People have always argued that it doesn't make sense to spend extra for a good room in a hotel or on a cruise ship because you shouldn't be spending that much time in your room. Sounds about right, until you end up with a horrid room, and then your week-long escape turns into a re-enactment of Escape from Alcatraz.

It's easy to get a good room on a cruise ship. The layout is pretty standard. Follow these guidelines, and won't get the urge to jump overboard.

In the cruise industry, money doesn't equal better necessarily. You will find someone who paid more (and others less) than you did for the same cabin. More than that, some high-dollar cabins may be poor choices for you, so you really have to approach your research knowing your wants and needs.

Price: Price certainly comes into play, but it's just one of many concerns. Set an overall budget for the trip. Learn to separate costs for excursions on shore, spending money needed for shipboard activities (gambling, soft drinks, sundries, etc.), port taxes and basic cabin charges. Subtract these costs from your overall budget figure to come up with a cabin range.

Cabin Fever: What do you expect from a cabin? Will you hang up your clothes there, sleep therebut little else? Do you see a cabin as someplace to get in and out of as fast as is possible? If so, save your money for what's important to you: shipboard activities, shore excursions, and gifts for the family and friends.

On the other hand, if you are traveling with another couple, or you're planning a family reunion aboard ship, you may want a place to entertain. While ships certainly have enough lounge space, a sitting room in your own cabin can give you the privacy you need.

In this case, consider a suite or a mini-suite, where more money will buy you more space. Most cabins come with moderate-sized bedroom space. Mini-suites and suites add a sitting area separate from the sleeping area. Many hold a television and a small refrigerator. Normally, you wouldn't need these amenities, but if you are traveling with family members, you could use a central meeting place. Likewise, if you are traveling with children or grandchildren, you'll want a place to sit and relax while the children are napping.

Suites sell out early, according to travel agents. One regular cruiser who likes to make plans just a few months in advance has never been able to secure a suite. Let that be a warning: If you know you want to take a cruise in a year, and

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