Quick Cabin Selection Guide
Best Value: Inside cabins (160-180 sq ft / 15-17 m²) on decks 6-8 mid-ship – you’ll get the stability and quiet without paying for a view you’ll rarely see
Most Popular: Balcony cabins (180-200 sq ft / 17-19 m²) with 35-50 sq ft (3-5 m²) private outdoor space – the sweet spot between cost and comfort for most cruisers
Family Choice: Connecting cabins or family-friendly balcony cabins sleeping 5-10 guests – because keeping everyone together beats hunting for kids across 20 decks
Solo Travelers: Studio cabins (Norwegian pioneered these) or guarantee cabins during low season – finally, options that don’t charge you double for traveling alone
Accessibility: ADA-compliant cabins with 81cm doors and roll-in showers – book early as these limited cabins disappear fast
Cabin Types by Size and Price
| Cabin Type | Average Size | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inside | 167 sq ft / 15.5 m² (120-200 range) | No windows, darkest/quietest | Budget travelers, light sleepers |
| Oceanview | 180 sq ft / 16.7 m² (150-220 range) | 1.2×0.9m windows, natural light | First-time cruisers wanting views |
| Balcony | 197 sq ft / 18.3 m² (150-305 range) | Private 3-5 m² outdoor space | Most cruise passengers |
| Junior Suite | 300-400 sq ft / 28-37 m² | Sitting area, larger bathroom | Couples wanting extra space |
| Premium Suite | 600+ sq ft / 56+ m² | Butler service, separate living area | Special occasions, luxury seekers |
I’ve sailed in cramped river cruise suites that felt claustrophobic and stayed in tiny inside cabins (15.5 m² / 167 sq ft average) that never bothered me once but you need to know what you’re in for. Find the room you think you want then search Google with the exact room number for reviews and comments about it. We met some people on our last cruise in Alaska that were complaining about the horrible smell they had to put up with. We didn’t have the same issue, but the ship wouldn’t move them, I would have been super annoyed at that.
With more than 37 million passengers expected to cruise in 2025 and ships carrying up to 8,000 guests, choosing the right cabin has never been more critical to your cruise experience.
The cruise lines want you obsessing over thread counts and marble bathroom finishes while missing the details that genuinely impact your comfort. For more insider wisdom on maximizing your cruise experience, check our complete cruise tips guide.
Why Your Cabin Location Trumps Cabin Type
The Mid-Ship Sweet Spot Everyone Should Know
If you tend to get seasick, selecting your cabin can be a critical decision, and is a question of engineering, really. The ship’s fulcrum sits roughly mid-ship between decks 6-8 on most vessels. Book here, and you’ll experience minimal movement even in rough seas.
The Deck Dilemma: High vs. Low
Upper Decks (9+):
- Spectacular views and easy pool access
- The nicest and most expensive cabins on any ship are generally on the highest decks
- Significant motion in rough weather
- Noise from pool decks and late-night activities
Lower Decks (4-7):
- Better stability and quieter environment
- Lower prices with identical cabin layouts
- Limited or no views
- Potential for crew noise early morning
For more detailed guidance on positioning, read our best cabin location guide.
Forward vs. Aft: The Hidden Trade-offs
- Forward cabins offer dramatic views of approaching destinations but experience the most pronounced up-and-down motion and potentially a bit more wind.
- Aft cabins feature larger balconies and wake views but may suffer from engine vibration on older ships and exhaust smells.
Inside Cabins: The Smart Money Play
Most inside cabins are between 160-180 sq ft (15-17 m²), with some being as small as 120 sq ft (11 m²) and some as large as 200 sq ft (19 m²). Don’t let the “no window” factor scare you – modern inside cabins include clever design tricks that prevent that claustrophobic feeling.
Royal Caribbean’s Virtual View Innovation Some ships now feature LED screens displaying real-time ocean views. It’s a gimmick, but surprisingly effective at creating the illusion of natural light.
Storage Solutions That Matter Look for cabins with under-bed storage, multiple wardrobes, and desk drawers. Some ships like the Marella Explorer feature 16 drawers in a single inside cabin – enough storage for month-long voyages.
Who Should Book Inside Cabins:
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Active cruisers who spend minimal time in rooms
- Light sleepers (darkest, quietest option)
- River cruise guests (where “outside” views are often disappointing anyway)
Oceanview Cabins: The Compromise Choice
Most window sizes for oceanview cabins are about 1.2×0.9 metres (4×3 feet), and most oceanview cabins are between 170-190 sq ft (16-18 m²). The windows don’t open, so don’t expect fresh air – just natural light and limited views.
The Porthole vs. Picture Window Debate Portholes feel more “authentic nautical” but limit views. Picture windows provide better sight lines but can make smaller cabins feel cramped if poorly positioned.
Obstructed View Reality Check “Partially obstructed” oceanview cabins are cruise line code for “lifeboat blocking most of your view.” These discounted cabins work fine for light and partial ocean glimpses but expect disappointment if you want Instagram-worthy vistas.
But here’s where it gets interesting – not all obstructions are created equal. I didn’t realize how much it mattered to get the right cabin until we picked a fantastic option on our last 30-day Princess cruise. The cabin was marked “obstructed view” but what was the obstruction, we wondered, automatically thinking it would be a lifeboat. Turned out it was just a solid railing instead of glass panels, but we got a balcony twice the normal size at the very front of the ship with out-of-this-world views for the same price as a normal balcony without an obstruction. We didn’t see it as an obstruction at all. We were so happy with all that room.
