Choosing the Right Cabin - Which Cruise Cabin is Right for Me?

Choosing the right cabin can be paramount in the difference between a "just ok" cruise or a cruise you love. There are many things to consider, so let's get to work finding you the right one!

If you're a well seasoned cruiser, choosing your cabin may be a no brainer; however, if you have never cruised or you have only cruised a few times and wonder what makes the difference, it can be hard to decide.

What is a cabin class? And why are there so many??

If you have done any pricing or browsing, you may have noticed cabin class 2a, 4b, etc. and while, yes, it may be so confusing that most cruise lines have to offer a key to sort it out, it really comes down to this: There are basic cabin types (keep reading), each cabin type has multiple price points within it which are typically dependent on the size and location of the cabin, but don't get bogged down in those (that's what your Travel Advisor is for), start by deciding, generally, what cabin type and location you prefer and they will take it from there.

Before we get too far down the rabbit hole, let it be understood that space can be tighter than you're used to in most cabin classes, until you arrive at the suite level. There is closet and drawer space to unpack, counter space, and shelving in the bathroom, and for your toiletries, the space varies by cabin and ship and is not overwhelming, in most cases, so pack only what you need (stay tuned for articles on how to pack for your cruise). You may think the shower looks like you're about to be beamed up by Scotty, but they work (I told you in my last blog that I was old, GenX to be exact, so don't be surprised by the reference). It's space. Just that. Most cruisers are on a trip - experiencing things, and don't require space to spread out, so most cabins are laid out to give you what you need with no wasted space. Please, if you have never cruised, don't let this change your mind about giving it a try; 95% of the cruisers I have worked with and known are not bothered by the small space because they are there for the experiences outside the cabin - besides, in the coming weeks, I'll be giving you tips on how to maximize the space you're in as well as what to pack to get the most convenience and enjoyment out of your trip, so you will be well prepared.

Cabin Types

This is, honestly, where most decisions start. Cruise lines have different verbiage for their particular cabin types so I'll speak in general terms, here, from lower price points to highest.

Interior Cabin

This cabin is interior to the ship with no windows or balconies. There are a few exceptions; however. For example, Royal Caribbean offers Virtual Balcony interior cabins, with a nearly floor to ceiling video wall showing the real time view outside the ship, to simulate being in a balcony cabin. Some Royal Caribbean ships also offer Promenade View Interior Cabins and again, as the name implies, these offer a view down to the Promenade. While I do enjoy the promenade view, one thing to keep in mind is the exact location. If you are an early to bed sort of person, be careful where your cabin is located. If you are directly above a portion of the promenade the offers live music, into the night, you may not be a happy camper if you are a light sleeper. If you want the view of the promenade, but like to turn in early, opt for a cabin closer to the elevator and furthest from the live music (see Location, Location, Location!).

Interior cabins are typically the lowest cost fare on any cruise and are perfect if you're just looking for a place to shower and rest your weary head.

Ocean View Cabin

These cabins are on the exterior side of the hallway and offer a view of outside life with a porthole or window without paying the price of a balcony. If are claustrophobic or feel like you might get cabin fever with no view of the outside world, but don't necessarily need to BE in the outside world, this is the answer for you.

If you like a view of the outside world, but are looking for a little extra space or a little different view, you could opt for Royal Caribbean's Spacious Ocean View cabin, some of which offer floor to ceiling windows with spectacular views. These cabins may offer the space that can usually only be found in Junior Suites and above without paying suite price. While this is not an option on all ships, a Travel Advisor that specializes in cruises will be able to help you find them, if this is what you are looking for.

Balcony Cabin

A balcony cabin, (again) as the name implies, has a personal balcony leading from your cabin to a view of the ocean or port, outside. Most are outfitted with one or two lounge chairs and a small side table and, if you opt for a larger balcony, you may have a dining table and chairs in addition to lounge chairs.

A balcony cabin is something I, personally, only require on certain itineraries (Alaska, no matter how many nights, or any itinerary more than 7 nights), meanwhile, my husband would ALWAYS prefer a balcony cabin. He finds the sounds of the ocean to be the most relaxing part of a cruise (and has been caught snoozing, late into the night on many a cruise ship balcony). Again, for me, it's a must for an Alaskan cruise, where you can enjoy the amazing views that Alaska has to offer from the comfort of your own balcony (be sure to pack your binoculars and ask the steward for an extra blanket), and on a cruise shorter than 7 nights, where I feel like I have to take in all the ship has to offer, while on a longer cruise, I feel like I can be more leisurely and enjoy the cabin without missing anything on the ship.

