Picking the right cruise cabin is almost as important as selecting the right cruise line and ship. If you aren't comfortable where you sleep, relax, and recharge, your entire vacation could be affected. Thankfully, there are options to fit every budget, from windowless inside staterooms to massive suites.
Once you've selected your ideal cabin category, you must decide on your stateroom's location. Cabins are available throughout the ship, from the lower decks near the gangway to steps from the lively pool deck.
Sometimes, the decision is made for you, like if you want an aft-facing balcony or suite. Most of the time, however, it comes down to personal preference. For example, do you want to be near the kids' clubs, or would you rather be further away from the action?
Other factors to consider include how sensitive you are to motion and how far you want to be from the nearest stairwell. Ultimately, the best room on a cruise ship is the one that meets your needs and preferences.
Read more: Top 10 cabins you shouldn't book on a cruise ship
Best cabin location to avoid seasickness: midship with a view
There's no surefire way to avoid feeling seasick. However, one way to possibly help reduce the amount of motion you feel is to book a midship cabin. As the cruise ship rocks and rolls in the waves, it tends to be most stable at its lowest and central point. This means you should not only book a stateroom in the middle of the vessel but also on a lower deck, if possible.
Additionally, it helps if you have access to a window to stare out at the horizon or a balcony for fresh air. This helps regulate your brain, as seasickness occurs when the ship's movement creates a discrepancy between the visual input and the vestibular system in your inner ear.
As such, it's best to skip cheap interior staterooms and choose the lowest, most centrally located balcony or ocean-view cabin available.
Read more: How to avoid cruise motion sickness
Best cabin for those with a smaller budget: interior
Cruise vacations don't have to be expensive. In fact, if you plan them right, they can be rather cost-effective compared to land-based trips. However, you must manage your expectations. A budget cruise is widely different than a luxury getaway.
One of the easiest ways to take a cheap cruise is to book an inside cabin. These windowless cabins are some of the smallest accommodations available onboard, meaning they're typically the most affordable. Don't worry, though — they come with the same amenities as other standard staterooms, including a bed, an ensuite bathroom, a television, a safe, and more.
You likely won't spend much time in your cabin, anyway. Plus, if you plan on splurging on add-ons, such as drink and internet packages, specialty restaurants, and shore excursions, allocating more money towards these experiences is more memorable than skimping to stay in a "better" stateroom.
Read more: Why an inside cabin is the best choice for a cruise
Best cabin location for picture-perfect ocean views: a higher deck
Just like how the best views of New York City and Paris, France, are found at the top of iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and the Arc de Triomphe, you'll have the best vantage point for views on higher cruise decks.
Many of the swankiest suites are higher up, too. These staterooms offer sweeping ocean views. Plus, many are conveniently located near pools, activities, and exclusive suite areas.
That said, these areas are sometimes busier than others, especially if the stateroom is especially close to a public area like the lido deck. Still, if panoramic views are a priority for your cruise vacation, staterooms on higher decks are a solid pick.
Read more: Cruise ship cabins: Everything you need to know
Best cabin for those who want easy access to fresh air: balconies
Cruise ship balconies are a must-have for many travelers — and for good reasons. You're always seconds away from fresh air, just steps from your bed! Many also prefer to take in the passing scenery from their private verandah, rather than on crowded public decks.
One of my favorite ways to utilize a cruise balcony is by ordering room service. Continental breakfast is included on many mainstream lines, so it doesn't cost anything extra to have fresh coffee, fruit, and pastries delivered right to my door.
Although balconies are more expensive, they're justifiable to a lot of cruisers, especially those who plan to spend more time in their rooms than others.
Best cabin location for spacious balconies and wake views: all the way at the back (or aft)
If you like extra-large balconies, the best cruise room for you is at the back (or aft) of the ship. Cruise fans go nuts for wake views; something is soothing about staring out to sea and watching the foamy seawater trail off into the distance.
That said, staterooms at the back of the ship are typically less cookie-cutter than those along the sides to accommodate the vessel's superstructure. It's not uncommon to find oddly shaped or elongated cabins with larger-than-usual verandahs. Sometimes, they're priced the same as regular staterooms, too.
Keep in mind that some cruisers have reported that aft cabins experience more vibration, especially when the ship is docking in port. Others, however, don’t notice anything at all.
Best cabin location for easy accessibility: by the elevators
Cabins located near the elevator shafts and stairwells are ideal for individuals with mobility issues. They can be a little noisier, given all the foot traffic, but you won't have to trek down the long corridors to get to your stateroom at night.
Think about this: Symphony of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships, is as long as the Empire State Building is tall (minus its antenna). If your cabin is far from the elevators, it can be a long and inconvenient walk back to your stateroom!
A cabin near the elevators is even more useful when the seas are rough. A swaying ship makes walking tough for anybody. If you already struggle to get around, you do not want to have to walk long distances on a vessel that's getting tossed around by the waves.
Best cabin to elevate your cruising experience: a suite
If you want the best staterooms that a cruise ship has to offer, you'll want to book a suite. Cruise ship suites are different than suites at standard hotels. On land, a suite usually just guarantees more space. Sometimes, they can also come with access to a concierge lounge, but the main benefit is a nicer room.
