When it comes to booking a cruise, choosing a cabin (room) for your first cruise holiday can be a daunting task.  Firstly, you’ll need to decide on which type of cabin you’d like to book. Depending on whether you're travelling alone, as a couple, or with your family and the budget you have, the needs you have for your cabin may change.

 

Cabins on a cruise ship are, of course, the place where you will sleep during your cruise. If you are used to staying in hotels, you can think of your cabin in the same way you would your hotel room. Cabins on cruise ships can come in all shapes and sizes so in this blog we will talk about the basic differences between cabin types to help you decide which cabin type is right for you!

 

Before we break down the available types of cabins, there are common features that every cabin has onboard most cruise lines. Cabins typically will come with a bed, private bathroom, air conditioning, television, vanity area, and closet. Beyond that, the room you select may offer more amenities, but you should know that a cabin will have these basics that you do not have to be concerned about missing out on. 

 

Inside Cabin

 

Inside Cabins

An Inside Cabin, sometimes known as an interior cabin, is generally the cheapest and smallest cabin on a ship. As they are in the middle of the ship facing the inside, there will be no windows or natural light in the cabin. There is often a preconception that inside cabins will feel cramped, this however isn’t typically the case. You will have the same facilities that can be found in any other cabin. Inside cabins can normally accommodate 2-4 guests depending on the cabin configuration. 

 

  • Pros- as an inside cabin will typically come at a cheaper price, it means you will have more spending money to spend onboard the ship and put towards shore excursions. This is the ideal base for those who love being out and about and plan to spend less time in their cabins.

 

  • Cons- these rooms are often slightly smaller, although they do still have all of the amenities you need, the lack of windows of course means that there's no natural light and makes the cabin feel smaller than it is.

 Outside Cabin (Oceanview)

 

Outside (Oceanview) Cabin 

The next step up from an inside room is an outside cabin or Oceanview cabin. These are cabins that have a porthole or window with a view to the outside. Outside Cabins typically will be located on lower decks and as a result, the windows do not open, but whilst they don’t allow in any fresh air, they do provide some welcome natural light. The size of the window or porthole will vary from ship to ship and from cruise line to cruise line, but it is usually large enough to easily see through without being up close. Just like the inside cabins, outside cabins can normally accommodate 2-4 guests depending on the cabin configuration.

 

  • Pros- Outside cabins are still a budget-friendly option while also giving you a view and natural light. They are ideal for those who are looking to spend a little longer in their cabin during their holiday.

 

  • Cons- a downside of an outside cabin is that your view may well be obstructed, however, the cruise line will always state when this is the case.

 Balcony Cabin

 

Balcony (Veranda) Cabin

Depending on which cruise line you cruise with, these can either be referred to as Balcony or Veranda Cabins. As the name suggests a balcony cabin is a cruise cabin that comes with a balcony. While on some ships this might be quite a small space, on others you'll have a veranda that's big enough for you to sit outside. Balcony Cabins are by far the most popular type of cabin, due to having private outdoor space as well as allowing fresh air into the cabin. They’re also hugely sought-after on scenic itineraries such as Alaska or the Norwegian fjords, or when sailing to bucket-list destinations such as Venice or New York! You do pay more for these cabins, but it's well worth the price if you want to make your cruise that little bit more special. Again, these can normally accommodate 2-4 guests depending on the cabin configuration.

 

  • Pros- you can enjoy the amazing sea views and the fresh sea air without having to leave your cabin. Have your morning coffee or order some room service to enjoy while looking out at the view or watching the sunset in the evening.

 

  • Cons- In some cases, the room can be smaller than the available outside cabins, as space is made for the balcony. They may also stretch the budget for some passengers as they can be 20%+ more expensive, although some deals or offers may make them more affordable.

 Mini Suite Cabin

 

Mini Suite Cabin

Mini-Suites can be called several different things depending on the cruise line. Some cruise lines call them Club Balcony, and others may also call them Junior Suites. One way to think about a Mini-Suite is that it will be a slightly larger balcony cabin. What sets them apart will be the various perks that you benefit from throughout your cruise. These will vary depending on the cruise line again, so do check the specifics of what your chosen cruise line offers. A Mini Suite will accommodate 2-4 guests depending on the cabin configuration but will do so more comfortably than a standard balcony cabin.

 

  • Pros- More space means that you can spend more time in your room in a lot more comfort. The added benefits offered by the cruise line will also really enhance your holiday experience.  

 

  • Cons- These may not be the cabin for those looking to travel on a smaller budget as depending on the sailing there may be a fair jump in price from a standard balcony.

 

Suite Cabin

 

Suite Cabin

If you’re looking for a bit of luxury and privacy, a Suite Cabin will certainly be the best option for you. Choosing a Suite Cabin can feel like you’re cruising on a completely different ship, as well as enjoying more luxurious accommodation, you’ll often have your very own restaurant exclusively for Suite guests, as well as a bar and lounge to relax in. A Suite guest only sun deck or pool is also common depending on the ship, plus you’ll benefit from other perks such as butler service, priority boarding, and disembarkation, in addition to drinks packages and other promotional offers depending on which cruise line and ship you’re sailing on. Perfect examples of these exclusive suite offerings are The Haven by Norwegian Cruise Line, The Yacht Club onboard MSC Cruises, or The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises ships.

 

  • Pros- The added benefits and dedicated spaces offered by the cruise line will enhance your holiday experience. More space and enhanced service options mean that you can spend more time in your room in a lot more comfort.

 

  • Cons- These may not be the cabins for those looking to travel on a smaller budget. If you are travelling with other passengers who are not in a suite, they may not be able to visit you in the dedicated suite guest spaces.

Sam Redfearn
Head of MyCruise UK

Related Posts