Of course there are many balcony class options and, honestly, this is where I believe that the different classes start to really make a difference, for me. From aft facing balconies, which offer amazing and expansive views off the back of the ship (but are farthest from the elevators), to partially obstructed view balconies (which may mean you have a life boat at the bottom of your view outward or right in front of it), to mid-ship balconies that are unobstructed (no lifeboats, here!), and spacious and extra spacious balconies, which offer much large spaces. The balcony class you choose should really depend on how much time you might like to spend on the balcony.

Junior Suite

A junior suite is the beginner suite class on most cruise lines and, for the most part, the biggest benefit is a slightly larger cabin. While there may be a few small perks to a junior suite, the biggest perk is in size. If you feel like you might be cramped in an interior, ocean view, or balcony, but don't have the budget for a full suite, (in most cases) a junior suite will offer you that extra space you're looking for without having to invest the money required, or amenities that you may not need, that come with a suite.

Suite

The suite life, far and away, offers not only a higher level of space, comfort, and luxury than than any of the aforementioned classes, it also comes at a much higher price.

The options when it comes to suites can seem just as endless as the price differences between them. Suites offer anything from extra space and access to suite only privileges to massive space (in some cases two floors) and included gratuities, drink packages, wi-fi, and a personal butler.

Suites are great for the couple or family looking to splurge as well as the traveler that is looking for an elite travel experience no matter where they are going.

Once you have chosen the basic cabin type from those listed, above, it breaks down further. Each of these offer multiple classes.

Connecting Cabin

Think of these just like connecting hotel rooms. Two individual cabins are connected by a door, in the room so that you can move between the two rooms without having to go out into the hallway. These can be great when you are traveling as a larger family or a group of friends that may want to feel like you're sharing a room and not have to get dressed to bounce between cabins.

Guest Count Accommodation

Most cabins are suitable for two guests; however there are cabins that are suitable for three or four sailors, either by way of a pull out bed (which extends from under the sofa) or pullman bed(s) which pull down from the wall. If you are a family with small children or three or for adult travelers that only plan to be in the cabin for sleeping, these can be a good option.

Location, Location, Location! (and this is the biggest one!)

No matter what cabin type you opt for, there will be differences in price based on a few factors, most of which is location. To be sure, there is a lot of walking to be done on a cruise, even if you never disembark in any of the ports. Cruise ships are massive (even the "small" ships) - you walk a lot on a vacation, especially a cruise, and the cruise lines know that we want convenience in the form of easy access to the elevator. Not always, but in most cases, the cabins closest to the elevator can cost a little more. On the flip side, sometimes, being further from the elevator is a good thing - extra steps can help offset the amazing food you'll find all over the ship!

While on the subject of location, as mentioned much earlier, keep in mind that while being close to the elevator may be convenient, there will be more traffic, and in turn, may be more noise; though in all my sailings, I have yet to hear noise outside the cabin that I have noticed, much less found a bother.

Another thing to consider, when thinking of noise is any live music that may happen in the vicinity. My first trip in a Promenade View cabin could have been disastrous if I were a light sleeper or had forgotten my sleep mask with headphones that play white noise. We were located in a cabin directly above the pub, which offered live music, every evening. Now, to be fair, I am an early to bed sort of girl (usually, as long as there's not a 70's or 80's dance party happening) and the music on the promenade was over by 11:00 or 12:00 each night, so if you are a night owl and will be partying til the wee hours of the morning, this is not necessarily something you will need to consider. My second trip in a Promenade View was a completely different experience; we were on the far end of the promenade (NOT directly over the bar) and didn't hear a thing.

So, Which One is the One for Me?

Honestly, I have cruised a large variety of cabins and loved them all for different reasons. Personally, it comes down to budget, for me. If the only way I can take the cruise I'm looking for is by way of interior cabin, I'll do it every time (though I may think long and hard if it's an Alaskan cruise).

If I am going to be on a longer cruise (more than 7-night), I would prefer a balcony, or at the very least and ocean view just to make sure my husband is happy (though I might be able to make an exception if traveling alone or with friends).

I am definitely more a budget minded cruiser than a suite class cruiser, but in my financial state, I opt to choose frequency over luxury, so suites are something I would do only for a special occasion or at a price I just couldn't pass up - but don't get me wrong, if my financial class changes, so will my cabin class - I will be suite or bust!

If you need help booking your perfect cabin, reach out via email or find me by clicking on the links on the home page and I'll work on finding just the right fit for you.