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  • Cruises for Families

10 Best Cruise Ship Family Cabins

Princess Cruises Family Suite; Courtesy Princess

Feb 26, 2020

See recent posts by Jeff Bogle

Taking a cruise with kids ensures a memorable family vacation, whether you book an interior cabin to save money or decide to throw down roots in a standard balcony stateroom. But some cruise ship family cabins elevate the vacation at sea to something far more grandiose, photogenic, and jaw-dropping.

In these cruise ship family cabins, you’ll enjoy extra space in which to spread out, amazing amenities, stellar views, and in some cases, exclusive access to luxuriously private areas of the ship. 

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas – Ultimate Family Suite; Courtesy Royal Caribbean

1. Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas – Ultimate Family Suite

This vibrantly colorful family cabin is an epic two-level suite that overdelivers on Royal Caribbean ’s trademarked thrills and chills at sea promise. Inside this cruise ship cabin for families is an in-suite slide; massive LEGO construction wall; a private cinema room with the latest gaming consoles , life-sized Connect Four and other old-school gaming tables (who’s up for air hockey and Ping-Pong ?); a full-size whirlpool on the balcony, and the best combo views of the ship and sea found anywhere on the Symphony of the Seas.

As if the room itself isn’t enough, guests staying in the Ultimate Family Suite also receive a red carpet arrival and a complimentary personal Royal Genie. That’s a crew member who will coordinate surprises for everyone in your own crew, from front-row seats to theatrical performances to out-of-this-world excursions .

Carnival Vista-Class Ships - Family Harbor Staterooms; Courtesy Carnival

2. Carnival Vista-Class Ships – Family Harbor Staterooms

Nearly one million kids cruise Carnival every year, enjoying Hasbro The Game Show, rated-PG comedians in the Punchliner Comedy Club, epic waterslides and so much more. When those lucky kids get to stay in nautical-themed Family Harbor Staterooms on Vista-class ships (Vista, Horizon, Panorama and coming soon, Mardi Gras), their vacation at sea is even more fun. The Family Harbor cabins sleep up to five guests, have two bathrooms, and crucially, offer exclusive access to the Family Habor Lounge, a private area stocked with big HD TVs , video games , breakfast, and snacks throughout the day.

Norwegian Encore - Family Oceanview with Large Picture Window; Courtesy Norwegian

3. Norwegian Encore – Family Oceanview with Large Picture Window

Bigger than most New York City apartments, this expansive, forward-facing cabin on the glimmering new Norwegian Encore fits families comfortably for a cruise of any length. After a day of go-kart racing, laser tag and water sliding over the ocean blue, kids can stretch their growing legs while chilling out on the large picture window seat, kick back and watch a movie on the massive flat-screen TV, relax on the sofa, or play hide and seek in the enormous closets and storage (possibly the biggest at sea!) while mom soaks in the tub (that’s right, a bathtub!) in the oversized bathroom. Best of all, this cabin is not considered a suite, so budget-conscious families can afford to get the space they crave at sea!

Princess Cruises - Family Suites; Courtesy Princess

4. Princess Cruises – Family Suites

By cruise ship standards, and even when compared to most hotels on dry land , the two-bedroom family suites found on Princess cruise ships are downright massive. Accommodating up to a whopping eight family members, the cabins have a queen and a pair of twin beds, two bathrooms (one with a walk-in shower, the other with a tub/shower combination), and an oversized living room. Three TVs in total are in the family suite, along with a large closet, a desk, plenty of drawers, a couple of sofas (each doubling as additional beds), and an expansive private balcony with seating for six. While staying in a family suite, you and your kids will be living, and sailing, like royalty on Princess.

Disney Fantasy and Dream Suite; Courtesy Disney

5. Disney Fantasy and Dream Suite

Catering to the family cruise market is what Disney does best, and its cabin options reflect this commitment—see the bath and a half inside most all staterooms. Additionally, more than 70 percent of staterooms on both the Dream and Fantasy feature outdoor verandahs and of those that don’t, nearly all offer ocean views, some using the Magical Porthole. This piece of Disney innovation gives little kids and their favorite mouse-eared grown-ups a glimpse at the outside world with the appearance of a porthole in which you’ll see animated characters popping up to say hello!

With 500 connecting doors and connected verandah cabins, families can choose multiple rooms and still be together, or opt for one of the 21 suites on decks 11 and 12. These well-appointed upscale family cabins each have two bathrooms, one of which has a whirlpool bathtub and a TV built into the mirror for mom and dad to properly unwind after a blissfully exhausting day of doing everything or absolutely nothing. Kids may not appreciate the marble finishing, thread counts, or the finer touches of a Disney suite, but we guarantee they’ll find the walk-in closets a fun play area and enjoy the 42-inch HD flat screen TV and Blu-ray player , as well as the Wave Phones to communicate with each other inside and out of the cabin. These suites are truly the most magical cabins at sea.

Related: 5 Ways to Stay Connected on a Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas - Ultimate Panoramic Suite; Courtesy Royal Caribbean

6. Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas – Ultimate Panoramic Suite

The $16-million amplification of Oasis yielded many family-friendly results—the AquaTheater and Ultimate Abyss dry slide chiefly among them, as well as the Ultimate Panoramic Suite . This dreamy cabin features the same 200-degree views that the Captain enjoys from the bridge, with windows that are wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling. Those epic pano sight lines are even available from the bubble bath oasis of your bathroom tub! This suite gives families over 900 square feet of space to spread out during their Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. The Ultimate deck 14 suites accommodate up to four, have a bathroom that itself is bigger than most cruise cabins, are stocked with upgraded amenities like L’Occitane toiletries, and have premium bedding, complimentary VOOM Wi-Fi, complimentary specialty dining, and exclusive private access to specific areas of the ship and private islands. Speaking of the AquaTheater, there are suites bearing that name with a pair of bedrooms, a massive living room, and two bathrooms.

