How to Choose the Best Cabin on Any Cruise (2024)

If you’ve never booked a cruise before, choosing a room can be a surprisingly complex undertaking. At a hotel or resort, you might be more focused on bed configurations while onboard a cruise ship, it’s typically all about the ever-changing view—or lack thereof. To add to the equation, each room type usually has multiple categories and decks to choose from.

From inside cabins with no windows to sprawling suites with multiple balconies and floors, cruise rooms can really run the gamut. Depending on the type of sailing you’re on, an upgrade could be worth the splurge or not. To help with your decision, familiarize yourself with these standard cruise room categories and the pros and cons of each.

What are rooms on a cruise ship called?

Rooms on a cruise ship are typically referred to as cabins or staterooms. These two terms are interchangeable and are both used to refer to rooms onboard a cruise ship. The terminology simply depends on each cruise line or individual.

What are the standard cruise cabin categories?

How to Choose the Best Cabin on Any Cruise (1)

Courtesy of Matt Stroshane/Disney Cruise Line

Inside or interior cabin

Inside or interior cabins are the entry-level cruise room category. Located along the inside hallways of a cruise ship, the name denotes that there is no window or porthole. While these windowless rooms are typically the smallest in terms of square footage on any given ship, some cruise lines offer inside staterooms suited to families. These budget-friendly accommodations sleep up to six people onboard Royal Caribbean, for example, with twin beds, a pullout sofa, and convertible bunk beds called Pullmans.

Some cruise lines, including Disney and Royal Caribbean, even offer rooms on select ships that can be considered inside cabins with a view. With the help of virtual portholes, piping in a live video feed, virtual portholes can depict footage of the outside to mimic that of a real window. Disney’s “Magical Portholes” also feature the occasional drop-in from your favorite animated characters like an appearance from Flounder and Scuttle of The Little Mermaid.

Outside or oceanview cabin

Oceanview cabins are somewhat self-explanatory in the sense that they offer some type of view, whether it’s through a picture window or porthole, and they typically feature slightly more square footage than their interior counterparts. However, this is where careful attention to deck plans—or a knowledgeable travel advisor—comes in handy; some categories of outside staterooms have an obstructed view, meaning they might come with a smaller price tag, but you’ll mostly be gazing at the underbelly of a lifeboat.

You’ll also want to consider which side of the ship you’re on. In nautical terms, if you’re facing the front of the ship, “port” means the left-hand side, and “starboard” is on the right. It can be hard to dictate the perfect vista for each port of call, but proactively choosing your location could affect whether you’ll be able to watch your arrival into port from the comfort of your cabin or you’re mostly staring out at the sea.

Balcony or veranda cabin

A balcony cabin and a veranda cabin are the same thing. On oceangoing ships, this category of cabins comes with a step-out balcony, allowing cruisers to privately enjoy some fresh ocean breeze over morning coffee. These rooms typically come with at least a small table and a set of chairs on your balcony, so you can read, soak up the sun, or indulge in alfresco room service. When you consider living space, note that cruise lines often factor the size of the balcony into the total square footage of a stateroom. Balcony cabins are typically scattered across a ship, including at the front, also referred to as the “forward” of the ship, or “aft,” meaning back of the ship. Consider whether you are someone who would rather watch the wake or gaze at the horizon. Preferred locations—like a wraparound balcony at the back of the ship—will vary in price and are typically the first cabins to be booked.

How to Choose the Best Cabin on Any Cruise (2)

Courtesy of Grant Sweetwood/Avalon Waterways

French balcony cabin

If you see the term “French balcony,” a room type common on river cruise ships, it means that you might have sliding glass doors that open to a railing but not the ability to fully step outside. Some room types classified as “mini suites” are really glorified balcony cabins, meaning they have slightly more square footage but few suite-style amenities. Read the fine print to make sure that the premium perks or amenities you might expect are included in the price before booking them.

