There are two types of cruisers: those who don’t mind where they sleep and those who put a lot of thought into their cruise cabin’s location.
For the latter group, choosing the right stateroom is one of the most important steps to ensuring a fantastic cruise experience.
If you’re looking for the cheapest option, guarantee staterooms or sail-away cabins might be the way to go.
The cruise line assigns these rooms and often ends up in less desirable locations, but they simplify the selection process—you just show up on embarkation day and see where you land.
But for many of us, picking a cabin is a more thoughtful decision. The larger the ship, the trickier it becomes, especially as newer ships offer a wider array of stateroom types and locations.
Understanding Cruise Ship Stateroom Categories
One of the biggest challenges when booking a cruise is making sure you wind up in the right stateroom. Whether it’s your first cruise or your 100th, navigating the different categories and locations can be confusing.
Cruise lines don’t follow a standard system, so stateroom categories and designations can vary widely, even within the same fleet.
Cruise Cabin Basics
Almost every cruise line offers four main stateroom types: Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, and Suite. But it doesn’t stop there—each category is often broken down into subcategories.
For example, Norwegian Cruise Line now offers solo staterooms around the ship, plus studio cabins specifically designed for solo travelers.
Royal Caribbean has inside cabins with “virtual balconies” that provide a simulated view of the outside world through LED screens.
What You Need to Know
Picking the right cabin is much like choosing a hotel room. Location matters—a centrally located stateroom will usually cost more than one at the front or back of the ship. Aft-facing balconies, known for their stunning views of the ship’s wake, are particularly popular and often come at a premium price.
Cruise lines typically use a combination of letters and numbers to indicate a stateroom’s type and location.
Related: Complete Guide to Carnival Cruise Line Cabins and Suites
For instance, Carnival Cruise Line’s category 7A represents an obstructed balcony, while 7N refers to an extended balcony. While each line has its own system, the general idea remains the same: the better the view and location, the higher the cost.
Stateroom categories can be a bit of a maze. Take Royal Caribbean’s “Ocean View Balcony,” for example. You’d assume this means a balcony with a clear ocean view, right?
Well, not always. On Royal’s Oasis-class ships, some balconies face inward, overlooking spaces like Central Park or the Boardwalk. So, even though you have a balcony, you might be looking at the ship’s interior rather than the open sea.
| Did you know? Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has 28 categories of staterooms! |
And it’s not just balcony cabins that can be confusing. On ships like the Quantum of the Seas, you can find interior staterooms with “virtual” balconies or windows facing the inside, which may leave you thinking you’ve booked an Oceanview stateroom. Still, it’s just a cleverly disguised interior with a digital display.
More Stateroom Choices Than Ever Before
If you think booking a suite simplifies the decision-making, think again. The suites range has grown considerably as cruise lines compete to attract passengers willing to spend more for added comfort and perks.
Take Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras, for instance, where you can choose from a simple Ocean Suite to an extravagant Excel Aft Suite with a massive balcony.
Related: Is Carnival’s Excel Suite Worth The Price?
Cruise lines have also embraced the “ship-within-a-ship” concept, creating exclusive areas like Norwegian’s The Haven or MSC’s The Yacht Club.
These are secluded, often gated areas that offer a more luxurious experience. Still, they add another layer of decision-making because not all rooms in these areas have the same access or benefits.
Location, Location, Location
Once you’ve decided on the type of stateroom, the next question is where you want to be. The good news is that avoiding a bad cabin location is pretty easy if you know what to look for.
Many cruisers, especially first-timers, may think, “Why not just let the cruise line pick my room?” But this could mean ending up next to a noisy elevator or below a bustling deck.
Researching Your Cruise Cabin
Choosing the right stateroom can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and tips, you can make the process much smoother.
Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Consult a Travel Agent: One of the easiest ways to get the perfect stateroom is to consult a travel professional. Tell them exactly what you want, and let them handle the rest. Remember, most travel agents don’t charge you a fee because the cruise lines pay them. Finding someone else might be a good idea if an agent tries to charge you.
- Do Your Research: If you enjoy being hands-on, doing your research can be half the fun of planning a cruise. Start by exploring the ship’s deck plans, which offer a detailed layout of every floor. Look for staterooms surrounded by other cabins to minimize noise, and choose a location that suits your needs.
- Use Online Resources: The internet is your best friend when finding the perfect cabin. Look up the ship’s name and your potential cabin number—chances are, a previous passenger has posted a video review or shared their experience online. Websites like Cruise Critic or Cruiseline.com often have detailed reviews and photos that can give you a real sense of what to expect.
Tips for Picking Your Stateroom:
- Research the Ship’s Layout: Study the ship’s deck plans. Identify staterooms sandwiched between other rooms to ensure a quieter experience.
- Consider Proximity to Key Amenities: Think about what’s important to you. Do you want to be close to the pool, the dining rooms, or the entertainment venues? Your location on the ship can greatly affect your cruise experience.
- Think About Potential Noise Levels: Avoid cabins near high-traffic areas like elevators, staircases, or directly below dance clubs and restaurants. Even if you’re a heavy sleeper, noise can be a major disruptor.
- Check for Connecting Rooms: If you’re traveling with family or friends, you might want connecting staterooms. However, if you’re not, these rooms can sometimes be noisier due to the thinner walls between them.
- Search for Insider Reviews or Videos: Before making a final decision, quickly search for reviews or videos of your chosen stateroom. You can often find YouTube videos or blog posts that provide a real-life look at the cabin you’re considering, which can reveal surprises like obstructed views or noise issues.
Related: Think Twice Before Booking These 11 Staterooms
Ultimately, the more time you spend researching, the better your chances of finding a stateroom suitable for your preferences.
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