Dodge the Bow and Hit the Lottery: Tips for Snagging the Perfect Cruise Cabin

It's the dilemma that confronts everyone cruiser . You’ve selected your sailing and chosen your ship So, the following question is: Which cabin will grant you the most delightful dreams?

For the uninitiated, picking your perfect spot can be something of a minefield with the risk of ending up in the bowels of the ship close to the clanking anchor (not the best early morning wake-up call) or having your view obscured by a lifeboat directly outside the window.

Given that the biggest vessels can have up to 40 different lodging categories, it's quite common to get confused. However, the crucial thing to keep in mind is that these divide into only four primary types. types of cabin Or, as U.S. cruise lines often refer to them, staterooms, with all others being different versions of these.

1. Get familiar with the various kinds of cabins

Interior

Here are the most affordable cabins which do not feature windows—thus offering no views—but they include all the amenities found in the higher-grade rooms. Additionally, on newer cruise liners, their dimensions typically range from 130 square feet to 170 square feet and match those of pricier options. However, you might find them larger aboard somewhat dated ships compared to what’s available on the latest megaships like those operated by MSC Cruises. msccruises.co.uk and Norwegian Cruise Line ( ncl.com ), where they may be at the smaller end of the scale.

These cabins are perfect for visitors who do not plan to spend significant time inside them. However, those concerned about feeling confined might choose "virtual balconies" — available on certain Royal Caribbean International ships. royalcaribbean.com ) Ships feature interior staterooms with sizable monitors showing live vistas.Disney Cruise Line disneycruise.disney.go.com offers a comparable feature with virtual windows, although live scenes are enhanced with unexpected visits from Disney characters, allowing you to potentially spot Mickey riding the waves.

Top tip: On summer cruises to Norway and the Land of the Midnight Sun, these are ideal for ensuring you can slumber in total darkness when there’s no-stop daylight.

Oceanview

These aren’t as al fresco as you might think. However, they do have their own window or porthole, though these cannot be opened, so there’s no chance of sea breezes. Such cabins also tend to be on the lower decks.

Top tip: If you’re looking forward to a sea view, check that the window will not be obstructed by a lifeboat, which can be the case for midship cabins in this category.

Balcony

These highly sought-after cabins feature private outdoor areas and have become particularly favored among travelers. In recent years, their popularity has surged as numerous new vessels incorporate them; often making up about 60% of all rooms onboard. People who try one of these balcony cabins typically find themselves hooked. With many variations available, including an innovative take offered by Celebrity Cruises, the range of choices continues to grow. celebritycruises.com Infinite Veranda on their latest Edge-class vessels features this innovative design. Drawing inspiration from river cruises, the cabin window slides downward when activated, transforming into an open-air Juliet balcony enclosed by folding glass doors that can separate the space from the interior of the room.

Top tip: If you adore oceanic landscapes and particularly enjoy sailing through the Norwegian fjords, Canada, and Alaska, this is an essential choice. These routes offer breathtaking views that can be appreciated right from your personal area, with the added luxury of enjoying meals on your balcony as well.

Suites

The pinnacle of cabin options provides ample room along with distinct spaces for sleeping and lounging. However, these can vary greatly; they range from what some call "mini-suites," which essentially expand upon standard balcony cabins, all the way up to duplexes, lofts, and expansive luxury suites larger than many houses, complete with amenities like personal butlers, individual plunge pools, Jacuzzis, and extensive panoramic terraces. Recently, P&O Cruises introduced innovations within this tier. pocruises.com Conservatory Mini-Suites featuring a sunroom along with bifold doors that lead out to the balcony.

Additional luxurious getaways encompass Norwegian Cruise Line’s trio of three-bedroom Garden Villas, boasting the biggest accommodations aboard ships spanning over 6,500 square feet, complete with personal terraces, exclusive dining spaces, and hot tubs. As for opulence, one must consider luxury cruise operator Regent Seven Seas Cruises. rssc.com The two-bedroom Regent Suites offer approximately 4,000 square feet of space and feature a personal spa where guests can enjoy unlimited free in-room treatments. Each suite includes a bespoke king-sized bed, a custom-built Steinway piano, and artwork from renowned artists such as Picasso adorning the walls. While these luxurious accommodations come with an eye-watering cost of about $11,000 per night (£9,100), they frequently sell out due to their desirability.

Top tip: Penthouses are typically located at the highest point of the vessel, offering prime vistas, particularly towards the bow — however, those prone to motion sickness should take caution as these areas can become quite uncomfortable during rough waters.

