With 15 cabin categories or more on some ships, choosing the ideal accommodation may look confusing, but once you know the terminology, it’s fairly straightforward.
All you need to know is there are only really four types – inside, ocean-view, balcony and suite. Then it’s just a matter of drilling down through various permutations, such as location and size, to find the ideal fit.
When it comes to choosing, don’t be fooled by the term stateroom. It’s said to date back to the Mississippi river boats of old, which named cabins after US states. Cruise lines like it because it sounds grand, but let’s call a spade a spade: at the end of the day, it’s a cabin.
Whatever you decide, always aim for the best you can afford. It’ll be your home for the duration of your holiday, so you want it to be a happy one.
What are the different cabin types?
Inside cabins
These are the cheapest (and usually smallest) rooms. They have no window or porthole, but are ideal for those watching the budget or party animals who only plan to use the room for sleeping.
Disney Cruise Line’s ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, have inside cabins with ‘magical’ portholes linked to an outside camera that give passengers a bit of a view. Just don’t be surprised if Mickey or his chums sail past now and then. It is Disney after all.
The virtual portholes on Disney’s cruise ships provide the illusion of an outside view – Disney Cruise
Ocean-view cabins
These have a window that doesn’t open. Some might have a restricted view, looking out to a lifeboat instead of the ocean (this will be indicated on the deck plan), and subsequently will be cheaper.
As well as ocean-view cabins, Royal Caribbean has rooms that look over the Royal Promenade – a ‘street’ on its giant Oasis and Icon-class ships that’s lined with bars and restaurants. The soundproofing is excellent, but the late-night lights might disturb some.
Balcony cabins
On new ships, most cabins have a private balcony overlooking the sea because they are so popular. Saga and Viking are among several lines with all-balcony ships.
There are twists to the traditional design. Selected Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line ships have patio cabins with a balcony on the deck, set back from the water. No one can access the patio, but it isn’t private.
Celebrity Cruises has so-called Infinite Balcony cabins on Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, Ascent and Xcel that don’t actually have a balcony. Instead, seating is inside the room next to a floor-to-ceiling panoramic window that opens partway to let in the fresh air.
Ultra-luxury lines like Silversea offer all-suite, all-balcony cabins
Suites
A must for those used to travelling in luxury, suites have separate sitting and sleeping areas – often they are simply large rooms that can be curtained off. They usually have large bathrooms with a bathtub and shower; the best have dining areas and second toilets.
Owners’ Suites on Oceania Cruises’ ships Oceania Marina, Riviera, Vista, and Allura span the width of the ship, are decked out by Ralph Lauren Home, and come with complimentary free laundry, a welcome bottle of fizz and more.
The Owners’ Suite on board Oceania Marina is decked out with interiors by Ralph Lauren Home – VRX Studios
Choose ultra-luxury lines Silversea and Scenic for all-suite, all-balcony living and butlers for all. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Regent Suite (one each on Explorer, Splendor, and Grandeur of the Seas) even has a private dining room that seats 12 and comes with a personal car and guide for days ashore – as well as a price tag of around £10,000 a night.
Does location matter?
Where the room is on the ship can make all the difference. Those near lifts are convenient but can be noisy late at night as party folk return to their cabins. Being near the disco is best avoided for the same reason.
Cabins just beneath the pool deck can resound to the morning and evening clatter of crew putting out and tidying away sun beds. Those near the buffet on Star Clippers’ ships pick up the sounds of chinking plates and cutlery.
Royal Caribbean has rooms that overlook its street-like Royal Promenade – Eva Marie Uzcategui/Royal Caribbean
Traditionally, top suites are at the front of ships, which is odd as the rooms can be uncomfortable in choppy seas, and forward-facing balconies are invariably windy. Suites with views over the wake are a much better bet.
Those prone to the motion of the ocean should choose a lower-deck cabin in the centre of the ship, as that is the most stable place to be.
What if I am taking the family?
Several cabins on most ships have third or fourth berths for families – extra beds are made up at night and folded away by day – but they are cramped.
Far better to pick one of the dedicated family cabins offered by the likes of MSC and Disney Cruise Line. Carnival has Family Harbor cabins and suites that come with exclusive access to a family lounge and complimentary meals for children in some speciality restaurants.
A-Rosa Cruises’ family cabins offer space for two adults and three children
The Ultimate Family Townhouse on Royal Caribbean’s Icon and Star of the Seas sleeps eight, is nearly 10 times the size of an inside family cabin and even has its own slide. The catch? There’s only one on each ship, and it sells out fast.
Uniquely on Europe’s rivers, A-Rosa Cruises has family cabins on A-Rosa Sena with room for two adults and three children (and there is a children’s club to entertain them by day, which is also a rarity on the rivers).
What if I’m cruising solo?
A lot of lines now offer single cabins across a choice of categories and price the rooms individually. It’s more than one person sharing an equivalent cabin pays, but not the punitive 100 per cent supplement of old (although do watch out as several lines still charge that).
When it comes to single cabins, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has inside, ocean-view and balcony cabins, and also suites, across its three ships, Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral. Saga offers 109 single cabins and suites, all with balconies, on Spirit of Discovery and Adventure.
Norwegian Cruise Line has hundreds – inside, ocean-view and with balconies – across its fleet; Norwegian Epic, Getaway, Breakaway, Escape, Encore, Bliss, Prima, Aqua, and Viva have solo lounges where those travelling alone can meet up.
P&O Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line, Hebridean Island Cruises, and Virgin Voyages have varying numbers of solo cabins. For a taste of luxury, head to Crystal. It’s 14 and 18 solo ocean-view cabins on Serenity, and Symphony come with butler service and included drinks.
About our expert
Jane Archer
Around 25 years ago, Jane never expected to even step on a cruise ship. Now, she spends more than 100 days a year at sea or on the rivers and can’t imagine seeing the world any other way.
Telegraph Travel’s cruise expert, Jane Archer
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