Norwegian - The Haven Family Villa; Courtesy NCL

7. Norwegian – The Haven Family Villa

Available on nine Norwegian ships, these two-bedroom family villas with a balcony are located in The Haven , the ship within a ship area that’s reserved exclusively for Haven guests. The villas offer roughly 600 square feet of space spread out over an oceanview master bedroom featuring a king-size bed and private bathroom that has both a tub and separate shower, and a second bedroom with a sofa bed for two and its own bathroom. There’s also a living room and dining area with an additional single sofa bed. For families of four, five, or six that are cruising Norwegian, the Haven Family Villa, with its refined decor and ample space, plus the 24-hour butlers, private dining, and courtyard with pool, is impossible to beat. 

Celebrity Solstice-Class Ships - Family Veranda Stateroom; Courtesy Celebrity Cruises

8. Celebrity Solstice-Class Ships – Family Veranda Stateroom

Families cruising with Celebrity are going into the experience expecting a certain level of sophistication and class. The Solstice-class ships deliver that plus an incredible amount of space in the Family Veranda Staterooms . Measuring 575 square feet, this family cabin can easily be the happy home at sea for up to six thanks to two bedrooms, a living room with at least one pullout sofa, and that private veranda advertised in its name. The only knock on these fine digs is the lone bathroom with just a shower. That seems lacking, but on the plus side, the ability to connect to adjacent ocean view cabins is a neat twist that can add to the max capacity for larger families cruising together.

MSC Meraviglia, Duplex; Courtesy MSC

9. MSC Meraviglia – Super Family Plus Balcony and Deluxe Suite

As a family-owned company, MSC takes special care to tailor the onboard experience for families, making accommodations that suit the individual needs of families regardless of size and age of children. On Meraviglia, a combination of connected staterooms are used—under titles like Super Family Plus Balcony and Family Ocean View —to provide groups with the beds, bathrooms, sight lines and space required to ensure every member of every family enjoys their cruise vacation. Fitting up to nine guests, the Super Family Plus Balcony uses a pair of balcony cabins plus an interior stateroom, all connected with adjoining doors to be as close or apart as you wish! Meanwhile, the ship’s Duplex Suite gives families of five or fewer total members a memorable two-deck-high cabin experience. On the main level there’s an open living and dining room with a sofa that converts to a double bed, while upstairs is the master bedroom’s king-size bed. 

MSC Seaside Grand Suite; Courtesy Tripadvisor Traveler/glennsaddress1

10. MSC Seaside – Grand Suite

The Grand Suite on the MSC Seaside is as advertised: grand, indeed! This two-bedroom family cabin has a king bed in the master bedroom and pair of twin beds that can convert to a queen, plus a single pullman bed, in the second bedroom. There are two bathrooms allowing your kids to have their own shower, while you enjoy the choice of a relaxing hot shower or a long warm soak in the tub. There’s plenty of space for your stuff as well as for your family in this oversized cruise ship cabin. The walk-in closet is impressive as is the family room with sofa and seating for five. But the real star is the balcony with stellar ocean views and enough seating for everyone to truly relax and get away from the crowds on the public decks. 

Jeff Bogle lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his two teen daughters, two cats, one dog and six (yes, six) guinea pigs. He is an award-winning photographer and respected travel journalist with bylines on Reader’s Digest, Good Housekeeping, PBS, Esquire and more. Jeff (probably) spends too much time in England watching football and far too many hours plotting his family’s future travel adventures. Find Jeff on his own site, Out With the Kids . 

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Which Cruise Ship Cabin Category Should Your Family Book?

Andrea M. Rotondo

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

If you've never cruised before, you may assume that most cabins aboard a ship are created equal. But, that's not true -- especially for families. Cabin selection for families is a bit more complicated because of the number of people that may need to be accommodated, potentially in sleeping arrangements that allow little ones to get some shut-eye while the adults can still enjoy part of the living space. Then there are amenities you might want like a crib, sleeper sofa or even a bathtub.

Related: Find Out How Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean Stack Up for Families

The average cruise line has dozens of cabin categories, and figuring out how they differ can make your head spin. Generally speaking, you'll find the following categories -- with slightly differing names -- on most mainstream ships like those from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and the Disney Cruise Line.

Some lines have designed categories specifically for families. The rooms are usually larger and can accommodate additional passengers or are connecting accommodations. Look for category names that include the word "family." For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers categories that include: Family Inside, Family Oceanview, Family Balcony, Family Mini-Suite with Balcony, Family Suite and Two-Bedroom Family Suite in addition to all types of options in The Haven ship-within-a-ship suite complex.

Deck 10 of Norwegian Cruise Line's Breakaway. Each color represents a different cabin category -- and there are additional categories on other decks.

One Cabin, Two Connecting Cabins or a Suite?

When it comes to selecting the perfect cabin for your crew, you need to determine if you want to book one cabin that will accommodate everyone, go for connecting cabins, seek out a stateroom that's been designed specifically for families or pony up the big bucks for a suite with enough space and extra perks to help your family make the most of a cruise.

There is no single right answer to what you should do and it's truly a family-by-family decision. The benefit of two connecting staterooms is that you'll have two bathrooms instead of one -- especially important on a port day when everyone is vying for the shower before heading out for the day. Two connecting rooms are also terrific so the kids can go to sleep and mom and dad can keep the door open a crack but still stay up and talk or walk a movie in their cabin. Booking two connecting cabins can also be less expensive than booking a larger room or suite in a higher cabin category (more about those cabin categories in a second). If booking connecting cabins sounds interesting, here's how to book two staterooms for the price of one .

Alternatively, you may decide that a suite -- with all its perks like priority boarding, free specialty restaurant reservations and access to VIP-only areas of the ship -- may be worth the price for your family to share on room instead.

To help you make the right choice, we'll review the various types of cabins your family can book. It should then be a bit easier to pick which one might be right for your group.

