When planning your first cruise or considering an upgrade for your next voyage, understanding the different types of cruise ship cabins is crucial to making the right choice for your budget and preferences. Cruise ships offer a diverse range of staterooms, each designed to meet different needs and price points. From the most economical inside cabins to the most luxurious suites, each category provides a unique experience at sea.
Top tip: Most cruise lines insist on calling cabins ‘staterooms’. No, we don’t know either.
Inside Staterooms: The Most Budget-Friendly Option
Inside staterooms, also known as interior cabins, represent the most economical choice for cruise accommodation. These cabins are typically the smallest available, averaging around 150 to 185 square feet (14 to 17 square metres), and are positioned in the interior corridors of the ship without any exterior windows or ocean views.
Despite their compact size, inside staterooms come equipped with all the standard amenities you’d expect from a cruise cabin. According to Princess Cruises, every room includes a dedicated stateroom attendant, daily cleaning service, climate control, luxury bedding, flat-panel television, ample closet space, hair dryer, and an in-room safe. These cabins often accommodate three to four people and can be found on various cruise lines for remarkably affordable rates.
Real-world pricing demonstrates just how budget-friendly these accommodations can be. Recent examples show inside cabins available for as little as £76 per night on Carnival Magic[1], £126 per night on Norwegian Sun[2], and £132 per night on Azamara Onward[3]. For budget-conscious travellers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship’s amenities and destinations rather than relaxing in their room, inside staterooms offer exceptional value.
The main drawbacks of inside cabins include their limited space and complete lack of natural light or ocean views. However, some cruise lines have addressed this limitation with innovative solutions – Royal Caribbean[4] offers “virtual balcony” cabins featuring floor-to-ceiling HD display screens with real-time views of the ocean and surrounding scenery. Not that that helps on a ‘scenic cruising’ day.
Our take: If you’re willing to sacrifice the view, an inside cruise ship cabins are an excellent choice for a truly budget cruise holiday.
Ocean View Staterooms: Natural Light at a Reasonable Price
Ocean view staterooms (also called outside or sea view cabins) provide the perfect middle ground between budget and luxury. These accommodations feature either a rectangular window or round porthole that offers natural light and ocean views whilst maintaining a more affordable price point compared to balcony rooms.
Ocean view cabins are typically the same size as their balcony counterparts, averaging around 200 square feet, and can be located on virtually any deck of the ship. They include all standard amenities such as television, mini-fridge, coffee maker, and the same bathroom facilities found in other cabin categories.
The key advantage of ocean view staterooms lies in their exceptional value proposition. They provide the psychological benefits of natural light and ocean views at a fraction of the cost of balcony accommodations. The price difference between ocean view and balcony cabins can be hundreds of pounds or more, making them an attractive option for travellers who want some connection to the outside world without the premium cost.
However, it’s worth noting that ocean view cabins are becoming increasingly rare on modern cruise ships. On some vessels, only 6% of cabins are ocean view, whilst 65% feature balconies. This scarcity can make ocean view cabins more difficult to secure, but also means they often represent excellent value when available.
Our take: Ocean view cabins are a trade-off between an interior cabin and a balcony. Yes, you get natural light in your cruise ship cabin, but you can’t always look directly out the window. All too often, your bed will be positioned in front of the window – the only way to see out is to kneel on the bed or other furniture. Which then begs the question, why bother?
Balcony Staterooms: Private Outdoor Space
Balcony staterooms have become the most popular and prevalent cabin type on modern cruise ships, offering guests their own private outdoor space with unobstructed ocean views. These accommodations typically start at 200 square feet of interior space, plus an additional private balcony that extends the living area outdoors.
The appeal of balcony cabins lies in their versatility and the sense of space they provide. The floor-to-ceiling windows and doors to the balcony make the interior feel larger and brighter, whilst the private outdoor area offers a perfect spot for morning coffee, sunset watching, or simply enjoying the fresh sea air in privacy[6]. Many cruise lines offer complimentary continental breakfast room service, making balcony dining a particularly appealing option.
Balcony staterooms are especially valuable on certain itineraries. For scenic routes like Alaska cruises[5] or Norwegian fjord scenic cruising[6], where wildlife viewing and glacier spotting are highlight experiences, having a private outdoor vantage point can significantly enhance the journey. Similarly, for longer cruises with multiple sea days, the balcony provides a peaceful retreat away from the sometimes crowded public deck areas.
Warning: Not all balcony cabins are equal – some have restricted views, usually because of deck equipment like lifeboats and tenders. Paying an uplift for one of these staterooms may not be worth the extra expenditure.
Warning 2: Some of the new megaships like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas[7] offer balconies that look onto an inner plaza – which means you won’t see the sea at all. Again, the additional cost of one of these cruise ship cabins is questionable.
However, the premium for balcony accommodation can be substantial, and the value depends heavily on individual usage patterns and itinerary. For cruises with limited sea days or in destinations where you’ll spend most time ashore, the additional cost may not justify the benefits.
