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Best and Worst Cabins on Cruise Ships

What are the best and worst cabins on cruise ships - and why? Where and what are the best cabins on a cruise ship is a question about location ( cruise deck plans ), fares and price-inclusive amenities. Where and what are the best and worst staterooms are among the general questions for first-timer cruisers.

Staterooms are like tiny homes at sea, and choosing your "best" is kinda personal. Your choice also will depend on the company, vessel, room size, type/view, deck location, amenities. Not to forget the special offers with super low-priced promo deals that could change everything you know on the subject. Find out more secrets at our stateroom tips and tricks .

Best and Worst Cabins on Cruise Ships - CruiseMapper

Types of cabins on cruise ships

Cruise ship cabins are often referred to as "staterooms" or "cruise accommodations". Their furnishings can range from "comfy" to "luxurious". The cheapest tend to be smaller than an ordinary budget hotel room. The largest staterooms (suites) rival many land-based luxury resort accommodations - both as sizes and amenities, but mostly as prices. Cabin rates are per person and usually based on double occupancy (excepting studios). Prices range widely by cabin types, sizes, deck location, amenities, company's and vessel's ratings, also by destination, season, itinerary, travel agency, inclusions, and bonuses, promotion deals, etc.

Inside cabins are the cheapest, located in the ship's interior (an inside corridor), no window, capacity up to 4 guests.
Oceanview/Outside cabins - about 15-20% more expensive, with windows which don't open or porthole, the cheapest of this type may have a partially (or substantially) obstructed view.
Balcony cabins (also called Veranda) - 30-40% more expensive than Inside; have outside chairs and a table, often with 4-star amenities.
Mini-suite and full Suites (multi-room accommodations) - some of the most expensive, with a private veranda, bathtub (hot tub), a large sitting area, 2 closets. Suites and Interior cabins tend to sell out first (partly because there are fewer of them, partly because they offer, respectively, extremely good value and the cheapest fares).
Grand Suite and all Penthouse, Owner's, Presidential and the like suites - the most expensive and the largest cruise staterooms at sea (separate living and sleeping areas, a wide variety of bonus amenities and perks). Sizes vary according to line and ship, reaching up to 5,000 ft2 in the case of NCL's Garden Villa suites. At the modest price of only US $30,000 per week you'll enjoy a private sauna and open-air Jacuzzi, your very own kitchen, a private elevator entrance, the best butler service money can buy and the best luxury available on a cruise ship.

On big ships, you'll find a number of cabin categories within each cabin type. This is according to location, size, features, quality of view, etc. Cabin rates vary not only by type and size but also by category. For a particular cabin type, brochure/online prices usually apply to the lowest category. In your cabin, every square inch is usable since the price of ships is generally determined by the number of their beds/berths. So luggage fits under the bed, while the items you unpack will be stored in closets and drawers.

Which cruise ship cabins to avoid?

After analyzing their deck plans, we'll list here the most famous ships and their "worst" cabins. The "bad cruise cabins" issue is not about amenities, but about location - and noise. Cabins located nearby the ships' elevators or with some public areas above (restaurants, bars/clubs, kids areas), or near public bathrooms may present some noise concern during the day or late at night.

what does a cruise ship cabin look like (details/amenities)

All cabins have twin beds, usually convertible to create a queen bed, while suites may have king-sized beds. Family cabins may also have pull-down or bunk-beds (loft beds attached to the wall), sleeper sofa or an additional twin bed.
All have a small safe to lock in it all valuables while onboard (passports, credit cards and cash, fine jewelry, iPads), at least 1 large wall-mounted mirror, individually controlled air conditioning.
All have private bathrooms with showers, basic bathroom amenities (typical for a motel, including a hairdryer), ship toilets operate by power suction.
All have a phone (wake-up call option, synchronized to ship's time). Nowadays all ship cabins also feature a flat TV and a DVD player, a mini-bar and a small refrigerator (cans and bottles for sale; if you bring your own drinks, ask the steward to empty it first).
All have a reach-in closet, a shelf for life-vests, storage drawers (suites usually have walk-in closets with several shelves). Higher categories cabins also have a desk with a chair.
Power outlets are minimized to avoid fire risk. Near the bed (and the desk) there are 1 or 2 low-wattage (120V 60Hz) outlets for laptops.

