When booking your first cruise, it’s valuable to know which cruise cabin is right for you? There are several options to choose from and even categories within those options. Choosing a cruise stateroom can get a little confusing.
If you’re new to cruising, stick with the basics. As you fall in love with cruising, you can start to fine-tune your selection until you find the perfect fit for you and your family. For now, don’t get hung up with things like Balcony category D2 or B1. Just decide on the general category you’d like at the right price for you.
There are four basic types to concider when choosing a cruise stateroom: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Suites. In this post, I will give you an overview of each category, some important distinctions, and some tips for who might prefer this type of cabin…and who may not.
Interior Stateroom
An interior stateroom on a cruise ship is the smallest cabin option and available at the lowest price. The critical thing to note about an interior cabin is that there is no natural light.
An interior stateroom is excellent for light sleepers who appreciate the complete darkness. It’s also great for cruisers who want an incredible value and plan to embrace all of the onboard activities. These cruisers don’t plan on spending much time in their cabin except to sleep and shower.
Many cruisers tell me that they opt for the interior stateroom because it can be half the cost of balcony cabins, and this decision allows them to cruise twice as often! It’s an excellent strategy!
An interior stateroom may NOT be right for you if you typically enjoy relaxing in your hotel room when traveling and appreciate that “downtime.” You may also opt out of this option if you tend to feel a little claustrophobic. The absence of natural light can increase this feeling.
Oceanview Stateroom
An ocean view stateroom is an excellent option for the cruiser who feels they need the natural light (or the ability to check the weather) but not pay the price of a balcony cabin. Opening the drapes and letting the natural light in can make your cabin feel more substantial. You can also watch the ocean outside your window! So beautiful!
Oceanview staterooms are plentiful on the older ships. When the cruising industry started, cabins with a personal balcony were a lot less standard. The newer/larger ships have a lot more balcony rooms now to fill the demand. So, if you are looking for a fantastic cruise value, check out the older/smaller ships for a great deal on an ocean view room. The older rooms are small, but you can’t beat the price. Check out our ocean view room on Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Seas.
There is also an interesting hybrid between interior and ocean view that I should mention. Some ships offer inside cabins but still have a window looking out to a common area of the ship. This cabin type is available on some larger vessels and provides the advantage of light and a view without the ocean-facing price. Check with your travel agent regarding which ships offer this cabin type.
Consider Choosing a Cruise Stateroom with an Ocean View Balcony
The extremely popular ocean view balcony stateroom is a great option for many cruisers. A balcony provides you with not only daylight but fresh air and access to your private ocean view oasis. The balcony is a haven for my husband. He gets up exceptionally early. He enjoys sipping his coffee, reading, or keeping up with work for a couple of hours each morning. It’s his quiet time, and he loves it.
I am an introvert, so I also love a balcony room. While I thoroughly enjoy the onboard activities, I need to be able to retreat. I love sitting out on the balcony at night, sipping from a glass of wine and listening to the ocean. It is one of my favorite places to be!
Balcony staterooms are ideal for people who want to experience the ocean, crave natural light, and would benefit from the fresh air offered with a balcony cabin.
Tip: I use our pool towel clips to attach my swimsuit to the chair so it dries faster in the breeze while in port. Cruiselines recommend you not do this while sailing. You can get a list of all of my cabin essentials here.
Balcony cabins may NOT be a good fit for someone who plans on spending very little time in their stateroom because it is more expensive than an interior. Some may advise against a balcony room if you are prone to seasickness. The thought is that you will see the motion of the ocean. However, I find that the fresh air and the ability to keep the horizon in view to be very beneficial to stave off seasickness symptoms.
Tip: Please do not let the fear of seasickness prevent you from cruising. It’s pretty rare, and there are many methods of preventing and treating symptoms.
A Suite!
If you are celebrating a milestone or taking a once in a lifetime dream trip…or if you have a healthy vacation budget, a suite may be right for you.
For me, booking a suite when choosing a cruise stateroom is quite a splurge!
I generally do not recommend suites (above a Junior Suite for first-time cruisers). As with most things in life, if you have something extravagant first, it may be difficult to “settle” for less when you cruise again. Which, I hope you will!
Suites can vary from a little bit of extra space as with the Junior suite to a suite with a separate bedroom, bathroom, or even stairs to a second level! Can you imagine sailing with a large balcony with loungers or even a private hot tub? There are so many options, but be prepared for your pocketbook to take a hit for these fabulous staterooms.
Keep in mind that different cruise lines have different terms for their cabin categories.
My favorite cabin type is a Junior Suite. We have only splurged on a Junior Suite twice because it is typically outside of our set budget, but we love it! You can check out my review of our Junior Suite here. I love the extra space and the double Crown & Anchor points offered by Royal Caribbean. You can read why we splurged on a Junior Suite here.
Are you ready to tackle choosing a cruise stateroom?
Share below, and if you need help, ask a question! I respond to every message. Need a cruise travel agent? Message me, and I’ll be happy to share mine with you!
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Jillian
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