best interior room on cruise ship

Is an Interior Cabin Right for Your Cruise?

By: Author Carrie Ann Karstunen

Posted on Published: January 22, 2020  - Last updated: December 18, 2022

Are you planning a cruise on a budget? An interior cabin can be a great way to save money. Some cruisers love inside cabins, but others despise them. How can you know if an inside stateroom is right for you if you haven’t tried one before?

I’ve cruised in many types of stateroom, from insides to mini-suites, and I don’t mind inside cabins at all. Actually, I really like them. But some people can’t stand interior staterooms!

I’ve talked to a lot of other cruisers to find out what types of people should book an inside cabin (and who should not).

What is an interior cabin on a cruise?

Interior, or inside staterooms are cabins without a view to the outside of the ship. A basic interior cabin is usually the smallest and least expensive stateroom category that you can book.

Some cruise ships offer some larger interior cabins—such as a family inside cabin—that will comfortably sleep more people.

Inside cabins are located in the center of the ship, away from the ship’s exterior walls. Interior cabins on most cruise ships will range from about 150 to 185 square feet of space.

Many interior cabins will have two single beds or one double (the steward pushes the twin beds together to make one bed). There’s often just enough room to walk around the bed area, and not very much “living” space.

Some insides can sleep more than two people, with pull-down beds that your steward will set up each night.

Inside staterooms usually feature two nightstands, a desk and chair, a closet, and a small bathroom.

Be sure to look at the floor plan and capacity of your stateroom on the cruise line’s website before booking. These can vary even between different ships of the same line.

Tip: Some cruise lines now offer virtual balconies on select ships, like Royal Caribbean, or virtual portholes on some Disney ships. Your inside cabin might feel a little more connected to the outside with this technology.

Who should book an interior cabin?

Inside staterooms aren’t for everybody. However, if a few of these things sound like you, you might want to book an inside stateroom:

You’re sensitive to light when you’re trying to sleep

I’m super-sensitive to light when I’m sleeping. At home, I wake up the second the sun comes up, or if someone turns on a light in the hallway. An inside cabin is DARK. Like seriously dark. I mean, you can turn on the lights—but when they’re switched off, it’s pitch black no matter what time it is.

This is great if you’re a night owl and you want to sleep in, or if you’re planning on napping during the day. Just be sure to pick a stateroom in a quiet location. Your travel agent can help with this, or look at the ship’s deck maps and choose a cabin that has other rooms (not restaurants, bars, or the theater) above and below you, as well as next door. Cruise cabin walls, floors, and ceilings are not very soundproof, so location is crucial to have a quieter experience.

If you’re cruising to an area with “midnight sun” during the summer, such as Scandinavia or Alaska, an inside cabin may be a good idea if you’re light-sensitive.

To prevent yourself from smashing into the edge of the desk or tripping over shoes in the middle of the night, consider packing a nightlight. I like this portable nightlight with a motion-sensor setting .

(Read my recommendations for the best cruise accessories to pack for simple ways to make your cruise experience even more amazing.)

You won’t spend much time in your stateroom

If your cruise is port-intensive, you probably won’t spend much time in your room. Even on a cruise with lots of sea days, you’ll find yourself exploring the ship and its many activities and dining options.

Some newer ships are packed with active attractions like waterslides and go-karts, but older ships and cruise lines that cater to a more mature demographic still have plenty of activities that you won’t want to miss.

From enrichment lectures and production shows, dance lessons and trivia games, to lively casinos and bars, there’s always something for everyone going on on a cruise ship.

Tip: If you have an inside stateroom, turn on the bridge cam on your television in the morning to see what the outside conditions look like when you’re getting ready for the day.

You’re prone to motion sickness / seasickness

If you tend to suffer from motion sickness or get seasick, an inside cabin, midship, on a lower deck is the most stable place to be. You won’t feel the rocking of the ship as much if your room is located in this area.

Cruise ships can rock side-to-side and front-to-back, and being at the center point (inside, midship) of either of these axes will make it feel like less movement is going on. Imagine sitting on a long see-saw. The closer you sit to the axis at the center, the less motion you feel when the see-saw is moving, right?

The same idea applies when you’re on a lower deck. The higher you are on the ship, the more motion you’ll feel.

Most of the time, you probably won’t feel much motion on a cruise. Modern cruise ships have stabilizers that reduce a lot of the rocking that you’d feel on a smaller ship. The Captain will also try to avoid serious storms that could cause the ship to rock or pitch. But weather can be unpredictable, and occasionally you will find yourself cruising through rough seas.

Check the deck maps on your cruise line’s website to make sure your cabin is in the right location before you book. Or, just mention this preference to your travel agent when you’re booking, and they should be able to find you a cabin in the right spot.

Read more: How to Avoid Getting Seasick on a Cruise

You’re not planning on ordering room service often

If you know you want to treat yourself to room service often during your cruise (and why not? It’s often free, especially for breakfast!), an inside stateroom may not be the best cabin for you.