A good cruise travel agent could be of great assistance to you (using agency services is highly recommended for first-timers) guiding you through all the grades and deckplan codes for the nuances of features, best locations and the best-worst staterooms on a particular boat.

Special types of staterooms (crew, single, family, Spa, accessible)

Crew cabins are located on one of the crew decks (on some ships located below the waterline/under the water), while cruise ship staff cabins are in the passenger areas.
Single cabins (aka Solo cabins) are generally difficult to find. The world's best ships with single cabins belong to the fleets of such famous operators, like Fred Olsen and P&O on the UK market and NCL Norwegian Lines. The best of all ships with single-occupancy cabins is the NCL Norwegian Epic, boasting 128 of its 100 square foot (9,3 m2) "Epic Studios" - specifically designed for solo travelers, and features a full-size bed and a large round window looking out into the corridor.
Family cabins - many of a standard size for its category, but with more beds and bathrooms, providing more privacy for parents. The best lines with family cabins are Carnival, Disney, Celebrity, Princess, and NCL.
Accessible/Disabled cabins are special accommodations for passengers with mobility challenges. These rooms have wheelchair access, wide doors (doors are even automatic on some ships), a bathtub with grab bars, roll-in showers, portable ADA kits for guests with hearing impairments, closed-captioned televisions.
SPA cabins - Spa-deck staterooms with direct access to the ship's Spa and Fitness complex.

What are the best cabins on cruise ships (amenities)?

In a concise manner, the best luxury cruise cabins are to be found on Regent Seven Seas and NCL ships, while the cheapest cruise cabins are offered by all HAL and Carnival ships (honored also with the "best standard cabins" reward). NCL (Norwegian Lines) is well appreciated for offering a great variety of staterooms. NCL offers even garden and courtyard suites, and some of the best family cruise suites at sea featuring a separate living and dining area and exclusive access to a private courtyard with a pool and Jacuzzi. The Regent Seven Seas line is praised for its all-outside all-suite ships and best luxury.

The largest (by category) and absolutely affordable to most cheap cruise cabins are always "the deal" on Carnival ships. The Carnival's standard cabins are the industry's largest and very well-equipped (even the lowest Small Inside category). As for Holland America cabins, they are 25% larger than those of other premium brands.

Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean are well known for having more than decent interior cabins - the Carnival's being most spacious, and those of Disney - most family-friendly. The Disney Deluxe Inside Stateroom accommodates 4 persons with a convertible sofa and a pull-down bed and also features a split bath. The Royal Caribbean ships of Freedom and Voyager class are honored for their unique inside cabins with windows looking out on the Royal Promenade (a tip - if traveling with kids, choose the most affordable Promenade Family Stateroom - an interior accommodation 300 ft2 /28 m2 in size and capacity of 6 guests).

The best BEDS on ships. The Oceania line is the winner when it comes to beds - its Tranquility Beds feature Euro-Top mattresses, plush duvets, deluxe pillows, even Egyptian cotton linens. If you like to make the best budget ship vacation deals without sacrificing comfort, then Carnival is your game with the line's world-famous Comfort Bed System.
The best BATHROOMS on ships. The Crystal ship's suites have separate tubs, multi-head massage showers, double vanities, and of course - the marble tiling. For standard cabins, NCL leads by having 3-sectioned bathrooms - the sink is in the middle, while a separate toilet and shower section are positioned on either side. Disney ships are also ranked for their family-friendly split bathrooms.
The largest CLOSETS on ships. Regent and Silversea lines get the 1st prize for having the largest walk-in closets. The storage spaces include a hanging section, numerous drawers and shelves, and places for shoes. The best cheap option is Carnival with its faux walk-in closets.

