cruise cabin categories explained

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Cruise Stateroom Categories Explained

Doug Parker

• April 2, 2017
• 1.9K shares

One of the biggest challenges to booking a cruise is making sure you wind up in the stateroom you want. Whether you’re taking your first cruise or your 100th, it’s easy to get confused… especially when looking at the seemingly random number/letter combinations indicating the various stateroom types.

Because there’s no industry-wide standard, the designations are different for each fleet. Sometimes, they vary from ship to ship within the same cruise line.

So, what do you need to know about categories and what they mean? Let’s break it down.

On nearly every cruise line, there are four basic stateroom categories. (This does not include exclusive areas, often referred to as ship-within-a-ship categories, such as Norwegian’s Haven or MSC’s Yacht Club.)

Those four categories are:

Just to make things more confusing, these categories are almost always subdivided.

For example, Norwegian offers studios, which are inside cabins designed for single passengers, and several Royal Caribbean ships feature inside staterooms with “virtual” balconies, which, via LED screens, give occupants a simulated real-time view of the outside world.

What You Need To Know

Booking a cabin on a cruise ship is a lot like booking a hotel room. In both cases, the better the location, the more you’re going to pay. If a hotel is in the heart of the city and near all of its attractions, you’re going to pay more than one outside of town.

Similarly, if a cabin is centrally located on the ship, you’ll pay more. Midship balconies will usually cost more than those located forward or aft. Of course, as with everything, there are exceptions.

Over the past few years, aft-facing balconies — generally larger and with amazing views of the ship’s wake — have become wildly popular and, as a result, among the pricier cabins in the category.

For example, Carnival Cruise Line uses a number to indicate the type of cabin (inside, oceanview, or balcony) and a letter to indicate how desirable the associated location is. Category 7A would be an obstructed balcony, while category 7N would be an extended balcony.

While the various lines each use their own designations, the basic idea is the same.

How To Find Your Perfect Cabin

You’re spending a pretty penny on the cruise, so you want to make sure you wind up in exactly the right cruise stateroom. For some, that will mean getting a cheaper interior room — arguing that it’s just a place to sleep — in order to have more money to spend elsewhere.

Others can’t imagine setting sail without a balcony on which to sit and enjoy the view.

Once you’ve determined exactly what your priority is category-wise, go to the section of your cruise line’s website showing deck plans. Keep the deck plans open in a separate window as you’re perusing and pricing the options.

While doing so, keep the following in mind:

• Once you’ve figured out the type of cabin you want, use the deck plans to narrow down your choice of actual room. See what’s above and below to avoid sleeping atop a nightclub or beneath a bowling alley, either of which could mean late-night disturbances.
• Assume that the room you book is the one you’ll wind up in rather than hoping for an upgrade. They do happen, but if it doesn’t, you’ll be stuck in a room that you didn’t actually want in the first place.
• Once you’ve put down a deposit, make sure to set an alert so that if the price drops, you can look into the possibility of rebooking the room at the new price or perhaps getting some on-board credit. For details on how to set a price-drop alert, click here .

Do you have tips for finding the perfect cruise stateroom? 

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The Difference Between Stateroom Types, Categories & Guarantees: Demystifying the Stateroom Selection

When booking a cruise you'll inevitably have to decide what type of cabin (aka stateroom) you want.  What's the difference between an inside and an ocean view?  What are all these numbers? G1, B13? Are we playing bingo or going on vacation?  It can be confusing, but it's important to really understand the differences, at least conceptually, so that you not only book the right room for you, but recognize value and see through some promotional gimmicks.  We'll look at the differences between stateroom types  and  categories  and explain other things you'll run into, like guarantee rooms.

Stateroom Types

We'll start here because well, this one is easy.  Stateroom types are the top of the chart if you're thinking about different staterooms hierarchically (a word which, pronouncing correctly may be a deciding factor in future CruiseHabit giveaways).  There are four basic stateroom types (and of course, some outliers).  

Inside Staterooms

Yes, all staterooms are indoors, but this term refers to rooms which don't have a window or balcony (at least, they don't have a window or balcony facing the ocean - more on that later).  More often than not these types of rooms are the cheapest - but don't assume, as we've seen some cases where other categories are cheaper when supply and demand dictate such.  Often inside rooms have mirrors  and extra lights to keep you from feeling too closed in.  In recent years, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Lines have introduced inside rooms with "virtual" portholes or balconies, which use large screens to display real-time views of the outside.  Several lines also have a selection of inside rooms which have port holes or windows facing interior sections of the ship.  Some inside rooms have the bed facing the door, while others have the bed sideways.

Ocean View Staterooms

These rooms (sometimes called "outside rooms") have some sort of window which looks out to the ocean.  Depending on the ship, deck, and other factors this could be a small porthole or two, a large window, or even a floor-to-ceiling window.  Similar to the different layouts of inside rooms, they may have the window(s) behind the beds or next to them - layouts vary. 

Verandah Staterooms 

Call them what you will - verandahs, verandas, or balconies - these are the most common and popular rooms on modern ships.  It wasn't long ago that, for a number of reasons (some of which you can read about here ), a cruise ship might have only a handful of balconies, all located high on the ship.  Now, on some ships, over 95% of the rooms have balconies, and you'd have to work pretty hard to find anyone complaining about this.  Having a balcony gives you the option of enjoying some private deck space at any time, along with great views even when the doors are closed.  You could even use a GoPro to capture great sail-away videos using the proper mount .  Royal Caribbean's Oasis class ships have some verandah rooms that have outdoor balconies, but which don't face the ocean.  These "Neighborhood Verandahs" are unique, and if you're okay with not facing the ocean, can be a neat option.

Do you like painting with a broad brush?  Great - because the last room type we're covering is suites.  This can mean a lot of different things.  On modern ships suites pretty much always feature an ocean-facing balcony (we're sure we'll end up updating this with some exception - and RCI's Freedom Class "Sweets" don't count).  Suites can be similar to but slightly larger than verandah rooms, or they could be palatial multi-story areas with separate entranceways, multiple bedrooms, their own pianos, etc.  In addition to some extra space, suites often come with perks like exclusive lounges and restaurants, butler service, and many things which may cost other guests extra.  How do you differentiate the different types of suites?  I'm so glad you asked - keep reading to find out. 

Stateroom Categories

Discussing categories is important because many people confuse categories with types.  We mentioned above that there are four main stateroom types, but there can be dozens of categories even though so many rooms are so similar.  If you look on deck plans, or at the options when booking a cruise, categories are usually expressed as a letter-number combination, like A12, or V4 - it varies by cruise line.  There are some good reasons for this wide variety of options though, so let's review. 

Imagine you're looking to book a verandah stateroom you may find the best price on a beautiful room and then find that it's really far forward (that's the front of the ship), and as such, may be a bit of a walk to some areas.  It's quite possible that the exact same shape, size, and style of room is available down the hall but more mid-ship, though at a higher cost.  These two rooms are the same stateroom type, but different categories.  You might also find that the rooms directly above or below these rooms are different categories, as often, the higher deck on which you find a room, the higher the category.  This can be important to think about if you're worried about seasickness, as we explain here , rooms midship and on a lower deck can be helpful.  Also consider if you want to consistently walk through a long corridoor each time you come or go.

The view you have can impact the stateroom category as well.  One of the most common reasons you'll find "lower category" rooms classified as such is because of what lines refer to as "obstructed views".  An ocean view room that has an unobstructed view of the water is usually in a higher category than a similar rooms which has it's view obstructed by a lifeboat or other equipment.  Obstructions could be directly in front of a window (or balcony) or off to the side, above, or below it.

Size & Shape

Not surprisingly, the size and shape of rooms can help determine their category.  Until you get into suites, the sizes will remain somewhat similar, but even an extra 20 square feet can be nice, as can certain layouts which allow for a bit more useful area vs dead space.

Window or Verandah Type

We previously mentioned that the exact type and number of windows which an ocean view stateroom has can vary, and this is true of verandah rooms as well.  You'll find rooms with larger windows to be different categories than those with smaller portholes.  The area below railings on some verandahs are glass, providing superior views, while others may have metal horizontal sections or be completely flat metal.  On some ships, there may be rather unconventional windows or doors, like those found in Infinite Verandah staterooms on Celebrity Edge series ships.

Over the past few years some lines have created staterooms which may or may not be considered suites, may in fact be similar or identical to other verandah rooms, but which have some sort of perks.  A common example are rooms which allow free access to otherwise costly areas of the ship's spa.

"Weird Rooms"

You may have already guessed, but this is not a technical term - we'll call it a CruiseHabit term.  While many rooms on ships are nearly identical (in fact, they're modular), there are some rooms which are outliers based on engineering constraints and other factors.  Rooms all the way forward often feature angled walls with different layouts.  Verandah rooms at the aft are frequently sought after for fantastic views from their sometimes much longer balconies.  Other rooms are just plane different in the shape, such as rooms on the corner of ships.  In fact, these rooms often different because of multiple factors, such as size, shape, window type, and location, and more.

Okay, but what are guarantee rooms? 

You may or may not have the option of booking a guarantee - and generally this is a guarantee within a type.  For example, an "Ocean View Guarantee" is a booking which means you won't pick your exact stateroom, but you're guaranteed to be assigned an ocean view room or better.  Some guests hear this and book a guarantee with a hope of an upgrade - and while that can happen, it's rare and you shouldn't bet on this.  Guarantees are usually priced quite a bit lower than a stateroom which you chose yourself, and they're a way for cruise lines to ensure they fill space while still charging other guests a premium for picking the room of their choice. 

It's critical to remember that you're surrendering your choice to the cruise line - so if you book a guarantee and you're assigned a room far from where you'd like, or with an obstructed view, etc, you generally can't do anything about it (though if space is available, you  may  be able to get a random different room of the same type.  If you're okay with this risk, booking a guarantee can be a great way to save some money.  

Watch Out For This 'Upgrade' Sales Technique

Now that you understand how cruise lines establish stateroom types and categories, you should also better understand a sales technique that is used quite often by many lines: the free upgrade.  Sounds great, right?  It can be - but don't get too excited.  These upgrades are usually for a category or two within the same type.  Usually, a line will offer a deal on a sailing where, for example, they'll offer the second lowest category for the same price as the lowest category.  Other times, for certain loyalty programs, guests will receive pricing for a room that is actually the price of the category below the room being priced.

