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Today β€” 23 December 2024Main stream

I stayed in interior cabins on 3 major cruise lines. Here's how they compared — and which was the best value by far.

23 December 2024 at 05:16
Author Lauren Mack smiling on cruise on the Caribbean Princess near balcony
I often go on cruises and typically book interior cabins because I find they're the best value.

Lauren Mack

  • As a frequent traveler, I've spent many days in interior staterooms on different cruise lines.
  • My interior cabin on the Holland America Line's Rotterdam had a lot of amenities and felt luxurious.
  • I love the beds on Princess Cruises ships, but my Norwegian Cruise Line studio was the best value.

As a frequent cruiser, I always book interior cabins. They're often the most economical option, though they aren't identical across cruise lines.

So, I compared my recent interior cabins on Holland America Line's Rotterdam, Norwegian Cruise Line's Getaway, and Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess.

Here's how the spaces stacked up β€” and which cruise room I liked best for its excellent value.

One of my interior cabins was on Holland America Line's Rotterdam.
Rotterdam cruise ship lit up at sunset with clouds above it
I spent 12 days on Holland America Line's Rotterdam ship.

Lauren Mack

Last December, I sailed on Holland America Line's Rotterdam for a 12-day Panama Canal cruise that cost $849 plus $460 for taxes, fees, and port charges.

My rate included a $25 onboard credit but no gratuities or add-ons like drink packages, specialty dining, WiFi, or excursions.

The above rate was for my half of the cabin, which I booked to share with a friend. Had my original reservation been for one person, I would've paid a higher rate for the same cabin.

The cabin had a decent amount of space, especially compared to ocean-view rooms on the ship.
Light-up mirror above vanity area next to minibar area, exit, across from bed in interior room on Holland America Line Rotterdam
My room felt fairly spacious.

Lauren Mack

My 160-square-foot cabin featured two wardrobes, a queen-size bed, a desk, and a minibar.

It was only about 15 square feet smaller than some ocean-view staterooms on the ship, which start at 175 square feet.

The large bathroom was a highlight.
Cruise ship bathroom
My bathroom in the Holland America Line cabin felt luxurious.

Lauren Mack

This bathroom is one of the largest ones I've experienced on a cruise.

I liked that it had a walk-in glass shower as big as ones I've seen in nice hotels on land and a ton of storage around the vanity, shower, and toilet.

I had a lot of amenities and basics in my cabin.
inside stateroom on Holland America Line Rotterdam
My room came with an umbrella and other essentials.

Lauren Mack

The number of in-room amenities was impressive and included a mini refrigerator, safe, makeup mirror, hairdryer, robes, beach towels, and umbrella.

Plus, this cabin had the most electrical outlets I've seen in a cruise room thus far.

Lastly, the cabin had a well-stocked minibar.
Mini fridge and safe in stateroom on Holland America Line Rotterdam
My Holland America Line room had quite the bar area.

Lauren Mack

The cabin had an expertly-curated minibar area featuring a cabinet with things like red wine, white wine, rocks glasses, and a stainless-steel ice bucket.

Bottles of Mondavi chardonnay, La Marca Prosecco, and premade On the Rocks cocktail were also available for an extra fee.

Overall, my Holland America Line room was classy, and standouts included the well-stocked minibar and massive shower.

My next cabin was on the Norwegian Cruise Line's Getaway.
Top deck of Norwegian Cruise Line Getaway with large pool, hot tubs, and water slides
The Norwegian Cruise Line Getaway is quite large.

Lauren Mack

In February 2023, I sailed alone in a studio cabin on Norwegian Cruise Line's Getaway on a six-day Bermuda cruise for $699 plus $283 for taxes, fees, and port charges.

The rate included free WiFi, an unlimited drink package, one specialty dining meal, and $50 toward a port excursion.

Norwegian's studio suites are designed for solo travelers, so I didn't have to pay the single-traveler supplement most lines charge cruising alone.

If I'd had a travel companion with me and we booked a non-solo interior cabin, the rate per person would've been even cheaper.

The studio felt futuristic and well-designed.
Norwegian Cruise Line studio cabin with white quilted headboard behind bed and slanted tv next to it
Clever lighting and smart design choices make the stateroom appear larger.

