Cabins

I've been cruising in cruise ship balcony cabins for over two decades, and they're my favorite rooms onboard because I get a front-row seat to all the mesmerizing ocean views during my sailing! I love waking up to the gentle sound of the waves and watching as the ship pulls into the next port of call. I'm not alone, either. Balcony cabins are among the most popular staterooms on any cruise ship. 

Selecting your cruise ship room is almost as important as choosing the right ship. From budget-friendly interior cabins to lavish suites, each option offers a unique experience that can make or break your cruise vacation. 

Two popular stateroom categories are inside and ocean view. While the latter provides views of the ocean and ports of call through a picture window, interior cabins lack natural light. 

Cruise ships have three categories of standard cabins: interior, oceanview, and balcony. Interior rooms are usually the smallest cabins onboard and lack sunlight since they don't have any windows. As such, oceanview and balcony staterooms are popular for cruisers who enjoy natural light and beautiful ocean views. But how do you decide which cruise ship cabin is best for your family? 

After you have picked the perfect cruise ship and itinerary, you will have to decide what stateroom you want. From interior cabins with no windows to expansive suites that come with some pretty neat perks, you will have a lot of different choices!

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.

Choosing the right cabin for your cruise vacation is as important as selecting the right ship. From tiny interior staterooms to lavish suites, there are a variety of options available. When booking, it's important to establish your budget and evaluate your expectations for your cabin experience. 

Let's assume, for example, you're a family of five excited to go on your first-ever cruise. Most cruise ship cabins accommodate a maximum of four passengers, so you'll either have to split your family into two separate staterooms or book a larger cabin. 

You booked that cheap inside room, but you’d love to have a free or cheap cabin upgrade. Is it possible to get a cruise ship cabin upgrade for free? 

“Unfortunately there is no secret password or magic wand that will guarantee an upgraded stateroom without actually paying for one,” says Beci Mahnken, president and CEO of MEI-Travel, and a travel agent with the inside scoop. “Complimentary upgrades are not very common in the current cruise climate.”

When booking a cruise, you might be overwhelmed by all the cabin options. Sometimes, it is not as easy as simply choosing an interior or balcony. There might be different room categories and layouts, ranging from spacious rooms that are able to accommodate larger families to balconies that overlook the interior of the ship versus the ocean.