How to Choose the Best Cabin on Any Cruise (3)

Courtesy of Seabourn

Suite

Suites are the most spacious and deluxe rooms on any cruise ship, but not all suites are created equal. Suites can vary in square footage from about 400 square feet up to 6,000-plus on a single ship, but they almost always feature at least one balcony. In recent years, cruise lines have begun organizing their top-tier cabins into categories, assigning certain levels of perks and freedoms depending on which type of suite a guest is booked into. For example, someone staying in an entry-level suite might be able to partake in priority embarkation, but only someone in the highest-level suite category has access to an unlimited mini-bar and private restaurant. From owner’s suites with grand pianos to loft suites with multiple stories, this is the most diverse category of staterooms.

Some cruise lines feature a suite complex or club area accessible only with a special key card, like Norwegian Cruise Line’s the Haven or MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club, which offer even more exclusive spaces and services for guests staying in designated suite areas. Some luxury cruise lines, like Silversea or Regent Seven Seas, only offer rooms categorized as suites on their ships, which all come with amenities like personalized butler service.

Single or studio cabin

The days of financial penalties for people who cruise alone are mostly in the rear view. While some cruise lines still charge a substantial fee to offset the cost of a single person to a cabin, many other cruise lines are building quaint staterooms designed—and priced—with a solo cruiser in mind. Solo cabin choices range from inside to outside cabins to rooms with balconies, depending on the ship. However, you’re most likely to find them as interior rooms, like those in Norwegian’s own area for solo cruisers called the Studio. While Studio staterooms are available fleetwide, only select Norwegian Cruise Line ships feature a dedicated lounge space so that independent cruisers can meet and mingle. Other cruise lines known for single cruiser accommodations include Cunard and Holland America Line.

How to Choose the Best Cabin on Any Cruise (4)

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Guarantee cabin

One of the vaguer terms that’s thrown around when booking a cruise is a “guarantee cabin.” Initially enticing because of its discounted price, these rooms are the leftover inventory and are typically not assigned until shortly before your sail date. While there is nothing wrong with securing a bargain on your vacation, leaving this decision to fate could result in an unappealing location with late-night noise or other bugaboos. Yes, there is a slim chance of a surprise upgrade by booking a guarantee cabin, but more often than not you’re simply forfeiting the chance to choose your own room. This type of cabin should only be selected by the very flexible who are willing to bet on their chances.

Accessible cabin

Accessibility on cruise ships applies to a host of accommodations for the hearing impaired; blind or low vision; those requiring a special dietary menu, medical device, or service animal; and cognitive impairments like autism. However, the accessible category mostly pertains to mobility. These rooms, available across the majority of cruise lines and ships, offer wider hallways and entryways, more maneuverability, and bathrooms with features like roll bars, shower seats, and lowered sinks to accommodate wheelchair users. Due to limited availability, these cabins usually sell out in advance. If you require the features of an accessible stateroom, be sure to contact the cruise line well before your preferred sail date.

What is the cheapest cabin on a cruise ship?

Cruise fares are typically priced in ascending order of room type, from interior cabins up to suites. The cheapest cabin in terms of base price on any cruise ship will usually be an interior room, but keep in mind the overall value of what you’re booking before you have a knee-jerk reaction to the dollar amount. If you plan on spending all your time in the spa, some cruise lines offer spa staterooms that bundle access to the thermal suite or even a spa treatment along with proximity to the onboard wellness facilities, making the slightly higher cabin price worth the splurge. Guarantee cabins, regardless of cabin category, will also tempt your wallet, depending on if you are game for a gamble.

Keep in mind that unlike a hotel room, a cruise cabin is often priced per person based on a double occupancy (two people per room) rate. That means that you and your fellow cruiser are both paying the price listed for the cabin, which includes the cost of meals, entertainment, and more. As a ballpark figure, a cheap cruise is considered to be anywhere from $50 to $100 per person, per night.

What cabins should you avoid on a cruise ship?

