Pick My Cabin

A simple guide to the world of cruise cabins.

Pick My Cabin — a simple guide to the world of cruise cabins

60-second quiz Not sure which cabin type is right for you? Find your cabin type →

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Cabin guide

Which cabin type is actually right for you?

Every cruise line uses its own brand names, but almost all cabins fall into four basic types. Here's what each one actually means, plus the premium enclaves worth knowing about and the terms you'll see in reviews.

The four cabin types

Interior

$

No window — fully enclosed, usually toward the middle of the ship. Some newer ships add a screen showing a live outside view ("virtual balcony").

Typically 120–185 sq ft

Oceanview

$$

A real window or porthole, but no door — you can't step outside. Natural light without balcony prices. Check for an obstructed view before booking.

Typically 150–200 sq ft

Balcony

$$$

A private outdoor space, usually with two chairs and a small table. The most popular category for a reason — fresh air and a view of every port.

Typically 175–250 sq ft, plus balcony

Suite

$$$$

Significantly more space, often a separate bedroom or lounge, and a bigger balcony. Perks vary hugely by line — a "suite" isn't the same experience everywhere.

Typically 300 sq ft and up

Premium enclaves by cruise line

Above standard suites, several lines run a "ship within a ship" — its own restaurant, lounge, sun deck, sometimes a private pool.

CunardGrill SuitesPrincess Grill and Queens Grill — dedicated dining and a more exclusive feel throughout the ship. Full grade breakdown →
Norwegian Cruise LineThe HavenA private complex with its own pool deck, restaurant, and 24-hour butler service. Full grade breakdown →
MSC CruisesYacht ClubPrivate restaurant, lounge and sun deck, plus butler service. Full grade breakdown →
Celebrity CruisesThe RetreatSuite guests get a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck. Full grade breakdown →
Royal CaribbeanStar ClassTop-tier suites with a dedicated genie (concierge) and exclusive areas. Full grade breakdown →
Princess CruisesSuite ClassPriority perks and a dedicated lounge on select ships. Full grade breakdown →
Disney Cruise LineConciergeA private lounge, dedicated concierge team, and expanded suite perks. Full grade breakdown →

Explore every cruise line

A full, grade-by-grade breakdown for each line — what's included at every level, from the most affordable cabin to the top suite.

Terms worth knowing

Midship
The middle of the ship — generally the most stable, with the least motion.
Forward / Aft
Toward the front (forward, or bow) or back (aft, or stern) of the ship.
Muster station
Your assigned safety assembly point, listed on your cabin door and key card.
Obstructed view
A window or balcony partly blocked, often by a lifeboat or the ship's own structure.
Guarantee cabin
You book a category without picking an exact cabin — the line assigns one before sailing, sometimes as a free upgrade.
Connecting cabins
Two cabins with an internal connecting door — useful for families or groups travelling together.

Now you know what to look for

See what real travellers actually experienced, cabin by cabin.

Line guide

Exact inclusions — drinks packages, gratuities, specific perks — can change between ships and sailings. Confirm current details with the line or your travel agent before booking; this page describes the general grade structure, not a specific sailing's pricing.

Ready to see real cabins?

Find your cabin type

A few quick questions

Answer these and we'll point you toward the cabin type that fits how you actually cruise.

Drinks packages

How do cruise line drinks packages compare?

A general comparison of what each line's beverage package typically includes. Names, inclusions, gratuity handling and prices change often and vary by ship, sailing and promotion — always confirm current details with the line or your travel agent before booking.

WiFi plans

How do cruise line WiFi plans compare?

A general comparison of what each line's internet package typically includes. Names, inclusions and prices change often and vary by ship, sailing and promotion — always confirm current details with the line or your travel agent before booking.

Gratuities

How do cruise line gratuities compare?

A general comparison of each line's automatic daily gratuity or service charge. This is separate from the gratuity already baked into most beverage package prices (see the Drinks Packages page) — rates increase periodically and vary by cabin category, so always confirm current details with the line or your travel agent before booking.

Promotions

What cruise line promotions are currently running?

A snapshot of each line's flagship current offer for both the US and UK markets — , refreshed automatically on the 1st of every month. Sales change constantly and often expire or get replaced within weeks, so treat this as a starting point, not a live feed — always confirm the current offer directly with the line or your travel agent before booking.