The most common questions that are posed to me are in reference to selecting a cabin. Everyone wants something for nothing. For newbies they just want to know what is the difference between the different types of cabins.Most cruise lines seem to offer a bevy of cabin categories to choose from but really there are only four main ones. Inside, outside balcony and suite.

Inside cabins are those that do not have a window. There is one caveat to that on some Royal Caribbean ships there are inside cabins that have a window that faces the promenade deck or shopping concourse. They can relieve ,a little, the feelings of claustrophobia but you better keep your drapes drawn if you don't want your cruise mates to see you in your knickers.

Outside cabins are also known as ocean view. True to their name these have porthole windows or big picture windows and have a glorious view of the ocean. Balcony cabins are usually similar in size to the inside or outside cabins but have the added benefit of a balcony.Suites are sweet. What you get is a large, by cruise standards ,room and balcony . Sometimes you get a jacuzzi tub or other luxuries.

There may be 4 different categories of cabin within one main category. This refers to the deck or floor where they are located. Back in the early days of cruising the passengers in cabins on higher decks were allowed to eat at certain restaurants where cabins on lower decks were restricted in their dining choices to the lower class venues. This is no longer the case.

Most cruise lines offer what they call guarantee cabins. If you book a guarantee cabin it means you are guaranteed what you paid for or a higher category . With these types of bookings you do not get to select your specific cabin but you can save big bucks. Of course where they put you is at the discretion of the cruise line so be prepared to accept that.

The best way to get something for nothing in cabin selection is to pick a ship that has lots of balcony and outside cabins relative to inside cabins. You can then book an inside and have a better chance of being upgraded for free. If you're really picky then book
an outside on one of those ships to make sure you have a view and you are likely to be upgraded.

Now you may ask how in the heck will I know which ships those are? Travelin' Ann will reveal all her secrets to you.

Alright let's concentrate on my favorite cruise line which is Carnival. I'll list the least likely to be upgraded on to the most likely.

The Holiday and the Celebration-the two oldest Carnival ships have only 10 balcony cabins therefore no chance to snag a free one there.

Fantasy class includes Fantasy, Ecstasy, Sensation, Fascination, Imagination, Inspiration, Elation and the Paradise .

These ships have only 54 balcony cabins so you are unlikely to get one unless you pay for it. You probably can get upgraded by deck though if you book the lowest category inside or outside Though you won't be upgraded from inside to outside you will be upgrade a few decks.

On the Carnival Destiny you have about a fifty fifty chance to get an outside cabin by booking an inside guarantee. Most of the outside cabins have balconies so there is a good chance to get a balcony by booking an ocean view as a guarantee cabin.

Carnival Triumph and Carnival Victory have mainly outside and balcony cabins. Sixty percent percent are outside cabins and sixty percent of those have balconies. I would book an inside guarantee and roll the dice.

Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, and Carnival Liberty. Your chances are great to get a free upgrade on these ships. Book an inside and you'll probably be upgraded. Most likely you will end up with an ocean view but there is a good chance to be upgraded to a balcony especially if there are most than two passengers traveling together.

On the Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend and Carnival Miracle you are most likely to hit pay dirt on these ships. There are only about twenty percent inside cabins on this ship so an upgrade is all but a sure thing.

Remember though the upgrade fairy doesn't give a fig if you are a past guest, getting married, or booked way ahead. It's all about the odds on this one kiddies. My advice is based on the most likely scenario. This logic can be skewed by large groups booking up all the good cabins so nothing is for sure. I have been studying these things for a decade though and I am rarely wrong. Try it, you'll like it!

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Ann Childs is a freelance writer and travel consultant. Her specialty is Caribbean travel including beach vacations and cruises. She is the editor and featured writer at Cruise and Travel Review Post your own reviews at Cruise and Travel Review Forums