How To Choose The Best Cruise Ship Cabin
A Travel Agent’s Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Cruise Ship Cabin
Introduction:
Ahoy cruisers! Embarking on a cruise is an exciting adventure, and selecting the right room can make all the difference in creating an unforgettable experience.
From cozy cabins with ocean views to extravagant suites with private balconies, there’s a cruise line and a cabin type for every traveler. In this blog post, we’ll be your compass, guiding you through selecting the perfect room on a cruise ship. So grab a cup of coffee, and let’s set sail!
First things first. A stateroom and a cruise ship cabin are different names for the same thing. A stateroom or cabin is the room you stay in when you are on a cruise ship.
Each category of cruise ship cabins, except specialty single cabins, can be configured according to your preferences. The beds can be configured as twins or pushed together for a king bed. Some cabins have a sofa bed that can become an additional bed, and others have a bunk that can be brought down from the ceiling.
Location, Location, Location:
Similar to choosing a hotel room, location is key when picking a cabin on a cruise ship. Are you a light sleeper who prefers quiet? Opt for a cruise ship cabin mid-ship, away from the hustle and bustle, near the main entertainment areas.
If you’re a night owl who loves to party, consider a cabin closer to the onboard nightlife. Do you get seasick? There is a spot for you as well. Some people prefer a cabin close to the elevators for convenience; others prefer further away, where the hallways are less busy.
To Balcony or Not to Balcony?
Ah, the eternal question.
Balcony staterooms offer a private outdoor balcony space to soak up the sun and enjoy breathtaking sea views. It’s perfect for those magical moments of sipping morning coffee while watching the sunrise or unwinding with a glass of wine as the sun sets. However, an inside or ocean-view cabin might be a better fit if you’re a budget-conscious traveler or prefer to spend more time exploring the ship and its amenities.
If you want a balcony experience but need to save money, consider an obstructed balcony cabin. You may not have a clear view of the water line or horizon, as there are often lifeboats or other obstructions in the way, but you will still have a well-lit room with a balcony to sit on.
One of my personal favorites is the aft-balcony cabins. Aft refers to the back of the ship. Aft-balconies tend to be more costly, but the view from these cabins is fantastic in a scenic destination such as Alaska.
Some select ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class of ships, offer a new class of Balcony staterooms called “Boardwalk View” or “Central Park View” balcony staterooms. These indoor balconies provide a view of the Boardwalk or Central Park neighborhoods in the ship’s center instead of a traditional ocean view. To read more about Royal Caribbean neighborhoods, see our article, “A Travel Agent’s Guide To The World’s Largest Cruise Ship.” A Travel Agent’s Guide to The World’s Largest Cruise Ship.
Stateroom (Cabin) Categories:
Many cruise ship cabin options can differ depending on the cruise line. These can range from a small, simple interior room to a multi-bedroom, multi-bath grand suite. The Icon of The Seas, the world’s biggest and newest ship, has a large family suite with separate space for the children and a slide connecting the two floors.
Other cruise lines offer smaller rooms that specifically cater to single cruisers. We will take you through similar basic cabin categories across all the major ocean cruise ships. Cabins on river cruise ships may be different than ocean cruise ships.
Interior Staterooms:
Interior staterooms are a category of cruise ship staterooms located in the ship’s interior. They can also be called inside staterooms or inside cabins. These are traditionally smaller rooms with no view of the ship’s outside, but they are a good choice if you want to save money.
Interior staterooms are also closer to the ship’s center, which can be easier for those who experience motion sickness.
These rooms tend to have a closet-like feel, but they are usually the most cost-effective option on the ship. However, this is not a great option for those who suffer from claustrophobia.
I usually recommend utilizing a night light when booking inside cabins, as these rooms have no natural light. One of the lights I often recommend for cruise cabins can be found using this link: Night Light. They are rechargeable, small, and easy to pack, and they do not need to be plugged into an outlet, as outlets can be limited on many ships.
This cabin category can be an excellent value for your money if the small size and lack of light do not bother you. All categories of staterooms have a private bath.
Some of the newer ships offer “virtual balconies.” These cabins have a floor-to-ceiling HD screen that gives passengers a real-time view of the ocean.
Oceanview Staterooms:
Oceanview cabins, or oceanview staterooms, are usually similar in size to interior cabins, but a window to the outside allows natural light into the room. The window sizes and types can vary. Some ships have a porthole-type window, and others have a larger square window. These allow natural light to enter the room but do not open. The bed arrangements in Oceanview cabins are similar to other cabin categories, with two twin beds or one large bed.
Balcony Staterooms:
This is a stateroom with doors to your private balcony. There is usually a spot to sit and a small table to enjoy the view. Traditionally, these balcony cabins face out to sea, but always check with a travel agent or look at cruise ship deck plans. Many cruise lines are now offering balcony cabins that overlook a large inside gathering area. Balcony staterooms can also be referred to as a veranda or terrace.
Suites:
Suites are available on all cruise lines and ships and can vary as much as the cruises themselves.
Many ships offer a Junior Suite. These are often similar to balcony cabins with a bit more living area. There may not be the option to separate the beds into two twin beds on some ships. For example, the Rockstar Suites on Virgin Voyages only have a single bed, so keep that in mind if your vacation is with someone you don’t wish to share a bed with.