This isn't a scam - it can be a nice perk, but don't get excited when you hear you're getting an upgrade thinking you're going from an inside to an ocean view.  You're likely going from an inside to a slightly nicer inside stateroom or an inside stateroom on deck two to an inside stateroom on deck five.

Final Statement on Staterooms

Ships today have many different stateroom categories, but if your new the to cruise game, it's the stateroom types you should focus on - but no matter what you do, don't put too much importance into picking a cabin.  While it's very subjective, we find nice staterooms nice to have, but not necessary - we just don't spend that much time in out stateroom, even when we have a particularly nice one.  If we can score a better stateroom (category or type) for a small price, then great - but often we're willing to take a more humble room and keep the savings for another cruise.  At the same time, we're frequent cruisers - so if you're looking at a once in a lifetime (or maybe just every few years) trip, then treat yourself with an ocean-facing balcony or even a suite.  The choice is yours.

Have questions about cabin classification or stateroom selection?  Comment below or reach out on Twitter or Facebook .

View the discussion thread.

Understanding Cabin Categories

Discover the different cabin categories available on cruise ships, and learn how to choose the one that best fits your needs. Whether you prefer a budget-friendly interior cabin or a luxurious suite with a balcony, there are plenty of options to accommodate every type of traveler. Get valuable insights and analysis on the unique features and amenities of each cabin category, and how they can enhance your overall cruise experience. With expert tips and advice, you’ll gain a better understanding of the various cabin categories and the benefits they offer. So, before you book your next cruise vacation, make sure to explore this helpful category to find the perfect accommodation for your dream getaway.

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Cruise Ship Rooms: Selecting the Perfect Category

When planning your next cruise holiday, one of the most important steps is choosing the right ship and the right trip. Once that’s done, you need to figure out how to choose and book one of the right cruise ship rooms. Our category guide will help you use our data and serices to book your perfect holiday for the best price.

Some of Our Definitions:

Cabin classes:.

Almost every cruise ship offer four different cabin classes (some luxury ships only offer suites):

• located inside the ship and doesn’t have a window or porthole, no direct access to a balcony
• has a window or porthole but no direct access to a balcony
• has direct access to a balcony or verandah
• has separated sleeping and sitting rooms, includes a balcony

Categories:

The cabin classes divide the ship into four different classes with different specifications, but we go even more fine-grained than this. The average cruise ship features about 25 cabin categories. Each cabin category contains different sub-categories to precisely differentiate room types.

An Example from the Carnival Breeze:

Oceanview = cabin class

6A = category

6L = category

6M = category

OV = category

How Are the Categories Differentiated?

You will find a short description of the different categories on our webpage. If you still need more information, you will get more details about every single room type after starting the booking process.

Choosing the Right Cabin Class

There is no right and wrong choice when it comes choosing cabin class—it’s an indvidual decision. But to help you make the choice that best suits your needs, we will list some pros and cons for each class.

+ best price

+ more of your budget can be spent in the common areas

+ ideal for those who like sleeping in absolute darkness

– no view of the outside

– can feel a bit claustrophobic

– no waking up to the sunrise and a view of the sea

– no natural light to give you a sense of the time of day

Summary: ideal for passengers who are sure not to spend too much time in their cabin

+ outside view with porthole or window

+ natural light facilitates a normal circadian rhythm

– portholes and windows cannot be openend

– some cabins face public areas and not the sea (choose the right category)

Summary: good value for money if you want a view of the sea. Good choice for first-time-cruisers

Balcony (sometimes Verandahs):

+ outside seating

+ fresh ocean air

+ larger rooms

– balconies are small with very limited space

– higher price

Summary: ideal for passengers who want to have a panoramic view of the sea in a private atmosphere

+ largest space

+ separated sleeping and sitting rooms, including balcony

– highest price

Summary: best suited for families or passengers who enjoy luxury and are willing to pay for it

What to Consider When Choosing the Category

After choosing your preferred cabin class you can start  selecting one of the categories  to further differentiate cabins according to:

• location on the ship

Location is the most complicated choice. Some general tips:

• if you’re prone to sickness choose a cabin near the center of the ship
• cabins on higher decks tend to rock more than cabins on lower decks
• if you are a light sleeper, choose a cabin far from public areas (e.g. dancefloors, kitchen, engine room)
• if you have an outside view, make sure you check where it faces

Analyze and Monitor Your Preferred Cruise Ship Rooms

Once you know the perfect ship and trip for your cruise holiday you can choose and analyze the cabin classes and categories. All you need to do is click “Find Your Cruise” or “Price Drop”, filter according to your preferred criteria, and select the “Show Details” button (click the cruise trip in the Price Drop layer).

Now you can see the trip details for your selection:

Our Trip Details help to get a quick overview

This gives you a first impression of the different cabin classes and prices listed at the top. You can scroll down or click “Price History.”

Now you will see this screen, which allows you to analyze the four different cabin classes. The price shown is always for the cheapest available category.

In this example, you see the price curve for the interior and it had an initial price of $3,949. That former price was reduced 23 hours ago by $150 and now sits at $3,799. This is still very expensive (factoring in a comparison to all other cruise ships and trips) and our prediction (you need to be logged in to see it) recommends waiting, since the price is likely to drop.

This analysis all takes place on a cabin class level. You can get even more detailed information by clicking the link just below the cabin class picture. Your screen will change to one like this:

Here you get the relevant category level information: a brief description, the current price, and information about the last update. You can modify the category screen by selecting the two boxes above the data grid. The first one allows you to see all cabin classes at once and the other hides unavailable cabins.

Once you’re sure you’ve identified the best category for you, you can start the booking process. Simply go back to the former screen (click the trip name or just click “back” in your browser) and click on the “Book” button. This will direct you to our trusted partner to finalize the booking.

If you‘re not happy with the price, all you need to do is set an alert by clicking the “Add Alert for This Cabin” button (you need to be logged in to access this service). In our alert section (see this link ) you can easily handle your alerts:

You can choose from five different alerts:

• Sold out : we notify you when this category is no longer available
• Available : we notify you when the category is available again.
• $ Up : we text you if the prices increases
• $ Drop : we make sure you never miss the price going down since the last drop
• $ Limit : we will let you know if the price drops below your customized limit

Save Money by Selecting an Alternative Date

If the cruise ship will be making the same trip repeatedly, we will show you our “alternative dates” layer (see the lower section of the cabin class picture above). There, you can compare prices on a cabin class level for your selected ship and trip at a single glance. You will find out immediately how much money you can save. All that you need to take advantage of these better deals is the flexibility to change your departure date. We hope this introduction has been helpful. If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on our forum!

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How to Choose the Best Stateroom on a Cruise

Last updated: August 16th, 2021

• Find a Cruise

Picking the best rooms on a cruise ship involves more than just choosing a stateroom category.

When selecting a stateroom, you’ll want to figure out what type of experience and convenience you’d like to have during your cruise vacation. The location of the stateroom on the ship, right down to the deck, can make a big difference in your vacation experience, especially if you know what you want to be close to.

What’s the best room on a cruise for you? Follow these four steps to choose the best rooms on a cruise ship for your desired vacation, ambiance, and overall experience.

Choose a Stateroom Category

First, let’s look at stateroom types and who they’re best for. Whether you’re on a family cruise, a romantic couple’s getaway , or cruising solo, we have a stateroom that’s perfect for you.

Read: How to Plan a Cruise

Inside Staterooms

Inside staterooms are located on the interior of the ship and don’t have any windows. These are the best rooms on a cruise ship if you’re looking for a lower-cost option or plan to spend the majority of your time on adventurous excursions, relaxing by the pool, or dining in our world-class restaurants at a leisurely pace.

Oceanview Staterooms

Oceanview staterooms are ideal if you want to enjoy savings while being able to soak in beautiful ocean views from your room.

Though the windows aren’t as large as staterooms with verandas, these staterooms can still sleep the same number of guests thanks to the spacious bed arrangement (which fits two adults) and the pull-out couch for an additional adult guest.

Veranda Staterooms

A common sentiment among cruisers is that once you sail in a stateroom with a balcony, it’s hard to ever go back to staying in a stateroom without one.

With a veranda stateroom , you’ll have your own private outdoor space, a quiet haven where you can soak up every precious moment of vacation. Sit out on your veranda and enjoy the sea breeze and port views as you sip your coffee in the morning, or enjoy a glass of wine and sunset views in the evening.

Certain veranda staterooms can be connected, which is a great solution for friends or multi-generational families traveling together who want to have easy access to each other but still have the option of privacy.

On Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, there’s a unique veranda stateroom category: the Infinite Veranda, which blurs the line between indoor and outdoor space by providing a veranda that completely opens to the rest of the room with a touch of a button. It’s especially perfect for guests on a solo cruise .

Concierge-Class Staterooms

Looking for an elevated level of service during your cruise? A Concierge Class stateroom provides you with personalized concierge service during your cruise, afternoon snack deliveries to your stateroom, seating time preferences, and other benefits.

AquaClass® Staterooms

For the ultimate rejuvenating vacation experience, book an AquaClass® stateroom . These staterooms are located close to the spa and include spa amenities inside the stateroom.

You’ll also get unlimited access to the Persian Garden and the exclusive onboard specialty restaurant, Blu, which serves spa-inspired cuisine featuring fresh, healthy ingredients. Crisp and bold flavors collide at the hands of our world-class chefs. Choose from its robust selection of sustainable, biodynamic wines.

Take wellness classes like yoga and meditation, and get unlimited access to the exclusive SEA Thermal Suite on Celebrity Edge.

AquaClass® comes with other benefits too, like 10% off any pre-booked salon or spa service and priority spa booking an entire month ahead of other guests. Treat yourself to a massage, a mani/pedi with your best friend or your mom, or a rejuvenating facial for the ultimate in pampering.

Read: What Is Included on a Cruise?

The Retreat®

The Retreat® features exclusive spaces, accommodations, venues, and services to elevate your vacation.

With access to a private restaurant, Luminae, a pool, and lounge just for The Retreat guests, Personal Retreat Host service, and $300 per suite in onboard spending credit, The Retreat® is all-inclusive and all-immersive.

