Tips for Selecting the Perfect Cabin on Any Cruise

Booking a cruise for the first time can make selecting a room feel surprisingly complicated. While at a hotel or resort you might concentrate on bed arrangements, on a cruise ship, the focus is usually on the constantly changing views—or the absence of them. To complicate matters, each type of room often comes with various categories and decks to consider.

Cruise accommodations range from interior cabins without windows to luxurious suites featuring multiple balconies and levels. Depending on your cruise experience, opting for an upgrade might be worth the extra cost—or it might not. To assist with your choice, it’s essential to understand the standard categories of cruise rooms along with their advantages and disadvantages.

What do you call the rooms on a cruise ship?

Rooms on a cruise ship are commonly known as cabins or staterooms. These terms can be used interchangeably and refer to the rooms located onboard a cruise ship. The choice of terminology typically varies by cruise line or individual.

What are the different categories of cruise cabins?

Interior or inside cabin

Interior or inside cabins represent the most basic category of cruise accommodations. Found along the internal corridors of a cruise ship, the term indicates that these rooms lack windows or portholes. Although these windowless spaces are generally the smallest on the ship, some cruise lines provide family-friendly inside staterooms. For instance, Royal Caribbean offers budget-conscious options that can accommodate up to six guests, featuring twin beds, a pullout sofa, and convertible bunk beds known as Pullmans.

Certain cruise lines, such as Disney and Royal Caribbean, feature special rooms on selected ships that can be regarded as inside cabins with a view. Utilizing virtual portholes, these cabins offer a live video feed that simulates the appearance of a real window. Disney's “Magical Portholes” even include surprise visits from beloved animated characters, like Flounder and Scuttle from The Little Mermaid.

Outside or oceanview cabin

Oceanview cabins are fairly straightforward, providing some kind of view, whether through a porthole or a picture window, and usually offering a bit more space than interior rooms. However, it’s important to carefully examine deck plans—or consult a knowledgeable travel advisor—since some categories of outside staterooms may have obstructed views, which can lower the price but leave you looking at the underside of a lifeboat instead of the sea.

Consider which side of the ship your cabin is on as well. Nautically speaking, when facing the bow of the ship, “port” refers to the left side, while “starboard” indicates the right. Although selecting the ideal view for each port of call can be tricky, proactively choosing your cabin's location may determine whether you can enjoy the scenic arrival into port from your room or if you'll primarily be looking out at the open ocean.

Balcony or veranda cabin

A balcony cabin is identical to a veranda cabin. On ocean cruise ships, this category includes a step-out balcony, allowing passengers to savor the refreshing sea breeze while enjoying their morning coffee. These accommodations usually come with at least a small table and a couple of chairs on the balcony, perfect for reading, basking in the sun, or enjoying room service outdoors. When considering space, be aware that cruise lines often include the balcony's dimensions in the total stateroom size. Balcony cabins are generally distributed throughout the ship, both at the front, known as the 'forward' section, and at the back, referred to as the 'aft.' Think about whether you prefer watching the ship’s wake or enjoying the open sea view. Preferred locations—such as a wraparound balcony at the ship's rear—can vary in price and are often the first to be booked.

French balcony cabin

The term “French balcony,” frequently used for river cruise ships, refers to rooms with sliding glass doors that open onto a railing, though you cannot fully step outside. Some accommodations labeled as “mini suites” are essentially upgraded balcony cabins with slightly more space but limited suite-style amenities. Be sure to read the fine print to ensure that any premium features or amenities you expect are included in the price before making your reservation.

Suite

Suites represent the largest and most luxurious accommodations on any cruise ship, but not all suites are identical. Their sizes can range from approximately 400 square feet to over 6,000 square feet on a single vessel, and they typically include at least one balcony. In recent years, cruise lines have started to categorize their premium cabins, providing specific perks and privileges based on the type of suite booked. For instance, a guest in an entry-level suite may enjoy priority embarkation, whereas only those in the highest-tier suites might gain access to an unlimited mini-bar and a private dining venue. From owner’s suites equipped with grand pianos to multi-level loft suites, this category of staterooms offers the greatest variety.

Some cruise lines have exclusive suite complexes or club areas that require a special key card for access, such as Norwegian Cruise Line’s the Haven or MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club, providing even more luxurious spaces and services for guests residing in these designated suite areas. Additionally, certain luxury cruise lines, like Silversea and Regent Seven Seas, exclusively offer suites on their ships, all of which come with perks like personalized butler service.

Single or studio cabin

The era of heavy penalties for solo travelers on cruises is mostly behind us. While some cruise lines still impose significant fees to compensate for the cost of a single occupant in a cabin, many others are now offering charming staterooms specifically designed and priced for solo cruisers. Options for solo cabins can include everything from inside to outside rooms, as well as those with balconies, depending on the ship. However, interior rooms are the most common, such as those found in Norwegian’s dedicated area for solo travelers known as the Studio. While Studio staterooms are available across the fleet, only select ships from Norwegian Cruise Line feature a special lounge area where independent travelers can gather and socialize. Other cruise lines recognized for their accommodations for solo travelers include Cunard and Holland America Line.

