You must narrow down your stateroom options once you've picked your cruise ship, itinerary, and sail date. From compact interior cabins to multi-level suites, there are a ton of accommodations that can be considered.
Those on a budget typically gravitate toward interior staterooms, while those who crave a connection to the ocean don't mind splurging on a balcony. Between those, however, lies perhaps the most underrated cruise ship cabin category: oceanview.
Oceanview rooms were far more common on older ships, where balconies weren't prioritized like they are today. Still, oceanview cabins offer a great balance of comfort and affordability. While you won't be able to step outside onto your private verandah, you'll be able to take in the passing views from your window, allowing natural light to illuminate your stateroom.
Still not convinced? Here are 5 perks of booking an oceanview cabin.
What are oceanview cabins?
Oceanview cabins are one category of standard staterooms onboard a cruise ship. Regardless of whether you book an interior, oceanview, or balcony cabin, you'll receive the same amenities, including:
- A bed
- Ensuite bathroom
- Vanity desk and chair
- Safe
- Television
- Cabin steward who is responsible for the upkeep of your stateroom
- Thermostat
- Hair dryer
- Telephone
Unlike inside cabins, though, oceanview rooms have a window that provides a direct view of the ship's exterior, allowing passengers to soak up the passing ocean views and other landscapes. Another advantage is these rooms benefit from natural light, unlike traditional interior cabins, which can be pitch-black when the lights are off.
Extra space
Standard interior cabins are usually the smallest accommodations on a cruise ship—some measure just 149 square feet! The size and lack of natural light make some passengers feel claustrophobic when cruising in inside cabins.
Enter oceanview rooms: these cabins are great for those who want extra living space. On Carnival Celebration, for example, interior staterooms measure 158 square feet, whereas oceanview rooms measure 243. Similarly, inside cabins on Symphony of the Seas are 149 square feet, while oceanview staterooms are 179.
While not always the case, many oceanview rooms provide a spacious alternative to cramped inside cabins, which can be a huge advantage for groups of three and four sharing one room.
Read more: Cruise cabin hacks to improve your stateroom's functionality
Natural light
Personally, I don't mind the tight living quarters in standard inside rooms. However, my biggest gripe with these rooms is the lack of natural light.
Recently, I took one of my close friends on her first cruise. As someone who enjoys sleeping in pitch-black environments, she loved the deep sleep our inside cabin on Vision of the Seas afforded. Conversely, I feel groggy waking up in interior rooms. It's disorienting waking up and not knowing whether it's 2am, 8am, or 3pm!
Earlier this year, I stayed in my first oceanview room. Though I've cruised in plenty of balconies, I had never experienced the middle ground of an oceanview cabin. While I didn't have a full-size picture window, I loved glancing out at sea, watching the waves roll as the ship glided through the ocean. Not only that, but I found myself waking up earlier than when staying in dark inside staterooms, as the sun served as a natural alarm clock.
Not all oceanview rooms are created equally, though. If you don't care about the view and just want natural light, consider going for an obstructed view cabin. These rooms are usually cheaper, and though the view will be partially blocked by lifeboats or other structures, you'll enjoy the same natural light that will make the cabin feel brighter!
Fewer locations to choose from on newer ships
On newer vessels, oceanview cabins are often confined to the lower decks, as well as the forward and aft on higher decks. This means if you are booking a guaranteed cabin, you can narrow down your options and set expectations based on where you might end up.
Plus, oceanview cabins tend to be quiet, as they're located away from high-traffic areas. However, it's important to keep in mind that being located on the lower decks may mean a longer commute to some onboard amenities, like the lido deck.
On Celebrity Ascent, my oceanview cabin was located down a quiet hallway near the aft dining rooms on Deck 3, making dinner convenient. While close to the Grand Plaza, there wasn't any noise bleed, and I appreciated being able to walk to the Martini Bar for a quick nightcap.
Read more: Best rooms on a cruise ship: Deck, location, & category
Helps seasickness
Seasickness is an unfortunate side effect of cruising. However, staring at the horizon can be a surprisingly effective remedy for seasickness, which is when conflict arises between your eyes, the motion of the ship, and the vestibular system in your inner ear.
Looking at the horizon gives your brain a stable reference point. Since the horizon is fixed, your brain is able to reconcile the information from your eyes and inner ears, creating a sense of balance and minimizing the discomfort associated with seasickness.
Of course, there are other remedies you can use, such as over-the-counter medication (Bonine vs. Dramamine), acupressure bands, and ginger supplements. While onboard, you should also focus on drinking plenty of water, as staying hydrated can make a difference.
Read more: I tried the most common seasickness hacks to find out what works best
Great views for less
Perhaps the best part of staying in an oceanview room is, well, the view! While there's no denying the onboard amenities are a major draw of cruising, I could stare at the horizon for hours, and staying in a room with a view means you get to enjoy them from the comfort of your cabin.
In the morning, you can gaze out the window watching your ship pull into your next port of call. In fact, one of my favorite things is ordering room service for a relaxed breakfast before spending my day ashore. While continental breakfast is available free of charge to guests staying in all staterooms onboard, there's something special about sipping on coffee while taking in the views.
The views from balcony cabins will be more expansive, and you can step outside and breathe in the fresh air. However, those luxuries cost a premium on cruise ships, especially on vessels with fewer balcony staterooms. In comparison, staying in an oceanview cabin is a more affordable way to enhance your connection to the sea while onboard.
For example, an oceanview cabin on Carnival Vista starts at $1,089 in July 2025, whereas a balcony stateroom starts at $1,259.
While the difference isn't huge, it can add up quickly, especially if you're sailing with a large group. The extra $170 per person could go towards an exciting shore excursion, specialty dining meal, or other cruise add-on.
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 had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