Like the name suggests, this is a bare-bones cabin in the interior of the ship without a porthole, window or balcony. Interior cabins are usually pretty small. For example, an Interior on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas that technically accommodates four people is 149 square feet with two twin beds that can convert to a king and a double sofa bed. If you've got two little ones who can share the sofa bed, that can work -- but it will be (very) tight.

Harmony of the Sea's Interior Room. (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Interior Pricing: $913 per person for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean voyage aboard Harmony of the Seas out of Port Canaveral in July 2020 in an Interior that accommodates four.

Related: How to Book a Cruise Using Miles and Points

Note that some cruise lines do sell some cabins with a picture window overlooking the ocean but still categorizes them as Interior staterooms. An example of this is with Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival Sunshine offers an Interior with Picture Window category where some windows have a view of the deck's walkway with the ocean beyond, while others have a partially obstructed view.

Interior With Virtual Window

Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line, have pioneered the concept of a "virtual" window in some of its interior cabins. The window is really a screen that shows a live feed from a camera onboard the ship and is meant to approximate the feeling of an ocean-view cabin without charging you for one. Disney Fantasy's 169-square-foot Standard Inside Staterooms feature the cruise line's Magical Porthole with real-time views and can accommodate four via a queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper-berth pull-down bed. Royal Caribbean takes it a step further with its Virtual Balcony staterooms, like the ones aboard Ovation of the Seas, that truly give you the feeling of a balcony via floor-to-ceiling displays showing scenery in real time.

Royal Caribbean's Virtual Balcony Cabin. (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Virtual Window Pricing: $1,044 per person for a seven-night Alaska Glacier voyage aboard Ovation of the Seas out of Seattle in July 2020 in an Interior with Virtual Balcony that accommodates four.

Interior With a Courtyard View

On some of today's largest vessels, like Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, you'll find some interior rooms that have a window overlooking a courtyard area of the ship. On Allure, you can book a 191-square-foot Promenade View Interior that accommodates five with two twins that convert to a king, a double sofa bed and a pull-down bed. A bowed window affords views to the Royal Promenade.

Courtyard View Pricing: Seven-night Western Mediterranean itinerary aboard Allure of the Seas out of Barcelona in July 2020 in a Promenade View Interior from $1,086 per person based on four; $1,091 per person for a Central Park View Interior based on four.

Plenty of cruise ships offer ocean view rooms; what differs ship to ship is the size of the window. Look for language like "picture" or "panoramic" window. Aboard Norwegian Encore, look at the Family Oceanview with Large Picture Window. This cabin ranges from 240 to 372 square feet, depending on ship location. It can sleep up to five people with two twins that convert to a queen and additional bedding for three more. Some also have a bathtub -- a rarity for entry-level cabins.

Ocean View Pricing: $1,324 per person for a seven-night Bermuda voyage aboard Norwegian Encore out of New York in July 2020 in a Family Oceanview with Large Picture Window that accommodates four.

Balcony/Veranda

If you can swing it, a balcony cabin -- also sometimes called a veranda -- can be a boon to a family. It gives you more natural light, the option for fresh air when you want it via a sliding-glass door and an additional place to sit and relax when in the cabin.

family cruise ship rooms

Since size is often key, note that balcony staterooms tend to be a bit larger than interiors or ocean view cabins. (For example, Princess Cruises' Regal Princess offers balcony cabins that range from 214 to 222 square feet.) Cabins in this category also sometimes have a curtain that separates the bed from a living area that usually has a sofa, coffee table and chair.

family cruise ship rooms

The balcony is usually outfitted with a small table and two chairs. Not all balcony cabins accommodate third and fourth passengers, so be sure to check the deck plan carefully before picking a specific cabin number. Better yet, you might want to rely on a travel agent that specializes in cruises and can help you find the absolute best cabin for your family.

A cabin with a balcony view on the Regal Princess. (Photo courtesy of Princess)

Balcony Pricing: From $3,549 per person for the first two people and from $1,649 per person for passengers three and four for a 12-night British Isles voyage aboard Regal Princess out of London in July 2020 in a Balcony cabin that accommodates four.

Related: The Best Credit Cards for Booking Cruises

Spa cabins took the industry by storm a few years ago and many ships offer cabin categories that package together special access to the spa with healthy in-room amenities like flavored water, herbal teas and fragrance infusers. If you've got little kids, spa cabins probably don't hold much appeal -- but they might if you have teens who love a visit to the spa's thermal suite.

Concierge Class

As you flip through cruise line brochures and research ship deck plans, you'll see some cabins designated as "concierge." This means passengers in those accommodations get the benefit of a concierge to assist with things like dining and spa reservations. Additional perks are usually also conferred to those staying in a concierge category stateroom such as an earlier booking window for dining and shore excursions, priority boarding, a minibar stocked with water and soda, a pillow menu so you can choose the right option for each family member, bathrobes and slippers for onboard use and even free Wi-Fi. There may also be an additional concierge lounge available to these passengers. Some concierge rooms are suites, but not all concierge rooms are actually suites.

Disney Wonder offers one- and two-bedroom concierge suites with a veranda and even a splashed-out 1,029-square-foot Concierge Royal Suite that features two bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a half-bath. It accommodates up to seven people.

The Grand Suite aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas. (Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line Blog

Concierge Pricing: $5,230 per person for a seven-night Alaska voyage aboard Disney Wonder out of Vancouver in July 2020 in a Concierge Family Overview Stateroom with Verandah for four.

What exactly is a suite? Technically, it's an accommodation with a physical barrier between the sleeping and living areas. The barrier can be a wall or other type of partition that makes it easier for families to enjoy two spaces in the cabin at the same time without bothering each other (think someone sleeping in the bedroom while others watch a movie in the living area). Note that "junior suites" usually aren't true suites with that type of separation and also don't always include additional perks that the larger suites do.

Real suites tend to be larger than regular cabins and are packaged with a range of extras like a pre-departure lounge at the cruise terminal, some free meals in specialty restaurants that normally charge a per-person or a-la-carte fee, butler service and even VIP areas on the ship such as Celebrity Cruises' Michael's Club (a lounge) and Luminae, a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner -- but only to suite passengers.

Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas Grand Suite (Photo courtesy of the Royal Caribbean Blog)

Suite Pricing: $1,942 per person for a seven-night Western Caribbean voyage aboard Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas out of Miami in July 2020 in a Junior Suite for four; from $2,775 per person in a One-Bedroom Grand Suite.

Family-Friendly Zones

Carnival has a neat concept aboard Carnival Vista and Carnival Horizon: Family Harbor. This is a specially designed "family zone" that includes family-friendly cabins and suites as well as a lounge -- complete with large-screen TVs and games -- that serves breakfast and snacks. There is also a "family concierge" who can help you book shore excursions and make onboard dining reservations. The Family Harbor Suite accommodates five people and has one full bath with shower plus one with a sink and shower combo only. Passengers in the Family Harbor section get one free evening of Night Owls babysitting and kids eat for free in most onboard specialty restaurants.

The Carnival Family Harbor room aboard the Carnival Vista. (Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line Blog)

Carnival Family Harbor Pricing: From $904 per person for a seven-night Western Caribbean voyage aboard Carnival Vista out of Galveston in July 2020 in a Family Harbor Interior for our; from $1,015 per person in a Family Harbor Deluxe Ocean View; from $1,270 per person in a Family Harbor Suite.

Ship-Within-a-Ship

Some cruise lines have gone an additional step to create expansive VIP areas on ships and those areas can sometimes make sense for certain families. If you're staying in this section of a ship, your keycard will not only let you onto the deck of VIP cabins but also open doors to special sun decks, a pool or other designated areas. This is the case on Norwegian Cruise Line ships that offer The Haven, a complex of suite accommodations and heavy-hitting perks including butler service, its own restaurant that serves all meals, seating at shows, preferred dining reservations and more. You'll find one- and two-bedroom family suites and villas within The Haven. The Haven is available on the Breakaway and Breakaway Plus-class ships, Jewel class and Norwegian Epic.

The Norwegian Encore's Haven Suites facilities. (Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines / Facebook)

The Haven Pricing: We'll caution you that this experience comes with a hefty price tag. We priced out a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise from Miami aboard Norwegian Breakaway in June 2020 for four people. Fares for The Haven started at $2,399 per passenger. A Free Extra Guests promotion brought that price down to $1,864 per person for a Forward-Facing Penthouse with Balcony. (A drink package, shore excursion credit, all specialty dining and Wi-Fi were included in the package.) Tack on about $310 in gratuities and $685 in port fees and taxes and that's a pretty expensive one-week vacation. However, some families may feel that the price -- $300 per person per day for a family of four -- is reasonable considering all of the extra perks and amenities.

MSC Cruises offers a similar concept with its Yacht Club that features VIP-level cabins, a lounge, a restaurant and a pool. You'll find the Yacht Club aboard MSC Fantasia, Splendida, Divina, Preziosa, Seaside, Meraviglia and Seaview. Perks include priority embarkation, a butler, included drinks and more.

Here's what a 2020 summertime cruise in the Mediterranean will cost a family of four aboard MSC Cruises' in the Yacht Club.

Tip: Cabins That Help Ward Off Seasickness

If you or someone in your family is prone to seasickness, forget about almost everything else and focus on booking a cabin on the lowest deck possible that is midship. You'll be at the ship's fulcrum and that means you'll feel less movement here than if you were far forward or all the way aft. When you are feeling seasick, it helps to look out over the horizon so -- in addition to a location on a lower deck and midship -- make sure the stateroom you pick has at least a porthole, if not a larger ocean-view window or balcony.

How to Pay for Your Cruise Fare

No matter which cruise line or cabin category you choose, think carefully about how to book and pay for your voyage in order to maximize your points earning potential. Review TPG 's how to book a cruise with miles and points . Be warned that cruise line cobranded credit cards are rarely your best bet when paying for a cruise, so if you're looking to maximize points earned, pay with a mainstream credit card that rewards you for travel expenditures. Two cards that come out on top in this regard are the Chase Sapphire Reserve and Citi Premier® Card. Both award 3x points per dollar spent on travel: Ultimate Rewards points for the Chase card and ThankYou points on the Citi card. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card are also wise choices since they award 2x earnings per dollar spent.

Bottom Line

There is no one answer to the question: Which type of cruise ship cabin should my family book? The answer is dependent on your family makeup, the personalities and preferences of each member of your family, the length of your cruise, itinerary, budget and so much more. After reviewing the types of accommodations cruise lines offer, however, you should be in a much better position to make the right choice.

Thinking of take your family on a cruise? Here's more advice:

  • Cruise Line Showdown: Comparing Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean for Families
  • These Are the Best Cruise Lines for 2019
  • Are River Cruises Right for Kids?
  • MSC Cruises Is Coming to the Cayman Islands
  • One of the World's Biggest Cruise Ships Is About to Get a Massive Makeover
  • CruiseMapper

Cruise cabins and suites

Cruise ship rooms, floor plans, photos.

CruiseMapper's cabin and suites section allows you to explore cruise staterooms by ship. Each page provides extensive information on all passengers accommodations on a particular vessel, including floor plans, room types and categories (grades used upon booking), cabin sizes, deck location. Also provided is an extensive review of all ticket price inclusive en-suite amenities, along with furniture details and additional / bonus perks (if available).  

CruiseMapper logo

Here you will find brief descriptions by category of all stateroom types that can be found on cruise ship deck plans . You will find more information and many useful tips on staterooms at our best and worst cabins article. Here you can search for a particular ship (via the above search bar) or you can skip the introduction (explanations) and go down directly to our list of large passenger ships' cabin pages .

Cruise staterooms booking rates are usually based on deck location. Lower-deck accommodations are the cheapest. Midship rooms cost more. Balcony staterooms and Suites located aft or forward are the most expensive. Most cruise companies (especially those with large-sized vessels in the fleets) divide the main cabin types into subcategories. These grades are marked with numbers (like for balcony cabins - B1, B2, B3, B4) and are displayed on the deck layouts with different colors.

