Choosing the right cruise stateroom is critical to a great vacation. You should consider room size, location, view, and proximity to amenities.
The best cabin for you depends on what you like, how much you want to spend, and how you like to travel. Some ships have up to 28 different room types (like the Oasis class) to meet everyone’s needs.
In the last twenty years, we’ve seen many preferences for cabin locations. Cabins are placed in various spots on ships, such as high, low, front, middle, and back.
Some ships have cabins more towards the back, while others are closer to the front, with public areas on the other side. It’s safe to say that cruise cabins come in all sizes, with different amenities and benefits.
Understanding Cruise Ship Room Classifications
When you book a cruise, choosing the right cabin is crucial. Cruise ships have four main types: interior cabins, ocean-view rooms, balcony staterooms, and suites.
Interior cabins have no windows, ocean-view rooms have windows, balcony staterooms have private verandas, and suites are larger with extra amenities.
Interior cabins are the cheapest, averaging 150 square feet. They can fit up to four people with bunk beds. Ocean-view rooms are a bit bigger and let in natural light.
Balcony staterooms are the most popular, offering a private outdoor area to enjoy the views.
Suites are the top choice, with sizes ranging from minisuites to the 4,443-square-foot Regent Suite on Seven Seas Splendor.
1. Prime Midship Locations
Midship cabins are a top choice for cruise ship stays. They’re in the middle of the ship, offering more stability. This makes them perfect for those who easily get seasick.
These rooms are close to the ship’s main attractions. You can easily reach the dining areas, pools, and entertainment spots.
Read More: How to Combat Motion Sickness on a Cruise
Midship cabins might cost a bit more than other rooms. But the extra comfort and easy access to amenities are worth it. They provide a smoother ride, which is great for those who get seasick easily.
2. The Suite Life
Experience the best of cruise ship suites for a top-tier vacation. These suites offer lots of space, special amenities, and personal service. Enjoy big living areas, private dining, and VIP access for a memorable trip.
Leading cruise lines like Royal Caribbean offer amazing suites. Their Royal Suite Class has three levels: Sea, Sky, and Star.
The Star Class, with suites like the Royal Loft and Grand Panoramic, has the most perks. You get exclusive Royal Genie service, priority boarding, and the best show seats.
Other cruise lines also provide upgrade staterooms. For instance, Carnival Cruise Line has Havana Suites, Family Harbor, and Excel Suites in different areas of its news ships.
Celebrity Cruises’ Iconic Suite and the Regent Suite on the Seven Seas Grandeur offer unmatched staterooms. These suites have butlers, private hot tubs, and big balconies for the ultimate getaway.
Looking for the best in space, privacy, or personal service? Cruise ship suites offer an unforgettable experience. Treat yourself to the finest cruise accommodations and make your vacation more memorable.
3. Best Rooms on Cruise Ships for Different Budgets
Cruise ships have many rooms for different budgets. Budget-friendly cabins are the cheapest, usually 164 to 169 square feet. They are cozy and let you save money for fun activities and trips on land.
Ocean-view staterooms, 179 to 204 square feet, offer more space and light for a mid-range price. Some can fit up to five people, which is great for big families.
Read: Best and Worst Cruise Ship Staterooms
Premium balcony cabins or mini-suites are an upgraded option. They have extra features and private balconies. Although their prices are higher, they offer more value for those who want a special experience.
It should be noted that luxury cruise lines like Oceania Cruises have some of the most expensive suites. These come with butler service, private pools, and more.
4. Stunning Aft-Facing Cabins with Wake Views
For those looking for a unique view, aft-facing cabins are perfect. They offer a wide view of the ship’s wake. This view changes as you sail, making every moment special.
Aft-facing balcony cabins are bigger than usual, with more room for sitting and relaxing. Ships like Norwegian Breakaway and Carnival Sunshine have even bigger balconies, adding to the privacy of your trip.
Despite their better views and size, these cabins can cost the same as regular ones. But, because they’re so popular, their prices can change.
Many people think the amazing views and quiet spot are worth the extra distance from elevators and public areas.
5. Forward-Facing Cabins: Pros and Considerations
Cruising fans might love forward-facing cabins. They give you a clear view of the ship’s bow as it reaches each port. These rooms are often bigger because of the ship’s shape, making them feel roomier.
But they usually have big windows instead of balconies. This is because the wind can be too strong at the front of the ship.
Read: Complete Guide to Carnival Cruise Staterooms
Forward cabins offer a special cruise experience. They’re great for those who don’t get seasick and love seeing everything from the front. However, the ship’s horn and anchor sounds might be noisy.
Choosing a forward-facing cabin depends on what you like and can handle. They give you a unique view and a chance to see the ship’s arrival. So, they’re perfect for those who love adventure.
6. Spa-Inspired Staterooms
For those who love wellness, spa-inspired staterooms are a dream. These cabins are close to the ship’s spa, offering special amenities. Celebrity Cruises’ AquaClass staterooms give you priority spa access and fitness passes. You also get to eat at a health-focused restaurant.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Haven Spa Suites offer even more. They have big showers and priority spa access. These rooms have calming decor and extras like yoga mats and aromatherapy diffusers.
Spa cabins are not just for big cruise lines. Uniworld River Cruises’ SS Victoria has big staterooms, some up to 759 sq ft. Oceania Cruises’ Owner’s Suites on the Vista ship are 2,400 sq ft.
7. Family Cabin Options and Configurations
Disney Cruise Line is known for being family-friendly. Their cabins have split bathrooms for more space. Carnival’s Family Harbor cabins on Vista and Excel-class ships have two bathrooms and a family lounge, making cruising with multiple generations easier.
For big families, connecting rooms or suites are a good choice. Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships have suites for up to 10 people.
The Ultimate Family Suite and Townhouse on their ships can sleep 8. Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Class ships and Disney’s Wish Concierge Tower Suite for families.
8. Room Locations for Light Sleepers
For light sleepers, choosing the right cruise ship cabin is key to a good vacation. Look for rooms surrounded by other cabins, away from busy spots like elevators and nightclubs. This helps avoid loud noises.
Midship cabins on lower decks are often quiet and stable. Some might think higher decks are better to avoid engine sounds. But be careful of rooms near pool decks.
Aft-facing balconies on corners offer more space and views, making them peaceful.
Inside cabins are cheaper but might not be best for light sleepers. Oceanview or balcony rooms offer more benefits.
9. Solo Traveler Accommodations and Studio Cabins
The cruise industry has seen a rise in demand for solo traveler spots. Many cruise lines now offer special staterooms and studio cabins for single passengers.
Royal Caribbean leads with the most single cabins, with over half of their ships having them.
However, Norwegian Cruise Line was the first to introduce studio cabins on the Norwegian Epic in 2010. These cabins are now on several of their ships. Some of Norwegian’s solo cabins have access to a shared lounge.
Review: Celebrity Edge Cruise Ship
Celebrity Cruises also offers unique rooms for solo travelers. There are 16 cabins on Celebrity Edge, 24 on Celebrity Apex, and 32 each on Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent. These rooms are called Infinite Veranda solo rooms.
Solo cabins come in different sizes and offer various amenities. Oceania Cruises’ Vista has six 270-square-foot solo cabins.
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 has 15 ocean-view Britannia Single staterooms ranging from 178 to 183 square feet. As solo cruising grows in popularity, cruise lines keep adding more options for solo travelers.
Read More: 9 Best Cruise Lines for Solo Cruisers
