How to choose a stateroom

Planning a cruise holiday but not sure which type of stateroom to book? You’re not alone - it can all seem a bit daunting if you haven’t travelled on the sea before. A lot will depend on your budget, needs, how many people you’re travelling with - and even how well you handle the motion of the ocean.

While staterooms vary between cruise lines, most ships offer a few standard categories. Here’s our handy guide to the most common room types.

These staterooms get their name from being located in the interior of the ship, funnily enough. As you’d expect, they have no windows, but they’re a great option if budget is a consideration or if you’re the social type who’d rather be at the pool, the bar, watching a movie or exploring a port than reading in your room. Perfect for those who like a dark room for a good night’s sleep. Some Royal Caribbean ships offer a virtual outside window, which is a large LED screen showing an outside view of the ship.

These are a great intermediate option between Interior and Oceanview. You will have a window, but the view outside may be obstructed by a lifeboat or some of the ship infrastructure. They still have the same great amenities in your room, but the lack of a full view can make them much cheaper while still giving you a peep of the world outside.

These rooms are often similar in size to interior cabins but come with a picture window or porthole offering a view of the sea. Sometimes referred to as outside staterooms, they offer more natural light and a peek at the world outside. The window size can vary – from small portholes to large panes that take up a good part of the exterior wall - great for checking out what the weather is doing at your next port of call.

The clue’s in the name – with a private balcony, you can feel like you’re almost on the water itself. On a calm day, it’s the perfect spot for a morning coffee or evening sundowner. These rooms are especially worthwhile if fresh air and scenery is part of the appeal of your trip – think Alaskan glaciers or the fjords of Norway. Some cruises are all about hopping from one exciting port to the next, while others are just as much about the spectacular journey in between.

Suites are usually the top-tier option, and there is often quite a bit of variation within the category itself. More spacious than other staterooms - and with separate living areas - they come with balconies and a range of extras, from upgraded furnishings and luxury amenities to priority services, butlers, and access to exclusive areas of the ship.

These are often available in all room categories and make for a much more enjoyable family space so everyone is not piled in together. It is essentially two adjoining identical rooms with an inter-connecting door. Perfect for extended family groups plus you get the benefit of more storage space and a second bathroom. A great option if you can’t stretch the budget to a suite.

Inspired to set sail on a journey like no other? Discover the world from a new perspective, with endless horizons and unforgettable destinations. Connect with our cruise specialists today and start planning your dream voyage!