Standard suites tend to be larger than balcony staterooms with additional amenities. Family suites on the newest Royal Caribbean ships were created to provide children with a sizeable living space and activities. Read more about these Royal Caribbean mega-ships here-https://www.thevacay.org/a-travel-agents-guide-to-the-worlds-largest-cruise-ship/
Spa suites are located a convenient distance from the spa and include spa amenities. Ultra-luxury suites, such as Virgin Voyages’ “Mega Rockstar Suites,” have amenities that will make you feel like a true rock star. Grand suites are even known to have multiple bedrooms, a dining room, and a grand piano.
There are added amenities included in the suite class of cruise ship cabins. These amenities range from early boarding to a private butler to a giant private balcony or a hot tub on your deck. As you can imagine, the suite class of cabins will be your most expensive cruising option. The cost varies greatly depending on the cruise line and the cruise ship.
Cabin Size and Layout:
Consider the size and layout of the cruise ship cabin, as it can significantly impact your comfort during the cruise. A standard cabin with adequate space will likely suffice if you travel solo or with a partner.
However, if you’re traveling with family or friends, you may prefer connecting cabins or even multi-bedroom suites to accommodate everyone without sacrificing privacy. We are often asked if three adults can share an interior stateroom. The answer is yes, some interior staterooms can accommodate three, but in our experience not comfortably.
On Higher Deck or Lower Deck?
The deck level where your cabin is located can also influence your cruise experience. Higher decks offer better views, are closer to the main areas of the ship, and are generally quieter since they are farther away from the engine noise.
Conversely, lower decks are closer to the waterline, providing a more stable ride and can often be more cost-effective.
If you suffer from seasickness, you may be more comfortable towards the ship’s center, as there tends to be less movement.
In our opinion, the most important factor in choosing a deck is what can be found directly above and below you.
Once onboard our cruise, we noticed that we could hear the constant sound of a toilet flushing. Initially, we thought someone in the next cabin over may have been ill. It wasn’t until after a full day of constant flushing that we realized our cabin was directly below the bathroom on the pool deck. This is one of the ship’s busiest locations, and the restrooms are used almost constantly day and night. Having learned that painful lesson, I always check what is above us, what is below us, and what is beside us.
You also want to avoid being above or below the nightclub, piano bar, or theatre if you require quiet at night. And avoid being under the pool decks or kids’ clubs if you prefer to sleep later in the mornings.
The best tool is a travel agent that specializes in cruises. Cruise ship deck plans are usually found on each cruise line’s website or cruise guides such as cruisedeckplans.com.
Guarantee Stateroom:
A guaranteed stateroom or GTY is often confused with a specific cabin category, so I thought I would also address this. A guaranteed stateroom is not a category of cruise ship cabin, but you can have a “guaranteed” cabin across most categories.
This term can be confusing to many as “guarantee” actually means your room is not guaranteed. This means that instead of guaranteeing that you will be in a specific room, a room will not be assigned to you until you board the ship.
If you choose GTY, you may be assigned the worst room in the category, or in the case of a last-minute cancellation, you could get lucky and be assigned the best room in the category. You can often save some additional money by choosing a guaranteed room but will have no control over the location of your cabin. On some cruise lines, this option may not include some options included in various promotions such as Norwegian Cruise Lines “free at sea” promotions.
Connecting Stateroom:
A connecting stateroom is often a good option for family or friends traveling together. These staterooms can be found across most categories. Connecting staterooms have a door that connects two (or more) rooms. This option gives you a bit of privacy between you and your kids or friends, as you can close the door at night and open it during the day to give more living space.
It also doubles the number of bathrooms and showers, significantly reducing bathroom congestion when preparing for dinner. This is an excellent option to have your crew together while maintaining privacy.
Suppose you are traveling with family or friends. This option may give you the perfect separation to make your vacation more comfortable than trying to squeeze together in one stateroom.
Accessible State Room:
If you are a passenger with mobility issues, there are accessible staterooms across all cabin categories. These rooms usually include a larger bathroom with a roll-in/step-in shower, more space around the bed and furniture, grab bars by the toilet and shower, a larger door to accommodate mobility devices, and adaptations to accommodate vision and hearing-impaired passengers.
If you require an accessible stateroom, we highly recommend you plan your cruise and reserve your cabin as early as possible. There are limited accessible cabins in each category.
Extra Amenities and Perks:
Are you a spa enthusiast who craves relaxation? Some cruise lines offer specialized spa cabins that allow passengers exclusive access to spa facilities, treatments, and private fitness classes. For those seeking extra pampering, there are also luxury suites with butler service and concierge assistance. Keep an eye out for these additional amenities to enhance your cruising experience.
Ocean Ships vs River Cruise Lines:
There can be a slight difference in terminology when discussing river cruise lines versus ocean cruise companies. In another article, we will address the differences between ocean and river cruises.
Conclusion:
Navigating the vast world of cruise ship accommodations can be overwhelming, but fear not! By considering factors such as location, balcony preference, cabin size, deck level, and additional perks, you’ll be well-equipped to select the perfect room for your sailing adventure. Every traveler has different needs and desires when cruising, so it’s all about finding the stateroom that suits you best. There is an option for every type of cruise vacation.
We hope this helps clear up the mystery of choosing a stateroom. There are as many varieties of cruise ship cabins as there are cruise ship passengers. As always, we’re just a click away if you have questions or need further assistance. Safe travels and smooth sailing!