While each cruise ship is different, there are some general types of cabins to consider avoiding. If you know or suspect that you are sensitive to motion or are prone to seasickness, consider avoiding cabins located on the highest decks of the ship or at the very front or back of the vessel. This is where you will mostly likely feel the pitching and rolling associated with choppy seas. The best type of cabin to book for the least amount of motion is on a deck in the middle of the ship and centrally located within that deck.

If you have small children or treasure your rest, also be on the lookout for noisy areas of the ship, like above or below the nightclub, buffet, or pool deck. Also keep an eye on whether your room is close to the elevator banks or crew areas, where chiming buttons or slamming doors can continue at all hours. A travel advisor or online reviews from fellow cruisers might be able to help steer you away from some of these problematic cruise cabins on a ship-by-ship basis. When in doubt, book a room on a deck that’s sandwiched between other passenger decks consisting only of cabins and not public spaces.

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Courtesy of Michel Verdure/Celebrity Cruises

Is it worth getting a balcony?

A balcony stateroom is normally the most popular room category on any given ship. However, the value of a balcony room is something that will differ depending on where you’re cruising and why. If it’s a voyage with a bunch of friends and you’re not planning on spending much time in the room, it might be worth shaving off a few hundred dollars by booking a cheaper room without a balcony. But if you’re planning a romantic anniversary cruise to Hawai‘i or a bucket-list journey through the Norwegian fjords, the ability to step out of bed and onto your balcony to soak in the scenery could be well worth the extra charge.

Some itineraries, most notably Alaska, have scenic sailing days built into the cruise schedule. These are days spent at sea, navigating stunning landscapes that might include calving glaciers or breaching whales. Sure, you can get out on deck with the masses to scope out the views, but access to your balcony any time of day or night (in your robe or pjs) could add that special reminder that your floating resort is in fact moving from place to place.

Travelers prone to seasickness might also want to consider a balcony. This room feature not only provides quick access to fresh air but also lets you focus on the horizon line, which is said to help orientate your equilibrium.

What is the best room on a cruise ship?

Between a cozy inside cabin and a splash-out penthouse suite, the best room on a cruise ship is the one you can afford. That might sound cheesy, but it’s true. Paying a cruise fare includes so much more than where you’ll be resting your head, so consider the entire package before making your selection. Some promotions include all-inclusive beverages or Wi-Fi, while some upscale cruise lines include costs like airfare in the price of your cabin booking. The best room, whether you call it a cabin or a stateroom, is the one that comfortably suits the needs of you and your fellow cruisers.

Brittany Chrusciel

Brittany Chrusciel circumnavigated the globe aboard a ship long before becoming a cruise expert. After studying abroad on Semester at Sea, she joined the editorial team at Cruise Critic, where she specialized in destinations. She now freelances, including for Afar.

How to Choose the Best Cabin on Any Cruise (2024)

FAQs

How to Choose the Best Cabin on Any Cruise? ›

The best type of cabin to book for the least amount of motion is on a deck in the middle of the ship and centrally located within that deck. If you have small children or treasure your rest, also be on the lookout for noisy areas of the ship, like above or below the nightclub, buffet, or pool deck.

What cabin to pick on a cruise? ›

The best type of cabin to book for the least amount of motion is on a deck in the middle of the ship and centrally located within that deck. If you have small children or treasure your rest, also be on the lookout for noisy areas of the ship, like above or below the nightclub, buffet, or pool deck.

What is the best floor to sleep on on a cruise ship? ›

The most stable part of the ship is its lowest point of gravity, so on a lower deck, at the center. You'd feel a lot less motion here than, say, in a stateroom on the upper decks a long way forward or aft (towards the back of the ship).

