Restricted view, is it the same with each Cruise Line?

Having just got back from my cruise on Queen Victoria I was asked a question by a passenger about restricted view cabins and this made me think about any differences between the cruise lines.

 A restricted view cabin

I spoke about this when I came back from my ship visit to the Celebrity Eclipse in July, read my review here, so what is there a difference between Cunard and Celebrity in how the categorise restricted view cabins.

So on the Solstice Class ships with Celebrity, the 2D & 2C balcony cabins on Continental Deck (Deck 6) are sold with a restricted view, the system says about 30% restriction. As you can see from the picture, you are just over the lifeboats so your restriction is in your downwards view.

Celebrity Eclipse

Now on the QV, and also the QE , the A4 balcony cabins on deck 4 are sold as clear view, but if you look at the picture below of the QV, the A4's on Deck 4 are just above the lifeboats on the left of the picture.

Queen Victoria

Is this any different to the 2D & 2C's on the Eclipse? I don't think they are; yet the cruise lines have a different opinion as to what constitutes a restricted view.

If I did not know and took the A4 on Cunard I would be less than happy, especially as they cabins have a slight overhang! See the picture below.

A4 cabins deck 5

So the moral of the story is, always ask your cruise specialist because we can give you these bits of knowledge that others might not be able to.

Obstructed view should I or shouldn't I?

One of the things about cruising on which there is a difference of opinion is to take a Restricted (or Obstructed) View or not.

So what is an obstructed view then? Obstructions could be; a stairway, life boats, etc. It may be fully obstructed or partially, depending on what is there, and how close you are to them, it simply means that there is something outside the window which restricts some or all of the view.

I am asked, how much is my view obstructed, now this is down to personal perception 2 different people may have a different view of that how much, so here are some pictures of various restricted view cabins to give you some examples.

So would you? Must ask how much time will you spend in the cabin on the cruise anyway and you then have to weigh this against the cost, as the restricted views tend to be priced lower. I found this comment on a travel discussion forum, it is from the states but still says it all:-

‘There is so much to do on a cruise, and so much 'off' ship time, I can't see it being a major problem either way.... since the price is good! You will most assuredly walk the decks all around the ship and get plenty of 'view', I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.... in my opinion!!!!! *: ) Enjoy you vacation, this is just one of those little things that in the grand scheme of life, should tell you... being away from home to let loose and have fun, IS what is important here. And, if money is a concern, which it is to most, let that be your driving force to accept the room or not, and be happy about the rest. It's no biggy!’

So why not give it a go, I think I would.