The lesson: Always ask what specifically causes the obstruction. Sometimes you’ll discover it’s actually an upgrade in disguise like what we got.
Balcony Cabins: Where Value Meets Reality
The average size of a balcony cabin is 197 sq ft (18.3 m²), with the majority between 180-200 sq ft (17-19 m²). The balcony itself typically adds 35-50 sq ft (3-5 m²) of private outdoor space.
Balcony Size Variations That Matter Balconies on new Norwegian Cruise Line ships and Princess Cruise Line ships tend to be smaller and more narrow than balconies on other ships. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity offer more generous balcony dimensions.
Privacy Myths Debunked Balconies aren’t private. Dividers separate most balconies, but voices carry, and cabins above can see down. True privacy requires suite-level accommodations.
Carnival’s Cove Balconies: The Exception Cove Balcony rooms are CCL-Carnival’s specialty, available on some of the “Fun Ships”, and are interesting because they are located on lower decks (thus closer to waterline).
Suite Life: When Space Actually Matters
Cruise suite accommodations are premium grades cabins. They are usually larger in comparison to balcony staterooms and feature more amenities. However, “suite” definitions vary wildly between cruise lines.
Entry-Level Suites (300-400 sq ft / 28-37 m²) Often just enlarged balcony cabins with sitting areas. They’re comfortable but hardly luxurious.
Mid-Tier Suites (400-600 sq ft / 37-56 m²) Expect a bathroom with a tub and separate shower cubicle, a walk-in closet, and a living area bathed in light from the balcony. These offer genuine separation between sleeping and living spaces.
Premium Suites (600+ sq ft / 56+ m²) Suites of this size are likely to have been individually designed, with great artwork and quirky additional features. Butler service, priority everything, and concierge perks make these worthwhile for special occasions.
Family Cabin Configurations: Beyond the Marketing
Connecting Cabins Reality Book connecting cabins early – they’re limited and sell quickly. The shared door provides privacy control while keeping families close.
Family Balcony Options:
- Disney Cruise Line split bathrooms in Family Ocean View rooms
- Carnival’s Family Harbour rooms (5 guests) include lounge access
- Royal Caribbean Ultimate Family Suites sleep 8 with slide and climbing wall
- MSC Super Family cabins accommodate 10 guests
Solo Traveler Accommodations
Studio Cabins: Norwegian pioneered single-occupancy cabins without solo supplements. These compact but well-designed spaces include access to exclusive solo traveler lounges.
Solo Balcony Strategy Book standard balcony cabins during low-demand periods. Cruise lines sometimes reduce or waive solo supplements rather than sail with empty cabins.
Accessibility: What You Need to Know
ADA-Compliant Features:
- 81cm (32-inch) doorways with automatic doors
- Roll-in showers with fold-down seats
- 1.5-metre (5-foot) turning radius for wheelchairs
- Visual and auditory alert systems
- Lowered closet rods and vanities
- Two peep holes in the door, one much lower down
Cruise Lines with Superior Accessibility: Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Norwegian offer the most comprehensive accessible cabin selections.
For detailed accessibility planning, read our cruising with a disability guide.
On our Diamond Princess cruise we booked one of those last minute ones so couldn’t pick the room. We didn’t realize the wheelchair friendly rooms aren’t usually full so these are the ones left to the last minute for bookings like ours. So you can score one of these, they are bigger than a normal room. We were very happy, plus they are always close to the lifts and stairs saving a ton of walking.
Booking Strategy: When Size Doesn’t Matter
The Guarantee Gamble
Guarantee cabins offer significant savings but zero location control. Book guarantees only if you’re flexible about location and mainly use your cabin for sleeping.
Timing Your Booking
- 8 months early: Best cabin selection and early booking perks
- 6 weeks before: Last-minute discounts on remaining inventory
- 6 months before: Sweet spot for balcony upgrades
Hidden Upgrade Opportunities
Check your cruise line’s app 60 days before sailing for paid upgrade offers. These deals often cost less than rebooking and include perks like priority boarding.
Common Questions
Can I request specific bed configurations?
Yes, contact your cruise line or travel agent before sailing. Most cabins offer twin beds that convert to queen size. Submit requests early through the cruise line’s website or have your travel agent note preferences during booking.
Are cabin safes large enough for laptops?
Most cruise cabin safes are too small for standard laptops. The typical safe dimensions are 25×15cm (10×6 inches), suitable for passports, jewelry, and small electronics but not 38cm (15-inch) laptops.
What happens if my cabin’s amenities malfunction?
Report problems immediately to your cabin steward or guest services. Air conditioning and plumbing issues receive priority attention. Keep your steward’s contact information handy, and don’t hesitate to request compensation for extended disruptions.
Can I decorate my cabin door?
Door decoration policies vary by cruise line. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Princess, and Celebrity allow magnetic decorations. Norwegian, MSC, and Virgin Voyages prohibit all door decorations. Use magnetic hooks only – avoid adhesives or string lights.
Are connecting cabins actually connected?
Yes, connecting cabins feature an interior door between two separate cabins. This door can be locked from either side, providing privacy control while allowing easy access for families or groups. These configurations are limited and book quickly.
Do higher deck cabins really experience more motion?
Absolutely. Physics dictates that cabins farther from the ship’s center of gravity experience more movement. Upper deck cabins amplify both rolling and pitching motions, while lower deck cabins closer to the waterline provide superior stability.