Cruise ship suites

Cruise suite accommodations are premium grades cabins. They are usually larger in comparison to balcony staterooms and feature more amenities. As a rule, suites have a full-size bathtub, larger shower, bigger closets and balcony (some have 2 private balconies). Amenities include coffee makers, premium sound systems, large-size TVs, complimentary butler service.

Loft Suites (aka Duplex Suites)

Loft Suites are "duplex suites" (on two levels) and available on the world's largest passenger ships of Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class and Quantum-class. The following layout is of Harmony of the Seas and its largest accommodation - the Royal Loft Suite.

Grand Suite

Twin beds in this type of cabin can be joined in a king bed. Grand Suites have also a double sofa bed and large private balcony, sitting area with 2-armchairs and a coffee table, desk, dressing area with vanity, walk-in closet, safe box, TV, phone, refrigerator, mini-bar, private bath with whirlpool tub and shower, patio chair and table, balcony lounge chair, pillow menu, bathrobes, hairdryer. See below the magnificent Oceania Marina ship's Owner Suite plan.

Captain Suite

Captains Suite accommodations have a huge 220 ft2 (20,5 m2) separate bedroom, while the living area is sized 290 ft2 (27 m2). There are 2 upper beds and a sofa bed, private bathroom with whirlpool hot tub and glass shower, safe, TV and phone, mini-bar, bathrobes, hairdryer.

A table and 3 patio chairs are on the balcony.

Owners Suite

Owner's Suites are some of the most luxurious accommodations at sea. They usually feature two separate bedrooms, private balcony (with luxury lounge furniture, even dining area and hot tub), living room (with sofa bed), luxury bathroom (with whirlpool bathtub and separate shower), second bathroom (WC), dining room, dressing area. Some Owner's Suites (like NCL's) can accommodate up to 10 passengers when connected to an adjacent Suite.

Ocean Suite

OS stands for "Ocean Suite" and category SS is "Spa Suite", recently changed to Junior Suite. These cabins have: twin beds that convert to king, sitting area with armchair and coffee table, sofa, dressing area with vanity, large balcony, wall safe, 2 big closets, mini-bar, refrigerator, private whirlpool bath with tub and shower, television and phone, balcony lounge chair, patio chair and table, pillow menu, bathrobes, hairdryer.

2-Bedroom Mozart Suite (largest stateroom on a riverboat)

World's largest accommodation found on a riverboat is Riverside Mozart 's French Balcony Suite. The vessel has two such accommodations, each sized 885 ft2 / 82 m2. Must be noted, that the stateroom is combined with an adjacent French Balcony cabin.

Penthouse Suite

Penthouse Suites have a twin beds configuration (beds can convert to queen). The other features are a large balcony, dressing area with vanity, sitting area with armchair and coffee table, wall safe, mini bar, private bath with whirlpool tub and shower, television and phone, refrigerator, bathrobes and hairdryer. Some cabins are without whirlpool tub, sofa or coffee table.

Balcony staterooms

Most balcony cruise ship cabins feature floor-ceiling sliding glass doors leading to a private step-out veranda. The balcony also is furnished with a table and pair of chairs/loungers. Standard balconies are separated by dividers. As sizes, balcony cabins on cruise ships vary, with those on Princess and NCl ships being among the smallest compared to other big-ship lines. In our cruise deck plans, we also list room sizes and the size of the balcony. Balcony – Apart from the balcony they can offer You twin beds that can be converted to King-size bed. Balconies also provide sitting area with chair and coffee table and private bath with shower, as well as closet/wardrobe, electronic safe box, mini bar, television and phone, sofa, bathrobes, hairdryer. Most verandas are between 30-60 ft2 ( approx 3-6 m2). Below are shown the layouts of the Anthem ship's Deluxe and Accessible balcony cabins.

Premium Balcony

Premium Balcony cabins also have twin beds that convert to King-size, their wraparound balcony enfolds the stateroom. Balcony's windows are often floor-ceiling and wall-to-wall.

Cove Balcony Staterooms

Cove balconies, unlike Balconies, have two patio chairs and a table. The rest of the stuff is identical. First of all-balcony, and again twin beds that convert to king, sofa, private bath with shower, safe, closet, mini bar, television and phone, sitting area with chair and coffee table, bathrobes and hairdryer.

Cove Balcony rooms are CCL-Carnival's specialty, available on some of the "Fun Ships", and are interesting because they are located on lower decks (thus closer to waterline).

Oceanview staterooms

Oceanview cabins: as sizes are similar to Interior staterooms on cruise ships, but each of them has a Porthole or normal window (both types do not open). Their window sizes also vary by line and ship. On some ocean ships and some luxury river ships, such staterooms feature floor-ceiling windows. Oceanview rooms' window sizes are usually 4x3 ft (1,2x0,9 m). As furniture, Oceanview cruise cabins have twin beds that convert to King-size, sofa, TV and phone, sitting area, safe, mini bar, private bath with shower, and also a washroom with sink and a junior tub, bathrobes and a hairdryer and of course a picture window. You should take a look at the cruise ship deck plans again as Cabins of 5A category have two porthole windows. Unlike deluxe, there is no washroom with sink and junior tub. Below are the layouts of Ovation of the Seas Oceanview cabins (categories standard, large, and superior).

Deluxe Oceanview

These cabins have no balconies but still can offer a marvelous view through their picture window as well as twin beds that convert to King-size. However, beds in Category 6N can't be joined (to King) and sleeps max 5 people.

Other amenities include sofabed, TV, phone, seating, safe, mini-bar, a bathroom with shower, a washroom (with junior tub), bathrobes, hairdryer.

Scenic Oceanview

The interior is the same - twin beds convertible to King-size, picture window, sofa, TV, phone, seating, safe, mini-bar, bath with shower, washroom with sink and junior tub, bathrobes, hairdryer.

