How to Choose the Right Cruise Cabin
Picking where you sleep at sea is just as important as picking the ship itself. Just as hotels are graded from 2-star budget stays to 5-star luxury properties, cruise lines and ships can be thought of in a similar “star rating” way—some are basic but good value, others are all-out premium or ultra-luxury. How to choose the right cruise cabin depends not only on your budget and travel style, but also on the overall “star level” of the cruise ship you’re sailing on. A modest inside cabin on a 5-star ship can feel very different from a balcony on a more budget-focused 3-star style ship.
Understanding Cruise Ship “Star Ratings” and Why They Matter
Cruise Lines vs. Hotels: A Useful Comparison
Hotels use 2, 3, 4, and 5-star ratings to signal what you can expect in terms of service, room size, amenities, and overall experience. Cruise lines don’t have a single universal rating system, but industry experts and reviewers often describe ships in similar tiers:
- “3-star style” cruise ships: Value-focused, simpler cabins, more basic included services.
- “4-star style” cruise ships: Mid-range comfort, more dining options, better cabin features.
- “5-star style” and above: Premium or luxury ships with higher space-per-guest, elevated service, and higher-end cabins.
How Ship Rating Affects Your Cabin Experience
On a higher-rated ship, even a standard inside or ocean view cabin may feel more refined—better bedding, quieter design, nicer bathrooms, and more thoughtful storage. On a budget-oriented ship, upgrading to a balcony may give you more space and fresh air, but not necessarily higher-end finishes. Knowing the “star style” of your ship helps you decide whether to:
- Book a simpler cabin on a better ship, or
- Book a higher-category cabin on a more budget-focused ship.
How to Choose the Right Cruise Cabin for Your Travel Style
Start with Your Priorities (Not Just the Price)
Before you look at deck plans, decide what matters most to you:
- Sleep quality (noise, motion, bed comfort)
- Views and outdoor space (windows vs. balcony vs. suite)
- Budget flexibility (are you willing to pay more for comfort?)
- Time spent in the cabin (are you an explorer or a relaxer?)
If you’re rarely in the room, an inside cabin on a well-rated ship might be perfect. If you love private downtime, the upgrade to a balcony on any “star level” of ship may be worth every cent.
Match Cabin Type to Your Personality
- Inside cabin: Best for budget-conscious travellers, heavy sleepers, and those who don’t mind any natural light.
- Ocean view cabin: Good for those who want daylight and a view but don’t need a balcony.
- Balcony cabin: Ideal for people who value private outdoor space, fresh air, and quiet time.
- Suite: Suits travellers who want extra space, perks, and a more “5-star hotel” feel.
Think of this as choosing between a standard room and a suite at a hotel: same property, very different in-room experience.
Cabin Types Explained: Inside, Ocean view, Balcony, and Suites
Inside Cabins
Inside cabins have no window or balcony. They are:
- The most affordable option
- Perfectly functional, often compact but well-designed
- Dark and quiet at night—great for sleeping
They’re a smart choice if your cruise ship is more “5-star style,” where even the smallest cabins feel well-thought-out.
Ocean view Cabins
Ocean view cabins have a porthole or picture window you cannot open. They:
- Offer natural light and a sense of space
- Cost more than inside cabins but less than balconies
- Are great if you get claustrophobic but don’t need outdoor space
On a more basic “3-star style” ship, an ocean view can be a sweet spot between cost and comfort.
Balcony Cabins
Balcony cabins offer a private veranda with seating. They:
- Provide fresh air, private views, and sunrise/sunset moments
- Give you a quiet space away from busy public decks
- Are especially valuable on scenic itineraries (fjords, Alaska, Mediterranean coastlines)
On a higher-rated ship, a balcony can feel like your own mini suite; on a budget ship, it might simply add outdoor space without luxury finishes.
Suites and Premium Cabins
Suites and premium categories vary widely, but typically include:
- Extra living space (separate sitting area or bedroom)
- Larger balconies or even wraparound verandas
- Priority boarding, butler or concierge service, and access to special venues
Think of these as the “5-star suite” equivalent on a ship of any star level.
