Expert: Curtis Thorsen - 7/17/2008

Question
Hi I have a question regarding Norwegian. I am going on a cruise to Bahamas and Florida in August. My room is an inside cabin on deck 6 right at the front of the boat. We booked on guarantee. My travel agent advised me that sometimes with the front and back of the boat you can feel the anchor or when the boat turns? Also she said something about when I get on the boat to ask is it possible to be upgraded to a better cabin? Have you ever heard of this happening? Thanks  

Answer
Hi there....and congrats on your upcoming cruise aboard the "Spirit" !

So it sounds like that although you booked a guarantee, you have already been provided with a stateroom assignment in the bow of the ship. This is the risk when booking a guarantee as the end result can be a great location or a not so great location. If I have clients that have concerns of motion distress, potential noises from public areas above or below them, I would never suggest a "Guarantee" stateroom if having the choice to select a specific staterooms that possibly eliminates some of those concerns they may have.

Your agent is correctthat you may hear the dropping of anchor or tie down ropes being pulled out of the bow of the ship in the early morning hours when reaching a port of call. And if weather conditions are not favorable, more pitch and roll is always a real possibility of being felt in the front of any ship. In general, staterooms in the back of the ship will feel more vibration from the engines, but less pitch and roll will be felt.

Always a chance that upgrades (for purchase)MAY be available, but not usually as ships are in general sailing out at 100% capacity, and especially during the time of year you are sailing.

I wish you the best of luck on your upcoming cruise !