The difference is that Scenic Oceanviews are larger.

Inside staterooms

Inside cruise ship cabins' best feature is their price - you book them with the line's cheapest rates available. These cruise accommodations don't offer window views. Still, on some of the newest cruise ships of Royal Caribbean and Disney, there are categories Interior staterooms with a "virtual window", which is a large LED screen displaying outside cam views. The screen doesn't have TV functions.

On some Carnival ships, there are Inside cabins with a "French Balcony" (with opening glass doors). Also, some "interior staterooms" are actually Oceanview (with a non-opening window), but since their views are obstructed, they are booked as Interior. On Royal Caribbean ships, some Inside cabins have a window looking out to the ship's interior promenade (street)

Inside cruise cabins are fitted with twin beds (convertible to King or Queen), private bathroom (shower), sitting area. Next are shown the layouts of Interior rooms on Harmony OTS .

Small Interior Stateroom (as the name implies) is the least spacious standard cabin category on cruise ships. These cabins have two beds – (upper and lower), private bath (WC/shower), a small sitting area.

Single cabins (Studios)

Single occupancy staterooms could be either Inside or Balcony. Some river cruise lines even offer single suites (booking with single occupancy rates). The most famous liner having plenty of single cabins (designed specifically for solo travelers) is Norwegian Epic .

This huge vessel has a total of 128 "Studios".

Next are shown layouts of Quantum OTS single-occupancy cabins (balcony and interior).

Connecting cabins (for large families)

The next layout shows RCI's "Family Connected Junior Suite" plan ( Quantum OTS ). Ship's main cabin grades (Balcony, Oceanview, Inside) are all combined here into a 10-person "Family Suite". The layout also shows the exact positioning of furniture, 3 baths (1 with hot tub), large seating area, 2 double-sofabeds, 2 connecting balconies.

How to choose cabins on cruise ships?

If you are planning a cruise, booking a cabin is certainly as important as picking up the cruise line (brand) or the boat. Before you take that decision, consider some issues related to your own personality and the other people traveling with you.

  • The first important thing you have to be honest with your conscious is whether you can get seasick .
  • Secondly, what type of person you are and what exactly do you intend to do onboard? Are you a party type or you just would like to spend several calm days at sea, away from the office jungle on land. Would you enjoy the pool with its all opportunities for contacts or you would rather have a rest lying at a balcony?
  • No matter the stateroom type, it could still be noisy or make you seasick. The more central and lower position your cabin has, the more stable it is.
  • In case you and the rest of the family members / friends are thin or you just don't intend to spend too much time in the cabin, you can pick a small one. Usually, staterooms are able to house no more than 4 people. Two passengers pay full fares and the other receive discounted rates.
  • If you need stateroom for 4+ passengers, connecting cabins are the best option, and it will cost you less than a suite. Bathtub-fitted cabins are not so many per vessel. All cruise deck plans show such information (bathtub, sofabed, double bed, bunk beds, etc).

Noise issues - which cabins on the ship to avoid?

If you are a party type and louder sounds are not bothering, everything would be OK. If you organize a family voyage, however, you should look for a cabin away from the noisiest areas in the cruise ship deck plans. The first thing to look for in the cruise ship plan is the engine room location. Along with the noises, there are also vibrations.

Staterooms under discos, sport playgrounds, gym centers are usually very noisy. Cabins under Lido Deck (aka Pool Deck) are also among those to avoid. The buffet restaurant on this deck generates noises from moving tables and chairs and tableware. Staircases are also very noisy.

Take a good look at the cruise ship deck plan - room location is crucial!

Cabin's deck location is of great importance. Lower and more central-positioned accommodations are more stable. However, "cool cabins" are usually on higher decks, which means spending more money won't necessarily save you from seasickness.

Stern cabins (aft) have the largest balconies. Forward suites provide the same view as from the Navigation Bridge (wheelhouse). Some cabins are with limited / obstructed seaview due to lifeboats or other equipment.

Guarantee staterooms - take your chance!

If you are not set on selecting something particular and location is not a priority, you should not investigate the cruise ship deck plan so cautiously. The so-called ''guarantee'' cabin grades can turn to be among the best booking options. The "guarantee stateroom" booking allows you to pick up a category, not a cabin. In case the category is sold out you'll be proposed a higher category lodging. The first cabins to be booked are both the cheapest and the most expensive ones, be aware when you choose to test your luck. However, it could be a bit risky so it's more reasonable to get back to the cruise ship deck plans.

Shipboard facilities

If want to cruise with your children you'd better book a stateroom close to kids entertainment facilities. Cruise ship deck plans can once again help you to choose from the many opportunities created to meet passengers' requirements. Spa cabins are recently available for instance. Passengers get free access to the steam room and other connected facilities. These cabins are of course close to the SPA and you can move between in your bathrobe only.

NCL's The Haven and MSC's Yacht Club accommodations are located within an exclusive complex and offer ''ship within ship'' amenities and services. Passengers (who can afford them) enjoy private sundecks with swimming pools and jacuzzis and exclusive facilities like restaurants, bar lounges, gyms and spas.

Prefabricated cruise ship cabin

On May 24, 2016, a new "Lightweight Composite Cabin" design was unveiled in Southampton, England. The innovation was funded by the UK Government. Involved in the cabin's designing, engineering, manufacturing and furbishing were the companies Carnival UK ( Carnival Corporation 's subsidiary), Gurit Ltd (global composite materials supplier), Lloyd's Register Group Ltd (technical / business services, maritime classification company), PE Composites Ltd (composite designer / manufacturer), Trimline Ltd (marine interior refurbishment specialist) and the University of Southampton.

The new modular cabin prototype is half the weight of a typical cruise room. It also fully complies with the FTP Code's requirements (International Code for the Application of Fire Test Procedures). Reducing the ship's topdecks weight is an important issue for naval architects as the trend for building large-capacity cruise vessels continues. The new (prefabricated) module's halved weight opens up opportunities for adding more passenger rooms to newbuild ships, without adding to the ship's DWT weight.

