How to pick a cabin on a cruise ship?

When booking a cruise, you’ll see a range of cabin options, like picking a room at a hotel. The main types include inside, outside (also called ocean view), balcony, and suite. Each one comes with its layout, features, and price point. Inside cabins are the smallest and cheapest, while suites offer the most space and perks. Once you get into the details, you’ll also find variations within each category, giving you even more choices for your budget and style.

Inside Cabins

Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises

Inside cabins are your most basic option and usually sit in the middle of the ship, away from the windows. These rooms are compact and come with the basics, bed, bathroom, closet, and a small desk. Some can sleep up to four people using pull-down bunks. A few cruise lines have gotten creative, like Disney with animated portholes and Royal Caribbean with virtual windows showing live views from outside the ship. It’s a simple space that works well if you just need a place to sleep.

Outside Cabins

Photo Courtesy: MSC Cruises

Outside cabins, or ocean view rooms, give you a window that lets in natural light. While you can’t open the window, it’s still nice to have a view. These rooms are usually a bit bigger than inside cabins, and some even have a small sitting area. The cheapest ones might have lifeboats or ship parts blocking the view, but you still get daylight. If you want that extra brightness without paying for a balcony, this is a solid pick.

Balcony Cabins

Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises

Balcony cabins are the most popular type for good reasons. They give you your own private space to step outside, enjoy the sea air, and sit with a drink. Inside the room, you’ll get a bed, bathroom, desk, and a small sitting area. The balcony itself usually has two chairs and a little table. Some ships even offer balcony cabins with views of indoor areas like parks or boardwalks. Newer options like infinite verandas have windows that slide down to let fresh air in, turning the whole space into a balcony when you want it.

Suites

Photo Courtesy: Celebrity Cruises

Suites are the biggest and most upgraded cabins on a cruise ship. They come in many layouts, from junior suites that feel like larger balcony rooms to full suites with separate bedrooms, living areas, and huge balconies. Some include extras like more than one bathroom, a dining table, or even a walk-in closet. Booking a suite often comes with added perks like priority boarding, exclusive lounge access, and butler or concierge service. It’s a step up in space, service, and comfort for travelers looking for more room to spread out.

Accessible Cabins

Accessible cabins are designed to make cruising easier for travelers with mobility needs. These rooms are found across most cruise ships and usually include wider doorways, more space to move around, and bathrooms built with helpful features like roll-in showers, support bars, and lowered sinks. They’re set up so wheelchair users or those with scooters can get around more easily and safely. While cruise lines also support other types of accessibility needs, these cabins mainly focus on physical mobility and are often in high demand.

Budget plays a big part in how you plan your cruise. Inside cabins are usually the cheapest choice because they don’t come with windows or balconies. That can be a smart way to save money, especially on short trips where you spend more time exploring the ship than staying in your room. As Dave Change from Carnival Cruise Line puts it, these rooms are great for quick two- or three-night cruises. If you’re just looking for a place to sleep and store your things, an inside cabin might be all you need.

Families sometimes use inside cabins creatively, too. Parents book an Oceanview or balcony room while the kids stay in an inside cabin across the hall. That way, everyone gets their space without stretching the budget too much. And if you think inside cabins are boring, that’s changing too. Some cruise lines offer spa versions of these rooms, which include access to wellness perks you wouldn’t get in a lower Oceanview cabin. You still save money but get a few extra comforts along the way.

Some cruise lines have also come up with fun ways to make inside cabins feel more exciting. Disney adds animated portholes that show live ocean views with cartoon characters popping in, and Royal Caribbean features huge virtual screens showing real-time footage. On certain ships, they even offer rooms that face interior areas like the Boardwalk or Central Park, giving you real views without a high price tag. These changes make the inside cabins feel more special without adding a big hit to your budget.

Not every cabin on a cruise ship is a good fit for every traveler. Some rooms come with noise, movement, or other surprises that can mess with your trip. If you’re sensitive to motion or tend to get seasick, you’ll want to avoid cabins located at the front or back of the ship, or up on the higher decks. These spots feel the most movement when the sea gets rough. For less motion, stick to the middle of the ship on a mid-level deck, it’s usually the most stable spot onboard.

