Cruise ships have become increasingly popular over the years, offering an array of amenities and attractions for passengers to enjoy. One of the most important factors for passengers is choosing the right cabin. Basically cruise ships offer four types of cabins or staterooms: inside cabins, outside cabins, balcony cabins and suites.
Interior Cabin
An interior cabin is the most affordable cabin type and does not have any windows. These cabins are ideal for passengers who do not plan to spend much time in their room and prefer to spend their time exploring the ship’s amenities.
Interior cabins are typically smaller than other cabin types and can accommodate two passengers. Some cruise lines offer inside cabins with virtual windows. These cabins feature video screens that broadcast footage from outside the ship, giving you the illusion of having a window in your windowless cabin.
Ocean View Cabin
An ocean view cabin has a window or porthole that offers a view of the ocean. These cabins are ideal for passengers who want to enjoy the view from their cabin without paying for a balcony cabin. Ocean view cabins are slightly more expensive than interior cabins and can accommodate two to four passengers.
Balcony Cabin
A balcony cabin has a private balcony that allows passengers to enjoy the view and fresh air from the comfort of their cabin. These cabins are ideal for passengers who want to have their own private space to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Balcony cabins are larger than interior and ocean view cabins and can accommodate two to four passengers. While a balcony cabin in general offers amazing views from the sea, the Oasis Class ships and MSC Cruises’ World Europa feature balcony cabins overlooking the interior boardwalk of the ship.
Suites
A suite is the most luxurious cabin type and offers the most space and amenities. Cruise lines divide the suites up into mini suites, junior suites, sky suites, duplex suites,… Suites usually have a separate living area, a larger balcony, and a full-size bathroom. These cabins are ideal for passengers who want to enjoy the ultimate luxury and comfort on their cruise.
Most suites can accommodate two to four passengers. Other suites, like Royal Carbbean’s Ultimate Family Suite, can accommodate up to eight guests. On most new ships suites tend to be located in an exclusive, separate keycard-access-only area of the ship. With an all-inclusive price of $11,000 per night, the Regent Suite onboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the ultimate suite at sea!
Family Cabin
Family cabins are designed for families and can accommodate up to six passengers. These cabins usually have a separate bedroom for parents and a living area with a sofa bed and bunk beds for children. Family cabins are ideal for families who want to stay together and enjoy the cruise experience.
Connecting Cabin
Connecting cabins are two separate cabins that are connected by a door. Both cabins have a door, each with a lock. These cabins are ideal for families or groups of friends who want to stay together but still have their own private space. Connecting cabins can accommodate up to eight passengers.
Single Cabin
As more and more people are traveling solo, cruise line have introduced single cabins. These cabins are designed for guests who are traveling alone and offer a more affordable option than paying for a double occupancy cabin. Single cabins are usually smaller than other cabin types and can accommodate one passenger.
Norwegian Cruise Lines was the first to introduce accommodations specifically designed and priced for solo travelers. As a Studio guest you have exclusive key card access to the Studio Complex and Lounge. This shared private area is where solo travelers can relax, have a drink, order room service, watch the big-screen TV and meet their fellow solo travelers.
Accessible Cabin
Accessible cabins are designed for passengers with disabilities and offer a range of features to make their stay on the ship more comfortable. These cabins are equipped with wider doorways, grab bars, and other accessibility features to accommodate passengers with mobility impairments.
Choosing the right cabin on a cruise ship depends on your preferences and budget. Whether you are looking for a basic interior cabin or a luxurious suite, cruise ships offer a variety of cabin types to suit every traveler’s needs.