If you’re looking for extra space, a suite is one of the best rooms on a cruise ship to book. In suites, you’ll find that the sleeping and living spaces are separated. Some suites even have multiple bedrooms, making them ideal for families or groups of friends.

When it comes to cruise suites, there are a variety of layouts to choose from, like two-level loft suites and Penthouse Suites with grand pianos and hot tubs. Celebrity Edge’s Iconic Suites span a massive 1,291 square feet with an additional 398 square feet of outdoor space.

Staterooms on Celebrity Flora

Celebrity Flora sails to the remote and wildlife-packed Galapagos Islands. With total ship occupancy capped at just 100 guests, the Celebrity Flora suite and stateroom experience is nothing short of all inclusive.

Every need is taken care of for you thanks to 24-hour room service, laundry service twice during your sailing, and full in-suite dinner service. Adjust your room’s lighting or temperature with the touch of a button or your Celebrity mobile app. Allow your Personal Suite Attendant to help you navigate the ship or unpack your luggage.

There are six suite options to consider when you sail on Flora:

Sky Suite with Veranda

The Sky Suite is a 330-square-foot suite that includes a private, spacious, 84-square-foot veranda. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible sea views. With a king-sized bed you can sink right into and even a menu for pillow options, you won’t have to count sheep to fall into a restful sleep. Plus, the double faucet vanity means no one has to wait to freshen up their makeup or get ready in a hurry.

Sky Suite with Infinite Veranda

With an outward-facing design and an infinite veranda, this suite will make you feel even more connected to the Galapagos Islands with each day at sea. With the touch of a button, you can transform your sky suite into an open-air room.

Premium Sky Suite with Infinite Veranda

The Premium Sky Suite provides luxurious amenities and experiences. You’ll have open-air access to the sea, where you can even dine in your suite al fresco. At 337 square feet and featuring a spa tub and shower, the Premium Sky Suite is a good option for couples on a romantic getaway.

Ultimate Sky Suite with Infinite Veranda

The biggest Sky Suite at 365 square feet is aptly named: the Ultimate. With an outward-facing tub and shower, you can be close to the ocean’s edge with the touch of a button in your fully automated suite. With more space than the other Sky Suites, this is an excellent option for those who crave comfort.

Royal Suite

The Royal Suite does indeed offer special treatment. From the floor-to-ceiling window in the shower, where you can feel one with the ocean, to the in-suite espresso machine, you’ll have every need taken care of. There are 559 total square feet in the Royal Suite, which includes a separate living area, bedroom, and private veranda.

Penthouse Suite

Slip on your complimentary monogrammed robe and slippers and take in the beauty of the Galapagos Islands from your floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows. The Penthouse Suite is the ultimate haven for travelers, and our most spacious suite on Flora is up to 1,288 square feet in size. With spa-like amenities and an additional half bath included, the Penthouse Suite is designed to be immensely luxurious in every way imaginable.

Staterooms on Celebrity Xpedition

48 passengers can call Celebrity Xpedition their home at sea per sailing, making it an exclusive way to see the Galapagos Islands in complete style. Every service and amenity is personalized to provide the experience of a lifetime. Your Personal Suite Attendant will see to your comfort.

Premium Stateroom

With two double beds and an ocean view window, a private veranda, and a convertible sofa bed, the Premium Stateroom has just what you need for an easy, relaxing sailing.

Junior Suite

Two beds can convert into a comfortable queen, plus creative storage solutions mean you can spread out and enjoy the space. This level of accommodation includes an immersive sliding glass door ocean experience.

Xpedition Suite

Featuring two beds and a sitting area with a convertible full-size sofa bed, the Xpedition Suite is perfect for a group of three or four looking to explore the Galapagos Islands. It’s comfortable, spacious, and has a private veranda.

In your Royal Suite on Xpedition, you’ll find similar amenities to those on the same class of suite on Celebrity Flora, like an in-suite espresso machine for all your specialty coffee needs, a Personal Suite Attendant, complementary services, and premium amenities.

The Galapagos Islands meet you in your Penthouse Suite thanks to incredible floor-to-ceiling windows. The Penthouse comes with a separate bedroom with its own private veranda, a spacious living room, and a sitting area with two sofa beds. Soak in the jacuzzi on your suite’s veranda while you sail between the islands. It’s an excellent option for entire families on a quest to experience the Galapagos in the height of luxury.

Read: How to Plan a Cruise for a Large Family

Staterooms on Celebrity Xploration

You’ll find unparalleled intimacy and comfort during your sailing on the 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration . The size of Celebrity Xploration means it’s a cruise experience that’ll quickly have you bonding with fellow passengers, relaxing in the hot tub on the Sun Deck, or attending naturalist briefings in the lounge to discover every detail of the Galapagos.

Every Xploration suite has plentiful storage, complimentary bathrobes, breakfast, lunch or dinner room service, and many more amenities.

Cozy and comfortable, the Junior Suite is decked out with sophisticated furnishings and thoughtful details, including inventive storage, premium amenities, and lush 300-thread count, 100% Egyptian cotton sheets. Soak in ocean views from the comfort of your private veranda.

Elite Ocean View

The Elite Ocean View stateroom features two convertible beds, a balcony facing the sea, and cozy touches to make it feel like home.

Is upgrading to a balcony room worth it?

Many passengers plan on spending the majority of their cruise outside of their room, whether they’re pumping iron at the gym, relaxing in the spa, or suntanning out on the pool deck. It’s up to you if a balcony feels like an important feature for your stay.

If you enjoy the leisurely routine of sipping your morning coffee on the veranda or want a private space to watch the sunset with your loved one, you might consider upgrading to a stateroom with a veranda.

If you’re cruising to Alaska or another destination that sails through stunning natural landscapes, opting for a veranda stateroom is a great way to witness these sights without having to leave your room.

Choose a Deck

Once you’ve chosen your stateroom category, you can decide what deck you want to stay on. When you book a cruise early, you’ll have a better opportunity to choose what deck of the ship you want to be on.

Some staterooms have larger verandas (typically ones on the bow or aft of the ship ) and some have partially blocked views, which may or may not be a big deal to you.

Foodies may want a stateroom closer to the many incredible dining options onboard. Returning cruisers might have a favorite bar or lounge where they become a regular during their vacation.

If you’re traveling with friends or a group, you’ll want to consider how far apart your staterooms are. Will it be harder to meet up if they’re on the opposite side of the ship? Will you want to be a quick elevator ride or walk away from your fellow travelers? These are all questions to consider when you’re choosing what deck is best for you.

Is it better to be on a higher deck?

Each of the twelve ships in the Celebrity fleet is unique in terms of their deck designs and the way the decks are organized. Some cruisers prefer lower levels as you’re less likely to feel any rocking while the ship is in motion, but that varies from person to person.

You can study your ship’s deck plans to understand how everything is organized before making your choice. Remember—prime locations for specific stateroom categories are reserved fast, which is why it’s ideal to book early if the deck your stateroom is on matters to you.

Choose a Location

Don’t forget to use proper ship lingo when you’re choosing the location of your stateroom. Here’s a helpful glossary of words every cruiser should know:

• Forward: The very front of the ship
• Midship: The middle of the ship
• Aft: The back of the ship

Aft staterooms are closer to the ship’s vibrations and engine, so keep that in mind if you want as silent of a stateroom location as possible. Forward and aft staterooms tend to have more sway than midship, which is something to keep in mind as you’re booking your room.

Choose a Room

You’ve done your research. There’s an itinerary that’s caught your eye. You’re ready to book your stateroom, the best room on a cruise you could hope for.

Celebrity Cruises makes it easy for you. You can book your cruise accommodations, flights, and excursions all in one easy-to-use place. Head to celebritycruises.com and get to planning!

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What are the different types of Royal Caribbean staterooms?

We group our onboard accommodations into four categories:

• Suites/Deluxe

All of our accommodations are designed to be comfortable places you can kick back and relax in after a day of adventure. Our staterooms and suites vary by ship, but every room offers a television, telephone, private bath, shower, vanity and a hair-dryer. And depending on your stateroom/suite category, you're accommodations many include other amenities such as bathrobes, sitting areas, even a whirlpool tub!

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What Do The Categories Mean On Norwegian Cruise Line

Published: December 20, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Patrizia Zalewski

Introduction

Setting sail on a cruise is an exciting adventure, offering the opportunity to explore new destinations, relax in luxurious accommodations, and indulge in world-class dining and entertainment. Norwegian Cruise Line, one of the leading cruise companies in the world, is renowned for its innovative ships and exceptional service.

When planning a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation, understanding the various categories available is crucial. These categories determine the type of accommodation, amenities, and experiences you can expect during your cruise. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, knowing what each category offers will help you make an informed decision and ensure a memorable experience.

In this article, we’ll delve into the meaning behind the different categories on Norwegian Cruise Line ships. We’ll explore the factors that determine category placement, discuss how categories can affect your cruise experience, and provide tips for choosing the right category for your needs and preferences.

So, whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious suite with a private balcony or a cozy stateroom with all the essential amenities, let’s dive into the world of Norwegian Cruise Line categories and discover the perfect option for your next cruise vacation.

Understanding Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is a renowned cruise company that has been providing exceptional experiences to travelers for over 50 years. With a fleet of 17 purpose-built ships, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a wide range of itineraries to destinations around the world.

NCL is known for its “Freestyle Cruising” concept, which gives passengers the freedom and flexibility to design their own perfect cruise experience. From dining choices to entertainment options, Norwegian Cruise Line allows guests to personalize their vacation to suit their preferences.

One of the key aspects that distinguishes Norwegian Cruise Line from other cruise companies is its innovative ship designs. NCL ships feature a wide array of onboard amenities, including multiple dining venues, vibrant entertainment options, luxurious spas, and thrilling recreational activities. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or both, Norwegian Cruise Line ships have something for everyone.

Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line is committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The company strives to minimize its ecological footprint by implementing energy-efficient technologies, reducing waste, and supporting local communities.

By understanding the ethos and offerings of Norwegian Cruise Line, you can better appreciate the unique experiences and amenities that await you onboard their ships. Let’s now explore the importance of categories in the Norwegian Cruise Line experience.

The Importance of Categories

When it comes to booking a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, the different categories available play a crucial role in shaping your overall experience. Categories determine the type of accommodations you will have, the amenities available to you, and even the level of service you can expect during your cruise.