2. Location is key

The primary determinant for differing costs and quality levels among various cabin types is their location aboard the vessel. Generally speaking, less costly accommodations are situated lower down on the ship, whereas pricier ones are located higher up. Cruise lines often mention that they typically sell out the highest-end cabins along with those offering budget-friendly options first, leaving the middle-range categories to fill afterward.

The most affordable lower deck staterooms can typically be located at the rear of the vessel, potentially subject to engine noise and vibrations (although these issues tend to be less significant on newer cruise liners). Alternatively, they might be situated toward the bow, close to areas housing docking equipment.

Examine the ship layout on the website or in the brochure as there may be structural quirks where some cabins have more space or larger balconies than their neighbours, while those directly at the fore and aft not only boast unobstructed views, but have a distinct and potentially more spacious layout.

Think about what ship facilities you want to be close to. Spa fans wanting to immerse themselves in the ship’s thermal suites could opt for a special spa cabin that includes various pampering benefits, easy access and even complimentary treatments as part of the package. Alternatively, if you’re a gym bunny, book a cabin that’s close to the fitness facilities.

Families might want to be nearer to children’s clubs and facilities for ease of access, while passengers not wanting to walk too far (especially on larger ships) should opt for cabins near the lifts and restaurants to save having the slog of traversing seemingly-endless corridors.

However, if you’re sensitive to noise, then steer away from such cabins as there will be more guests coming and going. Choose a cabin that is surrounded by others – both top and bottom – as this avoids the prospect of being underneath the pool deck, and enduring the noise of chairs scraping along above you, or close to the nightclub with its accompanying late night thump of music.

It’s also worth avoiding cabins with an inter-connecting door if you’re not booking both rooms as noise travels more easily between the two, and make sure you’re not close to the ship’s self-service launderette (if it has one), otherwise you’ll hear other passengers going to and fro.

If you're worried about experiencing seasickness, opt for a cabin located near the midpoint on a lower deck since these areas are closer to the center of the vessel and thus experience less movement. This can make your journey smoother and reduce queasiness. If you desire some fresh air and want to enjoy ocean vistas, choosing one with a balcony might also assist; viewing the horizon reportedly helps alleviate motion sickness symptoms.

3. Secret suites

Tony Andrews, deputy managing director for online cruise specialist Cruise.co.uk suggests that if newcomers are uncertain about which lodging option suits them best, it might be beneficial for them to start with an interior cabin. This way, they can determine whether they tend to spend most of their time aboard the vessel, suggesting that investing extra in a nicer room may not be as crucial for them.

Nevertheless, he notes that the cost difference between inside and oceanview staterooms might not be as significant as one imagines. "The disparity could amount to just about £10 extra per individual each night," he clarified. "Moving up from there to a balcony cabin would likely add at least £50 more pp pn, whereas upgrading further to a suite might tack on an additional £100-£150 pp pn. However, these figures serve merely as broad estimates due to considerable variability."

"My top advice for guests is to examine the ship’s deck plan carefully when selecting a cabin. Don't solely focus on its position along the deck; also consider what spaces are located directly above and beneath it," Andrews said.

Whether you're choosing a suite, the same guidelines still hold true. The key factors are location and understanding your surroundings. Contemporary cruise vessels aren’t necessarily constructed in perfect symmetry; some have mid-ship protrusions causing certain balcony staterooms to have views directly into neighboring balconies," he explained. "The same issue can occur when rooms are staggered, resulting in lower-level accommodations being visible from upper decks.

Cabins located near the middle part of the ship usually come with higher prices because they offer proximity to key facilities. However, according to Andrews, opting for accommodations slightly toward the stern or bow could result in cost reductions.

It's important to mention that on luxury lines like Celebrity Cruises, celebritycruises.com and Oceania Cruises oceaniacruises.com ), the cabins are notably larger and more spacious. When you move up to "Six-Star" status with luxury liners, they exclusively offer suites, contributing to the higher starting prices of these cruises compared to those from mainstream cruise companies.

Nevertheless, travelers seeking an attractive bargain might choose a guaranteed stateroom assigned randomly by the cruise line. The downside of this option is that you won't have control over the cabin’s location and might only learn about your specific room upon arrival at the port. On the bright side, though, there's potential to receive a cabin that is three or four categories above what was initially reserved—though never below—and thus, those who aren't particular about their exact accommodations might consider this risk worthwhile.

The article was initially released in August 2022 and has since undergone revisions and updates.

Subscribe to the Front Page newsletter at no cost: Your daily must-read overview of The Telegraph’s schedule - delivered right to your mailbox every single day of the week.