Q: I am forwarding to you documentation relative to what I regard as a case of Celebrity [Cruises] misleading passengers who select cabins based on the deck plans available for public viewing. Prior to booking, I reviewed the deck plan of the Celebrity Equinox online—there was nothing to indicate the cabin selected would have any restriction or obstruction, yet there were lifeboats below our deck, which blocked the view to the waterline. Celebrity Cruises have failed to address the principal concern: Why is there no notation on these public documents alerting intending cruisers that certain cabins will have restricted (if not obstructed) views due to the design of the ship? I simply do not want other cruisers to experience the same frustration. Could you assist and/or warn other travelers?—Karen A., Australia
A: After I examined the correspondence, and the picture Karen sent of the view from the balcony, it seemed clear that the cabin does not have, by definition, an obstructed view. The lifeboat is fully below the level of the cabin. In addition, the lifeboats are indicated on the deck where they are positioned. To be honest, the location of the lifeboat would not have bothered me had I purchased that cabin. But I didn’t take the cruise; Karen did. So, while there isn’t anything we can do to mediate the complaint, we can address the main concern: How can you make sure you get the type of cabin you want?
There are many aspects that can affect whether a cabin is satisfactory. Here are a few: Is it above or below a restaurant or entertainment venue? Is it below the fitness center or jogging track? Is it near or far enough away from the elevators? Will it vibrate because it’s too close to the engine room? And, of course, does it have an acceptable view for you?
If you do the research on your own, review the deck plans thoroughly, including those above and below the deck where you envision your cabin. You should also read reviews of the ship, of which you are sure to find many—the Cruise Critic is a good place to start. But remember, cruise ships are large and complex vessels with many variables. We recommend you use a well-reviewed cruise specialist, who has extensive knowledge of the cruise lines, itineraries, and ships of interest to you. Here’s what Paul Brady, Condé Nast Traveler’s Consumer News Editor, has to say:
“I definitely recommend travelers book a cruise with a specialist even if they don’t typically consider using an agent. As this case demonstrates, staterooms even in the same category are rarely equivalent, and it’s the specialist’s job to know which cabins are best. Even better, agents can get travelers free extras like bar and spa credits they wouldn’t be able to find if booking independently. For big ships/generalists, I would recommend Linda Allen or Tom Baker.”
Truth be told, Karen used a cruise specialist she liked, who proactively communicated with Celebrity after the cruise, albeit to no avail. So, no, they won’t catch or solve everything, but it would have been difficult to notice the problem in this case since the lifeboats were two decks below the cabin. Still, using a good specialist is the best way to avoid most potential issues. They will also take care of the logistics, and potentially save you money and score some extras. I don’t usually use a travel agent, but when it comes to a cruise, calling one of them sounds like a good plan to me.
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