The typical inside stateroom doesn’t have a table to eat at, or more than one chair. You’ll be forced to put the service tray on a shelf and eat at the desk, or on the bed, or standing up.

Wondering how room service and dining in general works on a cruise? I explain it all in What New Cruisers Don’t Know About Cruise Food & Drinks .

You’ve cruised with the same cruise line several times before

Most cruise lines have a loyalty program that rewards repeat passengers with some pretty nice perks. Think free laundry service, priority embarkation, or a free mini-bar setup.

When you book an inside stateroom, you’ll accrue loyalty points just as quickly as other stateroom categories (except full suites – they often get extra loyalty credit).

Plus, you’ll get your benefits on each cruise when you’ve reached that loyalty tier, whether you’re sailing in an inside stateroom or a full suite.

You don’t require lots of space

The average inside stateroom is the smallest category of room (except for solo cabins, which are a rarity in the cruise world).

As long as you’re a light packer, you’ll find the closet and shelving in an inside cabin to be more than adequate to fit all of your stuff, even for two or three people.

If you don’t mind just having the bare minimum of floor space, and not many places to sit other than on the bed, an inside stateroom may be all you need.

Not all inside staterooms are teeny-tiny, though. Some cruise lines have various categories of inside staterooms that are quite spacious in comparison.

Tip: unpack as soon as your suitcases arrive in your room and stow the empty cases under the bed. Ask your steward for more hangers if you need them. This will make your small space feel a bit roomier.

You’re a solo traveler

If you’re planning to travel on your own, be aware that cruise lines’ advertised prices are usually based on double occupancy. Solo cruisers need to pay a single supplement to stay in a double room, which is usually charged at 100%.

A few cruise lines (notably Norwegian) offer a limited amount of solo studio staterooms, which are smaller than the average inside cabin. These don’t come with a solo surcharge, but they are VERY small.

If the cruise ship you want to sail on doesn’t have solo cabins, an interior cabin will be your cheapest option. The room may even feel more spacious if you remember that usually two or more people share them.

You want to save lots of money!

Interior cabins are a budget-friendly way to cruise . Balcony cabins on the same sailing may cost two or even three times more than an inside stateroom.

Although a larger stateroom would be nice, remember you’re on the same ship, traveling to the same ports. You’ll have access to the same free activities and dining venues as passengers with a balcony cabin. You’ll also have the same level of service from your room steward that they will.

Save hundreds of dollars (or more), and keep that money in your bank account! Or, use your savings for shore excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, or more cruises!

Who shouldn’t book an inside stateroom?

If a few of these things sound like you, an inside cabin may not be the best choice for you.

You don’t like small spaces

Does the “tiny house” trend make you cringe? Would you never travel in an RV or camper, even if it was a fancy one?

If small spaces just aren’t your thing, you may prefer booking a balcony stateroom or higher. If you don’t mind paying the premium, balconies and mini-suites will offer more floor space and seating areas. Many are furnished with a sofa or love seat, coffee table, and an armchair or two.

A balcony will make the extended area even more spacious, as well as give you a private space to relax and enjoy the ocean breezes and views.

You’re cruising in an area known for its amazing views

Although you can always get a great view of the beautiful place that you’re cruising to by leaving your cabin and gazing out from one of the public decks, there are some cruise itineraries where you might just want to upgrade to an oceanview or balcony so you can enjoy the scenery, even in your PJs.

A cruise through Alaska’s Glacier Bay or a Panama Canal cruise immediately come to mind as itineraries where you might want to have a way to see the sights from your own private space.

You’re looking to splurge

Maybe money is no object for you, or you only have time to take one vacation a year and you want to make the most of it.

If this is the case, you might not be happy with an inside cabin. A balcony, mini-suite, or full suite that fits your vacation budget will add a bit of luxury to your trip, and will give you more space to relax in the privacy of your own stateroom.

You want to spend a lot of time alone

If you’re an introvert, you likely need time by yourself to recharge. Or maybe you want to just get away from people and relax. Although you can find plenty of quieter places on board like the library or an empty lounge during the day, these spaces are public.

It can feel a little claustrophobic to spend hours in a small room with no windows while you read, journal, or watch movies! If this sounds like you, a larger stateroom with a sofa and/or a balcony might be a better fit.

Tip: Let your steward know if you’ll regularly be spending a lot of time in your room during the day. It will help them plan when to clean your room, and your steward will be less likely to worry that you’re ill and check on you.

It’s your honeymoon or a special anniversary

If you’re cruising with your partner for a very special occasion , like your honeymoon or anniversary, you may want to spend more time together in your stateroom. A cramped inside cabin isn’t very romantic. A balcony room (or a higher category) might be a better choice.

You’ll have more space to enjoy leisurely room service brunches. Relax on your balcony together and watch the sunset. You might even think about booking a romantic balcony dinner to make your special trip even better!

You’re traveling with a group in one room

Yes, many inside staterooms are advertised to sleep four (or more!), but it’s really not the ideal situation. Remember that all of you will be sharing one very small bathroom, as well as one small closet.

