When booking a cruise, understand that there are big differences between cabin categories and how the location of each stateroom or suite can contribute to the enjoyment of a cruise. From size of suite to locations of the ship that experience noise problems, here are some options when choosing the best cabin on a cruise.
Cruise Ship Stateroom Size and Amenities
The size of staterooms and suites varies between cruise lines and their ships. Although a standard cruise ship stateroom is smaller than most hotel rooms, the biggest suites have square footage that exceeds many people’s homes.
As a rule of thumb, only suites have a bathtub (except Disney Cruise Line, where it is standard in all their cabins). As for other features, the higher the category of cabin, the more deluxe the services and amenities are. In fact some luxury suites feature a private veranda hot tub, butler service, dining room table, additional bathrooms, DVD players, and complimentary hors d’oeuvres.
Family Suites and Spa Suites on Cruise Ships
The newest ships are incorporating new styles in their suites. For example, spa suites offer convenient access to the onboard spa with complimentary spa treatments. Royal Caribbean has introduced their Loft Suites which are two-level suites with an ultra modern décor.
Another hot new concept on cruise ships today is family suites. Families of 5 to 14 passengers can share accommodations and large common areas including expansive balconies. There are a limited number of family cabins on any ship, requiring those interested to book as early as one year in advance.
Some standard cabins can sleep a third or fourth person with the aid of a convertible sofa bed or a bed that pulls down from the wall (AKA: triple or quad cabins). Normally the third and fourth passenger rate in a cabin is also cheaper than the first and second passenger. Many cruise lines also offer connecting staterooms (cabins side-by-side with an interior connecting door).
Best Cabin Location on a Cruise
Inside cabins have no windows, but they are the cheapest of all cruise ship categories, making it an inexpensive second cabin option if traveling with teenagers. An outside cabin usually means it has a window or porthole, but not necessarily a balcony. A room with a balcony will be specifically identified as having one.
- Best Cabins to Prevent Seasickness - Although seasickness is rare on the well-stabilized mega-liners, cruisers prone to motion sickness should book a cabin mid-ship and on a lower deck.
- Noisiest Cabins on a Cruise Ship - A cabin in a location of convenience may be a noisy cabin because of its convenience. Some noisy locations include elevators, self-service laundries, and children’s clubs. Passengers staying in cabins situated above or below lounges, casinos, theatres, restaurants and jogging tracks may also hear more than they want to.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