Not only are cruise ship suites larger than other cabins, but they also include a lot of amenities that help to justify the cost. Depending on what ship and cruise line you book with, booking a suite might come with a butler, access to a special restaurant or lounge, concierge services, priority boarding, and more.
The best suites are going to be found on ships that have a "ship within a ship" concept, such as Norwegian Cruise Line's "The Haven," MSC Cruises' "Yacht Club," and Celebrity Cruises' "The Retreat."
With these, you will gain access to exclusive enclaves available just for suite guests. They're a great way to escape the normal crowds found on cruise ships. Thanks to the private sun deck, you won't have to worry about beating chair hogs on the pool deck.
Plus, dinner will feel more intimate, as you will not have to eat in the ship's main dining room. And the butler and concierge team can help you make the most of the onboard amenities.
Read more: Is Upgrading to a Cruise Ship Suite Worth It?
Best cabin for families: one with a split bathroom
Split bathrooms are pretty rare in the cruise industry. Outside of Disney Cruise Line, you aren't likely to find a cabin with more than one bathroom unless you splurge on a suite. However, select Carnival ships feature staterooms with the split bathroom concept.
Instead of having one tiny bathroom to share with two or three other guests, split bathrooms divide the bathroom into two separate areas. One typically has a toilet and sink, while the other contains a shower and an additional sink.
Split bathrooms are great for larger families traveling in one cabin, as they help increase privacy and make getting ready easier.
Best cabin location for light sleepers: sandwiched in between other cabin decks
Cabins right above or below public areas, like the pool, dining room, casino, bars, nightclub, etc., can be louder than you would like at particular times of day.
The rooms underneath the pool will hear the scrape of early morning deck chair set-up or the thumping vibrations of late-night deck parties. Rooms above the dining room or bars may hear song-and-dance showdowns.
If you’re a light sleeper, the best place for you to stay on a cruise ship is in a room surrounded by other cabins. That means you have a cabin on either side of you and cabin decks above and below you.
While it is always possible to hear a television or crying babies in adjacent rooms, cabins are quieter than popular public areas with a lot of foot traffic. However, even on cabin-only hallways, you'll want to ensure your cabin isn't beside a crew elevator shaft.
You should also try to book a cabin next to those that can only accommodate two guests. When selecting your room, cruise lines often provide a key indicating which staterooms can hold two, three, four, and even five guests.
Even better, choose a room that does not connect to the cabin next door because these are less soundproof than staterooms without an extra door in the middle. Also, skip the cabins all the way forward, as these can be loud when the ship drops anchor at tender ports like Half Moon Cay, Grand Cayman, and Santorini.
Read more: Noise-Free Cabins: How to Avoid Loud Rooms on Your Cruise
Best cabin location for those who are always excited to see what's ahead: the very front (or forward) of the ship
Although you won't find many forward-facing balcony cabins, you can book an ocean-view room that overlooks the front of the ship. These cabins are great for those who want to wake up and watch the ship pull into port from the comfort of their stateroom.
Like aft balconies, they tend to be larger than standard ocean-view rooms. This is because the front of the ship is angled, and the staterooms have been designed around the vessel's superstructure.
With these, though, it is important to remember that cabins at the front of the ship are prone to feeling more motion than staterooms that are centrally located. Moreover, they will be further from elevator banks, meaning that you will have a longer walk to and from your stateroom.
Best cabin location to maximize your fun (or relaxing) time onboard: near your happy place
When you cruise, where do you spend most of your time? If you have yet to set sail on a ship, where do you think you'll spend most of your time? The spa, the pool, the casino, the adults-only deck, the kids’ club?
The best cruise ship cabin location for you might be the one with the shortest commute to your happy place. If you are going to play poker every night until 2:00AM, choose a cabin that is a quick walk from the casino. If you want to sleep as late as possible and still be the first person to snag a prime lounge chair on the pool deck, pick a room on the lido deck or one that’s steps away from the closet stairwell on the deck below.
Do you want to roll out of bed and get breakfast? Choose a cabin that is close to the buffet or main dining room. Perhaps you want to be close to the spa to maximize your relaxation time. Consider booking a spa cabin, as they were designed to give spa lovers close proximity to the thermal suite. Plus, they typically come with some pretty sweet spa amenities!
Avoid guarantee cabins
If you want any say in where your cabin will be located, don't book a guaranteed stateroom. Instead of being able to select your cabin when booking, you'll randomly be assigned one by the cruise line.
Since you're giving up the ability to choose your stateroom, guarantee fares are typically cheaper than standard fares. However, there's a risk of being assigned a cabin in an unfavorable location, such as near the nightclub or crew elevator shaft.
Of course, if you're just happy to be on a ship, guarantee staterooms are ideal. Not only can they help save money, making them a great choice for budget-conscious travelers, but you may also enjoy being surprised by your cabin location before sailing. Just keep in mind that you'll need to be flexible about noise levels and your proximity to certain onboard amenities.
When selecting the best room on a cruise ship, consider what matters most to you
For example, do you prioritize short commutes, or would you rather enjoy stunning wake views from an aft balcony? Taking the time to research and choose the right deck, location, and cabin category can enhance your cruising experience and leave a lasting impression.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
