Choosing a cruise ship cabin: The ultimate guide

Table Of Content

• Category 3A and 3B – Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom w/ Verandah (Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder)
• Best Stateroom Placement for Light Sleepers
• For Stability and Seasickness on a Cruise, Stick Low and Central
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin
• What are the cheapest cruise ship cabins?

It can take some studying of deck plans, but as seasoned cruisers know, it's worth holding out for a cabin that is far away from anything that could keep you up at night. With these, though, it is important to warn you that they are prone to feeling motion more than cabins that are centrally located. Moreover, they will be further from elevator banks, meaning that you will have a longer walk to and from your stateroom. Of course, this is a minor thing to a lot of people, and the spectacular views will make up for this slight inconvenience. While you can't count on the upgrade fairy to pay you a visit after you've booked that low-tier cabin, you can look out for upgrade deals before you book. One common cruise-line promotion is to offer outside cabins for the price of insides, or balconies for the price of outsides.

Category 3A and 3B – Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom w/ Verandah (Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder)

The thrill here is sitting in a deck chair and watching the waves and spray splashing up from only 20 to 25 feet below. Just be aware that you can't use your balcony in rough seas when a watertight door seals off the space from the roiling water. Also, given the close-up view of rolling waves, these cabins are not appropriate for those who suffer from seasickness. With all balcony cabins, you can just throw on your bathrobe to catch views of wildlife or of your ship pulling into port. Keep in mind when you step outside that your balcony might not be entirely private — your neighbors might be able to see you (as will the ship's security team via hidden cameras).

Best Stateroom Placement for Light Sleepers

If you look at a deck plan, you'll notice around mid-ship, the hull design jets outward. Not all accessible cabins are the same, so do your research before booking. In general, newer ships offer better accessibility; older ships might have retrofitted a cabin to make it more accessible but might not be able to offer all the enhancements of a purposely designed room.

For Stability and Seasickness on a Cruise, Stick Low and Central

Families and groups can enjoy Category 8A even more since many have a divider between the bed and seating area. Disney cruises offer a 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah for those looking for a little extra space and privacy on their vacation. The suite sleeps up to 5 people and features a separate bedroom, two bathrooms, a living room, and a wet bar. The main bathroom has double sinks, a rain-style shower, and a whirlpool tub. A large walk-in closet provides plenty of space for storing your belongings. The Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah on the Disney Wish cruise ship is a luxurious and spacious stateroom that spans two decks (decks 12 and 13).

The downside to connecting cabins is they are a terrible choice if you aren't booking both rooms. The common door between the rooms is not as sound proof as the walls, so it is very easy to hear what's happening in the other room. Booking two connecting cabins is a great way to get privacy, space for everyone, and an extra bathroom. Cruises aren't free, so every dollar you can save on your vacation is a dollar you can spend on another cruise. For many cruisers, finding the cheapest cabin available for a good deal is the right choice for them. You'll find hump balcony rooms with massive balconies on Radiance Class, Voyager, Freedom, Oasis or Quantum, but look closely at the deck plan to see which balconies are larger.

The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

If you plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin, you might value a balcony or a spacious room more. Families might look for cabins with connecting doors or extra bed options. Choosing your cruise ship cabin or stateroom is an essential part of planning a dream cruise vacation. The right accommodation can enhance your cruise experience, providing you with a comfortable retreat after a day of adventure, but some choices may turn out to be an expensive mistake. The other category that’s becoming increasingly popular is spa suites.

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When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. If your cabin is at the rear corner of a ship, you might even have a balcony that wraps around two sides of the vessel.

This fee can be an additional 10% all the way up to a full 100% of the rate, making solo cruising unaffordable for many travelers. And some of the absolute best rooms on a cruise ship are located at the rear, where you’ll also be treated to the photo-worthy wake left behind, which is a fun way to mark your ship’s progress. From size to location to view and beyond, there are many things to keep in mind when selecting your stateroom, says Gianluca Corneli, hotel director at Royal Caribbean International.

The one thing about cabins on cruise ships is that they’re all quite small. There are definitely circumstances where you would want a larger cabin, such as if you do want to spend a lot of time in your room, or if you’re cruising with kids. Before you book your cruise, you will want to know which stateroom you should call your own. Getting familiar with the types of staterooms helps you choose the sleeping space that offers you the most comfort based on your personal preferences and personality. It could also depend on whether you’re cruising solo, plus-one, with the family or as a group.

Sit out on your veranda and enjoy the sea breeze and port views as you sip your coffee in the morning, or enjoy a glass of wine and sunset views in the evening. When selecting a stateroom, you’ll want to figure out what type of experience and convenience you’d like to have during your cruise vacation. The location of the stateroom on the ship, right down to the deck, can make a big difference in your vacation experience, especially if you know what you want to be close to.

Many people book them for a feeling of privacy and to enjoy peaceful moments gazing out at the ship's wake. Corner cabins are a particular bonus, delivering long, wraparound outdoor spaces. Royal Caribbean sought to level the playing field on its Quantum Class ships by creating Super Studio balcony cabins. As I mentioned earlier, larger families can look into family cabins and suites that accommodate five or six people. Some of the best cruise lines for families will have suites that can sleep eight, such as Norwegian's three-bedroom garden villas.

Now, let’s focus on upgrading your room choice to the perfect fit for your specific needs. Choose between an intimate Junior Suite with great views, or a Grand Suite featuring a bedroom, living area and private balcony. And if you’re looking for the ultimate suite to complement an unforgettable adventure, opt for the Owners Suite loaded with extra added perks. A standard cruise ship cabin is much smaller than a typical hotel room, and, yes, if you squeeze four adults into a tiny inside cabin, you might regret that decision by week's end.