Sleeping arrangements can also be tricky. Most interior cabins have just the two standard twin beds that can be pushed together.

To accommodate any other passengers staying in the same stateroom, there will be pull-down beds that are right over the regular beds. If you don’t like the idea of sleeping directly above or below another person, more than two adults in an average-sized inside stateroom is probably not a good choice for you.

We recently cruised in an inside cabin, and our neighboring room was occupied by a family of four: two parents and two daughters in their early twenties. The first few days, they all looked happy, relaxed and excited for the cruise.

By about day four, they were screaming at each other constantly. Let me tell you, I could hear every word they were saying through the adjoining wall, and most of their arguing was related to being squashed into a tiny room together.

You may also like: The 10 Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid

Cruise interior cabin FAQs

Interior cabins on most cruise ships will range from about 150 to 185 square feet of space.

Most inside cabins sleep at least two people. Some sleep up to four or five, with pull-down beds that your steward will set up each night.

Most inside cabins don’t offer a view. Some inside cabins have a view to the interior of the ship. Others have a virtual balcony, window, or porthole.

What do you think about interior cabins? Would you consider booking one for your next cruise? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let me know in the comments below.

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Saturday 17th of December 2022

interior are not small or as dark as this article makes out, due to health and safety standards

Sunday 18th of December 2022

Hi Van, thanks for stopping by. As I mentioned in the article, interior cabins are generally the smallest on the ship, but sizes can vary. Most interiors range from about 150 to 185 square feet - but you can sometimes find larger ones. There are even tiny inside cabins that are just over 100 square feet! The vast majority of inside staterooms don't have a window, although a select few on some cruise lines feature a window that faces the interior of the ship. So yes, they are very dark if you don't turn the lights on!

Lisa Dorenfest

Tuesday 3rd of March 2020

I have always booked balcony rooms when on cruises, but I’ve often wondered whether I should save my money and book an interior. I don’t typically spend a lot of time in my room on cruises, so I question why I pay the extra money. Still, I fear I might feel a bit claustrophobic in an interior room. I LOVE your tip about getting an interior room when cruising in the land of the midnight sun. I was also unaware of the solo studio staterooms on cruise lines, and thank you for that insight!

Wednesday 4th of March 2020

I'm glad you enjoyed my post, Lisa! Definitely try an inside cabin, especially if you don't spend much time in your room. It's such a great way to save money :)

Jenn | By Land and Sea

Friday 24th of January 2020

We switched to interior staterooms a few cruises ago and haven't regretted it one bit!

Monday 27th of January 2020

I don't mind them at all either! We're hardly ever in the room, so I'd rather save the money to go on more cruises :D

15 Best Inside Cruise Cabin Hacks & Tips

Sharing is caring!

If you’re cruising in an inside cabin, these tips will help you make the most of your cruise cabin space.

You’ll often hear that if you’re not cruising in a balcony, you may as well not cruise at all. As someone who has cruised in inside cabins, oceanview cabins and balcony cabins, I don’t believe that to be true.

As a matter of fact, there are many people who choose to cruise in an inside cabin , most of the time, for a variety of reasons.

Of course, this isn’t to say that having a balcony or veranda cabin isn’t wonderful. However, the reality is that a balcony cabin can cost significantly more than an inside cabin. In some cases this might mean that by booking inside cabins, you can cruise more often.

Is that worth it? I think so.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Inside Cabin Hacks & Tips

What do cruisers love about inside cabins.

While balconies and oceanview cabins have their advantages, many cruise passengers just love their interior cabins!

Here are some reasons:

Sleep: Cruisers in inside cabins report getting an amazing night’s sleep. It’s nice and dark when you want it to be.

Cabin location: Cruise ships often have a pretty large selection of inside cabins, so there’s a good choice of cabins that are mid-ship or aft, reducing the chances of being affected by seasickness .

Value and price: Inside staterooms are almost always less expensive than balcony and ocean view cabins, providing the best value on board!

Outdoor space: All cruisers have access to the top decks and promenade decks, so if you do cruise in an inside cabin, you’ll have many opportunities to experience those gorgeous sea views!

Inside Cruise Cabin Hacks

If you’re cruising in an inside cabin, these tips will help with cruise cabin organization, space saving and more.

Organizing an Inside Cabin

One of the best ways to make an inside cabin work for you and feel more spacious, is to keep your cabin organized. If you are more than 2 people, like a family of 3 or 4, it’s especially important (to keep your sanity).

Here are some favorite cruise cabin hacks that are especially useful for those cruising in inside cabins.

1. Store your empty luggage under the bed

After you’re done unpacking, put one piece of luggage into the other and slide them under the bed, or ask your cabin attendant for help.

2. Request extra hangers from your room steward

Hanging up most clothing items is often a space saver. I also find that clothes are less likely to be wrinkled .

To save space, don’t bring extra hangers from home. As soon as you get into your cabin on boarding day , simply as your cabin attendant to bring you additional hangers.

