Page 260 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Alaska

258  TR A VELERS ’ NEEDS

Traveling Solo
Fares are always based on
double occupancy unless stated
otherwise. However, a single
traveler can find deals that
waive or reduce what is called
the single supplement – an
additional fee added on to
single fares that can some times
equal another full fare. When
such deals are not avail able
travel agents can help book
cabins to be shared by single
travelers of the same gender.
Most large cruise lines also
arrange onboard events and
parties meant for singles.

Cabin Types
Experienced cruisers have two
opposing views on how to
choose cabins. One opin ion Atrium bar offering a chic sitting area on a cruise ship
holds that as most passen gers
merely sleep, bathe, and dress toiletries, and most impor tantly, if the ship has over a dozen
in their cabins, it makes little lifejackets, all facilities improve decks. With an upper outside
sense to reserve a deluxe with higher fares. Amenities cabin, check that a lifeboat
stateroom with all possible can include a refrigerator, wider does not obstruct the view.
amenities. However, under and thicker mattresses, softer Restaurants and bars can be
certain conditions, comfort able pillows, and plush comforters. located anywhere on the ship,
cabins can make all the Bathrooms in high-priced cabins while buffets are gener ally
difference. Travelers should offer superior quality toiletries. higher up near the pools.
consider booking either an
inexpensive inside cabin or an Location Within the Ship Public Areas
outside one with portholes (or
windows that increase in size The websites of all cruise lines Framed art and sculpture
with every category upgrade). provide the deck plans of each line the stairways and hallways
Cabins with bal conies are ideal ship and a lay out showing cabin of virtually every ship. While
for romantic and restful settings loca tions. Cabins can be situ- the art can range from sedate
and usu ally sell first, despite ated aft, forward, or amidships. to postmodern and whimsical,
being considerably more Depending on the quality of travelers will almost always
expensive. However, many the ship, lower aft cabins can be find some vestiges of the
cruisers argue that the same subject to muted engine noise, classic Art Deco era – the
views are avail able for free from vibrations, and heat. In
the public decks. rough seas, lower
Deluxe cabins may include forward cabins
mini-suites with sitting areas or experience the maxi-
apartment-style penthouses mum vibrations from
with separate rooms that can wave impact. Even so, if
sleep four. Some modern ships wind and wave height
have taken this category to new create heavy sway,
heights, creating opulent spaces those subject to sea-
for six people, complete with sickness would do well
conference facilities, butlers, to book a lower cabin
private hot tubs, and large amidships, as motion
secluded patios on the ship’s intensifies the higher
top deck. one goes. However, for
some, watching waves
splash against their
Cabin Facilities
portholes can cause
While all standard cabins include anxiety – such travelers
a bathroom, beds for two, may prefer an upper
sufficient storage, a room safe, cabin. It is wise to select
television, cabin phone, a cabin near an elevator Ship library providing a quiet retreat

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