Where are the best cabins on a cruise ship (location)?

Choosing the best cruise cabin location on your ship is a matter of personal choice. Generally, your cabin will be located either on lower (higher) deck, mid-ship, forward or aft (rear), with some pros and cons to all these locations. Booking a "guarantee" cabin is an open deal - you pay for a cabin category (not a specific stateroom) - best prices are guaranteed, but not necessarily the best location.

Lower Deck cabins - cheapest. The cheapest are the lower deck Interior staterooms. The main advantage (besides the price) is a smoother ride. Main disadvantages - you're using constantly elevators/stairs, more engine noise/vibrations, the sound of the anchor dropping (if you're near the ship's front).
Higher Deck cabins - more expensive. You'll feel more motion (not suitable if you're prone to seasickness). But you're closer to the best ship amenities - entertainment and dining venues, onboard pools, Spa, bars and lounges, etc.
Midship cabins - less motion and a central location. The main disadvantage - more traffic outside. Also, check the lifeboat locations (lifeboats may significantly obstruct your view).
Forward cabins - the most motion, wind and spray, smaller windows (often recessed or slanted). Forward located suites provide larger than average balconies.
Rear (Aft) cabins - more motion than the midship cabins, but less than the front ones.

Best cruise ship staterooms by type and cruise line

Best-view cabins.

Best-view cabins are located forward (at the ship's front/bow) or aft (at the ship's stern). These rooms have the largest balconies and widest ocean views. Front staterooms are with oversized floor-ceiling windows. For the best choice of such rooms choose Carnival or Royal Caribbean.

Best "Large Balcony" cabins

Aft balcony cabins have the ship's largest private verandas, and there are just a few (6-10) such rooms per deck. They are lined up along the stern and give more terrace space and privacy. Aft cabins located in the ship's corners are usually with wraparound balconies.

Larger balconies also have the "hump cabins", located where the vessel's superstructure changes from narrower to wider. Most verandas there are angled and with curvy outlines. For more hump cabins search in the fleets of Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises.

Best "Low-Motion" cabins

The "best cabins for seasickness" are located at the ship's edges (top decks, bow, and stern). The worst area in the front section, as the bow is first hit by waves. Higher deck front cabins fell more the up and down motion, while for the aft cabins the motion is less noticeable. The most stable cabins are located midship and on lower decks (closer to the waterline).

Best "Low-Noise" cabins

Quietest staterooms are far away as possible from congested public areas and venues. Light sleepers should avoid staterooms located near pool deck/lido deck, elevators, hallways, laundry facilities, casino, theater, kids clubs, disco nightclub.

Avoid cabins located forward on lower decks - where the ship's anchors are located. Lowering and raising the anchors generate a lot of noise.
Avoid lower decks aft rooms are near the ship's engine rooms - where diesel generators create a constant hum, all the time of the voyage.
Avoid cabins under the Promenade Deck - an outdoor deck space where passengers are often walking and talking (usually loud).

Best Handicap cabins (for passengers with disabilities)

Passengers with mobility impairment must choose near-lift cabins which are easily accessible from the onboard passenger elevators. Special handicap cabins are available on all large cruise liners. A limited number of wheelchair-accessible rooms are available on most ships, including luxury mega-yachts. Search the vessel's deck plans for the best location, type, and size.

Best Spa cabins

Thermal Suite and spa lovers must book staterooms located near the ship's wellness complex. In close proximity, they will find heated loungers, thalassotherapy pool, saunas, and massage rooms.

Most cruise ships have designated "spa staterooms" (inside, oceanview, balcony, and suite) located on the Spa Deck or 1 deck above or below the Spa. Some ships (especially top-luxury) have rooms with direct Spa access (via a staircase in the spa) or via an exclusive elevator. For more Spa cabins search in the fleets of MSC, NCL, Costa, and the luxury lines (Seabourn, Silversea, Crystal, Azamara).

