Re: Cruise and which cabin is best
Susan, how wonderful that you are going a cruise independently! Good for you!
I was not a fan of cruising and avoided it until I was in my forties, but I have come to enjoy the quite a bit. I don't think there is a better way to see the world as a solo woman traveler!
As a matter of fact, I am about to embark on a ten day Mediterranean cruise on the Azamara Club line in a few weeks. Since OGF and Realist have some expertise on P&O, I will let them advise you on that. I have also cruised on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. RC was generally had a younger demographic, lots of families, and a smattering of older singles and couples. Celebrity is a step up with an older demographic - families her tend to have teen or adult children. Azamara has fewer families yet and and an older, more sedate clientele. (No belly flop contests or casinos on Azamara). That said, my cruises on the larger ships have been just fine. Cruising is not inexpensive, and for the most part, most passengers are well-behaved and considerate. Plus, the people watching is so much fun! When I vacation, I tend to enjoy a quieter experience, and that can certainly be managed on any ship. There are many, many excellent video tours of various ships on YouTube.
Besides the budget factor, I recommend considering:
1. Ship size. Since you are traveling alone, you might enjoy a smaller, more intimate ship. Not only do they offer a less hectic experience, these ships get to port in more interesting locations, the staff is more likely to get to know you since you are traveling alone. The ship I am sailing on has only 700 passengers. Mid-sized ships are just fine, but once they get above 2,500 or so, you have to consider that if going ashore on a tender might require some waiting - and the common areas like the pools and casual dining areas are definitely going to be more hectic.
2. Cabin side. Look at the itinerary and consider which way the ship will be cruising and will be in port. On some cruises, the side you are on can make quite a difference.
3. Balcony. This is one factor on which I wouldn't cut corners, especially since you are traveling alone. A balcony makes for a ten-fold better experience - views, along with a a private dining, relaxing, tea-sipping location. I wouldn't cruise without a balcony.
4. Towards the bow or stern: If you are not likely to be seasick (do you know?) and you loathe cigarette smoke, I would try to go forward as much as possible. There will be more rocking in high seas, but you avoid the smoke. Many cruise ships have strict no smoking rules on balconies, but I've never been on a cruise in which someone was smoking. If you think you might get woozy when the waves are substantial, go for the middle of the ship. Avoid cabins with adjoining doors to cut down on the noise.
5. Deck: You are right, there are considerations about where your cabin lies in relation to other parts of the ship. Look at the deck plans. You don't want to be across from elevators, below a dining area, or near a disco. When you narrow it down, you can often to a web search for the ship and cabin number. You will be surprised at how many precise reviews there are out there! Avoid the deck with lifeboats that can obstruct one's view.
I am excited for you! Let us know about your research.