If you’re a first-time cruiser , you may not realize that one of the most unsung aspects of cruise planning is actually the most important: cabin selection. After all, your stateroom will be your home for the duration of your sailing, serving as basecamp for your belongings and offering a hot shower and a good night's sleep after a fun-filled day. As such, selecting the best room on a cruise for you is pretty critical.
It might seem simple, but first you'll need to know the available types and evaluate who you're traveling with and each person's specific needs. Here’s an overview of the options, plus several things to consider when picking your cabin.
What are the different types of cabins on a cruise?
There are five main types of cruise cabins, and each offers something slightly different. Within those types, there might be variations in size, amenities or theming. The general categories to know are:
Inside or interior
These cabins have no exterior windows or balconies, meaning there’s no natural light or fresh air. They're usually the least expensive on any vessel.
Outside or oceanview
Rooms in this category offer views through a porthole or a large window that does not open. There’s no access to fresh air or an alfresco seating area.
Balcony or veranda
Balcony cabins are one of the most popular types on any sailing. They usually feature sliding-glass doors that provide fresh air and a semi-private outdoor area with basic seating and a small table for drinks. However, some ships have French balconies — or, as Celebrity Cruises calls them, Infinite Verandas — that offer access to ocean breezes via windows that lower and raise with a button, but they do not have a dedicated outdoor space.
Mini-suites:Mini-suites are basically slightly larger balcony cabins. They might also include amenities like bathrobes and slippers or elevated toiletries.
Suites:These are for passengers with sizable vacation budgets. There are lots of different kinds, and they vary widely across cruise lines. They’re almost always larger than other cabin types and often include huge balconies, bathrooms with bathtubs (not just showers), high-end toiletries, walk-in closets and the plushest of linens and pillows.
The more expensive, the crazier the extras — like a butler and concierge service, private hot tubs, saunas and plunge pools, multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, in-cabin sound systems and grand pianos, and even private playgrounds for kids.
On some ships, rooms might be considered suites even if they don't have windows or balconies or if they're designed for one person. In those cases, the "suite" designation has more to do with where the cabins are located, which is often in an exclusive keycard-accessed enclave with private butlers and concierge services, as well as dedicated dining rooms, sun decks, pools, hot tubs, bars and restaurants.
What are the sub-categories of cruise cabins?
Within those five categories are subcategories. This includes solo cabins. Unlike hotels, cruise cabins are priced per person rather than per room. That means you'll pay nearly double (what's known as a single supplement) to sail alone in a room designed for two or more people. Most new cruise ships now offer a handful of single-person studio cabins, allowing solo travelers to save a bit of money.
Then there are connecting cabins, which are great for families or friend groups because they link two or more rooms via interior doors that can be locked from both sides. Other subcategories include accessible accommodations designed with more space and usually flat thresholds, as well as obstructed-view staterooms. These might have a pole or a lifeboat partially blocking the view from the window or balcony. Finally, there are guarantee cabins: passengers select a category and allow the cruise line to assign a specific cabin in exchange for lower cruise fares.
Some vessels also offer specialty cabin types within the five main categories, like spa cabins that grant passengers access to the onboard spa's thermal suite and include amenities like in-room fruit-infused water and yoga mats, plus discounts on treatments. Another is virtual portholes (Disney Cruise Line) and virtual balconies (Royal Caribbean). They offer simulated sea views via LED screens that mimic porthole windows or balcony doors.
How to choose the best cruise cabin for your trip
Decide on a view
If you opt for something other than an inside cabin — and you should if you're sailing to destinations like Alaska and the Norwegian fjords, known for their scenery — you'll need to decide on the view you'd like.
You can choose from balconies near the forward for views similar to the captain's, aft for a lookout at the ship's wake, port (the left side of the ship when you're facing forward) or starboard (the right side when you're facing forward). Prices can vary depending on the ship, itinerary and specific view.
Think about your travel party
Consider who you're traveling with. Do you have kids? If so, you might want a cabin that sleeps three or four people via pull-down bunks or a sofa bed. Next, how much space do you realistically need? If you're traveling with a large family or a group of friends, a connecting cabin might be the best bet. You’ll have your own space, but you can still move between rooms.
If you'd like to be close but not too close, look for a block of rooms across or next to (but not connected to) one another. Or, maybe an ultra-huge suite with a communal gathering space is in order.
Consider your interests
You might also want to narrow down your cabin location based on your favorite onboard pastimes. Is there a bar you plan to frequent? See which rooms are closest so you won't have trouble finding your way home after a few cocktails. Are you a gym lover or massage fiend? Go for something near the spa and fitness center. If you're sailing with children, look for rooms near the kids’ club. And if you’re planning to spend the bulk of your trip perfecting your tan, aim for accommodations near the pool deck so you can snag prime loungers each day.
Beware of noise
If being close to the fitness center or kids’ club is important to you, weigh the convenience against the noise. If you're easily annoyed by the sound of people coming and going at regular intervals — or at all hours of the night — it might be worth it to stay far away.
Keep your health in mind
Health and wellness might not be the first thing on your mind when you're planning your at-sea travels, but it ties into how to pick a cruise cabin. If you’re prone to motion sickness, stay away from cabins on high decks and rooms that are all the way forward or aft. (Your safest bet is to book something near the middle of the vessel.)
If you get claustrophobic, it might be time to splurge on a slightly larger room — maybe a mini-suite or suite — or something with fresh air that will allow you to quickly step outside to catch your breath without any crowds. And if you have limited mobility, opt for an accessible room near an elevator.
Be real about your sleep habits
Sleep goes hand in hand with overall health. Generally, passengers report sleeping well on ships, thanks in part to the gentle rocking motion of the ship. That said, if you're a light sleeper, you might want to consider a dark, windowless inside cabin. You'll also want to steer clear of rooms in areas of the ship that might be a bit louder than others.