Where are the best cruise SUITES?

On the Silversea ships Whisper and Shadow - the 1-bedroom "Royal Suite" is 1,352 ft2 or 126 m2 (the 2-bedroom version is 1,697 ft2 (158 m2), the "Grand Suite" is 1,435 ft2 or 133 m2 (2-bedroom is 1,780 ft2 (165 m2) and the "Owner's Suite" is 1,553 ft2 (144 m2). The last category "top luxury cruise suite" prices start from the modest US $850 per person per day!

Suites on the NCL ships Gem, Jade, Jewel and Pearl are the "affordable choice". Norwegian Pearl's "Garden Villa" has a staggering size of 2320 ft2 (216 m2) plus a huge balcony measuring 1035 ft2 (96 m2). Norwegian Jewel's two Garden Villas are combined into an almost 5000 ft2 (465 m2) "cruise mansion". Floor-ceiling windows, plenty of deck furniture, separate bedroom, fabulous private bathroom with hot-tub, 2 additional bedrooms (with their own private bathrooms), living room, dining room.

About the worst cabins on cruise ships / which staterooms to avoid. First of all, there's no such thing as "the worst cabin" - simply because to offer a bad product (even for cheap money) is not the proper way of doing a multibillion-dollar cruise travel vacation business. However, always try to avoid locations near elevators and public spaces, with at least 1 deck between your cabin and any crowded place - pools, dining and bar venues, children areas, lounges, nightclubs.

Find out more secrets at our stateroom tips and tricks .

The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Choosing a cruise ship cabin is a lot trickier than booking a hotel room.

Not only do you have to think about how big a room you need and what your budget is, you have to decide if you want to pay extra for a window or private balcony, where on the ship you want your cabin to be, and which associated perks and privileges will enhance your vacation. If your travel party is especially large, you need to figure out exactly how to combine bed or room types to accommodate everyone.

That is, if you're booking early enough, and the cruise room types you want haven't sold out.

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

Plus, the average cruise ship cabin is much less spacious than the average hotel room. If you're used to booking the cheapest room for a land-based stay, you might not want to take the same approach for your vacation at sea.

Choosing the right cabin is the first step in maximizing your cruise vacation and getting the most from your vacation budget. Here, I answer the most common questions about cruise ship cabins and picking the best fit for your travel party.

What are the different types of cabins I can book on a cruise?

When you book a hotel or resort, your choices might include one king bed or two queen beds; garden view or beach view; a standard room, suite or perhaps a villa or casita. On cruise ships, the basic cabin categories are inside, outside (often called ocean view), balcony and suite — but there are subcategories, as well.

Typically, inside cabins are smaller and cheaper; suites are larger and more expensive. Here's a closer look at the different cabin types you can choose when you book your cruise.

An inside, or interior, room on a cruise ship is notable for its lack of a window and therefore natural light. These cabins are located in the middle of each deck, rather than along the outer sides of the ship. They are generally small, often around 150 square feet, and while they come with an ensuite bathroom, closet and small desk or vanity area, they tend not to have a comfortable sitting area for hanging out.

Most inside cabins sleep two with a queen bed that can separate into twins, but you'd be surprised that many can sleep four with upper bunks that pull down from the ceiling.

Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line have an interesting class of inside cabins with virtual windows. They are video screens, designed to look like a round porthole or floor-to-ceiling balcony door, that broadcast footage from outside the ship, so you can pretend you have a window.

Outside, or ocean view, cabins feature round porthole windows or one large picture window that cannot be opened. The rooms are often slightly larger than inside cabins; on some ships, they might have a sitting area in addition to the bed and bathroom.

Outside cabins offer natural light but not ocean breezes. The most affordable outside cabins have an obstructed view, meaning the windows look out on the lifeboats or other ship structures that block your view of the ocean beyond.

