area.
Balcony Cabin
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My first cruise was in an Ocean View Cabin with a porthole. A few days into the cruise, I was moved into a slightly larger Ocean View Cabin with a square window that was four time the size of the porthole. Yes, I got an upgrade. I will be happy to tell you all about an at sea upgrade, if you email me.
If you are taking your first cruise, and you meet certain requirements, I would firmly recommend an Inside cabin. Why? They are the most economical or cheapest. On the other hand, a balcony or a suite will be more expensive. Inside Cabins are the cheapest when they are behind the porthole Outside Cabin, which is most often at the bottom of the ship. Of course, an Outside Cabin located on an upper deck will cost more because they are larger in size. Some of you may have found out recently that the lowest prices on our December NO USA VISA cruise are no longer available. The reason for the difference in price is that the lowest cost and highest cost cabins go first. The key as we always say, is to book early.
If you are celebrating a special occasion, and want a luxurious experience, then you should be looking at a Balcony and Suite. Here are some quick ideas. If you are travelling with your three girlfriends, and looking for a place to sleep, I would recommend an Inside Cabin. Surprising your Mom and Dad with a trip, Outside Cabin. If you are using the Cruise and Rail Wedding Gifts Program to pay for your Brother’s honeymoon, you should strongly consider booking a Balcony for them. If it’s a single parent with two children and you request a Balcony, don’t be surprised if I ask, “Do you really want a Balcony Cabin?”
Theo is travel professional and travel author with more than 15 years of experience personalizing cruises, rail vacations and all inclusive resort getaways. His business niche includes small ship and river cruises, and international rail travel. Theo pioneered No USA Visa Cruises™, and Layaway Cruise™ in Latin America and the Caribbean. Theo is a certified cruise, rail and resort specialist. Contact him via email theo@cruiseandrail.net or (868) 631-8785.
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