How to Pick the Right Cabin Category

One of the most daunting decisions to make when cruising is which cabin category to select. While your budget is probably a major factor, there are many other considerations. In this post, I will discuss the cabin categories and why you might want to pick one of them over another. For the purpose of this discussion, I will will focus on pros and cons of each type. Other factors, such as cabin location and special deals may also impact your decision – I will deal with these in another post, “How I Research the Right Cabin” (coming soon).

While deck plans and cabin configurations can be found on many booking sites and on the cruise line sites, I have found several websites particularly helpful when trying to evaluation cabins:

• CruiseDeckPlans.com – I like this site as it describes the cabins in great detail and has photos and videos of the cabins, as well as other areas of the ship. I use this site to explore a ship before I travel.
• CruiseCritic.com – This popular site provides a wealth of information about a ship, including its cabins. You will find reviews of the cabins, along with reviews by cabin type. A word of caution when evaluating reviews: Always check the date of the review as older review may be out of date since many ships have undergone a recent renovation.
• ShipCabins.com – While not as comprehensive as CruiseDeckPlans.com, it does provide good information and photos of cabins. I suggest this site as a secondary source to find more information if you need it.
• YouTube.com – YouTube contains a number of videos of cabins on many cruise ships. Simple search for your ship and add “cabin review”. While your specific cabin may not come up, there will probably be a review of a cabin in the same category. Again, verify the date of the video to make sure it is current.

Cabin Categories

Most persons think that there are only four cabin categories: inside, oceanview, balcony, and suites. While this may be the most popular method for categorizing cabins, it is by no means definitive, as you will see. In an effort to cater to a wider variety of clients, cruise lines are getting creative with their cabins. Royal Caribbean offers some interesting cabin categories, such as balconies overlooking the inside courtyards, inside cabins with electronic views (e.g. LED panel walks that show what is outside) that they call “virtual balconies”. This just makes the cabin selection more interesting. I highly suggest that you take the time to review the available selection for your specific cruise, especially on the new cruise ships, which are inventing a variety of cabin  configurations. A good cruise agent will be able to guide you through this selection – use your agent to help you. Please note that the cabin nomenclature I use below may vary based on the line you have selected.

Inside Cabin

An inside cabin is one that does not have a window or balcony. Generally, an inside cabin is the least expensive cabin on the ship. I have had an inside cabin only once – on my first cruise. While not so much to my liking, I can see why an inside cabin would appeal to some.

Inside Cabin Variations

Generally, an inside cabin is around 140-200 square feet (approx. 13-18 square meters), although this will vary by ship. The smaller cabins can be quite confining, but larger ones will work well for two persons, although they may be tight for more than two. Some of the interesting variations I have seen include:

Bunk Beds – These cabins have a bunk bed configuration, rather than the twin bed arrangement.  They are fine for children and do make a small cabin more spacious.

Family Interiors – Some interior cabins are designed to house more than two persons. Generally referred to as family cabins, these are designed for groups that require a cabin that can house more than two persons.

Solo Cabins – A number of lines have introduced solo cabins that are priced more competitively. This allows a solo traveler to have a slightly smaller cabin at a more favorable price. Given the number of solo travelers I have met, I think this cruise lines need to figure out how to cater to this changing demographic.

Virtual Windows – I first saw these on the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas. RCCL calls them “virtual balconies”, but they are an interior cabin with an 80″ high-definition screen that displays outside views so that it looks like you have a window. This is an interesting approach to alleviating the claustrophobic feeling some may feel when booking an inside cabin.

Unique Configurations – Examine the deck plans for your ship. Many ships, especially the older ones, have inside cabins that fill available space. These may be at the front of the ship when a window is not possible or some other location. Many of these cabins also have more floor space, although they may be configured strangely.

Accessible Cabins – These cabins are intended for persons with disabilities who require a larger cabin configuration to accommodate a scooter or wheelchair, or who may have other special accessibility requirement. Cruise lines are firm that they do not provide these cabins to persons who do not need them.