Guarantee cabin

When booking a cruise, you might come across the term "guarantee cabin," which can be a bit misleading. These cabins often come at a lower price, but they are essentially the leftover rooms that aren't assigned until right before your sailing date. While snagging a deal can be appealing, it also means you might end up in a less-than-ideal location with potential disturbances. Although there's a small chance for an upgrade, most times, you're just missing out on the opportunity to select your own room. This option is best suited for those who are flexible and willing to take a gamble on their accommodations.

Cabin for individuals with disabilities

Accessibility on cruise ships covers a range of accommodations, including those for individuals with hearing impairments, vision challenges, dietary restrictions, medical equipment, service animals, and cognitive disabilities such as autism. However, the focus is primarily on mobility needs. Accessible cabins, found on most cruise lines and vessels, feature wider hallways and doorways, enhanced maneuverability, and bathrooms equipped with grab bars, shower seats, and lower sinks to support wheelchair users. Due to their limited number, these cabins tend to book up quickly. If you need an accessible stateroom, it's advisable to reach out to the cruise line well in advance of your desired departure date.

What is the most affordable cabin type on a cruise ship?

Cruise pricing generally follows an ascending order based on room type, starting from interior cabins and moving up to suites. The most affordable option, in terms of base fare, is usually an interior room. However, it's important to consider the overall value of your booking rather than just the price tag. If you're planning to spend a lot of time at the spa, some cruise lines provide spa staterooms that include access to thermal suites or spa treatments, along with close proximity to wellness facilities, making the slightly higher cabin price a worthwhile investment. Guarantee cabins, irrespective of their category, may also entice you with their lower costs, especially if you're feeling lucky.

Remember that, unlike a traditional hotel room, a cruise cabin is typically priced on a per-person basis, based on a double occupancy rate (meaning two people sharing a room). Consequently, both you and your travel companion will each pay the listed price for the cabin, which covers meals, entertainment, and other amenities. Generally speaking, a budget-friendly cruise can range from about $50 to $100 per person, per night.

Which cabins should you steer clear of on a cruise ship?

While every cruise ship has its unique layout, there are certain types of cabins you might want to avoid. If you tend to be sensitive to motion or prone to seasickness, it’s wise to skip cabins located on the highest decks or at the very front or back of the ship. These areas are where you’re most likely to feel the ship's movement during rough seas. For the least amount of motion, aim for a cabin located in the middle of the ship on a central deck.

If you're traveling with young children or value your peace and quiet, be cautious of booking cabins near noisy areas, such as those situated above or below a nightclub, buffet, or pool deck. Also, take note of proximity to the elevators or crew areas, where ringing buttons or slamming doors may disrupt your rest at all hours. A travel advisor or online reviews from past cruisers can help guide you away from problematic cabins on specific ships. When in doubt, choose a room on a deck nestled between other passenger decks that consist solely of cabins rather than public spaces.

Is it beneficial to book a balcony room?

Balcony staterooms are often the most sought-after accommodation on a cruise ship. However, the value of having a balcony can vary depending on your cruise destination and purpose. If you're embarking on a trip with friends and don’t expect to spend much time in your cabin, it might be wise to save a few hundred dollars by opting for a less expensive room without a balcony. Conversely, if you’re celebrating a romantic anniversary cruise to Hawai‘i or undertaking a bucket-list adventure through the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, having immediate access to your balcony for stunning views right from your room could justify the extra cost.

Certain itineraries, particularly those in Alaska, feature scenic sailing days where you can marvel at breathtaking landscapes, such as glaciers calving or whales breaching. While you can join the crowds on deck to enjoy the views, having your own balcony allows you to take in the scenery at any hour—whether you're in your robe or pajamas—serving as a delightful reminder that your floating hotel is indeed traveling from one beautiful place to another.

For travelers who are susceptible to seasickness, a balcony may be a good option to consider. This feature not only provides easy access to fresh air but also allows you to focus on the horizon, which can help stabilize your sense of balance.

What is the top room choice on a cruise ship?

When choosing between a snug interior cabin and an extravagant penthouse suite, the best room on a cruise ship ultimately depends on your budget. It may sound cliché, but it's true. The fare you pay covers far more than just the place where you'll sleep, so it's essential to evaluate the entire offering before making a decision. Some deals come with perks like all-inclusive drinks or Wi-Fi, while certain luxury cruise lines may even incorporate airfare into your cabin price. The best room, whether you refer to it as a cabin or a stateroom, is the one that meets the comfort and needs of you and your traveling companions.