A Guide to Choosing Your Cabin

Inside staterooms are a great value-for-money option for guests looking to spend little time in their cabin. Well furnished and supremely comfortable, cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean offer variations on this room type, such as its Promenade Staterooms, which are inside cabins that overlook the Royal Promenade below.

While similar in size to an outside cabin, Inside Staterooms feature a mirror in place of a window, meaning no natural light is available. Guests must also consider that rooms large enough for families can be in high demand and tend to sell out quickly.

Available on most cruise ships, Outside Ocean View Staterooms offer guests an affordable option that’s ideal for those looking for a room with natural light. Lower prices can be found for rooms with obstructed views, and these are often located closer to the best areas of the ship, such as the dining and entertainment areas.

Rooms with clear ocean views can be expensive, and those rooms with an obstructed view can have parts of the ship, safety equipment, or lifeboats obscuring their window. Rooms large enough for families can also be in high demand and sell out quickly.

Large enough for families, Family Staterooms have high availability across family-focused cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises. Featuring multiple bedrooms and sufficient facilities, these rooms provide greater privacy and more comfortable living for larger groups while also keeping everyone connected.

These rooms are perfect for families with young children who aren’t old enough to occupy their own room. As a result, however, these rooms can be quite expensive and in high demand.

The same size as Outdoor Staterooms, Balcony Staterooms provide the option of fresh air whenever guests want it. As their name suggests, these rooms feature balconies that allow guests to relax in privacy whenever they like. 

This room type may have obstructed views, and the amount of sunlight each balcony receives will depend on where on the ship the cabin is located and the ship’s direction and position.

Providing the most space, Suite Staterooms typically feature separate living areas and multiple bedrooms, optimising comfort. Guests staying in suites also sometimes benefit from butler service, luxury amenities, and a private concierge, depending on the cruise line.

Suite guests also often enjoy exclusive access to certain areas on the ship, such as VIP lounges and private verandas. For example, Cunard grants suite guests access to its Grills Restaurants. The space and perks of this cabin type come at a high price, and demand can be high.

Disabled Staterooms are equipped for optimal accessibility, featuring larger entranceways, wet rooms, support rails, shower seats, and red emergency cords. Due to their specialist design, these rooms are limited in number on each ship and so can sell out quickly.

Perfect for families with older children, Interconnecting Staterooms allow guests to stay close together while saving money by booking two smaller rooms. Children and adults alike can enjoy greater privacy, making this one of the best cruise cabins for families. 

The utility of these rooms means they can be expensive and get booked up quickly.

What Facilities Are Included in Staterooms?

Cruise line staterooms include a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable cruising experience. Guests booking a stateroom can usually expect the following furnishings in their cabin:

• Hairdryer
• Television
• Telephone
• Fridge
• Safe
• Wardrobe
• Drawer space
• Air-conditioning
• Towels
• Toiletries

We advise that you contact your specific cruise provider to confirm the facilities included in your booked stateroom.

Is an Ocean View Worth It on a Cruise?

The price of a cruise cabin can often depend on whether the room provides an ocean view, and guests deciding whether to pay the difference need to consider whether they are likely to value this during their journey.

Travelling through the Mediterranean, for example, guests need to consider whether they are likely to spend a lot of time in their room. Some cruisers may want to enjoy the views from their window or sunbathe on their balcony, while others might prefer to make the most of their ship’s facilities.

What Are the Best Cruise Cabins for Families?

Cruising as a family often requires a cabin that is spacious and affordable, and different families will find that their perfect room type depends on the size, age, and preferences of their unit.

For example, younger families may benefit from a Family Stateroom, which offers space for young children to play while ensuring they are close enough to be cared for. Those with older children, however, may find an Interconnected Stateroom to be ideal, granting a degree of privacy and independence for teenagers and parents alike.

Can I Upgrade My Cruise Cabin?

Most cruise lines offer guests the opportunity to upgrade their cabin. This can usually be done by contacting your travel agent; however, this process may incur additional charges, and the success of upgrading strictly depends upon availability.

Get ready to book your next cruise getaway with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. A member of our team will be happy to assist you.