Inside Cabin Pros

Inexpensive – Cost is probably the most important benefit for an interior cabin. If you goal is the destination and shipboard activities, this frees up money to spend on other items.

Conducive to Sleep – Since there is no outside light, it is easy to sleep in these cabin. If you are a light sleeper, this can be a great benefit.

Expansion Room – If you are traveling as a group, an interior cabin provided a great second cabin at a reasonable price.

Lower Levels Minimize Motion – If you are sensitive to motion sickness, inside cabins are often located on the lower decks where there is less movement. Even better, if you can find a cabin in the middle of the ship, you will experience the least amount of motion.

Inside Cabin Cons

No Sense of Time – I found that I never knew what time of day it was.  I like to take afternoon naps and found that I was sleeping a lot with no outside light.  This is not a problem for everyone.

Small – Interior cabins tend to be smaller than other cabin categories. Depending on your needs, this may not be a detractor, but the cabins can feel confining if you spend a lot of time in your cabin.

Fewer Perks – Interior cabins are generally exempted from many of the perks. Consider this when booking as the perks may make up the difference in price if you were to upgrade to a higher category.

Why Book an Inside Cabin?

Don’t bypass inside cabins simply because they are small and dark. There are many situations where an inside cabin can be an ideal choice.

You are cruising on a budget – Of course, one of the main reasons for selecting an inside cabin is to reduce the cost of a cruise. Many cruisers would rather spend their money on entertainment, drinks, gambling, and excursions.

You don’t spend time in the cabin – I have met many cruisers who use their cabin for sleeping and changing clothes. If this is the case, an inside cabin can be ideal.

You have a larger cabin for socializing – If you are booking multiple cabins, you may pick one where you socialize as a group and use the inside cabin as a second (or third) bedroom. Why spend more money on the extra cabins when you will only be using them for sleeping and changing?

Oceanview Cabin

Oceanview cabins are a step up from an inside cabin and about the same size as an inside cabin. Unlike inside cabin, an oceanview cabin has a window or porthole that allows natural light to enter the cabin and provides a view of what is outside the ship. Oceanview cabins tend to be located on the lower decks and sometimes on upper decks at locations that do not permit a balcony. Newer ships tend to have fewer oceanview cabins as they have expanded the number of balcony cabins. Due to the economy of an oceanview cabin vs. a balcony cabin, oceanview cabins tend to fill up very rapidly. I recently cruised in an oceanview cabin on a the Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas when all the balcony cabins were sold out. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the oceanview cabin was not that bad and worked out extremely well for us on this trip.  When booking an oceanview cabin, check on whether you’re getting just a porthole (a small round window) or a larger rectangular window that provides more light and a better view.

Oceanview Cabin Variations

Large with Picture Window – Some ships, such as the Celebrity Edge have large oceanview cabins (over 200 square feet or 18.5 square meters)with huge windows that cover most of the exterior wall.

Connecting to Balcony – If you’re traveling as a family, you may want to seek out an oceanview cabin that has a connecting door to balcony cabin. This would, in essence, provide you with a suite without paying the price of a suite. Not all ships have connecting cabins of this type, but there are some available.

Unique Configurations – A number of ships locate oceanview cabins at the front of the ship or in the front corners. Due to the shape of the walls at these locations, these cabins may have a different configuration that provides more space. It definitely worth it to check some of these oddball configurations to see what they might be like. I also suggest you check with your cruise agent, as they can tell you whether the cabin is as good as it looks.

Oceanview Cabin Pros

Economical Pricing – Oceanview cabins are generally priced significantly lower than a balcony cabin. If you are not a big fan of balconies, or you on a cruise where balcony is not a real added benefit (such as iceland or the fjords late in the season), an oceanview cabin is can be a great selection.