3. Use packing cubes

One way to make unpacking easier and faster is to use packing cubes . I tend to overpack, but using packing cubes has really helped me to stay organized when packing for a cruise.

Recommended: Packing cubes set (check price & amazon reviews here)

4. Bring a hanging over the door shoe organizer

Bringing an over the door shoe organizer to store toiletries , sunscreen and other personal items can add additional storage to your cabin.

A cruise tip I learned from a friend and Mom of two kids, is to pack your organizer at home so it’s ready to hang and saves time unpacking on a cruise.

Putting items from hair brushes to   first-aid kit items in a hanging over the door organizer is the best way to keep things organized and out of the way.

Recommended: Cruise ship over the door hanging organizer (check price & 4.5* Amazon reviews here)

5. Bring foldable storage boxes

These space saving foldable boxes can be used to store everyone’s flip flops or other items that would otherwise be in the way.

While you can find them on Amazon, there are cheaper options at a dollar store (my favorite dollar store cruise hack !).

6. Hanging Travel Shelves

Portable hanging travel shelves are a smart way to keep organized and add extra space to the small cruise cabin closets.

A trick is to fold and pack clothing into the hanging organizer, so that it saves time when unpacking and packing on a cruise.

Recommended: Hanging travel shelves organizer (see different size & color options here)

7. Bring magnet hooks

The best cruise cabin hack for any room is to bring heavy duty magnet hooks to place on their cabin walls. A cruise ship fact that might surprise new cruisers, most cruise ship cabin walls are actually metal.

This means you can bring magnetic hooks and hang sunhats, backpacks and more. A great way to add extra space to a small cruise cabin.

Recommended: Magnet hooks (heavy duty work best)

8. Bring magnetic clips

Small magnetic clips can be perfect  to keep important papers organized. Things like excursion tickets, invitations to ship events, daily planners and more can all be kept in their place with these small magnet clips.

These are some simple ones that work well – Magnetic hooks multi-pack

9. Pop up laundry hamper

Bring a pop up mesh hamper or to store dirty laundry and keep inside cabins organized and clutter free.

Recommended: Portable pop-up hamper

10. Bring a travel clock

Many cruise passengers suggest having a travel clock to keep in your cabin. This simple to operate digital alarm clock is handy to pack for a cruise.

Recommended: Travel alarm clock (read over 13,000 Amazon reviews here)

11. Bring a small travel fan

Inside cabins on a cruise can get stuffy, especially at night. Bringing a small travel fan can help to make your cabin feel more comfortable.

Recommended: Small travel fan (rechargeable battery operated & USB)

12. Keep your cruise cabin smelling nice

Since interior cabins don’t have a lot of air circulating, it’s a good idea to bring along essential oils or a room freshener. Consider including a bathroom spray to your cruise packing list.

Poo-Pourri is a cruiser favorite!

Recommended: Poo-Pourri (check price & over 30,000 4.5* Amazon review)

13. Add some light 

One of the best things about inside cabins is the fact that it’s dark, and great for sleeping. However, it is a good idea to have a little light, so you don’t stub your toe, or worse, if you get up at night.

We like to keep the light on in the bathroom and leave the door open a crack. Others suggest turning on the TV and getting the bridge view. Small battery operated tea lights are a good idea too.

However the best solution might be these battery operated motion sensor lights ,that won’t disturb you when you’re sleeping.

Recommended: battery operated motion sensor lights

14. Hear the ocean

If you think you might miss those glorious ocean sounds, bring a small white noise machine that mimics the sounds of the sea.

Recommended: white noise machine (check price & amazon reviews here)

15. Make it “almost” a balcony

Some cruise ships have “virtual balcony” interior cabins. In other words, an entire cabin wall has a projection of a balcony view. Pretty cool if you want to get the balcony view for an inside price!

I’ve yet to try this, however cruise passengers report that they love them.

16. Non-surge Protected Power Bar

Another item to remember for any cabin is a non surge protected power bar with extra outlets and USBs.

Regular power strips aren’t allowed on cruise ships, and can be confiscated.

Recommended: Non-surge protected power bar (Amazon link)

Video: Inside Cruise Cabin Hacks & Tips to Transform Your Cabin

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Recap: 15+ Best Inside Cruise Cabin Hacks

I hope that this article was helpful, and has given you some ideas of how you can make the most of cruising in an inside cabin.

Whether you are 2 people cruising in an interior cabin, or a family of 3 or 4, it can be done – and organization definitely helps!

Have you cruised in an inside cabin? What tips do you have to make the most of the small cruise cabin space?

Happy cruising!

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Carnival Horizon Interior Cabin Review With Photos (Stateroom #7238)

Are you thinking of booking an interior cabin on Carnival Horizon? Then you’ll want to know what to expect before you decide to purchase that room. Or if you’ve already booked, then you’ll want to know what to expect when you board.

Carnival Horizon is Carnival’s newest ship, sailing on six and eight-day journeys from Miami. The ship is large — measuring more than 1,050 feet and carrying about 4,000 guests on a given trip. You can read our review of the entire ship here  or you can see our must-have tips here . Bottom line: If you are thinking about booking a trip on the Horizon, then you should have no worries and be excited about sailing.