Note: The following list of cruise lines cabins (per ship) includes only CruiseMapper's largest companies' fleets and only ocean-going vessels. For all other vessels (including small-fleet shipping companies , cruiseferries and riverboats ) use the search box at page top .

List of cruise ships with deck plans

Carnival cruise line.

  • Carnival Breeze
  • Carnival Celebration
  • Carnival Conquest
  • Carnival Dream
  • Carnival Elation
  • Carnival Firenze
  • Carnival Freedom
  • Carnival Glory
  • Carnival Horizon
  • Carnival Jubilee
  • Carnival Legend
  • Carnival Liberty
  • Carnival Luminosa
  • Carnival Magic
  • Carnival Mardi Gras
  • Carnival Miracle
  • Carnival Panorama
  • Carnival Paradise
  • Carnival Pride
  • Carnival Radiance
  • Carnival Spirit
  • Carnival Splendor
  • Carnival Sunrise
  • Carnival Sunshine
  • Carnival Valor
  • Carnival Venezia
  • Carnival Vista

Princess Cruises

  • Caribbean Princess
  • Coral Princess
  • Crown Princess
  • Diamond Princess
  • Discovery Princess
  • Emerald Princess
  • Enchanted Princess
  • Grand Princess
  • Island Princess
  • Majestic Princess
  • Regal Princess
  • Royal Princess
  • Ruby Princess
  • Sapphire Princess
  • Sky Princess
  • Star Princess
  • Sun Princess

Disney Cruise Line

  • Disney Destiny
  • Disney Dream
  • Disney Fantasy
  • Disney Magic
  • Disney Treasure
  • Disney Wish
  • Disney Wonder
  • Queen Elizabeth
  • Queen Mary 2
  • Queen Victoria

AIDA Cruises

Viking cruises.

  • Viking Jupiter
  • Viking Mars
  • Viking Neptune
  • Viking Octantis
  • Viking Orion
  • Viking Polaris
  • Viking Saturn
  • Viking Star
  • Viking Vela
  • Viking Venus
  • Viking Vesta
  • Zhao Shang Yi Dun-Viking Sun

Royal Caribbean

  • Adventure Of The Seas
  • Allure Of The Seas
  • Anthem of the Seas
  • Brilliance Of The Seas
  • Enchantment Of The Seas
  • Explorer Of The Seas
  • Freedom Of The Seas
  • Grandeur Of The Seas
  • Harmony Of The Seas
  • Icon Of The Seas
  • Independence Of The Seas
  • Jewel Of The Seas
  • Liberty Of The Seas
  • Mariner Of The Seas
  • Navigator Of The Seas
  • Oasis Of The Seas
  • Odyssey Of The Seas
  • Ovation Of The Seas
  • Quantum Of The Seas
  • Radiance Of The Seas
  • Rhapsody Of The Seas
  • Serenade Of The Seas
  • Spectrum Of The Seas
  • Star Of The Seas
  • Symphony Of The Seas
  • Utopia Of The Seas
  • Vision Of The Seas
  • Voyager Of The Seas
  • Wonder Of The Seas

Holland America

  • ms Koningsdam
  • ms Nieuw Amsterdam
  • ms Nieuw Statendam
  • ms Oosterdam
  • ms Rotterdam
  • ms Volendam
  • ms Westerdam
  • ms Zuiderdam

P&O Cruises

  • Pacific Adventure
  • Pacific Encounter
  • Pacific Explorer

Costa Cruises

  • Costa Deliziosa
  • Costa Diadema
  • Costa Fascinosa
  • Costa Favolosa
  • Costa Fortuna
  • Costa Pacifica
  • Costa Serena
  • Costa Smeralda
  • Costa Toscana

Azamara Cruises

  • Azamara Journey
  • Azamara Onward
  • Azamara Pursuit
  • Azamara Quest

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

  • Seven Seas Explorer
  • Seven Seas Grandeur
  • Seven Seas Mariner
  • Seven Seas Navigator
  • Seven Seas Splendor
  • Seven Seas Voyager

Norwegian Cruise Line

  • Norwegian Aqua
  • Norwegian Bliss
  • Norwegian Breakaway
  • Norwegian Dawn
  • Norwegian Encore
  • Norwegian Epic
  • Norwegian Escape
  • Norwegian Gem
  • Norwegian Getaway
  • Norwegian Jade
  • Norwegian Jewel
  • Norwegian Joy
  • Norwegian Pearl
  • Norwegian Prima
  • Norwegian Sky
  • Norwegian Spirit
  • Norwegian Star
  • Norwegian Sun
  • Norwegian Viva
  • Pride of America

Celebrity Cruises

  • Celebrity Apex
  • Celebrity Ascent
  • Celebrity Beyond
  • Celebrity Constellation
  • Celebrity Eclipse
  • Celebrity Edge
  • Celebrity Equinox
  • Celebrity Flora
  • Celebrity Infinity
  • Celebrity Millennium
  • Celebrity Reflection
  • Celebrity Silhouette
  • Celebrity Solstice
  • Celebrity Summit
  • Celebrity Xcel
  • Celebrity Xpedition
  • Celebrity Xploration

Marella Cruises

  • Marella Discovery
  • Marella Discovery 2
  • Marella Explorer
  • Marella Explorer 2
  • Marella Voyager

MSC Cruises

  • MSC Armonia
  • MSC Bellissima
  • MSC Euribia
  • MSC Fantasia
  • MSC Grandiosa
  • MSC Magnifica
  • MSC Meraviglia
  • MSC Orchestra
  • MSC Preziosa
  • MSC Seascape
  • MSC Seashore
  • MSC Seaside
  • MSC Seaview
  • MSC Sinfonia
  • MSC Splendida
  • MSC Virtuosa
  • MSC World America
  • MSC World Asia
  • MSC World Europa