Natural Light and View – Unlike the inside cabin, an oceeanview cabin provides natural light, as well as a view of the ocean or port (if you are docked).

Unique Locations – Some of the cabins are located at the front of the ship, where a balcony is not feasible.  These cabins provide a great bow view without all the wind. Other locations, such as, corners, allow for larger configurations.

Oceanview Cabin Cons

Location – Oceanview cabins are generally located on the lower decks below the Promenade deck or on upper decks at the front of the ship. It is unusual to find oceanview cabins on newer ships on the upper decks in prime locations, as these have been primarily allocated to balconies.  Cabins directly under the Promenade deck may be noisy, so check out the location before booking.

Fewer Perks – Often, oceanview cabins are excluded from many of the perks.  However, the better pricing could easily offset the value of the perks.

Why Book an Oceanview Cabin?

An oceanview cabin is actually an extremely economical way to cruise. It is possible to find oceanview cabins that provide more space than inside cabin and sometimes even more space than a balcony cabin. Some configurations have larger windows, which make the cabin feel much more spacious. Several reasons you might want to consider an inside cabin include:

You Would Rather Spend Your Money Elsewhere – Oceanview cabins are generally priced significantly lower than the balcony and still provide an excellent cabin with a view. They are step up from an inside cabin without paying a hefty uplift charge.  If the purpose of your trip is a destination or enjoying the amenities of the ship and not the cabin itself, I would suggest looking at an oceanview cabin to see if there are any that meet your needs.

You Will Not be Using the Balcony – You might be one of the cruisers who do not use your balcony much, as there are many locations on the ship to enjoy the outside.  Or you are taking a cold climate cruise which makes the balcony less desirable.  Regardless of the reason, if you do not plan to use the balcony, there is no reason to pay for the balcony when an inside cabin can suffice.  Just  check the locations and size of the cabin to make sure it suits your need.  You can still spend time in your cabin and enjoy the view.

You Have a Larger Cabin for Socializing – If you are booking multiple cabins, you may pick one where you socialize as a group and use the oceanview cabin as a second (or third) bedroom. Why spend more money on the extra cabins when you will only be using them for sleeping and changing? If you can find an oceanview cabin that connects to a balcony cabin, you can, in effect, have you own suite.

Balcony Cabin

Balcony cabins have become the most popular choice for cruisers. Newer ships are being built with more balconies and more balcony options. The balcony category can be very confusing, not only because there’s so many configurations, but the cruise lines have begun to package other amenities, such as spa privileges, with the cabin. I have a preference for balcony cabin since I spend a lot of time on the balcony relaxing and reading. I still wander the decks and look for good areas to sit and read or work, but find that I enjoy the privacy of my own balcony. For me, this is a luxury that allow myself.  I also choose balcony cabins that are in the middle the ship to minimize the effect of motion, especially when cruising in the open ocean.

Balcony Cabin Variations

It is impossible to identify all the different variations balcony cabins, as each line continues to craft unique configurations to differentiate themselves. However I will attempt to identify the major variations here. The size of the balcony cabin varies significantly with different cruise lines. It can be as small as 170 square feet (16 square meters) to as much as 250 square feet (23 square meters) or larger on more luxurious ships.  Furniture and bathroom configurations very significantly, it is essential that you check out the cabin layout before finalizing your selection.  Look for features such as whether the cabin includes just a shower or a full bath, location of the bed (near the balcony door or near the entry door), and what the seating area looks like. Unfortunately, this is just too complex topic to address at this time. Some of the more common variations include larger cabins with a larger sitting area, cabins that includes spa services, aft-facing cabins, and anything else the cruise lines can think of. Sometimes the balcony cabin is called a mini suite (which is a term used by Princess for balcony cabin with a larger sitting area but without all the suite amenities).

Balcony Cabin Pros

Since this is the most popular cabin category, cruise lines pay particular attention to the amenities they provide for balcony cabins and offer a wide range of balconies.