That said, picking the right cabin can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your cruise. Even though most people spend a lot of time out and about on the ship and in port, your cabin is your home during your cruise. It’s where you can relax, rest, and regroup after a long day. You definitely want a cabin that will fit your needs and budget.

With that in mind, we recently stayed in stateroom #7238 aboard the Horizon. This interior cabin is classified as “4E”, one of the most common cabins on the ship. Below are our thoughts and impressions from staying in the cabin.

Cabin Overview

Cabin #7238 is an interior stateroom on deck 7 of the Horizon. It is located forward on the ship, six cabins down from the forward elevators and stairs.

According to Carnival’s specifications on their website, the room measures 185 square feet. That number includes both bedroom and bathroom space. This cabin is also a connecting stateroom with a door that can be opened to effectively turn two rooms into one large suite.

In our case, we had two beds separated. You also have the option of pushing them together to form one king-sized bed.

As you enter, you have closet and storage space on your left and the cabin bathroom on your right. Enter further into your room and you’ll see a small desk with mirror and pull-out stool on the left. To the right is a cabinet with refrigerator, with a TV mounted above.

As mentioned, Carnival says the interior cabin measures 185 square feet. What does that mean for you? Simply that the cabin is small. It was fine for two adults who spent most of their time out and about the ship and in port. However, we would not want to fit anymore people in the cabin. Even having a child in the room would be too tight of a squeeze.

While we expect interior cabins to be small, we were still a little surprised at how little room there was. Other interior cabins we’ve sailed in have a small sitting area with a couch. That was not the case in this stateroom.

There was still ample storage to keep suitcases and bag out of the way. Not only was there a closet with some drawers and shelves, but there was also plenty of room underneath the beds to put empty bags.

Features & Amenities

If you’ve sailed on a cruise before, then you know the regular amenities you can expect in the cabin. In this area, the Carnival Horizon didn’t disappoint. In fact, there were a few items that were unexpected and welcomed.

Starting before we even opened the door, the ship features RFID-style door locks. You simply tap your card to the reader and it will open. As you enter, you must put a card into a reader to turn on the lights. This helps to keep you from leaving the lights on when you aren’t in the room. However, it can be easy to walk out of the cabin and forget your keycard in the reader.

There were a number of things you’d expect in the cabin, including a flat-screen TV with remote, in-room safe, a controllable thermostat, a mini-fridge, telephone, and a full-size closet for hanging clothes.

What stood out to us was that our room had two outlets and two spots for charging via USB. Considering many older ships just have one outlet for the entire cabin, this is a nice change given the amount of electronic devices we all travel with today.

One other perk we liked was that pool/beach towels were already in the room for our use. Because of this we didn’t have to bother going to a towel station when we were ready to hit the pool.

The cabin bathroom was a traditional size as other ships we’ve sailed, which is to say it is small but manageable. It features a counter, shelves for toiletries, a commode and standing shower. There was also a makeup mirror that folded in and out to save space.

There is no controllable vent in the bathroom, so if you need to have some white noise while you go, we suggest turning the shower on low. You can also use one of our tips and head to a public bathroom on the ship if you don’t want smells to linger in the cabin.

The shower is a handheld wand shower, which raises and lowers to match anyone’s height. There are also soap and shampoo dispensers in the shower if you don’t bring your own.

One area that surprised us was the bedding in our cabin. Most cruise ship beds feature mattresses that are rather thin and can feel lumpy from so many nights of use. Perhaps it was because the ship was new, but the mattresses felt thick and supportive, giving us a great night’s sleep. Pillows were also soft but firmed up under pressure.

What we liked most, however, were the comforters. Our room was set extremely cold at night but the comforter kept us warm — borderline hot — while we slept. If you’re worried about thin blankets, then you can put those fears aside.

Noise Level

Overall our room was perfectly comfortable, if a little small. The one major complaint we had was the amount of noise in the cabin.

First, we had a connecting stateroom. When guests in the other room were talking they could clearly be heard through the adjoining doors. Thankfully our neighbors weren’t party animals and didn’t spend much time in their room, so the noise wasn’t bad.

What was more disturbing was the late-night music that could be heard in the cabin. Our room sat above the Circle C teen club, which itself sits over the Liquid Lounge theater. During our cruise thumping bass could be clearly heard — as well as felt through the floor.

The good news is that the music ended at midnight, so it didn’t go on all night. The bad news is that if you are a light sleeper, the sound and vibration was more than enough to keep you from getting to sleep.

Overall Impression

Overall, the interior cabins on Carnival Horizon are clean and comfortable, albeit small.

If traveling with one other person, booking an interior cabin on Carnival Horizon is a great way to get on the ship for the least amount of money possible. While small, the cabins still offer plenty of space given that most people aren’t in their room most of the day. If you want to put three people in a cabin, upgrade to a larger room.