Our take: For us, a balcony is the bare minimum, even for voyages to polar regions[8]. There’s nothing better than being able to stare at endless sea (or craggy coastline) from the comfort of your own balcony. It’s also much easier to enjoy sunrise, sunset and aurora displays when you don’t have to go traipsing through the ship to get out on deck.
Mini-Suites: Enhanced Space and Comfort
Mini-suites bridge the gap between standard cruise ship cabins and full suites, offering significantly more space and upgraded amenities without the premium price tag of the largest accommodations. Princess Cruises[9] describes their mini-suites as providing “a blend of luxury and comfort, with expanded living areas and more space than a balcony room”.
These accommodations typically feature separate seating areas, more extensive storage solutions, and enhanced bathroom facilities. Many mini-suites also include upgraded amenities such as premium bath products, upgraded bedding, and sometimes priority reservations for speciality dining.
For cruise lines like Princess that offer Reserve Collection mini-suites, guests receive additional perks including priority speciality dining reservations, a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival, evening canapés delivered to the stateroom, and upgraded bathrobes. These enhanced services provide a more personalised cruise experience without the significant cost jump to full suite accommodation.
Our take: We’ve been lucky enough to try the Mini Suites on Princess a couple of times and found them to be excellent. The inclusion of a bath tub is nice, but the real winner is the additional sofa, providing a place to sit and relax in your cabin stateroom other than the bed or balcony. If you can afford it, the extra space is great.
Luxury Suites: The Ultimate in Cruise Accommodation
At the pinnacle of cruise accommodation are the luxury suites, which can range from spacious one-bedroom layouts to spectacular multi-level penthouses spanning thousands of square feet. These accommodations represent the most expensive option, but also provide an entirely different level of service and amenities.
Entry-level suites typically offer spacious living areas, separate bedrooms, premium bathroom facilities with full-size bathtubs, and large private balconies. Premium suite categories can include extraordinary amenities such as private pools, saunas, steam rooms, personal gyms, and dedicated butler service.
The pricing for luxury suites varies dramatically based on cruise line, ship, and specific suite category. Examples from high-end cruise lines show costs ranging from approximately £6,000 per night for suites like Silversea[10]‘s Otium Suite or Seabourn[11]‘s Grand Wintergarden Suite, up to an extraordinary $25,000 per night for Regent Seven Seas’ upcoming Skyview Regent Suite[12].
Princess Cruises offers their premium Sanctuary Collection suites, which include access to exclusive areas like the Sanctuary Club top deck, the Sanctuary Restaurant, and comprehensive Princess Premier benefits including unlimited beverages, speciality dining, and premium Wi-Fi service. These suites are available on their newest ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess, and represent the cruise line’s most luxurious offering.
The most extravagant suites can span multiple levels and thousands of square feet. Four Seasons Yachts’ upcoming Funnel Suite will measure 9,601 square feet across four stories, including its own elevator, private chef’s kitchen, and outdoor gym facilities. Such accommodations blur the line between cruise cabin and luxury residential living.
Our take: If you’ve got the cash to splash, a suite must be fantastic. However, the uplift in cost could potentially pay for two or more cruises. Personally, we would choose the additional voyages over butler service every time.
Choosing the Right Cruise Ship Cabins for Your Needs
The decision between different stateroom categories ultimately depends on your budget, cruise style, and personal preferences. Inside staterooms remain the most economical choice for travellers who view their cabin primarily as a place to sleep and store belongings. These rooms are particularly suitable for active cruisers who spend most of their time exploring the ship’s public areas and destinations.
Ocean view staterooms provide an excellent middle ground, offering natural light and ocean views without the premium cost of balcony accommodation. They’re ideal for guests who appreciate a connection to the outside world but don’t necessarily need private outdoor space.
Balcony staterooms justify their premium for travellers who value private outdoor space, especially on scenic itineraries or longer cruises with multiple sea days. They’re also excellent for guests who prefer room service dining or need a quiet retreat from busy public areas.
Mini-suites and full suites cater to guests seeking enhanced space, premium amenities, and personalised service. The investment becomes more worthwhile for longer cruises, special occasions, or when travelling with family groups who can benefit from the additional space and amenities.
When selecting your stateroom, consider factors such as your itinerary (scenic routes favour balconies), length of cruise (longer voyages justify suite upgrades), travel companions (families benefit from additional space), and how you typically spend time onboard. The ship’s age and design also matter – older vessels often have fewer balcony options but more competitively priced ocean view alternatives.
Regardless of which cruise ship cabins you choose, modern ships ensure that all guests have access to the same excellent dining, entertainment, and onboard experiences. The stateroom category simply determines your private retreat and the level of personalised service you’ll receive during your voyage.
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References
- ^ Carnival Magic (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Norwegian Sun (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Azamara Onward (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Royal Caribbean (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Alaska cruises (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Norwegian fjord scenic cruising (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas (www.awin1.com)
- ^ polar regions (www.journeyintodarkness.co.uk)
- ^ Princess Cruises (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Silversea (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Seabourn (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Regent Seven Seas’ upcoming Skyview Regent Suite (www.awin1.com)
- ^ Affiliate Disclosure Policy (www.journeyintodarkness.co.uk)