By categorizing their accommodations, Norwegian Cruise Line is able to offer a range of options to cater to different budgets, preferences, and needs of their passengers. Whether you’re looking for a spacious suite with exclusive perks or a cozy stateroom for a more budget-friendly option, the variety of categories ensures that there is something for everyone.

Choosing the right category for your cruise is essential because it directly impacts your comfort, privacy, and overall satisfaction. The category you select sets the tone for your entire vacation, determining the size of your room, the quality of the amenities, and even the location on the ship.

Moreover, categories can also affect other aspects of your cruise, such as access to certain onboard facilities or priority in dining reservations and embarkation/disembarkation procedures. Understanding the significance of categories will enable you to make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences and priorities.

It’s important to remember that while higher category options may come with added luxuries and perks, they also tend to carry a higher price tag. By carefully considering your budget and priorities, you can strike the right balance between your desired level of comfort and the overall cost of your cruise.

Ultimately, the importance of categories lies in their ability to offer a diverse range of experiences and accommodations, ensuring that every passenger can find the perfect fit for their needs and preferences. Now, let’s dive deeper into the different categories available on Norwegian Cruise Line ships and explore what each one entails.

Examining Different Categories

When it comes to Norwegian Cruise Line, there are several categories of accommodations to choose from, each offering its own unique features and benefits. Let’s explore some of the main categories you can find on their ships:

• Inside Staterooms: Inside staterooms are the most budget-friendly option. These rooms do not have windows or balconies but still provide a comfortable space to relax and rest during your cruise.
• Oceanview Staterooms: Oceanview staterooms feature a window or porthole, allowing you to enjoy natural light and take in breathtaking views of the sea.
• Balcony Staterooms: Balcony staterooms offer a private outdoor space where you can unwind and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze. These rooms typically come with a small seating area and provide an enhanced level of comfort and relaxation.
• Mini-Suites: Mini-suites are slightly larger than balcony staterooms and often include a separate sitting area. They provide extra space and comfort, making them an excellent choice for those who want a little more room to stretch out.
• Suites: Suites are the epitome of luxury and indulgence. They offer spacious accommodations with separate living and sleeping areas, as well as private balconies. Guests staying in suites enjoy exclusive perks such as access to special lounges, priority boarding, and personalized concierge service.

It’s important to note that the exact configuration and amenities of each category may vary depending on the specific ship and cabin. Additionally, Norwegian Cruise Line also offers specialty accommodations such as solo staterooms, connecting rooms for families, and accessible cabins for those with mobility needs.

When selecting a category, consider your preferences for space, views, privacy, and budget. If you enjoy spending time in your cabin and appreciate a private outdoor space, a balcony stateroom or suite might be ideal. On the other hand, if you prioritize exploration and only plan to use your cabin for sleeping and getting ready, an inside or oceanview stateroom could be a more cost-effective choice.

By examining the different categories available, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect accommodation that suits your needs and preferences. Now, let’s delve into the meaning behind each category and the experiences they offer onboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

The Meaning Behind Each Category

Each category on Norwegian Cruise Line carries its own significance and offers a distinct experience. Understanding the meaning behind each category will help you determine which one best aligns with your desires and expectations for your cruise.

• Inside Staterooms: Inside staterooms are designed for those who prioritize value and don’t mind sacrificing a view for affordability. These cozy accommodations provide a comfortable space to rest and relax, perfect for those who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship and enjoying the onboard amenities.
• Oceanview Staterooms: Oceanview staterooms offer the opportunity to have a glimpse of the stunning ocean views from the comfort of your cabin. With a window or porthole, you can bask in the natural light and feel connected to the beauty of the sea.
• Balcony Staterooms: Balcony staterooms provide an enhanced level of luxury and tranquility. With your own private outdoor space, you can enjoy breathtaking views, savor a delicious breakfast, or unwind with a cocktail while soaking up the sun. The balcony adds an extra dimension of freedom, offering a seamless fusion of indoor and outdoor living.
• Mini-Suites: Mini-suites offer more space and comfort compared to the standard stateroom options. With a separate sitting area, these accommodations provide a cozy retreat for relaxation, reading a book, or enjoying in-room dining. Mini-suites are perfect for those who desire a bit more room to unwind and make themselves at home during their cruise.
• Suites: Suites are the epitome of luxury on Norwegian Cruise Line ships. These spacious accommodations offer a separate living area, bedroom, and a private balcony. Guests staying in suites enjoy exclusive amenities such as priority boarding, access to private lounges, and personalized concierge service. Suites provide an unparalleled level of indulgence and comfort, ideal for those seeking the utmost in luxury during their cruise.

While the amenities and features of each category may differ slightly across different ships, Norwegian Cruise Line ensures that each category provides a comfortable and enjoyable experience for guests. Whether you opt for a more budget-friendly option or indulge in a luxurious suite, Norwegian Cruise Line strives to provide exceptional service and create unforgettable memories.

Now that we’ve explored the meaning behind each category, let’s move on to understanding the factors that determine category placement.

Factors That Determine Category Placement

When it comes to categorizing accommodations on Norwegian Cruise Line ships, several factors come into play to determine category placement. These factors influence the pricing, amenities, and overall experience associated with each category.

Here are some key factors that contribute to category placement:

• Size and Layout: The size and layout of the cabin play a significant role in category placement. Larger cabins with separate living and sleeping areas, as well as spacious bathrooms and balconies, are typically reserved for higher categories.
• Location on the Ship: The location of the cabin can also affect its category placement. Cabins in prime locations, such as those near elevators, on higher decks, or with desirable views, may be categorized at a higher level due to their enhanced appeal.
• Amenities and Extra Perks: Higher category accommodations often come with additional amenities and perks. This can include priority embarkation and disembarkation, access to exclusive lounges and dining venues reserved for suite guests, complimentary specialty dining reservations, and personalized concierge service.
• Views and Balconies: Cabins with balconies or stunning ocean views are typically priced higher than those without. The ability to enjoy the beauty of the sea or the sights of the destinations from the privacy of a balcony adds to the overall luxury and desirability of the cabin.
• Exclusive Spaces: Some categories grant access to exclusive spaces and facilities. For example, suite guests may have exclusive access to a private lounge, sun deck, or restaurant, providing an added level of luxury and privacy.
• In-demand Categories: Finally, category placement can also be influenced by demand. Popular categories that are in high demand may be priced higher due to their limited availability and desirability among guests.

It’s important to consider these factors when choosing a category for your cruise. Assess your preferences based on cabin size, location, amenities, and budget to find the right balance that suits your needs and provides the experience you desire.

Now that we understand the factors that determine category placement, let’s explore how these categories can affect your overall cruise experience.

How Categories Affect the Cruise Experience

Categories have a significant impact on your cruise experience, as they determine the type of accommodations, amenities, and level of service you can expect during your journey with Norwegian Cruise Line.

First and foremost, the category you choose will determine the size and layout of your cabin. Higher category accommodations offer more space, separate living areas, and larger bathrooms, providing a greater level of comfort and convenience. This can make a significant difference, especially if you value having room to relax and unwind in your own private space.

In addition to the physical aspects, categories also influence the amenities and perks that are included with your accommodations. Suites and higher category rooms often come with additional benefits such as priority boarding, access to exclusive lounges and dining venues, and personalized concierge service. These added privileges can enhance your cruise experience, providing a heightened level of luxury and convenience.

The location of your cabin can also be affected by your chosen category. Higher category cabins are typically situated in prime locations on the ship, such as near elevators or on higher decks, offering better views and easier access to onboard amenities. Being in a desirable location can add to the overall enjoyment of your cruise, as it allows for convenient access to various facilities and eliminates the need to traverse long distances to reach dining venues, entertainment areas, or other attractions onboard.

Furthermore, the category you select can impact your dining experience. Some categories, particularly suites, may provide access to exclusive dining venues that offer a more refined and intimate atmosphere. This allows you to enjoy a higher level of culinary excellence and service beyond the main dining areas.

Categories also play a role in the overall ambiance and atmosphere of your cruise. Higher category accommodations often provide a sense of exclusivity and privacy due to their limited availability. Suite guests, for example, may have access to private lounges and sun decks, creating a more secluded and serene environment away from the busier areas of the ship.

Lastly, categories can affect the level of personalized service you receive. Suite guests typically enjoy the dedicated services of a personal concierge who can assist with various requests and reservations. This personalized attention can elevate your overall experience, ensuring that your specific needs and preferences are met throughout your cruise.

Considering how categories can significantly impact your cruise experience, it’s important to carefully evaluate your priorities and budget when selecting the right category for your journey. By doing so, you can ensure that your chosen accommodations align with your preferences and enhance your enjoyment of the cruise.

Now that we’ve explored how categories affect the cruise experience, let’s discuss the benefits and limitations associated with different categories.

Benefits and Limitations of Categories

Choosing the right category for your Norwegian Cruise Line vacation comes with its own set of benefits and limitations. Understanding these can help you make an informed decision and ensure a satisfying cruise experience.

Let’s explore the benefits and limitations of different categories:

• Enhanced Comfort: Higher category accommodations offer more space, allowing for greater comfort and relaxation during your cruise.
• Exclusive Amenities: Suites and higher category rooms often come with exclusive perks such as priority boarding, access to private lounges, and personalized concierge service.
• Better Views: Categories with balconies or ocean views provide the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking vistas from the privacy of your own cabin.
• Prime Locations: Higher category cabins are typically situated in desirable locations on the ship, offering convenience and easy access to onboard amenities.
• Private Spaces: Some categories, particularly suites, provide access to exclusive areas such as private lounges and sun decks, offering a more serene and secluded experience.
• Enhanced Dining Options: Certain categories may grant access to exclusive dining venues, allowing for a more refined culinary experience.

Limitations:

• Higher Cost: As the amenities and luxuries increase, so does the price. Higher category accommodations often come with a higher price tag, which may not align with everyone’s budget.
• Limited Availability: Suites and higher category rooms are in limited supply, making them subject to availability. It’s essential to book early if you have your heart set on a specific category.
• Space Constraints: Lower category accommodations, such as inside staterooms, may have limited space and no windows or balconies, potentially impacting your overall comfort.
• Less Privacy: Lower category cabins may be located near high-traffic areas, elevators or stairwells, affecting the level of privacy and quietness you desire.
• Less Extravagant Amenities: Lower category accommodations may not offer the same level of exclusive amenities, personalized service, or access to private lounges and dining venues.

