Whether it’s simply a place to lay your head after a busy day of trotting the globe or your own personal multi-room haven with ocean views you won’t find in even the most expensive hotel suite on land, choosing the right cabin can make (or break) your holiday. That’s why we’ve collated the ultimate guide to selecting accommodations that match your preferences and budget.
Cruise ship cabins, also known as staterooms, come in a huge variety of different sizes and types (sometimes seemingly only distinguished by name). So when you’re faced with sometimes as many as 20 different room types, knowing which to choose can be a daunting task.
Broadly speaking, cruise ship staterooms fall into four categories:
But it’s not just the type of room that’s important to consider when making your next booking; the size, amenities, location, view and (of course) the price are all important factors to consider when making your choice…
Which Room Amenities Are Important to You?
Every cabin provides essential amenities like housekeeping, basic toiletries, and climate control. However, certain room categories offer additional perks. Suites, the epitome of luxury on any cruise, come with extras such as priority boarding and in-cabin bars. Spa cabins might feature yoga mats and premium bath amenities. Concierge-level rooms provide access to a concierge and treats like afternoon canapés.
Think about how you want to be pampered on your vacation. Here are some room-related extras you might consider:
Concierge cabins grant direct access to a cruise concierge for handling dinner and spa reservations, shore excursions, and guest service requests. Many suites include this service and some ships offer a private concierge lounge with snacks and drinks. Additional amenities might include welcome drinks and fruit baskets.
Butler service, available in suites and concierge cabins on some cruise lines, can vary widely. It might include room service from specialty restaurants, personalised minibars, in-cabin meals served course by course, luggage packing/unpacking, rose-petal baths, and assistance with in-suite cocktail parties.
Spa cabins are now common on many cruise lines and offer Asian-inspired decor and amenities like adjustable shower heads, specialty bath products, bathrobes, yoga mats, and healthier room service menus. Guests often enjoy free access to spa restaurants, spa pools, and sauna/steam areas, with possible discounts on spa treatments and fitness classes.
Some cruise lines feature exclusive suite complexes with private pools, fitness centres, sun decks, restaurants, and lounges. Examples include MSC Cruises' Yacht Club and Celebrity Cruise Line’s The Retreat.
The ideal room location on a cruise ship will likely differ greatly depending on your individual preferences. Choosing wisely can mean avoiding seasickness and late-night disturbances, or enjoying the soothing sound of waves and stunning views. Here are some important factors to consider when selecting the best cabin for your cruise.
If you're prone to seasickness, the location of your cabin is crucial. The lower and more central your room is, the less you'll feel the ship's motion. Even if you prefer a balcony, choose a cabin on a lower deck near the ship's centre. Cabins on higher decks or at the front (forward) and back (aft) of the ship will experience the most movement.
Think about how close you want to be to dining, entertainment, and pools. On large ships, like Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, this can save you from long walks. Sunbathers might prefer cabins near the upper-deck pools, while those looking for nightlife might choose rooms near midship entertainment areas. If mobility is an issue, consider a stateroom near a lift. For those seeking peace and quiet, select a cabin away from the busiest parts of the ship.
The priciest cabins are often on higher decks, right below the pool deck, which can be noisy. To avoid the sound of early morning activities or late-night parties, choose a room a few decks below. Ideally, pick a cabin with other cabins above and below to minimise noise. Review the deck plans to avoid rooms near service areas, bars, theatres, nightclubs, and launderettes, as these can be noisy at various times.
Avoid cabins that are low and at the back of the ship to minimise engine noise and vibrations. Similarly, steer clear of rooms right at the front of the ship to avoid noise from the bow thrusters.
If you want to enjoy sea breezes and stunning views from your room, a balcony cabin is a great choice. These cabins are some of the most sought-after on any cruise ship, generally priced in the mid-range. It's important to consider the direction your room faces and whether there are any obstructed views before booking. Note that some inside rooms on certain ships are labelled as balcony cabins, so double-check to ensure you're getting what you expect.
Most balcony cabins are standard rooms situated along the port and starboard sides of the ship. These cabins offer fantastic sea views or port views and provide a private space to enjoy the sun and fresh air away from public areas. Keep in mind that not all balconies are the same; some are small with just enough space for two chairs, while others are more spacious with loungers and cocktail tables. On one-way cruises, the side of the ship you choose can affect your views, so plan accordingly.
Aft-facing cabins, located at the back of the ship, are highly coveted for their expansive 180-degree views over the ship's wake. These balconies are often larger than those on the sides of the ship, but they are usually stepped out, meaning passengers in higher cabins or public areas can see onto your balcony. Additionally, aft cabins can be far from dining, drinking, and entertainment venues, though some ships, like Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas, have key amenities located at the back. Front-facing balcony cabins are typically suites, offering more luxury and space.
Some balcony cabins have obstructed views due to structural elements like lifeboats or proximity to the bridge wing. Cabins beneath pool deck overhangs may also have limited views. While obstructed view cabins might not offer the best vistas, they can be more affordable. Look for "secret porthole" cabins (inside cabins with windows) or "obstructed view" cabins (outside cabins at inside prices) for better deals.
For itineraries where the scenery is a highlight, such as an Alaskan cruise or a Mediterranean voyage, the side of the ship you choose matters. On roundtrip Caribbean cruises or transatlantic crossings, it doesn't make much difference. However, for one-way sailings where the landscape is a major attraction, plan ahead to ensure you book a balcony room on the best side of the ship for optimal views.
Ultimately, price is probably the most crucial deciding factor when booking a cruise cabin. Standard inside and outside cabins are typically the cheapest, with balcony cabins costing a bit more, and suites being the most expensive. The more amenities and services you want, the higher the cost. However, there are several ways to save money before booking. You can also find our full guide to saving money on your next cruise here.
Cruise fares fluctuate like airfares and can change daily. The lowest rates are usually found by booking early (eight months or more before sailing) or late (two to six weeks before departure). Prices often drop right after the final payment is due (about two months before sailing). However, waiting for a higher-category cabin to drop in price is risky; if it's selling well, prices will go up.
When budgeting for your cruise, consider the total trip cost, including airfare, pre-cruise hotels, and port activities. If you spend a lot on these, you might need to lower your cabin budget. Using frequent-flyer miles or not needing a hotel can free up money for your cruise fare. Look for value-added promotions from cruise lines and travel agents, such as onboard credits, prepaid tips, or included airfare, which can offset the cost of a better cabin.
While you can't always rely on getting an upgrade after booking a low-tier cabin, you can watch for upgrade deals before booking. Common promotions include outside cabins for the price of inside cabins or balconies for the price of outside cabins. Be cautious of offers promising two-category upgrades; these usually mean a slightly better cabin within the same category, not a significant upgrade.
A guarantee cabin is a low-rate room of a specific type (inside, outside, etc.) where the cruise line selects the actual cabin for you. You might get lucky and be assigned a higher-category cabin, like a balcony for an outside cabin price. However, you could also end up with the least desirable cabin in your chosen category, such as one with an obstructed view or in a noisy area. If you're okay with any cabin within your chosen type, this can be a good way to save money.
If you’re planning on booking a bucket-list adventure, make sure you enquire through Cruise Collective. Members receive 5% off all bookings made with HX Expeditions when booked through our site. Click here to find out more…