Ability to get Fresh Air – Especially on warm weather cruises, it is nice to open the balcony door and get fresh air in the cabin.  At night, you can also hear the relaxing sounds of the ship moving through the ocean.

Extra Space – Most balconies are larger than either the inside or oceanview cabins. This can translate into larger bathrooms and a larger sitting area. Most ships have multiple categories for balconies, some of which are larger than others.

Cabin Configuration – Since the balcony doors must be open, the cabin configuration for balcony may be different than that of a inside or oceanview cabin. Generally the beds are placed with the head against the side wall, rather than against the far wall. I like to have a sitting area next to the balcony door. I find that with the bed turned sideways so the head is against the wall the rocking motion is more conducive to getting a good sleep since the ship is rocking side to side rather than head to toe.

Additional Amenities and Incentives – I have found that the balcony cabins usually come with more amenities than interior or oceanview cabins. The last oceanfront cabin which I stayed did not have a refrigerator, nor did have little bottles of items in the bathroom. Further, many cruise lines offer more freebies with balcony cabins than they do with interior oceanfront cabins. Of course, these come at a higher price.

Better Location – Given the popularity of balcony cabins, they tend to have better locations on the ship. Most oceanview cabins are located on the lower floors, or at the very front of the ship were balconies or not feasible. If you want to be on a higher deck and toward the center the ship, generally your only option is an balcony or higher cabin.

Balcony Cabin Cons

Depending on your situation, the balcony cabin may also have some downside.

More Expensive – The price for balcony cabin, of course, is higher than inside or oceanview cabin. In some cases the price differential can be significant, which may not offset the advantages. I always look at prices for oceanview and for the different classes of balcony cabin. In some instances, I have found that a balcony is only slightly more expensive than the oceanview cabin, and others it is much more expensive. Make sure you compare cabins at the level and and locations that you would want. For example did not compare the cheapest oceanview cabin with the mid-level balcony cabin. Also, consider any additional incentives (e.g., prepaid gratuities, onboard credits, etc.) that may be offered with the balcony cabin but are not available for an oceanview cabin.

Upper Deck Location – If you are prone to seasickness, the location of the balcony cabins on the higher decks may not be to your liking as you will feel more of the ship motion on the higher decks.

Why Book a Balcony Cabin?

Balcony cabins have become popular since they provide a nice blend of luxury and price. On the newer ships, there are many more balcony cabins than were provided on older ships. Obviously, this provides more income for the cruise line, but also reflects the interest cruisers have for balcony. Some of the reasons I like a balcony cabin include:

Quiet Place to Read – When I am cruising, I like to have a place where I can just sit and read a book or do some writing without all the noise and annoyances that are prevalent on other parts of the ship. Especially at night just before going to bed, I like to go out on the balcony to read a book. I find that the breeze and the sound of the ocean are very relaxing for me.

Easier to Enjoy Room Service – While we do not partake much of room service, I know many of my fellow cruisers loved order room service enjoyed on the balcony. This is much easier than trying to spread out the food inside a smaller cabin.

Meeting Place if you have Multiple Cabins – If you are traveling as a large group, balcony cabins can provide a meeting point for your group. That way you can save some money by booking inside or oceanview cabins for most of the party, and using the balcony cabin as your congregation point.

Suites

Suites, and all sizes and all price levels. Many of the newer ships love to tout their high-end suites, although very few passengers can afford it. Generally, the low-end suites are about 350 to 500 square feet (28-46.5 square meters). Many can easily accommodate 4 to 6 persons in the room, which can make them reasonably if the additional persons are free or at very low rates.  I have only traveled in a suite on one occasion and really enjoyed the extra amenities that come with a suite. I do not consider the mini-suites, such as provided by Princess, in the category of suites since they are, in essence, simply larger balcony cabins.

Suite Amenities

The variation in suite configurations is enormous. I have seen suites as large as 4,500 square feet (418 square meteres) and as small as 350 square feet (28 square meters). But they all come with them very nice amenities.