Cruise ship balcony cabins are the most popular cabin category. So many travelers choose this type of cruise ship cabin that some ships put private verandas on all their outside cabins. That's a recent trend; the oldest ships in a cruise line's fleet might have more ocean-view rooms than balcony cabins, while the newest ships will have mainly balcony rooms.

Inside, a balcony cabin will offer an ensuite bathroom, bed(s), closet area, desk with chair and a small sitting area. The exterior wall will be a floor-to-ceiling window with a door leading to a private balcony, usually with two upright chairs and a small table for drinks or alfresco meals.

The private outdoor spaces are usually fairly small, but certain cabin categories might have roomier balconies due to the ship's layout. Look for larger-than-average verandas on cabins at the back of the ship and in places where the structure of the ship juts out.

Royal Caribbean has an unusual type of balcony cabin on its Oasis-class ships. Instead of facing out to sea, these balconies look out on an interior yet open-air section of the ship, as if you had a balcony that overlooked a city street.

Some cruise ships, notably Celebrity Cruises' Edge Class and Royal Caribbean's Icon class, feature a new type of versatile balcony room. Instead of a typical veranda attached to each vessel's exterior, these ships feature a large window that can slide down at the push of a button (like your car's window) to bring the fresh air in. Close some folding doors and — voila! — instant balcony.

The benefit of this type of room (sometimes called an "infinite veranda") is that all of the cabin's square footage is usable rain or shine. With a traditional balcony, the extra outdoor space is wasted when it's chilly or wet outside.

Suites are the largest type of cruise ship cabin, and they come in a wide range of varieties. Minisuites or junior suites are slightly roomier versions of balcony cabins, with sleeping and sitting areas in the same space without a wall in between. Larger suites might include sleeping areas in separate rooms, dining tables, large living room spaces, multiple bathrooms and expansive private balconies.

Suites also come with extra amenities, perks and privileges.

Are all cruise ship suites the same?

No! Suites on cruise ships come in a variety of sizes and layouts.

The most elaborate suites could be duplexes spread across two decks, featuring master bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and marble detailing, and balconies with alfresco dining areas, cushy patio furniture and a hot tub or wet bar.

Family suites might include additional bedrooms with bunk beds for kids; Royal Caribbean's Ultimate Family Suite is a wonderland of slides, climbing walls, video games and comfy kid seating. It's also a duplex with bedrooms upstairs and living areas downstairs. Cunard has duplex suites, as well.

The most spectacular suite at sea is likely Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Regent Suite. The 4,443- square-foot multiroom luxury enclave features a gold-and-marble master bathroom that doubles as a spa, a $200,000 handmade mattress stuffed with horse hair, multiple balconies (one with a whirlpool tub) and an enormous living room, complete with piano and an actual Rembrandt painting.

Suites are not only about spacious digs, but also about the VIP perks and privileges that come with the booking.

Perks for passengers in the most expensive cabins can include priority boarding and disembarkation, freebies (Wi-Fi, laundry, drink packages, etc.), first pick of restaurant and shore excursion reservations, special queues to jump the line at the front desk or main dining room, and even reserved theater seating. You might also get nicer amenities such as name-brand toiletries, higher-thread-count sheets and linens, stocked minibars or fancy robes to enjoy on board.

For cruise lines offering promotions where you choose your favorite booking perk , suite passengers often get all the freebies instead of one or two or higher amounts of onboard credit.

In addition, suite guests may have access to the services of a butler or concierge, who can make tour, dining and show reservations, unpack your bags, bring you snacks and special room-service meals (perhaps from a specialty restaurant), and sort out any problems you might encounter. They might also bring you invitations to special events, such as cocktail parties and dinner at the captain's table.

Some cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises , create special restaurants, lounges and sun decks exclusive to suite residents. This lets passengers avoid crowded public areas and enjoy fine dining in a less frenetic setting than the main dining room.

What specialty cabins should I know about?

Within each basic cabin category, you will find specialty cabins aimed at certain types of cruisers. These tend to be a little more expensive than the basic cabin in the same class but come with perks that can enhance your vacation.

