Today’s cruise ships are not only feats of engineering, they’re feats of spatial efficiency as well. Cruise lines recognize that budget-conscious passengers need to save money where they can, and the choice of cabin amenities is one way to save hundreds. Those traveling with families or friends who are willing to stay together in one cabin might choose one with two upper bunks, which will typically sleep four people.
Cruise ship cabins are small -- standard cabins are typically less than 200 square feet -- so architects try to make every available space functional. In large cities, the way to cram more functional space into the same footprint is by building up. The same principle applies to cabins with uppers. In addition to one or two twin beds, some rooms have one or two more pullman-style twin beds. They fold flat against the wall during the day, but pull down at night and hang over the lower beds, functioning like bunk beds.
Cruise lines price rooms for double occupancy, and additional guests staying in the same room pay a much lower rate. The alternative is reserving two cabins, but four guests will all pay full price. If all four passengers are adults, you’ll suffer some inconvenience with this room configuration. Though four people can sleep comfortably on two lower and two upper beds, they must all share one tiny closet and bath. If you’re traveling with kids, watch for deals in which kids stay free in the same cabin as their parents.
Cabins with two upper beds can feel more spacious than other rooms that sleep four and can provide a bit of excitement to boot. Many cabins feature two small, or one large bed and a convertible sofa bed that sleeps two more guests. Most cabins are so tiny that the deployed sofa bed can make getting to the bathroom or exit door a challenge. Upper beds don’t clutter floor space and allow that one sleepyhead child an undisturbed half hour of rest while other family members get ready for the day. Upper beds are a novelty for some kids. Remember when you fought your brother for rights to the upper bunk bed? Your kids can each have their own upper, which feels adventurous and keeps bickering at bay.
Cruise lines offer upper beds in many room categories. For the lowest price, select an interior cabin. When traveling with small children, a balcony cabin may be a good choice so that the adults can sit outside chatting while the kids fall asleep. Balconies and windows also lend lots of light to the cabin, which makes it seem less claustrophobic. When booking a cabin with uppers, consult the cruise line to find out exactly how the room is configured. While most are set up with one or two regular beds, some feature four pullman-style beds. This design might be perfect for four friends traveling together, but not so romantic for mom and dad.
