First-Time Cruiser Guide
Which Cruise Cabin Should I Choose?
This is one of those questions where my answer is always:
It depends on how you plan to cruise.
Because every cabin will get you on the same ship. But baby, every cabin is NOT giving the same experience. 😂
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THE SHORT ANSWER
If your budget allows it, I usually recommend that first-time cruisers start with at least an Ocean View cabin.
Why?
On many ships, a standard Interior cabin is the most basic room category. It gets the job done, but it may not have a sofa or much extra sitting space.
An Ocean View cabin will often give you a little more room to work with, plus a window so you can actually peek outside and remember you are, in fact, on a ship.
That little bit of extra space can make a difference, especially when two or more people are sharing the cabin.
Now, every ship is designed differently, so this is not a guarantee. Always look at the actual cabin layout for your specific ship.
Interior Cabin
Interior cabins are usually the least expensive option.
No window. No balcony. Just you, your cabin, and absolutely no clue whether it’s 8 a.m. or 2 in the afternoon until you check your phone. 😂
For somebody trying to cruise for the lowest possible price, an Interior can be a great choice.
And if you truly only plan to sleep, shower, and change clothes in the cabin, you may not care about having a view.
But if this is your first cruise and the price difference is reasonable, I personally like giving you a little more room.
Ocean View Cabin
This is probably my favorite starting point for first-time cruisers who want to watch their budget without going completely basic.
You get a window or porthole, depending on the cabin and ship.
On many ships, Ocean View cabins also have a little more living space than standard Interiors, sometimes including a sofa or sitting area.
You cannot open the window, but you can see the ocean, check the weather, and get some natural light.
Balcony Cabin
Now we getting somewhere. 😂
A Balcony cabin gives you your own private outdoor space.
Morning coffee outside. Sitting on the balcony while the ship pulls into port. Watching the ocean before dinner.
If the budget works, I love a Balcony.
But I do not believe you have to book one to enjoy your cruise.
I would rather put you in a good Ocean View on a ship that fits you than stretch your budget just so we can say you have a balcony.
Suite
Suites give you more space and may come with extra perks depending on the cruise line and ship.
They are great for travelers who want more room, upgraded accommodations, or simply want to treat themselves.
But for most first-time cruisers, you do not need a suite unless the budget and experience you want call for it.
Location Matters Too
Cabin category is only part of the decision.
Where your cabin is located on the ship matters too.
Forward, midship, or aft. Higher deck or lower deck. Near elevators or farther away. Above the theater. Below the pool deck.
All of that can affect your experience.
If you are worried about motion, I usually start by looking at cabins closer to the middle of the ship and on lower to mid-level decks.
If noise is a concern, I pay attention to what is directly above and below your cabin.
This is exactly why I tell people that choosing a cabin is more than clicking whatever pops up first.
Still need help choosing the right cruise?