Cruising has become an important vacation choice. And an important part of being comfortable on a cruise is to get a cabin that suits your needs. A cruise ship is a huge maze and has cabins of different choices and set ups at all levels. As a part of the booking process you must make an effort to choose a cabin that will make your vacation cruise a dream one.

1. Try and study the layout of the ship you are traveling in either online or at the cruise line office. Whether a mainstream cruise or a luxury one each ship will have a wide variety of accommodation choices. Find out what are the choices of cabins available on the ship you are booking on. Often you will find that a ship has over twenty different categories.

2. Find out what the differences are between a cruise ship cabin and stateroom. Ask about standard, ocean view, balcony, and suite.

3. Know your personal preferences and needs. Think would you enjoy a cabin with a balcony or one with a large window? Would you like to be situated a little far from traffic or close to where all the activities are?

4. Take into consideration the fact that it is in the cabin that you will be able to relax, watch TV, enjoy a long bath, or read a novel without being disturbed. The cabin will be your haven, home away from home for the duration of the cruise. So, take all your personal needs into consideration when booking a cabin. If the kids are going with you, look for family accommodation suites with adjoining cabins that have connecting doors.

5. Ask which cabins will be below or close to the water line, which ones are located way below deck and close to the engines or kitchens; check out how many stairs you will have to climb to reach deck.

6. Consider location carefully. Find out which cabins are close to the disco or just below a jogging track or close to an elevator or lobby. Remember you may be woken up by the thud of feet while early morning joggers enjoy the sea air. Similarly try and avoid cabins that are at the bow or stem of the ship, here you will experience first hand movement of the seas and ship as well as the drone of machinery such as anchors, or propellers. Most experts would recommend cabins that are mid-ship and recommend against forward facing balconies because of the winds.

7. The price range varies according to size, location, facilities and so on. So, determine how much each kind of cabin will cost and which one will fit into your budget and needs. Think cost and convenience.

Ask while booking about cabin guarantees. This means that you will be allocated the cabin chosen by you or one in a higher category. When a cruise line offers a run of ship guarantee it just means that you are assured a space but not a guarantee of which kind.

While planning a cruise pay special attention to accommodation, it is as important as where the ship will sail and dock.