Booking the Right Cruise Ship Cabin Can Have a Massive Impact on Your Cruise
Think picking a cruise ship cabin is just about interior vs. outside staterooms and studios vs. suites?
Think again.
When selecting a cabin you’ll want to think about what type of experience you want on board; for example, is having your own private outdoor space important to you? Is being close to the pool deck a major plus for you?
Once you know the type of cruise ship cabin you want, it’s still not that simple since where that cabin is on the ship can also make a difference depending on your needs and wants.
But don’t get overwhelmed! I have been on a multitude of ships and different cruise lines in every type of accommodation, and I am going to break it all down for you right now so you pick the best cruise stateroom or suite for you and your travel buddies.
So read on and become an expert at picking your cruise ship cabin!
Cruise Ship Cabin 101
First, let’s look at the typical types of cruise ship accommodations and who they’re best for. Keep in mind that most accommodations can sleep two adults and two children or three adults due to the couch in the room being able to pull out into a bed.
Inside Stateroom
These staterooms are located on the interior of the ship and don’t have any windows. Budget travel seekers who don’t plan on spending much time in their cabin may want to consider this option.
Outside or Oceanview Stateroom
Oceanview staterooms are ideal for those who are on a bit of a budget, but still want to be able to see the passing scenery from their stateroom. Outside staterooms typically have the same layout as inside cabins, but have a window or porthole overlooking the sea.
Veranda Stateroom
A common sentiment among cruisers is that once you sail in a cabin with a balcony, it’s hard to ever go back to staying in an outside or inside stateroom. That is because it provides you with your own private outdoor space. You can sit out on your veranda and enjoy the sea breeze and port views as you sip your coffee in the morning or enjoy a glass of wine and sunset views in the evening.
Suites
For those who want extra space, a suite is an ideal cruise accommodation. Suites typically have a separation between the sleeping and living space, many of which even have actual bedrooms. Some ships even have suites with multiple bedrooms, making them ideal for families who want extra space.
Suites range in amenities and layout, but have one thing in common: they offer an ultra-luxurious cruise experience and are an excellent choice for discerning travelers who often stay in luxury hotels.
Connecting Staterooms
Similar to how hotels have rooms that can open up to each other with a connecting door, some ships also offer this perk of two rooms able to connect from the inside, which is a great solution for friends or multi-generational families traveling together who want to have easy access to each other to talk and hang out, but still have the option of privacy.
More About Those Veranda Staterooms and Suites…
As mentioned earlier, there isn’t just one type of cruise ship veranda cabin or suite on board most cruise ships. An array of categories are offered to appeal to a range of interests and travel personalities.
For example, Celebrity Cruises offers AquaClass staterooms that are ideal for spa lovers as they are located in a part of the ship close to the spa and include spa amenities in the cabin. You’ll also get unlimited access to the spa’s relaxation room and the exclusive onboard specialty restaurant, Blu, which serves spa-inspired cuisine with fresh, healthy ingredients.
Celebrity Cruises newest Edge-class, also has a unique veranda stateroom category: the Infinite Veranda. The goal of the Infinite Veranda is to blur the line between indoor and outdoor space by providing a veranda that completely open to the rest of the room with a touch of a button.
Can’t quite make a suite fit into your budget? Princess Cruises has a mini-suite option with a curtain divider between the bed and living area plus a larger balcony.
Many cruise lines also have Concierge staterooms. These are ideal for travelers who want an extra level of service. A Concierge stateroom provides you with personalized Concierge service during your cruise plus priority check-in and priority debarkation, afternoon snack deliveries to your stateroom, seating time preferences, and other benefits.
Another example is Royal Caribbean, which on their Oasis-class of ships has options for your veranda view, with options for an interior courtyard view, an ocean view, or even a promenade view.
Then there are the two-bedroom Penthouse suites with grand pianos and hot tubs that round out some ship’s luxury suite options.
The Location of Your Cruise Ship Cabin
One benefit of booking a cruise early is that it gives you more availability of where exactly on the ship you want your homebase to be.
It’s not just about booking a veranda stateroom; you’ll also want to decide if you want a veranda stateroom that is right next to elevators for easy access. Or maybe having a stateroom that is a quick walk to the pool is most important to you. Some staterooms have larger verandas (typically ones on the aft or bow of the ship) and some have partially blocked views, which may or may not be a big deal to you.
What level your stateroom is on also may be important to you. Some cruisers prefer lower levels as you’re less likely to feel any rocking while the ship is in motion.
The main thing is to decide which aspects of the ship and your cruise experience are most important to you and then study the layout of the ship. Once you get a feel for your top location preferences, then you’re ready to pick the stateroom that is best for you.
Just remember that prime locations for specific stateroom categories can get reserved fast, which is why it’s ideal to book early if your stateroom location on the ship matters to you.
Want some more tips for picking the right elements of your cruise vacation? Check out our “Why You Hated Your Cruise” article to learn what NOT to do when cruise planning.