That said, we highly recommend looking at the deck plans to see what is above and below your cabin. In our specific case, the noise from other areas of the ship was easily heard in the cabin.

Have more questions about cabins on Carnival Horizon? Let us know in the comments below.

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STATEROOMS & SUITES

All for one and room for all, top-notch amenities spacious accommodations.

Our staterooms are designed with every type of guest in mind. Whether you’re sailing with your significant other, your family, a group of friends, or traveling solo — we’ve got the perfect room to accommodate your party and budget. Take your pick from Interior or Ocean View rooms, Balcony staterooms, or spacious Suites. You can even connect rooms allowing you to stay together with extended family or friends. The options are endless, and the comfort is always guaranteed.

Interior Staterooms

Our interior staterooms include a wide array of amenities for your whole family to enjoy..

Ocean View Staterooms

Savor the seaside and snapshots of landscapes from shore to shore..

Balcony Staterooms

Claim your slice of paradise with balcony views just outside your door. .

Suite Staterooms

Enjoy expansive accommodations that take luxury to the next level. .

Dedicated stateroom attendant

Daily cleaning service

Exclusive bedding collection

Stateroom climate control

Ample closet and storage

In-room HD-TV

In-room safe for valuables

Deluxe toiletries: shampoo, conditioner & body wash

AND MUCH MORE…

Enhanced room service

Voom High-Speed Wifi

Laundry & dry-cleaning

Movies on-demand

YOUR PLACE, YOUR SPACE

You’ll never find a shortage of unbelievable room options. From romantic couples staterooms to spacious family suites, you’ll find just what you’re looking for to complement the adventure of a lifetime. Take a virtual tour to get a better look at our stateroom collection call dibs on your just-right space.

Accessible Interior

Promenade view interior, central park view interior, spacious ocean view, spacious ocean view balcony*, royal suite, grand suite, owner's suite, aquatheater suite.

ROOM TO UNWIND

There’s so much to do each day and night. But somewhere in between it all, you’ll want to relax, unwind, and enjoy some “me time.” When choosing your ideal cruise ship stateroom, first consider how much space you need, and which amenities are most important to you. We’ve broken it down to help you decide which stateroom fits your vacation needs.

FAMILY STATEROOMS

When traveling with your family, space is always on your mind. A cozy Interior Room is our most budget-friendly option, and we offer Spacious Interiors, along with connecting rooms to accommodate larger families. The range of ultra-spacious cruise rooms across categories spans all the way up to our new Ultimate Family Townhouse — three stories that elevate the way you stay and play.

STATEROOM FOR COUPLES

If you’re planning a getaway for you and a special someone, we’ve got a range of cruise suites to serve as a romantic backdrop. A private balcony, luxurious bedding and in-suite dining are just a few of the upgraded amenities you’ll enjoy. And if it’s extra pampering you seek, be sure to save time for a relaxing service at  Vitality Spa℠ .

SPACIOUS ROOMS FOR GROUPS

Looking for the perfect stateroom for you and your crew? When traveling with a group of friends, there are many options to choose from. Each category has options that offer maximum space to spread out. From Spacious Interior rooms to Ultra Spacious Ocean View rooms, to our top of the line Villa Suite with four bedrooms.

AWE INSPIRING ACCOMMODATIONS ELEVATE YOUR SUITE STAY

Customized adventures, exclusive access and inclusive amenities. Luxury cruise suite accommodations on Royal Caribbean elevate every aspect of your adventure. From full-size tubs in Junior suites to 24-hour room service in Owner Suites and dedicated check-in for Royal Suite class, it’s little details you’d expect — plus elevated experiences you may have never imagined.

THE SUITE LIFE  

Level up your vacation with a spacious suite. Choose between an intimate Junior Suite with great views, or a Grand Suite featuring a bedroom, living area and private balcony. And if you’re looking for the ultimate suite to complement an unforgettable adventure, opt for the Owners Suite loaded with extra added perks.  

ROYAL SUITE CLASS

In Royal Suite Class — available on Oasis Class and select Quantum Class ships —every detail is thought of, so you won’t have to lift a finger. Sea, Sky and Star tiers include perks that range from exclusive spaces and venues to a Royal Genie or Concierge who will craft VIP experiences just for you — and more.

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY SUITES

In the Ultimate Family Suite , you don’t even have to leave your stateroom to enjoy the thrills. Kids have their own in-suite slides and private game room. Plus there’s plenty of perks for parents too, like a private balcony jacuzzi. And our biggest suite ever, the Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas℠  maxes memories across three levels.

Accessible staterooms OUR GUESTS ARE ALWAYS OUR PRIORITY

All our ships have staterooms designed to accommodate guests with mobility disabilities and other disabilities that require the features of an accessible stateroom. Accessible staterooms range from 159 square feet to 298 square feet, and offer a five-foot turning radius in sleeping areas, plus bathrooms and sitting areas for easy maneuverability.