By weighing the benefits and limitations of each category, you can decide which factors matter most to you and select the category that aligns with your preferences, budget, and priorities for your cruise.

Now that we’ve examined the benefits and limitations of different categories, let’s move on to discussing how to choose the right category for your cruise.

Choosing the Right Category for Your Cruise

When it comes to selecting the right category for your Norwegian Cruise Line vacation, there are several factors to consider. By carefully assessing your preferences, budget, and priorities, you can choose the category that best suits your needs and ensures a memorable cruise experience.

Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• Consider Your Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on accommodations. Remember to factor in other expenses such as excursions, dining, and onboard activities.
• Assess Your Space Needs: Consider how much space you require to feel comfortable during your cruise. If you value a spacious cabin, a higher category with separate living areas may be worth the investment.
• Evaluate the Importance of Views: Decide how important it is for you to have a balcony or an ocean view. If enjoying scenic vistas from your cabin is a priority, consider opting for a category that offers this feature.
• Weigh the Benefit of Exclusive Amenities: Assess whether the additional perks and exclusive amenities offered in higher category cabins are worthwhile for you. Consider if priority boarding, personalized service, or access to exclusive lounges and dining venues are essential to enhancing your cruise experience.
• Consider Cabin Location: Think about where you would prefer to be on the ship. If you desire convenient access to amenities or prefer a quieter area, cabin location should play a role in your decision-making process.
• Read Reviews and Seek Recommendations: Research reviews and seek recommendations from experienced cruisers or travel professionals. Their insights can provide valuable information about specific categories and help you make an informed choice.
• Consult with a Travel Agent: If you’re unsure about which category suits your needs best, consider consulting with a knowledgeable travel agent. They have expertise in matching travelers with the right accommodations and can provide valuable guidance based on your preferences and requirements.

By carefully considering these factors and taking the time to evaluate your preferences and budget, you can choose the right category that aligns with your needs and enhances your cruise experience.

Remember, the right category for you may not be the same as someone else’s. It all depends on your individual preferences and priorities. So, take the time to assess your needs and embark on your Norwegian Cruise Line journey with confidence, knowing that you have chosen the category that best suits you.

Now, armed with the knowledge of selecting the right category, let’s conclude our exploration of Norwegian Cruise Line and the significance of categories.

Choosing the right category for your Norwegian Cruise Line vacation is key to ensuring an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. Understanding the different categories and their implications allows you to make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences, budget, and desired level of luxury.

The categories on Norwegian Cruise Line ships offer a range of accommodations to suit various needs and budgets. From inside staterooms to luxurious suites, each category comes with its own unique features, benefits, and limitations. Consider factors such as cabin size, amenities, views, location on the ship, and exclusive perks in order to select the category that best suits your preferences.

Remember, higher category accommodations generally offer more space, better views, and exclusive amenities, while lower category options provide affordability and a comfortable base for exploring the ship and destinations. Balancing your desired level of comfort and budget is crucial.

Keep in mind that personal preferences vary. What may be the perfect category for one person might not be the ideal choice for another. Take the time to assess your needs, evaluate your priorities, and gather recommendations or seek the assistance of a travel agent to make an informed decision.

Ultimately, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a wide range of categories to cater to different budgets and preferences, ensuring that every passenger can find an accommodation that suits their needs and desires. So, begin your journey with Norwegian Cruise Line, confident that you have chosen the perfect category to embark on a memorable and extraordinary cruise experience.

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Disney Cruise Line Stateroom Categories Explained

Front, back, top, bottom, left, right, somewhere in the middle? There are so many choices when choosing your stateroom (like a hotel room, but on water) on a Disney Cruise. No worries though, I explain all of the various categories and help you choose the best stateroom for your family’s magical vacation!

As of right now, there are 4 Disney ships in their fleet. The Dream and Fantasy are sister ships with the same layout and the Magic and Wonder are sister ships with the same layout. When selecting a cruise itinerary, you want to make sure you know which ship you will be sailing on because the stateroom categories are different.

There are 2 main things you have to consider when choosing a stateroom: what type of stateroom do you want (floor plan) and where on the ship do you want to be (category). The Dream and Fantasy have 9 floor plans and 28 room categories. The Magic & Wonder have 10 floor plans and 22 room categories. That’s a lot! I have broken it down into 4 easy steps to pick your perfect stateroom!

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy Deck Plans

Disney Magic and Disney Wonder Deck Plans

4 steps to choosing your stateroom:

Determine how many people are in your party. This decides what type of room you need. When you go online to look at availability, select the total number of adults and children (with their ages) the rooms will be filtered down to the ones that will fit your party size.

Dream & Fantasy: If you have 1, 2, 3, or 4 people in your party you have free access to all rooms and categories on the ship. If you have 5 people, you can choose from 5 floor plans on the ships. If you have more than 5 on the Dream & Fantasy you will need 2 staterooms.

Magic & Wonder: If you have 1, 2 or 3 people in your party you can choose between all room floor plans and categories on the ships. If you have 4 people you can choose from 9 floor plans. 5 people, you can choose between 5 floor plans and there are 2 floor plans that can sleep up to 7!

Choose 1 of 4 floor plans. Do you want a room with a view?

1.     Inside: no windows (however, the Fantasy and Dream have Magical Portholes; a LED TV screen over the bed with real-time views of outside)

2.     Oceanview: Dream & Fantasy: 1 or 2 large portholes, Magic & Wonder: 1 large porthole or 2 smaller portholes

3.     Verandah: There are 3 types of verandahs (balconies):

•  The  standard verandah  features an open-air balcony skirted by an acrylic wall, allowing for a full view of the horizon even while seated.
• The  whitewall verandah  offers open-air lounging with a solid wall from the deck to the railing. Most of these staterooms are located in the back (aft) portion of the ship.
• The  navigator’s verandah  is enclosed for greater privacy while still affording a stunning view and sea breezes through a large, open-air porthole above the railing.
• Verandahs differ by size and style depending on the ship and stateroom type, and the view on some verandahs may be obstructed.
• On connecting verandah staterooms, the partitions can be opened to create an even more spacious balcony.

• Concierge: Personalized assistance in planning every cruise detail, including:

Pre-reserve many of your onboard activities and services online, up to 120 days prior to your sail date.

• Port Adventures
• Reservations for  Palo or Remy , spa treatments or nursery stays
• Dining room seating requests
• Special occasions and celebrations
• Any other special requests, from pre-arrival to post-cruise

Shipboard Services

• Priority check-in and boarding at a dedicated check-in station
• Private welcome reception
• Exclusive access to dedicated areas on the ship, including the Concierge Lounge and sun deck via a private entrance.
• Down Duvets
• Choose from pillow options including hypoallergenic, feather and therapeutic memory foam
• Personal robe and slippers
• Access to the media library in the Concierge Lounge
• Complimentary Wi-Fi internet service (length of cruise)

Room preferences to consider:

What specific stateroom type do you want?

• Suite: Royal, 1 bedroom, or 2 bedrooms
• Deluxe family: sleeps 5
• Deluxe: split bathroom
• Standard: single bathroom
• Guaranteed: Disney will select for you your stateroom and guarantee that it will be in the category chosen or a higher category. This is a restricted-fare category.
• Wheelchair accessible

Where on the ship do you want to be? Forward (front), midship, or aft (back)

Do you get seasick? There are different theories to this, but generally, if you get sea sick you will want a stateroom with a verandah so you can breathe in fresh air or a room with a porthole. Focusing on the line where the sky meets the sea can help alleviate nausea. Also, having a stateroom in the middle of the ship helps with the rocking feeling.

Are you on a budget? The higher the deck the more expensive the stateroom is. Also, the closer you are to mid ship the more expensive the room is. You will also pay more to see the ocean. Inside staterooms with no windows on a lower deck either near the front (forward) or back (aft) are the least expensive.

Pick your room

In this step, you actually get to choose your specific room number. You can also select staterooms that adjoin if you are going with another stateroom. If the room connects, you will see an arrow next to the room number. The direction the arrow is going in is the room it connects to. You can still select one of these rooms even if you are not traveling with another party, you just don’t want to unlock the door 🙂

Do you want to be next to the elevators? The elevators midship are generally busier and therefore are louder, but on the other hand, you also have close access to the stairwell & elevators to get to other decks quickly.

When you have made your selection, you will be given a category #. For example, it will look like this: (Category 04E).

You’re done, celebrate!

But what does that number and letter mean?

If you want to dig in deeper to the room categories and find out what the number and letter means, you can keep on reading. I am giving you fair warning, there is a lot of information below.  For planning purposes, my suggestion is to print out the list below and make notes or cross off which ones do not fit your needs.

Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy Category Specifics

These are the larger ships in Disney’s fleet with 1,250 staterooms each. There are 14 decks (or levels); 9 have staterooms on them, with 28 categories and 9 room layouts! 

9 Stateroom Layouts on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy

1. concierge royal suite with verandah.

