When planning a sea trip by ferry, Russian tourists often face a dilemma: is it worth paying extra for a cabin with a window and a sea view, or can you save money by choosing an inner cabin? This issue is especially relevant for popular routes from Russian ports to Finland, Sweden or when traveling across the Mediterranean Sea.
What ferry companies offer
Most modern ferries offer several accommodation categories. The interior cabins are usually 30-50% cheaper than the exterior ones, but they do not have windows. Cabins with sea views are divided into several sub-categories:
- Standard cabins with porthole
- Cabins with large panoramic windows
- Cabins with a balcony
- Suites with a terrace
Advantages of a cabin with a sea view
Psychological comfort
Natural lighting and the opportunity to observe the seascape create a sense of spaciousness and freedom. Many passengers note that indoor cabins can cause claustrophobia, especially during long journeys lasting more than 12 hours.
Entertainment and relaxation
The sea view provides natural entertainment while traveling. Sunrises and sunsets over the water surface are especially beautiful. Russian travelers heading to the Scandinavian countries can observe the picturesque skerries and archipelagos.
Orientation in time
Natural light helps maintain circadian rhythms, which is especially important when traveling at night. This reduces fatigue upon arrival at the destination.
Disadvantages and limitations
The financial side of the issue
The surcharge for a sea view can range from 2,000 to 8,000 rubles, depending on the route and season. For a family trip, this amount may be significant, especially considering the exchange rate and the total cost of the trip.
The quality of the view
Not all "sea views" are equally good. Cabins on the lower decks may have limited visibility, and the windows are sometimes too high or low for comfortable viewing.
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Practical considerations for Russian tourists
Duration of the trip
For short trips (4-6 hours), the surcharge may be unjustified, as passengers spend most of their time in the public areas of the ferry. However, for night flights popular on the St. Petersburg - Helsinki or Stockholm routes, the view from the window becomes more valuable.
Seasonality and weather conditions
During the winter months, when daylight is short and the weather is often cloudy, the advantages of a cabin with a window are less obvious. In summer, on the contrary, the opportunity to observe the white nights of the Baltic or the Mediterranean landscapes justifies the additional costs.
The composition of travelers
For families with children, a cabin with a window can provide additional entertainment for younger passengers. Older travelers also often appreciate the opportunity to relax in a cabin with natural light.
Alternative solutions
Modern ferries offer many public areas with panoramic windows: restaurants, bars, and decks for strolling. Passengers in the inner cabins can enjoy the sea views without overpaying for accommodation.
Compromise options
- Cabins with a "partial view" are often cheaper than full–fledged external cabins.
- Last–minute booking - sometimes allows you to get a free upgrade
- Group rates – may include accommodation in the best cabins at the standard price
Selection recommendations
A cabin with a sea view is worth choosing if:
- The trip lasts more than 8 hours
- The trip takes place during the daylight season
- There are people in the group who are prone to motion sickness (the horizon helps to cope with motion sickness)
- Trains are planned as part of a vacation, not just a way to get to your destination.
You can save on the view if the trip is short, the budget is limited, or the main goal is to get to your destination as quickly and cheaply as possible.
Conclusion
The decision to pay extra for a cabin with a sea view depends on individual priorities, budget and circumstances of the trip. For many Russian travelers, sea travel in itself is a rare pleasure, so an additional 3,000-5,000 rubles for the opportunity to enjoy the views may be a worthwhile investment in impressions. However, with a limited budget, it is quite possible to make do with an internal cabin, actively using the public areas of the ferry to observe the seascapes.