EXPLORE ACCESSIBLE OPTIONS

Royal Up BID YOUR WAY TO A CRUISE UPGRADE

Scoring a fantastic upgrade is easy! Simply browse through stateroom options and select the amount you’re willing to pay the upgrade. Then, you’ll be notified via email if your bid was accepted. From Ocean View and Balcony staterooms to the most expansive suites at sea, the possibilities are endless.

EXPLORE ROYAL UP

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Wondering if you should pick a stateroom that’s forward or aft? We’ve got you covered.

Planning to spend your sea days by the pool? Or maybe you’re most excited about a particular specialty restaurant. Depending on where you plan to spend most of your time, you may have a preference of which venue or part of the ship you prefer to call home. Deck plans vary by ship and can be a helpful tool for picking your stateroom.

If you’re motion sensitive, you’ll want to choose a stateroom that’s lower to the water line and closer to the center of the ship. Layout and location varies by ship, so be sure to check your specific sailing and itinerary.

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Princess Cruises ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Is a balcony cabin a must for you when you cruise? Princess Cruises could be your line.

The California-based brand was a pioneer in adding a large number of balcony cabins to ships, and even its oldest vessels are loaded with balcony cabins — something that can't be said for many of its rivals.

On the flip side, Princess offers relatively few suites on its ships compared to some of the big-ship lines with which it most directly competes, including Celebrity Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. Just 46 of the 1,830 rooms on the line's recently unveiled Discovery Princess are suites, for instance. Believe it or not, that's an improvement from earlier vessels in the same series, some of which have as few as 36 suites.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Princess also isn't known for enormous and amenity-filled suites.

What this means is there aren't a lot of ways to live large on a Princess ship or pack a lot of people into a single accommodation. Until the debut of Sky Princess in 2019, the line didn't have a single cabin that could accommodate more than four people.

That said, on Princess ships, you can often create larger living spaces by booking two connecting cabins.

A Princess Cruises cabin primer

As is typical for many cruise ships, Princess vessels offer cabins in four broad categories: Windowless "inside" cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony cabins and suites.

As noted above, a significant portion of cabins on all Princess ships are balcony cabins — the category of cabin that everyone wants these days. About 80% of the 1,834 cabins on Princess's six-month-old Enchanted Princess are balcony cabins or suites with balconies, for instance. Compare that to the 72% of cabins on Royal Caribbean's four-year-old Symphony of the Seas that are balcony cabins or suites with balconies.

Notably, every single cabin facing the sea on three of the newest Princess ships — Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Majestic Princess — has a balcony. These three vessels are completely devoid of ocean-view cabins (cabins facing the sea that only have a window). That's relatively unusual in the world of big mass-market ships — the niche of cruising in which Princess plays. It's more common with luxury cruise vessels.

Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships

At the same time, as noted above, Princess vessels have fewer suites than you'll find on the ships operated by such big-ship brands as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

Here's a breakdown of the broad cabin categories on Royal Princess, which is typical of the line's newer ships (it's the prototype vessel for the line's new, six-ship Royal Class series):

Inside cabins: 342 (19%) Ocean-view cabins: 0 (0%) Balcony cabins (including mini-suites): 1,402 (79%) Suites: 36 (2%)

On older Princess ships (and, in general, all older cruise ships), there are fewer balcony cabins. However, the ratio of balcony cabins to non-balcony cabins is much higher on older Princess ships than it is on older vessels at many other big-ship lines. An impressive 72% of the 1,000 cabins on Princess's 2003-built Coral Princess, for instance, are balcony cabins.

On Coral Princess, inside cabins and ocean-view cabins only make up 26% of all rooms. A breakdown of the cabin categories on that ship:

Inside cabins: 108 (11%) Ocean-view cabins: 157 (16%) Balcony cabins (including mini-suites): 719 (72%) Suites: 16 (2%)

The takeaway here is that you'll have an easier time locking down a balcony cabin on a Princess ship — even an older Princess ship — than you will when booking many of the ships operated by competing big-ship lines.

Just note that you'll want to book early if you're aiming for a suite on a Princess ship since there are so few of them. Note, also, that suites tend to sell out early on cruise ships in general. An old saying in the cruise industry is that "ships sell from the top and the bottom." That is, the first cabins on any vessel to sell out are the most expensive cabins, which are the suites, and then the least expensive cabins, which typically are the inside cabins. The mid-priced "middle" cabins sell last.

Design-wise, Princess's cabins and suites are fairly basic and comfortable, if not super stylish.

When it comes to rooms, Princess is sort of the Marriott of the big-ship cruise world. Its rooms are comfortable and functional, but a bit bland. Avant-garde style is not a Princess thing.

Inside cabins on Princess Cruises ships

These are the cabins you stay in when you're on a tight budget. On any Princess ship, they are almost always the least-expensive option when you're booking a cabin. You often can save considerable money by booking an inside cabin versus an ocean-view or higher-level cabin.

What you'll give up, of course, is that ocean view. Your room will have four walls and no windows offering a glimpse of the outside world.

You'll also be in a relatively small room. The typical inside cabin on the new Discovery Princess measures 166 square feet, with some as big as 175 square feet. By comparison, the typical balcony cabin on Discovery Princess measures 181 square feet, not including a 41-square-foot balcony (for a total of 222 square feet).