• Category R: There are only 2 of this type of room on each ship. Both are on deck 12 at the very front of the ship (forward). One is on the left (port) the other is on the right (starboard).
• 1,781 square feet, including the verandah
• One master bedroom with queen size bed
• One wall pull-down double bed
• One wall pull-down single bed in the living room
• Two bathrooms with rain shower
• Whirlpool tub
• Living room
• Dining salon
• Walk-in closets

2. Concierge 1-bedroom suite with Verandah

• Category T: There are 19 of these type rooms on each ship. They are located on decks 11 and 12 near the front of the ship (forward). Located on both sides of the ship. 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• 622 square feet including verandah
• One bedroom with queen size bed
• Living area with double convertible sofa
• Private Verandah

3. Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• Category V: There are 20 of these types of rooms on each ship. They are located on decks 11 and 12 near the front of the ship (forward). Located on both sides of the ship. 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• 306 square feet including verandah
• Queen size bed
• Double convertible sofa
• Upper berth pull-down bed
• Full bath with round tub and shower
• Additional half bath

4. Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• 04 A has 128 staterooms with 64 on deck 9 and 64 on deck 10. All are located midship to back (aft).
• 04 B has 62 staterooms all on deck 8. All are located midship to back (aft). 4 are wheelchair accessible.
• 04 C has 64 staterooms all on deck 7. All are located midship to back (aft).
• 04 D has 63 staterooms all on deck 6. All are located midship to back (aft). 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 04 E has 44 staterooms all on deck 5. All are located near the front (forward) or back (aft). 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• 299 square feet including verandah
• Single convertible sofa
• Wall pull-down bed (in most)
• Upper berth pull-down bed (in some)
• Split bath with round tub (in most) and shower

5. Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• There are a total of 3 categories each broken down: 05 (A-E), 06 (A & B), & 07 (A)
• 05 A has 168 staterooms on deck 9 & 10. All are located midship to the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 05 B has 78 staterooms all on deck 8. All are located midship to the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 05 C has 82 staterooms all on deck 7. All are located midship to the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 05 D has 88 staterooms all on deck 6. All are located midship to the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 05 E has 29 staterooms on deck 6, 7, 8, 9, & 10. All are located at the very back (aft). All have white wall verandahs. 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 06 A has 10 staterooms on decks 8 & 9. All are located back (aft). All have white wall verandahs.
• 06 B has 20 staterooms on decks 5, 6, & 7. All are located back (aft). All have white wall verandahs.
• 07 A is a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator’s Verandah. There are 24 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9. Mainly in the front (forward) or back (aft)
• 246 square feet including verandah
• Upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4)
• Split bath with tub and shower

6. Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom

• 08 A has 12 staterooms located on decks 5 & 6 in the front (forward). The shapes of these rooms are squarer versus rectangular and each stateroom has 2 large portholes! 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• 08 B has 22 staterooms located on deck 9, either in the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 08 C has 44 staterooms located on decks 7 & 8, either in the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 08 D has 30 staterooms located on decks 7 & 8, either in the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 241 square feet
• Split bath with round tub and shower (in most)

7. Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

• 09 A has 10 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, 7, & 8 all either in the front (forward) or back (aft). 4 are wheelchair accessible.
• Things to keep in mind when booking this category: the main lobby atrium is the deck above and the tender lobby is the deck below, so it might be noisy
• 09 C has 10 staterooms located on decks 7 & 8 at the very front (forward) of the ship. 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 09 D has 11 staterooms located on decks 6, 7, & 8 all at the very front (forward) of the ship. 3 are wheelchair accessible.
• 204 square feet

8.    Deluxe Inside Stateroom

• Category 10 A has 19 staterooms sporadically located on decks 5, 6, 7, 8, & 9

9.    Standard Inside Stateroom

• 11 A has 64 staterooms located on decks 8, 9, & 10. There are some located front (forward), midship, and back (aft)
• 11 B has 40 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, & 7. Most are located near the front (forward) and back (aft) of the ship.
• 169 square feet
• Bath with tub and shower

Disney Magic & Disney Wonder Specifics

These are the smaller ships in Disney’s fleet with 875 staterooms each. There are 11 decks (or levels); 6 have staterooms on them, with 22 categories and 10 room layouts!

10 Stateroom Layouts on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder

1.    concierge royal suite with verandah.

• Category R: There are only 2 of this type of room on each ship. Both are on deck 8 at the mid to front of the ship (forward). The one on the left (port) is the Walter E. Disney Suite and the other, on the right (starboard) is the Roy O. Disney Suite.
• 1,029 square feet, including the verandah
• Two bedrooms with queen size bed the other has two twin beds and two pull-down upper berths
• Two and a half bathrooms with whirlpool tubs
• Media library with wall pull-down bed

2.    Concierge 2-bedroom suite with Verandah

• Category S: There are 2 of these type rooms on each ship. They are located on deck 8 near the front of the ship (forward). One on each side (port and starboard).
• 945 square feet including verandah
• Living area with convertible sofa
• Two and a half bathrooms

3.    Concierge 1-bedroom suite with Verandah

• Category T: There are 18 of these type rooms on each ship. They are located throughout deck 8. 4 are wheelchair accessible
• 614 square feet including verandah
• Two bathrooms

4.    Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• Category V: There are 10 of these types of rooms on each ship. They are located on deck 8 throughout.
• 304 square feet including verandah
• Pull-down upper berth bed (in most)
• Privacy divider

5.    Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• 04 A has 32 staterooms on deck 8. All are located midship to back (aft).
• 04 B has 32 staterooms all on deck 8. Located front (forward) and back (aft).
• 04 E has 6 staterooms all on deck 8. All are located near back (aft). 1 is wheelchair accessible.
• Wall pull-down bed
• Pull-down upper berth (in most)
• Private verandah

6.    Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• This floor plan is broken down into 2 categories 05 (A-C) & 06 (A)
• 05 A has 58 staterooms on deck 7. All are located midship
• 05 B has 106 staterooms: 46 are on deck 7 in the front (forward) or back (aft) and 60 are on deck 6 all located midship.
• 05 C has 56 staterooms 46 are on deck 6 in the front (forward) or back (aft) and 10 are on deck 5 all located near the back (aft).
• 06 A has 32 staterooms on decks 5,6, & 7. All are located back (aft). 6 are wheelchair accessible.
• 268 square feet including verandah

7.    Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator’s Verandah

• Category 07 A has 30 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, & 7 all in the back (aft) of the ship.
• Enclosed private verandah with limited views

8.    Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

• 09 A has 58 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, & 7 in the front (forward). 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 09 B has 66 staterooms located on deck 2, all are mid-deck.
• 09 C has 80 staterooms located on decks 2, either in the front (forward) or back (aft).
• 09 D has 25 staterooms located on decks 1, all are mid-deck to the front (forward) and on the left (port side). All rooms in this category have 2 small portholes.

9.    Deluxe Inside Stateroom

• 10 A has 19 staterooms located on decks 5, 6, & 7. All are located in the front (forward) of the ship. 1 on deck 7 is wheelchair accessible.
• 10 B has 48 staterooms located on deck 2. Mainly midship.
• 10 C has 17 staterooms located on deck 1. All are mid-deck to the front (forward) and on the left (port side).
• 214 square feet
• Upper berth pull-down bed (in some) Privacy divider

10.  Standard Inside Stateroom

• 11 A has 66 staterooms located on decks 6 & 7. There are some located front (forward), midship, and back (aft). 2 are wheelchair accessible.
• 11 B has 81 staterooms located on decks 6 & 7. All are located near the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship.
• 11 C has 37 staterooms located on deck 2 & 3. All on deck 2 are located near the front (forward) of the ship and those on deck 3 are located in the back (aft).
• 184 square feet

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• Princess Cruises

Room Categories - What’s the Difference?

By CruzerDeb , August 27, 2021 in Princess Cruises

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Can someone please explain what the room categories mean or direct me to a good resource?   

I’m booked on the Regal Princess in D327 which is a DB category. I’ve never seen the category prior to booking; how can I know if it’s good or not?

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You have selected a cabin in the Deluxe Balcony Category. Besides DB, there are equivalent cabins designated DA, DC, DD, DE and DF.

For the most part the the difference is location. In general Princess feels that closer to the center of the ship is better and higher up is better. Many passengers have different ideas about which locations are better.

caribill is absolutely correct. the more you cruise, the sooner you will determine what you prefer in terms of location and type of cabin (of course within your budget).

We prefer lower aft. DS prefers in the middle of the middle.

D327, nice cabin, nice location

I never really pay attention to the categories, since they're set up as to what Princess thinks are better or not so better cabins. I more often than not don't agree with that. What I look at is location and price. I always bring up deckplans and choose a cabin that's located as I like at a price I'm willing to pay.

Each to there own - we prefer to be aft or mid rather than forward.  Once many years ago we had a forward cabin on a lower deck and the anchor chain woke us up every port morning

16 hours ago, caribill said: You have selected a cabin in the Deluxe Balcony Category. Besides DB, there are equivalent cabins designated DA, DC, DD, DE and DF.   For the most part the the difference is location. In general Princess feels that closer to the center of the ship is better and higher up is better. Many passengers have different ideas about which locations are better.

Generally true, although Princess does rank the cabins just below Lido deck as a Category lower than the equivalent cabins down one deck.  In general, the middle decks with passenger cabins above and below have same Categories. 

We are happy with "B" cabins (usually "IB") - especially of there is a promo on and we can get it at the same price as an "IF" (lowest Inside).  

4 hours ago, Steelers36 said: Generally true, although Princess does rank the cabins just below Lido deck as a Category lower than the equivalent cabins down one deck.  In general, the middle decks with passenger cabins above and below have same Categories. 

With all the poolside activities and buffet crowds on Lido, the deck below is going to be somewhat noisy, so that does make sense.

Thanks for the clarification!

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Everything you want to know about cabins and suites on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Picking a cabin on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship isn't always easy.

For starters, there are a huge number of cabins available on some Norwegian ships. The line is known for operating some of the world's biggest cruise vessels — ships so big that some have more than 2,000 cabins each.

However, it's not just the sheer volume of cabins that makes choosing a room on a Norwegian ship a challenge. It's also the number of cabin categories.

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On some of Norwegian's largest ships, including Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy, there are a whopping 39 different types of cabins — each a little different from the last.

The backstory here is that Norwegian ships are designed to appeal to a wide demographic, including travelers willing to spend at a wide range of price points. That's prompted Norwegian to offer a wide mix of cabin types.

The room choices the line offers on its ships range from relatively low-cost, windowless inside cabins measuring just 135 square feet (perfect for the budget traveler) to massive, multi-room suites that can be more than 50 times that size.

At the high end, the accommodations are aimed at affluent travelers who, for whatever reason, prefer the megaship experience to being on a luxury ship, and they truly are among the most spectacular accommodations at sea. Some, such as the giant Garden Villas found on six Norwegian ships — Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star — sprawl over thousands of square feet and have as many as three bedrooms plus separate living rooms and dining rooms.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian Cruise Line

A Norwegian Cruise Line cabin primer

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

On newer Norwegian ships, the majority of the cabins are balcony cabins. Cruise lines over the years have discovered that cruisers will pay a significant premium to have a balcony with their cabin, and that's prompted a rush to add more balcony cabins to ships.

However, Norwegian's newer vessels are also known for a large number of suites, including suites that are part of upscale private complexes called The Haven.