Accessible cabins

All of the large oceangoing cruise ships can accommodate travelers in wheelchairs or who have mobility impairments. In fact, cruising can be one of the best vacation options for travelers with a disability .

Accessible cabins come in all types, from insides to suites, and typically have more square footage than the basic room in the same category to allow for wheelchair turning radius and storage. They will often have features such as roll-in showers with benches, wider doorways, smooth thresholds and lowered sinks and counters.

Not all accessible cabins are the same, so do your research before booking. In general, newer ships offer better accessibility; older ships might have retrofitted a cabin to make it more accessible but might not be able to offer all the enhancements of a purposely designed room.

Related: The best cruise lines for wheelchair users and passengers with limited mobility

Do you book a vacation to spend maximum time at the cruise ship's spa ? Then a spa cabin might be a good choice for you. From Celebrity Cruises ' AquaClass to MSC Cruises' Aurea cabins, spa cabins can come in multiple layouts (from inside to suite) and usually feature a Zen-inspired decor.

Perks vary widely by line but might include in-cabin amenities — such as spa showerheads, healthy room service menus, workout gear and room diffusers — and spa-related perks, such as a spa concierge, free access to the thermal suite, priority for spa treatment reservations and discounts. Celebrity AquaClass guests even get their own restaurant.

Family cabins

Many cruise lines offer some type of cruise ship cabins for families , usually rooms that can sleep five (or more), have a separate bedroom for kids, or come with an extra bathroom or a split bathroom set-up (shower and sink in one room, toilet and sink in another). Some family suites are configurations of connected cabins that can accommodate larger, multigenerational family groups.

Carnival Cruise Line 's Family Harbor cabins even come with access to an exclusive family lounge with snacks, games, TVs and computers, and a concierge. Plus, families get perks, such as free late-night group babysitting.

Concierge cabins

Typically, concierge (and concierge lounge) access is a perk for suite guests and top-tier frequent cruisers. However, a few lines offer concierge services to passengers who book specialty cabins that aren't suites.

Celebrity Cruises' concierge cabins are essentially standard balcony cabins with access to a concierge and a few other perks. Oceania Cruises also offers a concierge category of balcony cabin that comes with the services of a concierge and access to a concierge lounge , plus additional perks such as room service from the Grand Dining Room menu, access to the spa terrace sun deck and free laundry service.

I'm traveling solo. Are there cabins for just 1 person?

Single travelers often get short-changed when booking a cruise cabin. If they choose a regular cabin, priced for two people, they have to pay a single supplement — a solo cruiser tax, if you will, that can be akin to paying double the per-person fare. Some cruise lines have solved this problem by offering solo cabins designed and priced for one traveler.

Depending on the line, solo cabins come in inside, ocean-view and balcony options, though they're often smaller than the same style of cabin designed to sleep two or more. You'll find either a twin or full-size bed intended for one person.

Norwegian's Studio cabins have access to an exclusive lounge where single travelers can meet and mingle and grab snacks. On Oceania's new ship Vista, solo cabin occupants will have concierge-level perks and privileges, including concierge lounge access.

Related: The 6 best cruise lines for solo travelers

My large family can't fit in 1 room. Which cruise ship cabin should we book?

As I mentioned earlier, larger families can look into family cabins and suites that accommodate five or six people. Some of the best cruise lines for families will have suites that can sleep eight, such as Norwegian's three-bedroom garden villas. But what if you're traveling in a large family group with cousins, grandparents, friends, even a nanny in tow? You might need to book connecting rooms.

Many cruise ship cabins have doors that can be opened between rooms to turn side-by-side cabins into shared spaces. Some lines, such as MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean, go so far as to arrange different kinds of cabins together that can be sold as individual rooms or opened up into a warren of rooms that can sleep 10 or so travelers.

Does it matter where my cabin is on the ship?

For some cruisers, any room will do. For others, scoring the best cabin location is vitally important because your enjoyment of the cruise is at stake.