Lauren Mack

My 100-square-foot studio was packed with thoughtful and stylish futuristic decor, like cushioned wall panels along two sides of the bed back-lit with strip lighting.

I also loved my porthole "window" that could transform the room from pitch black to colorfully lit. Although I couldn't see the ocean out of it, it made the room feel larger and more cheerful than a standard interior cabin.

This was the smallest room of the three on this list, but I felt the space was used well.
Angled mounted TV with cabinets on either side and vanity below i Norwegian Cruise Line studio cabin
No space felt wasted in my Norwegian Cruise Line studio.

Lauren Mack

The studio was filled with space-saving furnishings and designs.

For example, the handles on the wardrobes' sliding doors doubled as towel racks.

The bathroom didn't offer much privacy, but I didn't mind.
View of glass shower and large sink in Norwegian Cruise Line studio cabin
The shower is pretty close to the bed in the studio.

Lauren Mack

As this room is designed for solo travelers, the shower isn't separated by a door β€” it's just across from the bed.

The all-glass tiled shower and separate stall with a toilet felt tiny but manageable.

Lastly, I loved the perks that came with the studio.
Hallway on Norwegian Cruise Line of studio cabins with colorful interior porthole windows lit up
Norwegian Cruise Line has some nice options for solo travelers.

Lauren Mack

My room came with attractive perks like access to a private lounge for cruisers in studios.

Plus, my hallway was also only accessible by keycard for other people staying in studios, which made me feel extra safe as a solo traveler.

Overall, I found my interior Norwegian Cruise Line studio to be convenient, cozy, and stylish.

I also spent 16 days in an interior cabin on the Caribbean Princess.
Caribbean Princess cruise ship on water
I spent 16 days on Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess.

Lauren Mack

In August 2023, I stayed in an interior room on Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess on a 16-day sailing to Canada, New England, and Greenland for $1,863 plus $270 for taxes, fees, and port charges.

I sailed with another traveler in this interior stateroom, so this was for my half of the cabin and based on double occupancy.

This rate didn't include gratuities or add-ons like drink packages, specialty dining, WiFi, or excursions.

The room didn't feel particularly special, but it was very comfy.
Dimly lit interior cabin on Caribbean Princess with queen bed with mirror behind it and nightstands on either side of bed with lamps
My interior Princess Cruises cabin had a very comfortable bed.

Lauren Mack

My 162-square-foot cabin had one large closet, a desk, and a queen-size bed.

The highlight was its famous Princess Luxury Bed, a comfy medium-firm mattress with a plush 2-inch-thick pillow top. It's the most comfortable bed I've ever slept on while cruising.

I enjoyed the many in-room entertainment options.
Dimly lit interior cabin on Caribbean Princess with queen bed with mirror behind it and nightstand with lamp
I enjoyed the in-room entertainment on my Princess Cruise.

Lauren Mack

I forgot to photograph it, but the cabin's compact bathroom felt nice and standard compared to others I've had on cruises.

The ship's touchless technology made it easy for me to unlock the stateroom door and request services.

Plus, the in-room entertainment was superior to what I've had on other cruise lines. I could watch movies or live satellite television or listen to music and audiobooks that were preloaded on the TV.

Overall, I found my cabin to be comfortable and quiet, with tons of options for entertainment.

If I had to pick a winner, I'd say my studio on the Norwegian Cruise Line felt like the best bang for my buck.
Studio stateroom on NCL Getaway with bed next to quilted white walls
I had a great experience in my interior room on Holland America Line.

Lauren Mack

Holland America Line had the most luxurious furnishings and impeccable service, and Princess Cruises had the most comfortable bed and the best in-room entertainment.

For me, though, the all-around pricing and perks of Norwegian Cruise Line's stylish interior studios can't be beaten.

It was the smallest room I stayed in, but it had nearly the same furnishings and amenities as competitors' cabins. Plus, as a frequent solo traveler, the lounge access, added security, and lack of supplemental fee is music to my ears.

Still, I was happy with my cabins on Holland American Line and Princess Cruises β€” and I'd love to see both lines offer studios in the future.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The 9 dirtiest cruise ships in 2024, according to the CDC

23 December 2024 at 05:00
Carnival Breeze
The CDC randomly inspects cruise ships to prevent the spread of stomach viruses. Two ships received failing scores but passed in subsequent reviews.