Noise is another thing that can turn a nice cabin into a frustrating one. Rooms located directly under the pool deck or buffet area can get loud, especially early in the morning or late at night. The same goes for spots near nightclubs, theaters, or the kids’ areas. If you’re traveling with kids who need naps or if you just value quiet, try to avoid cabins right below or above public spaces. Look for rooms surrounded by other passenger cabins on all sides.

Another detail that often gets overlooked is your cabin’s location near elevators or crew service areas. Elevator buttons can chime at all hours, and crew doors can slam through the night. These sounds might not bother everyone, but light sleepers should think twice. If you’re not sure which cabins fall into these trouble spots, online reviews and deck plans can help. Some travel agents also know which cabin numbers get the most complaints. It’s worth checking before you book.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best room location on a cruise ship. What works for one traveler might be a bad fit for someone else. Some people want peace, others want to be close to the action, and some just want the smoothest ride possible. Where you stay can affect everything from how well you sleep to how much motion you feel when the sea gets rough. A little planning goes a long way.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, aim for a cabin that’s low and right in the middle of the ship. These rooms feel the least amount of rocking because they’re closest to the ship’s center of gravity. Cabins near the front or back, or high up, tend to move more when the water’s choppy. You won’t get the same view as you would from a top-deck balcony, but the smoother ride can make all the difference.

Think about how far you want to walk during the day too. Some ships are huge, and the walk from your room to the buffet, pool, or show can feel long. If you like being near the action, you might want a cabin close to dining, entertainment, or pools. But if you value peace, pick a room away from elevators, public lounges, and nightclubs. Also, stay clear of cabins just below the pool deck or above the engine room, they tend to come with extra noise, either from foot traffic or machinery.

When choosing your cruise cabin, it’s good to know that all rooms come with the basics like housekeeping, climate control, and toiletries. But the higher you go in the cabin category, the more perks you’ll get. Suites, for example, often come with things like priority boarding, extra space, and even in-room bars. Spa cabins focus more on wellness touches, like yoga mats or upgraded bath products. Even solo cabins sometimes come with special extras, like access to a private lounge.

Concierge cabins give you direct access to a cruise concierge, which can take a lot off your plate. They can book your spa appointments, shore tours, and even restaurant reservations. Some ships also offer a private lounge where concierge guests can enjoy snacks, drinks, and quiet time away from crowds. You might also find things like welcome drinks or daily canapés in your room. These added touches can make a big difference, especially if you want extra help during your cruise.

Then there are suites with butler service, where the experience can feel over the top in the best way. A butler might help unpack your bags, take a bath, or serve dinner in your room, one course at a time. Want room service from a specialty restaurant? Your butler can take care of that too. On some ships, you’ll even find exclusive suite areas with private pools, lounges, or restaurants. These types of cabins cost more, but for many travelers, the extras are well worth it.

Balcony cabins are usually the most popular choice on cruise ships, but the value depends on how you plan to spend your time. If you're traveling with a group of friends and will mostly be out and about, you might not use the balcony much. In that case, saving money with an inside or Oceanview room could make more sense. On the other hand, for something like a romantic cruise to Hawaii, having a balcony might feel worth it.

Some cruises pass through amazing places like Alaska or the fjords of Norway. These itineraries often include scenic cruising days where the ship sails through stunning spots all day. You can head to a public deck, but having your balcony means you can enjoy the views any time without crowds. Watching glaciers or spotting whales while still in your robe can turn those moments into something you'll talk about for years.

If you're someone who deals with seasickness, a balcony might help. Being able to step outside for some fresh air can make a difference. Many travelers say that looking out at the horizon helps them feel better. Having that extra space just outside your door also makes the cabin feel bigger. Even if you’re not sure you’ll use it all the time, it can add comfort and peace of mind to your trip.