Do you get horribly seasick (or are worried that you do)? You'll want to choose a midship cabin on a lower deck to experience less ship movement and rocking. A balcony cabin that gives quick access to fresh air and a view of the horizon is also key.

Travelers who don't sleep well with ambient noise should prioritize cruise ship cabins that are not above or below public areas, such as the pool deck, main dining room or nightclub. Connecting cabins are less soundproof than rooms without those extra doors, so avoid those, too, if you're not booking both rooms.

If you have trouble walking long distances, you should book a cabin close to an elevator bank, so you don't have to trudge down long hallways to your room. (Though rooms near stairwells are some of the worst cabin locations for folks who don't want noisy rooms.)

Finally, you might prefer a cruise cabin that's close to the parts of the ship you use most. Fitness enthusiasts might choose a room near the spa; poker players might like to be not far from the casino. Families might like to stick close to the pool or kids club.

What are the cheapest cruise ship cabins?

If you're on a budget, windowless inside cabins are nearly always the cheapest option. But how do you find the most affordable rooms within other cabin categories?

Some cruise lines offer cruise cabin guarantee fares , which are typically the cheapest rate you can get for a cabin in any category. The catch is that you cannot pick your cabin. You're guaranteed (hence the name) a room on the ship in the category you paid for — or higher.

These fares can be a great option for travelers who don't care much about cabin location or who don't spend much time in their room. At worst, you get a cheap cruise in a room that's a little smaller, somewhat noisier or a longer walk than other cabins, and you might not be eligible for certain extra-value booking perks. At best, you can get upgraded to a room in a higher cabin category than you paid for.

Can I upgrade my cruise cabin like I can upgrade a flight or hotel room?

The holy grail of the frequent traveler is the complimentary, or at least cheap, upgrade to a nicer airline seat or hotel room than they paid for. You might wonder if there are tricks to accomplish the same on a cruise.

Cruise cabin upgrades are rarely guaranteed, but you have a few ways to chase one. Beyond the aforementioned guarantee booking, you can look for booking promotions or loyalty program perks that allow you to pay for one category of cabin and get upgraded to the next. A few cruise line credit cards let you use your points to pay for a cabin upgrade.

Sometimes a cruise line will reach out to booked passengers and offer them a low-cost upgrade or the option to bid on a cabin upgrade . While not free, these offers could get you a nicer room at a discount.

And it never hurts to ask! If you see prices drop on your cruise, you might be able to adjust your room selection to an upgraded one if the cost for the new cabin is the same as the original one. You can always ask at the front desk when you board your ship, but even if you play the birthday/anniversary/special occasion card, you can rarely sweet talk your way to a suite.

Related: 5 reasons to turn down a cruise ship cabin upgrade

Can I really survive a week in a tiny cabin?

A standard cruise ship cabin is much smaller than a typical hotel room, and, yes, if you squeeze four adults into a tiny inside cabin, you might regret that decision by week's end. But you'd be surprised how livable cruise cabins are. Cruise ship designers are talented at maximizing space, creating cozy hangouts and surprise storage to make your cabin feel larger than it is.

That said, you can employ a variety of smart cruise ship cabin hacks to improve on the basic cabin design. Whether that's bringing necessary extras like night lights or an inflatable bathtub for your toddler or creating extra storage by using your suitcase under your bed as an extra drawer, a little creativity goes a long way toward helping you survive life in a tiny cabin.

But also … what are you doing in your cabin?! Get out there and explore the ship and the ports of call. That's what you booked this trip for.

Bottom line

The best cruise ship cabin is the one that meets your top requirements for size, price and location. No matter which cabin you choose, you can find a way to make it work for you — whether by upgrading it, improving it or simply leaving it when you're not sleeping or changing clothes.

If you've read this guide and are still confused about choosing a cabin on a cruise, I suggest you connect with a knowledgeable cruise travel agent . They can walk you through the entire booking process — and maybe get you a great price on the cabin you ultimately select.

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