Where are the best and worst cabins on a cruise ship? ›

Here are what I consider to be the best and worst staterooms to book on a cruise.
  • BEST ROOMS TO BOOK ON A CRUISE.
  • Ocean-level cabins.
  • Studio rooms.
  • Port or starboard staterooms.
  • Cabins close to popular attractions.
  • Rooms by elevators.
  • WORST ROOMS TO BOOK ON A CRUISE.
  • Staterooms directly above or below busy areas.
Jan 30, 2024

What is the best room you can get on a cruise ship? ›

Midship cabins

The big allure of a midship cabin is its stability. You won't feel the rocking of the sea in a midship cabin nearly as much as you will in a cabin toward the front or back of a vessel. This is because ships are like teeter-totters. They pitch forward and back around a central axis that barely moves.

What is the best cabin deck on a cruise ship? ›

The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren't always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks. Like to be near all the action? Most mega-ships place their lido (pool) areas on higher decks.

Which part of the ship is best for a cabin? ›

You want to be as close to the pivot point as possible to feel the least movement. Avoid cabins near the front (bow) or back (stern) and on decks higher than the middle deck of the ship. So, on a ship with fourteen passenger decks, your best options are below deck seven.

Which deck to avoid on a cruise? ›

Check for decks close to the crew service entrances as well as the main cruise engine. Such decks will have a higher level of noise compared to a sandwiched deck area.

Where is the noisiest part of a cruise ship? ›

Elevators and staircases can also be high-traffic, noisy areas of a cruise ship (that are near cabins on some ships). And don't forget the cruise ship engine.

What is the best room on a cruise ship to avoid motion sickness? ›

The middle of the ship and not too high is your safest bet. A mid-ship stateroom with a balcony for quick access to fresh air may be ideal. If not available, consider a room that is either lower or closer to the back, as the front of the ship tends to experience the most movement.

What cruise line has the least problems? ›

The 15 cruise ships with perfect scores of 100
Cruise shipCruise lineScore
Carnival SunshineCarnival Cruise Lines, Inc.100
Celebrity EdgeCelebrity Cruises100
Celebrity MillenniumCelebrity Cruises100
Celebrity SummitCelebrity Cruises100
11 more rows
Jul 9, 2023

What is the riskiest part of a cruise ship? ›

The Lido Deck

It is typically the top floor of a cruise ship, and exposed to the elements. With that being said, the lido deck is a common place where slip and fall accidents occur. The reasons slip and fall accidents occur on cruise ship lido decks can include spilled drinks, water from hot tubs, and swimming pools.

What is the cheapest cabin on a cruise ship? ›

Interior staterooms are limited in space and privacy

The standard (and least expensive) room on any cruise ship is typically called an inside or interior stateroom.

Is it worth upgrading your room on a cruise? ›

An upgraded cabin is almost always better than the most basic room on board. The only thing stopping you from splurging on a larger space, a private balcony and extra perks is your budget. If you change your mind once you've booked, you'll find several ways to upgrade your cabin to a higher-category room.

What are the quietest rooms on a cruise ship? ›

If you are talking about noise from people in the halls, the mid ship cabins will generally be the loudest because everyone has to pass by to get to their forward or aft cabins. But yes, anywhere aft or forward can potentially have issues with noise from the ship, but are much quieter with noise from foot traffic.

Where is the smoothest room on a cruise ship? ›

The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's center. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.

What part of the cruise interior is better to pick? ›

The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's center. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.

Which is the best side to have a cabin on a cruise ship? ›

Remember: the sun always rises in the east and sets in the west. With that said, if you're sailing north or west and want to see sunsets, choose a port side cabin. If you'd rather see the sunrise while sailing south or east, staying on the port side is your ideal choice as well.

Is it better to have a cabin in the front of the cruise ship or the back? ›

You'll likely want to steer clear of forward cabins. These are far and away the cruise rooms most affected by waves since they're the first to dip in rough seas. Even if you're on a lower deck, the forward of the ship might be the worst place to stay if you're prone to seasickness.

What is the best cabin on a cruise ship to avoid sea sickness? ›

#1 - Choosing the Right Cabin

The middle of the ship and not too high is your safest bet. A mid-ship stateroom with a balcony for quick access to fresh air may be ideal. If not available, consider a room that is either lower or closer to the back, as the front of the ship tends to experience the most movement.

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