![bruce-mars-xj8qrWvuOEs-unsplash](https://images.ctfassets.net/1roij4s04al1/5WjzvRREiHkO8SK5SKd0he/344406eda826a47d6c873fd56526d980/bruce-mars-xj8qrWvuOEs-unsplash.jpg)
What's a Cabin Category?
Just like booking a hotel, a cruise ship has lots of different types of room types- Inside, Window or Porthole, Balcony, Suite... the list is sometimes endless!
It can get a little tricky, but to help you, the cruise line will split the cabins into different categories to make it easier to tell the difference- eg Balcony category B1, B2, B3 and so on. These will be different colours on the deck plan, so you can see where they are and choose your favourite!
So for example if you look at the balcony cabins on a ship, some might be larger and on higher decks, some might be lower down the decks and towards the front end (fore) or the back end (aft) of the ship... prices usually increase even for identical cabins, as they get higher up the decks, or more central (where there is less movement when at sea) - some people prefer lower down cabins for the same reason - it really is a matter of choice, so make sure you have a good look at your options before you choose!
If you're thinking of booking a cruise for your next holiday, My Kind of Cruise have an app for that! With thousands of cruises at fantastic prices, we pass savings straight to you! Download the app today and get booking!
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More FAQs
View more![Arvia20render](http://images.ctfassets.net/1roij4s04al1/2R0KN1x1EApFhML19yKl8D/e9dc56a09f0bc98a975c1cd8cee6cd4b/Arvia20render.jpg?fit=thumb&w=800&h=450)
What's included when I book a cruise holiday?
What's included on a cruise ship holiday? Is food included? Are drinks included? Are shore excursions included? Are trips included?
![Main restaurant royal caribbean](http://images.ctfassets.net/1roij4s04al1/1VJ42WGu9s2ahex0wpkW1J/f9c6cdf7803ddbe8fabddec07e88f0a9/main_restaurant_rccl.jpg?fit=thumb&w=800&h=450)
Can I choose what time I eat at night, table size and who I am dining with?
The choice of dining times, restaurants and even the size of your table may be available for you to choose at the time of booking.
![RCI CBC 032020 MTurek Brand D5C2 FloatingCabana 0350 RET CMYK](http://images.ctfassets.net/1roij4s04al1/1ZPqw2rXadohsLR3wocYUQ/1cdb63ee6580abad35fec7c2dc393b01/RCI_CBC_032020_MTurek_Brand_D5C2_FloatingCabana_0350_RET_CMYK.jpg?fit=thumb&w=800&h=450)
Do I have to tip or pay gratuities onboard?
Tips and tipping onboard, also known as 'Gratuities', differ for all cruise lines. Some include it, for others it's up to you.
![EG18-InsideStateroomR](http://images.ctfassets.net/1roij4s04al1/6VR17wR2WsfdxhtrZv57I0/8f8e65a7ef8bb1816ee6677c63fd5f01/EG18-InsideStateroomR.jpg?fit=thumb&w=800&h=450)
What is a 'Guarantee Cabin'?
Guarantee cabins GTY are a great idea if you're travelling on a budget, don't need cabin number and you're hoping for a free upgrade
![CEL AX STATEROOM 5](http://images.ctfassets.net/1roij4s04al1/4nluibYLc0YFQqmaP3OqMk/9a9e4df4e32d85b2ff9272048b5d7d83/CEL_AX_STATEROOM_5.jpg?fit=thumb&w=800&h=450)
Oceanview, Seaview or Outside Cabin- What's the Difference?
Oceanview, Seaview or Outside Cabin- What's the Difference? All have natural light through a window, porthole or floor to ceiling glass.
![post booking](http://images.ctfassets.net/1roij4s04al1/2BQmFKIIi3TNMeySywXUSf/295f73b67349040217738ff5cb3dfd4c/denise-jans-RevOQ1P6ams-unsplash.jpg?fit=thumb&w=800&h=450)
I've booked, what happens next?
Now you've booked, all you need to do is register with your cruise line so you can see what's happening on your cruise, get all the updates
![Venice](http://images.ctfassets.net/1roij4s04al1/1RThNhYgQO92NalollVddI/af0782eef4c4428bb8f0614ea2d7ad01/canmandawe-_VwbZ3mn2Sk-unsplash.jpg?fit=thumb&w=800&h=450)
What are shore excursions?
Shore excursions are organised day trips and tours ashore in each port you visit. Organised trips mean you are fully protected against mishaps
![QE11 Cruise Terminaal 2](http://images.ctfassets.net/1roij4s04al1/4z3W1ka9jB28WNd2pI571s/37602c19f613870fbd6c592ac45e8812/QE11_Cruise_Terminaal_2.jpg?fit=thumb&w=800&h=450)
How do I know which cruise terminal I am sailing from?
All the details for reaching your ship, port and terminal will be sent in your final documents, which will be emailed 7-14 days before departure