Still, the inside cabins on Princess ships are bigger than the inside cabins on ships operated by some of the line's main competitors.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess ship

Inside cabins on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, for instance, measure just 149 square feet — quite a bit less than the inside cabins on Discovery Princess.

Note that older Princess ships sometimes have smaller inside cabins than newer Princess ships. On the line's 2003-built Coral Princess, inside cabins measure just 156 to 166 square feet. On the line's 1998-built Grand Princess, most inside cabins are 160 square feet (some wheelchair-accessible inside cabins on Grand Princess measure 182 square feet).

Many inside cabins on Princess ships have pull-down bunks that will allow for up to four people to stay in the rooms.

Ocean-view cabins on Princess Cruises ships

With an ocean-view cabin, you get a window looking out to the sea, but not an attached balcony where you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.

As noted above, three of Princess's newest vessels — Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Majestic Princess — don't have a single ocean-view cabin. Every outward-facing cabin has a balcony. However, you'll find ocean-view cabins on the line's older vessels and also on the line's three newest ships, Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess.

In general, ocean-view cabins on the Princess ships that have them are a tad bigger than the inside cabins found on the same vessels. On the line's Emerald Princess, for instance, the typical ocean-view cabin measures 178 square feet. The typical inside cabin on Emerald Princess measures 163 square feet.

On many Princess ships that have ocean-view cabins, the rooms are mostly found just above the promenade deck, where the lifeboats hang, and have obstructed views. You'll also sometimes find a few ocean-view cabins at the back of Princess vessels, facing the wake.

Related: The 3 classes of Princess ships, explained

On the line's two Coral Class ships — Coral Princess and Island Princess — there are a few "premium" ocean-view cabins that measure a more spacious 212 square feet. If you're the kind of traveler who needs a lot of space, these rooms can be a good choice.

There also are a handful of "premium" ocean-view cabins on the new Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess that measure 172 square feet and have unusual slanting windows.

Balcony cabins on Princess Cruises ships

Balcony cabins are what everyone wants these days, and Princess is delivering with huge numbers of balcony cabins on all its newest ships. On the line's new Royal Class series of ships, which began debuting in 2013, nearly 80% of rooms are balcony cabins.

On these newer vessels — Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess — the typical balcony cabin has an interior space of 181 square feet plus a balcony that measures 41 square feet (for a total of 222 square feet). However, there also are bigger "premium deluxe balcony" cabins that can measure as much as 233 square feet on the inside (not including the balcony). Some of these have larger-than-normal balconies that can stretch the total square footage to 312 square feet.

In addition, the Royal Class vessels have even larger balcony cabins that Princess calls mini-suites. Including their balcony space, these cabins measure anywhere from 299 to 329 square feet. While these mini-suite cabins have the word "suite" in their name, we are including them in the balcony cabin category as they generally resemble very large balcony cabins vs. true suites.

Related: Everything to know about the Princess Captain's Club loyalty program

The typical Princess balcony cabin has twin beds that can be converted into a queen bed, a built-in desk with a chair and a built-in miniature refrigerator. In addition to beds, a desk and a miniature fridge, premium balcony cabins have a seating area with a sofa bed that can be used for a third passenger in the room. Some also have a pull-down bunk that can accommodate a fourth person.

Suites on Princess Cruises ships

As mentioned above, Princess ships generally have fewer suites than the ships operated by some of its biggest competitors. The line also isn't known for particularly giant suites.

Princess's three newest ships — Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess — have the line's first truly large standalone suites, dubbed Sky Suites. There are two of them on each of the vessels, and they measure a generous 1,792 square feet (though more than half of that space is taken up by a huge wraparound balcony). With two bedrooms plus a living room with a pullout sofa, the Sky Suites are the first Princess accommodations designed for up to five people.

Still, even the Sky Suites on Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess aren't the sort of truly epic suites with huge interior living spaces that you'll find on the latest ships from such competitors as Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. The latest Celebrity vessels, for instance, offer so-called Iconic Suites that have twice as much interior space as the Sky Suites.

If you're the kind of cruiser who is only happy in a cabin of truly giant proportions (and are willing to pay up for it), Princess probably isn't your line.

Still, you'll find at least a few suites of a decent size on every Princess ship. The line's seven Grand Class vessels each offer two "family suites" at their fronts that can be created by connecting a mini-suite with an adjacent inside cabin to create a six- to eight-person complex.

Each of the line's Royal Class ships (the line's six newest ships) has at least 36 suites.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge for a suite on a cruise

Bottom line

Princess offers a relatively wide range of cabins on its ships, including lots of the sort of cabins that everyone wants — balcony cabins. If you're a fan of balcony cabins, you'll find plenty of options on Princess ships, including standard size balcony cabins and bigger "premium" balcony cabins. You'll also find a lot of larger "mini-suite" balcony cabins on Princess ships. However, you won't find a lot of truly large suites with multiple rooms.

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