Andy Newman/Carnival Cruise Lines via Getty Images

  • The CDC randomly inspects and scores cruise ships to prevent the spread of stomach viruses.
  • The average score of vessels in 2024 is 95.9 out of 100 β€” 85 or less is considered failing.
  • The nine dirtiest ships scored between 86 to 89. Two others failed but passed in later reviews.

A "B" is considered a passing grade on most exams.

For cruise ships, scoring an 85 out of 100 on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Vessel Sanitation Program review is considered a failure.

In 2024, the CDC reported 13 bacterial and viral outbreaks on ships. Most incidents were of norovirus, a highly contagious bug that quickly spreads through tainted food, water, surfaces, or people.

Best not to be a victim. Its main symptoms β€” vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain β€” can quickly ruin a vacation.

Radiance of the Seas sailing with mountains behind it.
Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas had two outbreaks in 2024, one from norovirus and the other from salmonella.

Sergi Reboredo/VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

To mitigate these outbreaks, the CDC conducts random and unannounced sanitary inspections on cruise ships. The public health agency then scores the vessel from zero to 100, with outcomes of 85 or lower considered inadequate.

The review includes checking common spaces like pools and children's activity centers. Obvious issues like vermin and improperly stored food will cost points. As will subtler problems, such as buffet handwashing stations with lights less than 110 lux and produce stickers left where cleaned cooking equipment is stored.

A pool on a cruise ship with people around the deck.
The CDC checks cruise ships for details such as how frequently the pool's hair and lint strainer is disinfected.

Brittany Chang/Business Insider

The CDC has performed 151 inspections in 2024, including repeat inspections on 23 ships. The average score is about 95.9. 27 vessels achieved perfect marks, while two failed but later passed in later reviews.

Nine vessels didn't break into the 90s range, including Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's ultra-luxury Evrima:

  1. Hanseatic Inspiration β€” Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, scored 89 (inspected October 28, previously received a 62 on September 29)
  2. Carnival Elation β€” Carnival Cruise Line, scored 89 (inspected March 14)
  3. Adventure of the Seas β€” Royal Caribbean International, scored 89 (inspected January 23)
  4. National Geographic Sea Bird β€” Lindblad Expeditions, scored 88 (inspected July 25)
  5. Carnival Miracle β€” Carnival Cruise Line, scored 88 (inspected April 21)
  6. MSC Magnifica β€” MSC Cruises, scored 86 (inspected May 17)
  7. Evrima β€” Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, scored 86 (inspected February 9)
  8. Carnival Breeze β€” Carnival Cruise Line, scored 86 (inspected March 21)
  9. Caribbean Princess β€” Princess Cruises, scored 86 (inspected March 20)

Crystal Serenity received an 89 on February 2 but was bumped to a 90 seven months later. Similarly, Margaritaville at Sea Paradise received a failing score of 83 on May 1 but passed a subsequent inspection with a 92 on July 2.

What the cruise lines have said

Hanseatic Inspiration on water
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' Hanseatic Inspiration scored 89 on October 28.

Jens BΓΌttner/picture alliance via Getty Images

A spokesperson for Hapag-Lloyd told Business Insider that Hanseatic Inspiration's initial lower score was a "very unfortunate incident" that didn't reflect the company's operational standards. "We have been consistently meeting strict hygiene requirements worldwide for many years with exemplary results," they said.

Following the inspection, the cruise line addressed the ship's "operational aspects" to meet its quality standards, as showcased in the vessel's follow-up passing score in October.

The spokesperson said lingering issues are "being addressed and will be completed in a timely manner," and the company will continue to improve its "quality management processes" particularly with regard to the requirements of the CDC."

MSC Magnifica sailing near land
MSC Magnifica scored an 86 on May 17.

MSC Cruises

Similarly, a spokesperson for MSC Cruises told BI in October it had implemented an "improvement plan" on MSC Magnifica according to the CDC inspector's suggestions. Many of the changes were immediate and only needed "minor" efforts, it said. The cruise line said that it believes Magnifica's score "is not a true reflection of the ship as it is today" and would "welcome any future inspection."

MSC noted that many of its ships frequently achieve above 90, including the MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seashore, which both received perfect marks in 2024.

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Lindblad Expeditions, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Princess Cruises didn't respond to a request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider

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