On Norwegian's 4-year-old Norwegian Encore, for instance, 19% of the 2,040 cabins are suites — a huge percentage for a large, mass-market cruise ship. On Royal Caribbean 's 4-year-old Symphony of the Seas, which launched at almost the same time as Norwegian Encore, by contrast, just 7% of cabins are suites. On Carnival Cruise Line 's 4-year-old Carnival Panorama, just 3% of cabins are suites.

Here is a breakdown of the cabin types on Norwegian Encore, which is typical for the line's newer ships:

Inside cabins: 453 (22%). Ocean-view cabins: 111 (5%). Balcony cabins: 1,090 (53%). Suites: 385 (19%).

On older Norwegian ships (and, in general, all older cruise ships), there are fewer suites — sometimes far fewer. Only 1% of the cabins on Norwegian's oldest vessel, the 1998-built Norwegian Spirit, are balcony cabins.

Inside cabins and oceanview cabins make up nearly half of all cabins on Norwegian Spirit. Here is a breakdown of the cabins on that vessel:

Inside cabins: 387 (29%). Ocean-view cabins: 223 (17%). Balcony cabins: 708 (58%). Suites: 18 (1%).

The takeaway here is that you'll have a tougher time locking down a suite on an older Norwegian ship than on a newer vessel. If you're planning a cruise on one of the line's older vessels and a suite is a must, you'll want to book early to make sure you get one.

Within each of the four broad categories of cabins on Norwegian ships, you'll find multiple subcategories. Norwegian Encore, for instance, has 16 different types of suites alone, from a Club Balcony Suite Guarantee (Category MX) that measures 249 square feet to The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite with Large Balcony (Category H2) that measures nearly six times that amount.

In general, Norwegian cabins have a modern look with clean lines and contemporary furniture, plus lots of storage cleverly worked into the design.

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

Inside cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

These are the cabins you stay in when you're on a tight budget. On any Norwegian ship, they are almost always the least expensive option when you're booking a cabin, and you can often 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. In some cases, you'll find an inside cabin with a window opening up onto a hallway, but the view will be of nothing more than the hallway.

You'll also be in a very small room. Most inside cabins on the ship used in the examples above, Norwegian Encore, measure just 149 square feet. That's about 7% smaller than the typical ocean-view cabin on the vessel, which measures 160 square feet. The typical balcony cabin on Norwegian Encore is 175 square feet, not including a 30- to 110-square-foot balcony.

Related: Why windowless inside cabins aren't so bad

Of note, Norwegian is well-known for one particular type of inside cabin: unusually tiny, interior studio cabins designed for solo travelers.

Norwegian first added such cabins to a ship in 2010, on the then-new, 4,070-passenger Norwegian Epic. They were such a hit the line quickly began adding them to more vessels.

Measuring just 100 square feet but superbly designed to maximize storage space, the solo rooms on Norwegian Epic (there are 128 in all) are clustered around an exclusive Studio Lounge with a bar and television area where solos can mingle at daily hosted happy hour gatherings.

Since 2010, Norwegian has added similar solo cabin complexes with exclusive lounges to seven more new ships. Norwegian Encore has an 82-cabin solo complex spread over three decks.

The similarly sized Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Bliss also have 82-cabin solo complexes, while the smaller Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway have solo areas with 59 cabins. The line's two newest ships, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva , have 73 solo cabins.

Related: I've been on nearly every Norwegian ship. Here are my first impressions of Norwegian Prima

Norwegian also offers four solo cabins on its Hawaii- based Pride of America.

In most cases, these studio cabins have windows that face an interior hallway, though some solo cabins have windows and balconies.

Ocean-view cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line 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.

Norwegian's newer ships have relatively few such cabins, as generally cabins that face outward are now built with balconies.

In general, ocean-view cabins on Norwegian ships are bigger than inside cabins but not quite as big as balcony cabins (when comparing their interior space). However, you sometimes can find ocean-view cabins that are significantly bigger than what is typical for a balcony cabin. This is sometimes the case for ocean-view cabins at the front of ships, where there can be relatively large but odd-shaped rooms with windows but no balconies.

Several recent Norwegian vessels have some quite large ocean-view cabins at their fronts that measure from 240 to 372 square feet. Dubbed Family Oceanview Stateroom with Large Picture Window, they are designed to hold up to five people and are marketed to families.

Related: The ultimate guide to Norwegian's Latitude Rewards loyalty program

Balcony cabins on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

Balcony cabins are what everyone wants these days, and Norwegian is delivering with huge numbers of balcony cabins on all its newest ships.

On the line's new Prima-class ships, which began debuting in 2022, around 57% of rooms are balcony cabins — and that number jumps even higher if you include suites on the ship that have balconies (see below for more details on suites on Norwegian vessels).

Including suites, the percentage of cabins on the first two ships in the series to debut (Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva) that have balconies jumps to 64%. The percentage is even higher on the line's newest Breakaway-plus class vessels, at a very high 72%.

The typical Norwegian balcony cabin has a contemporary look with clean lines and relatively minimalist furniture. Norwegian balcony cabins typically offer twin beds that can be converted into a queen bed, a built-in desk area and a sofa that often pulls out into an additional bed.

Balcony cabins on Norwegian ships typically measure a bit over 200 square feet, including the balcony space, but some can be significantly bigger.

On Norwegian Encore, a category of balcony cabins known as Large Balcony cabins (category B6) measure 331 square feet, due to enormous balconies that measure 155 square feet. The ship also offers aft-facing balconies (category B1) that measure up to 426 square feet, again due to unusually large balconies.

Related: 6 reasons to book a balcony cabin

Suites on Norwegian Cruise Line ships

As mentioned above, Norwegian is known for a large number of suites on its ships. It's also known for some of the very biggest suites in the entire cruise industry.

The Garden Villas found on Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star are truly stunning, with living areas with glass walls looking over the pool areas of the ships. They have as many as three bedrooms plus separate living rooms and dining rooms.

Some of the Garden Villas measure as much as 6,694 square feet — more than twice the size of the typical home in the United States.

Among notable extras, the Garden Villas have private outdoor sundecks and courtyards with hot tubs. Additionally, the Garden Villas on Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Star include private outdoor dining areas and steam rooms.

On more than half of Norwegian's ships, many of the top suites are part of an exclusive, keycard-accessed area called The Haven. Aimed at luxury travelers, The Haven complexes are located at the very top of the vessels and often come with private lounges, pools, sunning areas and even restaurants.

Related: 7 reasons to splurge on a cruise ship suite

Depending on the ship, top suites can come with such perks as private butlers and concierges who attend to your every need; access to a private restaurant; a private suite lounge and sun deck; reserved seating in entertainment venues; and priority boarding and disembarkation.

Just be ready to look through a lot of suite types if you're booking a Norwegian ship. Some Norwegian ships have up to four types of Penthouse suites available, for instance, and three kinds of family suites.

Bottom line

Norwegian has something for everyone when it comes to cabins on its ships.

You can book a small, inside cabin that will get you on board one of the line's vessels at a very reasonable cost or a super suite that will set you back many times more but that comes with all sorts of perks.

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Stateroom Categories: Explained

It’s just as simple as booking a stateroom, right? As you start to shop for your next cruise, options abound and seriously confuse. Let’s make some sense of ‘all that is stateroom’ on Disney Cruise Line.

There are four general stateroom categories : Concierge, Oceanview with Verandah, Oceanview and Inside . Within each category and within each ship, there are different options to choose from.

Inside (Categories: 10, 11)

• Located on the Interior of the ship
• No exterior views *Dream/Fantasy “Magic Portholes”
• 169-204 sqft

Oceanview (Categories: 8, 9)

• One large or two small portholes
• Exterior/ocean views
• 204-241 sqft

Verandah (Categories: 4, 5, 6, 7)

• Private balconies
• Floor to ceiling windows
• 246-299 sqft

Concierge (Categories: V, T, S, R)

• Suites with balconies
• Some with separate living/sleeping areas
• 306-1781 sq ft
• Concierge services

There are now  six stateroom types : Standard, Deluxe, Deluxe Family, Deluxe Family Concierge, 1- or 2- Bedroom Suites, Royal Suite. Your family size and space preferences typically play a major role in selecting stateroom type. Listed below are the stateroom type differentiators:

Standard (Inside Category: 11)

• Traditional bathroom

Deluxe (Inside Category: 10, Oceanview Category: 9, Verandah Category: 5, 6, 7)

Deluxe Family (Oceanview Category: 8, Verandah Category: 4)

• Sleep up to 5

Deluxe Family Concierge (Concierge Category: V)

• Concierge service

1- or 2- Bedroom Suites (Concierge Categories: S, T)

• Split living/sleeping
• Large balconies

Royal Suite (Concierge Category: R)

• Each ship has 2
• Luxurious, spacious
• Large balcony with private whirlpool tub (Dream and Fantasy)

What’s the difference between a Category 4A and 4E? The letters A, B, C, D, and E generally distinguish where on the ship the staterooms are located, with the letter A being the most desired location, for example, midship on a higher deck.

Navigator Verandah’s Category 7A

The Magic and Wonder category 7A staterooms only sleep 3

The Fantasy and Dream category 7A’s sleep 3-4

But what about this Category 8A on the Dream & Fantasy? There are 12 of these rooms on each ship. These are different as they are larger than the average Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom, have a split room set-up BUT no split bath .

Just to keep things interesting, there are a small number of very specific stateroom categories boasting distinct features:

Obstructed/Limited Ocean Views: These rooms have portholes with – you guessed it – partially obstructed views. These rooms are less expensive than their unobstructed-viewed counterparts. Found: Oceanview Category 9C and 9D on the Disney Dream/Fantasy

Oversized Verandah Rooms: Extra balcony space and people rave about these staterooms in our Facebook group discussions. Found: Verandah Category 4E and 5E on the Disney Dream/Fantasy

Navigator’s Verandah: Enclosed verandah with open air porthole. Found: Verandah Category 7A

Whitewall Verandah: The verandah has a solid white wall from deck to railing instead of the standard clear view throughout. Found: Verandah Category 5E, 6A, 6B

Booking with Restrictions? We Got You

IGT = Inside Stateroom with Restrictions OGT = Outside Stateroom with restrictions VGT = Guaranteed Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

When booking these restricted-fare category staterooms, please note the following:

• New bookings only. Existing reservations cannot be modified to these new categories.
• You are reserving a stateroom within the selected stateroom type: Inside, Oceanview or Verandah*.
• Disney Cruise Line will assign your specific stateroom at a later time, based on remaining availability.
• Specific stateroom requests will not be accommodated.
• Full payment is required at the time of booking for all Guests and is non-refundable.
• Sail date and stateroom category changes are not permitted.
• The stateroom offer cannot be combined with any other discounted or promotional offer.
• Full legal names of all Guests are required at time of booking and no name changes are allowed.

