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Main Cabin Types
On most cruise ships, you can break available cabins down into 4 main types. These are:
- Interior
- Outside
- Balcony
- Suite
Each cabin type has it's own pros and cons. As well as this, these cabin types in some cases can be broken down even further depending on the ship. For example, there are often different levels of suites on most ships, from a basic suite - up to a multi-roomed presidential style suite.
Interior Cabins
Interior cabins, as the name suggests are on the inside of the ship, without access to the outside world - so no window or balcony - just walls.
On some ships, interior cabins are available with a virtual balcony - this is a TV screen mimicking a window with a live cam feed of the outside of the ship. These are generally well decorated with curtains to really sell the experience. Other ships may offer interior cabins with views into the ships interior atrium or promenade. These allow you to feel less claustrophobic and give you a bit more light and attachment to the rest of the ship.
Pros
- Cost - these are generally the cheapest cabins on the ship
Cons
- You get no natural light! With no view of the outside world you can have no idea what time of the day it is - so if you are a heavy sleeper set an alarm!
Outside Cabins
Outside cabins are a step-up from an interior cabin, and run along the outside of the ship. Outside cabins have a window or porthole that allows you to see outside and get some natural light into your cabin.
Though they can be on any deck of the ship, outside cabins are more common on lower decks, where it is not practical for balconies to be placed due to sea spray or large waves. You can also get outside cabins look over the bow of the ship rather than the side - this can offer a unique view on your cruising, watching the ship glide over the water.
Pros
- Allows you to get natural light into your cabin, so your body clock can tell what time of the day it is
Cons
- Windows and portholes do not open - so even though you get natural light, if you want fresh air you will still need to leave your cabin.
Balcony Cabins
As the name suggests, balcony cabins include a balcony. Your own private outdoor space to sit, relax and watch the waves go by.
Prices do start to increase once you are looking at balcony cabins - but occasionally cruise lines may offer a 'balcony upgrade' where you get a balcony cabin at the price of an outside.
Pros
- You can get fresh air in your room
- Feel like some quiet time outside - you have your own personal space to sit and enjoy it!
Cons
- Balcony cabins can be pricier than outside or interior cabins.
Suites
If you want all luxury on your cruise holiday, or are planning on spending perhaps more time in your cabin than usual - then you may want to consider a suite.
Cruise lines will often offer a range of different suites at different price tags. Some suites are simply a larger cabin, whilst others can be over 2 decks, multi-roomed with a range of features from private hot-tubs, pianos etc.
Pros
- Space! Lots of Space.
- The perks. Suites will sometimes come with other benefits, such as access to restaurants exclusive for suite guests, priority access to tours, priority embarkation/disembarkation
- Gives your holiday a real luxury feel
Cons
- Suites can be pricey - so if you are someone who is only using your cabin for sleeping you may not get as much benefit from the investment
Location, Location, Location
Know the type of cabin you want, now it is up to location - and this can be a big one with lots to consider.
Motion
If you are concerned about movement and motion sickness, you may want to consider a cabin down lower, and more mid-ship where there will be less motion.
Proximity to elevators and stairs
Cruise ships can be huge! And we're not just talking height wise. It can be a long walk from an elevator, down a seemingly endless hall to get to a cabin. Here is where you need to find your goldilocks spot. A cabin that is close enough to the elevators that you don't feel like your walking a mile each time you go to or from your cabin, but not too close that you'll lay awake at night hearing everyone walk by going back to their own cabins.
What's on the decks above and below
It can be easy to forget, but checking what would be above or below your cabin can be important.
Do you like to have an afternoon nap? Well maybe avoid a cabin on the deck directly below the pool deck where you'll hear the foot traffic all throughout the day.
Tend to go to bed early? Make sure your cabin isn't above or below one of the nighttime music festivals.
At a point in life where you don't want to hear screaming children, avoid cabins near the Kids Club