Butler and Concierge – Most cruise lines include butler services with a suite, in addition to the cabin steward. While butlers are not necessarily dedicated to each individual suite (except the case of the very large, expensive ones), they do provide a wide range of services, such as packing and unpacking, arranging excursions, scheduling meals, and just about anything else you might need. In many cases, there is also concierge who works with the butler to provide additional services.

Expedited Embarkation and Debarkation – Upon arrival at the cruise port, guests staying in suites have their own dedicated area to check in. In the one instance that we had a suite, we had a nice sitting area with drinks and snacks while we waited for the ship

Suite Pros

Suites are the pinnacle of cabins and offer many amenities.  The size and luxuriousness of a suite vary by ship and with the specific suite you pick.

Extra Space to Spread Out – Smaller suites are approximately twice the size of a normal cabin.  However, they can be much larger and can comprise of multiple rooms.  Suites do have larger bathrooms and balconies, as well as a spacious sitting area, so it is much easier to spread out and relax.

Butler to Enhance Your Voyage – A personal butler, in addition to the cabin steward, add that touch of luxury.  The butler will assist in making sure you have everything you need.  Some butlers will even unpack and pack for you.  Best of all, they coordinate your excursions and dining reservations, and can even get you preferred seating in the theater.  Some butlers are also aided by a concierge.  Our experience is that the butler was great, but we tend to be pretty independent so did not make too much use of the butler.

Dedicated Dining Areas and Show Seating – Many ships have dedicated dining areas and lounges for suite passengers.  Some also have premium seating set aside for passengers with suites.  These extra perks add a touch of elegance and definitely reduce the feeling of crowd and being rushed.

Ability to Accommodate Extra Persons – If you can find a cruise where the 3rd and 4th passenger in a cabin are free or greatly reduced, a suite is a great alternative.  Many suites can accommodate up to six passengers, so the cost per passenger is greatly reduced.  With the extra size and storage space of a suite, the cabin will also not feel so confined.

And much more – There are many more amenities with suites that are too numerous to mention and vary by cruise line.

Suite Cons

With all this extra luxury, there are some downsides.

Much Higher Cost – Suites usually come at a much higher cost than the balcony and lower cabins.  I do suggest that you check out the price per person and consider all the extra amenities you might get with a suite before you make your decision.  We have found some great deals that include free air, hotel stays, gratuities, and more.  After considering what we would have paid for these extras in a balcony cabin, which is our usual choice, a suite can be a great choice.

Why Book a Suite?

If you can afford it, a suite is a great way to travel.  Unfortunately, like most cruisers, we are not in a position to book a suite for every cruise.  I do check out the cost of a suite and will book one if the price is right.

Bucket List Item – I do think everyone who is a frequent traveler should try a suite at least one time just for the experience.

Family in One Room – Suites can also be good choices for families since the can easily accommodate 4-6 passengers and would cost about the same as multiple rooms.  And you will get all the amenities that come with a suite.  I constantly see deals where the extra passengers can book at free or very low rates, making a suite a great deal.

Special Occasion – A suite is a great way to celebrate a special occasion.  The extra attention and special handling will upgrade the experience making it one to remember.

You Have the Money – If you have a lot of money, definitely get the suite.  While most of us are not in this situation, I have met cruisers who are.

Conclusion

There is no one cabin style that is right for everyone.  Consider all factors when selecting a cabin.  Check out my post on “How I Research the Right Cabin” (coming soon) to see the steps I follow when selecting a cabin.  Also read my post on “How I Plan a Cruise” for some overall pointers on how I find the right cruise.  Newer cruise ships are adding additional cabin options, including solo cabins, family cabins, and the like.  Also, if you required special assistance, consider booking an accessible cabin, but be aware they are in high demand, so you will need to book early.

If you have any additional suggestions on the cabin types, please let me know in the Comments below.