* Most Verandah staterooms include a private verandah with a clear plexiglass wall; some may include a solid white wall depending upon location. A limited number of Oceanview and Verandah staterooms may include a partially obstructed view.

Selecting “Choose Guaranty” guarantees the ship, sailing date and rate. A Category XXX stateroom will be assigned by the time documents are received. Selecting “Choose Guaranty” does not guarantee the stateroom will be on a particular deck or, for multiple staterooms, that the staterooms will be located near each other.

GTY reservations have no restrictions as it is a normal booking. Same rules apply as they do to any booking that has an assigned stateroom.

**Also note that you can be assigned an accessible stateroom without a split bath.

Official DCL link:  https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/staterooms/stateroom-categories/

• ← Acronyms Commonly Used
• Dining and Menus →

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Carnival Cruise Cabins: Carnival Cruise Stateroom Categories Explained

by Editorial Team

Published on 19 Feb 2023

Inside Staterooms

Porthole and obstructed view cabins, ocean view staterooms, balcony cabins.

At one time, cruise passengers were divided according to the level of accommodations they selected. Generally separated into first, second and third classes, the dining facilities, lounges and public spaces differed in food quality, layout and amenities. Passengers could enter a lower class facility, but never one above what they had booked. Vestiges of this system remain on a few transatlantic ocean liners, but most cruise ships offer equal access for all, regardless of cabin selection. Nonetheless, choosing just the right stateroom can be confusing.

At 185 square feet, Carnival’s inside staterooms are among the largest of any cruise line. Inside cabins are located along interior hallways rather than the outer walls of the ship so they lack windows. Some people are bothered by the lack of natural light, while others enjoy the ability to sleep deeply in a fully darkened cabin.

Inside staterooms include category 1A and categories 4A through 4H. Category 1A cabins are the least predictable, stuck into oddly-shaped spaces on any passenger deck. These cabins have one set of bunk beds and may be smaller than standard inside cabins. However, a few 1A staterooms offer porthole windows. They are the least expensive cabins on the ship, and often represent an excellent value.

Categories 4A through 4H are labeled and priced according to their location on the ship, and all offer twin beds that can convert to a single king. Some inside cabins can hold one or two extra passengers in upper beds that fold out of the wall. 4As tend to be located on the lowest passenger deck or in less desirable areas such as under the disco. Category 4H cabins are generally considered the most desirable inside cabins, located on higher decks and in better locations.

Other than the occasional 1A with a porthole, most porthole and obstructed view cabins are considered category 4J. These cabins provide natural light, but the view is blocked by lifeboats or other shipboard equipment. If you are not looking for a specific view, category 4J cabins are often competitively priced.

Ocean-view staterooms are categories 6A through 6C. Like standard inside cabins, they offer twin beds that convert into a single king. Some ocean-view cabins offer upper beds for third and fourth passengers. All offer picture windows, although some views may be partially obstructed. Category 6A cabins are in the least desirable areas of the ship, while 6Cs are the most desirable ocean-view cabins.

If you want to spend some time in relative privacy outdoors, consider a balcony cabin, known as a veranda on some ships. Standard balcony cabins are 225 square feet including the balcony, although larger verandas may push the square footage up slightly. Categories 8A through 8F are traditional balconies. Some ships offer categories 8M and 8N, which are extended balconies, and 9B and 9C, considered premium balconies. Study the ship’s deck plan carefully before selecting a balcony cabin, as the location of your balcony can affect everything from noise to movement of the ship.

The largest staterooms available, suites range from one-room junior suites to multi-room spreads. The suite categories are JS, OS and GS. Suite amenities include whirlpool tubs, sitting areas and large vanities. Study a deck plan carefully or call Carnival directly to book a suite. Each suite is slightly different, so make sure you are pleased with the particular cabin before booking.

Business Insider

I stayed in a balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's 2 newest and largest cruise ships. One was clearly better — and $900 cheaper.

Posted: April 27, 2024 | Last updated: April 28, 2024

• Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas are Royal Caribbean's newest and largest cruise ships.
• I stayed in both of their balcony staterooms — a $130-per-person-per-day difference.
• Icon's pricier cabin looked more modern but lacked the functionality and comfort of Wonder's.

Do you know what $900 could buy you? More than three years of Netflix's premium plan, a new Gucci purse, or 2,059 spicy chicken McNuggets.

Or, in the case of Royal Caribbean's two largest and newest cruise ships , the cash could mean the difference between a cheap but functional balcony cabin and, ironically, a more expensive but less comfortable one.

Staterooms with balconies are the most popular cruise cabin category. After all, if you're going on a vacation at sea, wouldn't you want to be able to feel its breeze from your room?

But not all cabins with private outdoor spaces are created equal, even on two new mega-ships owned by the same cruise line.

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas in 2022 and its larger successor, Icon of the Seas, in January.

Royal Caribbean assigned me an ocean-view balcony cabin for both complimentary sailings, the longest of which was three nights on Icon.

Both ships are operating seven-night cruises around the Caribbean in 2024.

About 66% of Wonder's cabins fall under the 'balcony' category. On Icon, they make up half of the staterooms.

Wonder of the Seas' balcony cabins start shy of $1,110 per person in 2024.

Even with nearly identical itineraries, the ones on Icon are, at their cheapest, a little more than $2,000 per person this year — or double that for the a New Year's cruise.

Wonder and Icon are the most boisterous, flamboyant, and overwhelming vessels I've ever boarded.

The pool decks were intensely colorful, the crowds were inescapable, and the long lists of activities and dining options were paralyzing.

So imagine my surprise when I unlocked my doors to find surprisingly bland rooms.

The neutral tans, blues, and whites did not scream "we belong on the world's biggest and most colorful cruise ships."

The vessels have an almost two-year age difference, as evidenced by some of their decor (mainly Icon's recessed mood lights and the more chic, darker wood tones).

But besides the light fixtures, rugs, and — frankly negligible — wall art and pillows, both cabins were fairly underwhelming compared to everything outside their front doors .

Aesthetics aside, let’s talk functionality.

Both had furnished 50-square-foot balconies.

Regarding the interior space, my 204-square-foot cabin on Icon of the Seas was 22 square feet larger than mine on Wonder.

In retrospect, I would've thought Icon's was smaller. More on that in a bit.

Both king-sized beds faced a television and some wall storage.

And both were flanked by light fixtures with built-in USB outlets, as is expected on most modern cruise ships.

The cruise line says the ships' balcony cabins use two twin mattresses that have been "converted" to make a king bed. It's a common practice I've never had an issue with — until Icon.

On Wonder, the plush pillows enveloped me the moment I laid down. I slept great. No complaints.

Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the new ship.

I (my back pain) could feel the hard ridge where the two mattresses met, making for a pretty miserable and uncomfortable sleep.

So much for starfishing — I kept to one side of the bed to avoid rolling over the bony bump.

For the most part, the living “rooms” were the same.

Both had the same furniture I see on almost every mass-market ship: a couch that could convert into a bed and a desk that extended into a dresser.

But storage, a high priority for cruisers, was organized differently.

Two thin wardrobes with drawers, hangars, and shelves surrounded either side of my bed on Wonder .

Icon, on the other hand, had one large wardrobe next to the living room.

Unfortunately, it had noticeably less shelving. And the metal bins let out ear-piercing screeches at every move — a lazy and annoying detail that the designers could've easily fixed with cheap felt pads.

So far, the differences have been small. But not for long.

I had two gripes with my Wonder bathroom: the lack of hair conditioner and the ill-positioned faucet that flooded the counter whenever I washed my hands.

I had the same issues on Icon. But that was the least of my concerns.

My bathroom on the older ship was well-sized for 1 person, but maybe too small for 2.

On Icon — the world's largest cruise ship — my bathroom was too compact for even one body.

Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, told reporters in January that 80% of Icon's 2,805 cabins were designed for families, a sharp increase from previous vessels like Wonder.

I'm not sure a family of four could coexist in Icon's balcony cabin — solely because of the bathroom size. There's no way two people could fit in there simultaneously. A fight over who gets priority access to the toilet could ruin a peaceful family vacation! (Which is to say, I'm glad I was traveling alone.)

With the bathroom door closed, I accidentally elbowed the walls more times than I could count.

The spare towels had to be stored on a shelf inside the shower. Because the counter was so small, I had to keep most of my toiletries and products on the shelves or in the drawer.

Surprisingly, that's where Icon excelled. Its bathroom had more storage options than its older counterpart, which didn't even have a drawer.

However, the older ship's shower had a clothesline perfect for drying swimwear. It's a small but crucial amenity, especially on a vessel with so many pools and waterslides.

Unfortunately, both were stocked with two-in-one body wash and shampoo — and no hair conditioner

Let’s go through our checklist.

My balcony cabin on Wonder looked less modern than its successor (the TV on Icon had Chromecast, after all).

But it was significantly more functional and comfortable. The bed was incomparably more pleasant, the closets had more defined storage components, and the bathroom was considerably larger, even if it lacked additional shelving and drawers.

The question is: Which one is more worth its price?

Icon's cheapest balcony cabins are currently $900 more than the most affordable ones on Wonder — an almost $130 per person and day difference.

Based on the quality of the staterooms alone, if you prioritize functionality, comfort, and affordability over modern decor, consider saving money and going with the two-year-old ship .

But let’s not forget that cruise fares include unlimited food, on board activities, and nighttime entertainment.

Both ships have a fairly similar list of amenities. But only the newer one has a waterpark , an adult-only infinity pool club, and a swim-up bar, to name a few unique amenities.

So yes, Icon's balcony cabins are more costly. But the staggering price difference — and tiny bathroom — could be worth it if you think the its surplus of additional amenities is worth paying for.

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