Location, Location, Location: Where Your Cabin Is on the Ship
Midship vs. Forward vs. Aft
- Midship: Generally the most stable and comfortable in rough seas. Great for anyone prone to motion sickness.
- Forward (front): Can feel more motion, especially in rough seas. Good for those who like a sense of speed and drama.
- Aft (back): Often prized for wake views and large balconies, but may have more vibration and engine noise on some ships.
On a more premium ship, the engineers often do a better job with noise insulation and vibration control, but physics still applies—midship is usually calmest.
Deck Height Considerations
- Lower decks: Closer to the waterline, often with less motion. Fine, if you don’t mind being lower in the ship.
- Higher decks: Better views and faster access to top-deck attractions, but more motion in rough seas.
If you’re on a large, resort-style ship, higher decks may also be noisier near pools and public areas.
Avoiding Noisy Spots
Try not to book cabins directly above or below:
- Theatres or show lounges
- Nightclubs and bars
- Pool decks with early-morning chair setup
- Service areas or crew access corridors
Even on high “star style” ships, noise can be a factor if you’re in the wrong spot, so study the deck plan—both the deck above and below your chosen cabin.
Matching Your Cabin Choice to Your Itinerary and Cruise Ship
Scenic vs. “Sea Day” Cruises
- Scenic itineraries (Alaska, Norwegian fjords, river-like coastal routes): A balcony or at least an ocean view greatly enhances the experience.
- Port-intensive cruises (Mediterranean city hopping, Caribbean with many stops): You may spend more time onshore, so an inside or ocean view on a nicer-rated ship can be a smart choice.
Ask yourself: Will I be using my cabin mostly to sleep, or as a private viewing platform?
Short Breaks vs. Long Voyages
- Short cruises (3–5 nights): You can often tolerate a smaller, simpler cabin—especially if it saves money on excursions and dining.
- Longer voyages (7–14+ nights): Extra space, natural light, and a comfortable layout become more important. Investing in a mid-tier or higher cabin category on a 4- or 5-star-style ship can significantly improve your overall experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Cruise Cabin
Ignoring the Ship’s Overall “Star Style”
Focusing only on cabin type and price while ignoring the quality level of the ship can lead to disappointment. A basic cabin on a well-rated ship is often more satisfying than a fancy category on a lower-rated one.
Not Checking the Deck Plan Carefully
Guests often regret cabins near noisy venues, under overhanging decks that block sunlight, or near heavily used service areas. Always:
- Check what’s above and below your cabin
- Look for clusters of similar cabins (less chance of noise from public spaces)
Over- or Under-Spending on the Cabin
- Over-spending: Paying for a suite you barely use because you’re always on deck or ashore.
- Under-spending: Booking the cheapest inside cabin even though you know you hate small, windowless spaces.
Be honest about your habits. Your cabin is your home at sea—choose it as carefully as you would a hotel room you’ll stay in for a week or more.
From our own experience, our last cruise was a Viking Mediterranean itinerary where we booked a premium Explorer Suite right at the front of the ship. What we didn’t pay attention to was the exact location of the suite: it was directly above the main theatre. On the nights we wanted to turn in early, we had to contend with music and show noise drifting up from below.
All the main restaurants were also located at the rear of the ship, which meant that for every meal we had to walk the full length of the vessel—over 200 metres each way. It quickly became a bit of a trek, especially after long days in port.
And was the premium suite really worth it at more than double the price of a standard cabin? Honestly, not for this itinerary. The extra space was certainly nice to have, but on a Mediterranean cruise with port calls almost every day, we spent most of our time off the ship or out on deck. We ended up using very few of the “premium” features we’d paid for.
In hindsight, we feel that a premium suite makes far more sense on longer ocean voyages with multiple sea days, where you actually have time to relax in your cabin and enjoy the extra space and amenities. On a port‑intensive Mediterranean cruise, a well-located standard or balcony cabin would likely have been a better value.
For more general guidance on different cabin types and what to expect, check out the resources at Cruise Critic – Cruise Ship Cabins & Suites.
See our other cruise planning guides here