Oceania Cruises

  • Oceania Allura
  • Oceania Insignia
  • Oceania Marina
  • Oceania Nautica
  • Oceania Regatta
  • Oceania Riviera
  • Oceania Sirena
  • Oceania Vista

Silversea Cruises

  • Silver Cloud
  • Silver Dawn
  • Silver Endeavour
  • Silver Galapagos
  • Silver Moon
  • Silver Muse
  • Silver Nova
  • Silver Origin
  • Silver Shadow
  • Silver Spirit
  • Silver Whisper
  • Silver Wind

Seabourn Cruises

  • Seabourn Encore
  • Seabourn Odyssey
  • Seabourn Ovation
  • Seabourn Pursuit
  • Seabourn Quest
  • Seabourn Sojourn
  • Seabourn Venture

Two Bedroom Family Suite

stateroom

Perfect for Large Groups

These suites are for larger families or groups traveling together and include special suite-only benefits and two bathrooms — connected by a large living room, which leads to an expansive private balcony. Each suite sleeps up to eight people.

Note: Diamond Princess® and Sapphire Princess® can sleep up to six people.

Two Bedroom Family Suite diagram

  • Mini-Suite stateroom connected to an inside cabin via a shared lounge
  • Balcony with 2-4 chairs, table and ottoman
  • 2 bathrooms, one with bath tub the other with a walk-in shower
  • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors
  • Separate sitting area with sofa bed & coffee table
  • Complimentary welcome glass of champagne on embarkation day
  • Luxury mattress topper and pillows
  • Two flat-panel televisions
  • Comfortable queen or two twin beds ▲
  • Refrigerator
  • Flat-panel televisions
  • Desk with chair
  • Hair dryer & fine bathroom amenities
  • Digital security safe
  • 100% cotton, high-thread count linens
  • Spacious closet

▲3rd/4th berths available in select cabins.

Photos, floor plan diagrams, and amenities represent typical arrangements and may vary by ship. Certain stateroom categories may vary in size and configuration by ship. Square footage varies based on stateroom category and deck location.

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Disney Magic

The 2,713-passenger Disney Magic is the oldest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet (it first launched in 1998). It was last refurbished in May 2023, when it received updates like a "Soul"-themed lounge, concierge-level upgrades and a new "Encanto" live show. The ship also features family favorites such as the AquaDuck waterslide, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique dress-up shop and Edge, an interactive game center for tweens.

Disney Magic features diverse entertainment, including live shows, an open-air Wide World of Sports deck, three pools and a splash area for children younger than 3. Unique to the Magic is the teens-only Chill Spa. When it comes to dining, the ship offers eight eateries, including an adults-only specialty restaurant and buffet options. Recent cruisers gave the food quality mixed reviews.

In terms of lodging, 70% of cabins offer ocean views or verandas. All cabins are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, sitting areas and bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. Suites include extra perks such as concierge service and media libraries. Past cruisers noted that the service on this ship is up to Disney's standards, but so is the price tag.

Disney Magic sails from Galveston, Texas ;  San Diego ;  Miami ; Fort Lauderdale, Florida ;  New Orleans ; and  San Juan, Puerto Rico . It visits destinations across the Bahamas , the Caribbean, Mexico and the Panama Canal.

U.S. News Insider Tip : Once per sailing, guests are invited to watch Tangled: The Musical in the Walt Disney Theater. This Broadway-style show retells the story of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider with three new original songs, puppets, and beautiful costumes. This show is very popular, so it's best to get to the theater about an hour before the show starts to get a good seat. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. – Megan duBois, Contributor

family cruise ship rooms

Symphony of the Seas

The 6,680-passenger, 2,200-crew-member Symphony of the Seas set sail in 2018 and features 18 decks packed with activities.

For heart-pounding fun, travelers will find a surf simulator, an indoor ice skating rink, two 40-foot rock walls, a zip line and a 10-story slide. Meanwhile, relaxation seekers can unwind in the spa, sip cocktails made by robotic bartenders or stroll through the Central Park -inspired neighborhood.

Onboard snacks and meals are served at 20 quick-service and sit-down eateries. The Main Dining Room is where the ship's traditional, complimentary dinners are provided nightly, but specialty options like a steakhouse, a bistro and a Johnny Rockets outpost are also available. What's more, cruisers can dine at Jamie's Italian, a restaurant helmed by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

After filling up on gourmet fare, passengers can retreat to their cabins, all of which include work desks, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Guests can choose from 149-square-foot Interior Staterooms, some of which have virtual balconies with real-time views of the ocean, or opt for upgraded cabins with furnished balconies and up to 1,524 square feet of space. Select suites also feature two bedrooms, whirlpool tubs and dining rooms.

Symphony of the Seas departs from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, Miami , Fort Lauderdale, Rome and Barcelona for sailings throughout the Caribbean and Europe.

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you’re on one of the 19 Royal Caribbean ships that have a FlowRider, like Symphony of the Seas (which has two!), reserve a private lesson with a pro. For a small fee, you'll save yourself some embarrassment and get more ride time. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

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Odyssey of the Seas

Launched in July 2021, the Odyssey of the Seas holds 5,498 passengers and 1,550 crew members. Royal Caribbean's latest ship is the first Quantum Ultra Class vessel to sail in the United States. As a member of this class, Odyssey of the Seas offers standout amenities like RipCord by iFLY, billed as the only skydiving simulator available at sea, and the FlowRider, a 40-foot-long surf simulator. There is also the North Star observation capsule, which hoists guests 300 feet above sea level over the cruise ship to enjoy unparalleled views below. 

In addition to these thrilling activities, the ship comes equipped with standard facilities like pools, an arcade, a spa, a fitness center with classes, kids clubs and shopping venues. There are also 15 dining options, ranging from Japanese fare to all-you-can-eat buffets to Starbucks. For drinks, the ship offers nine bars and lounges, giving passengers plenty of places to enjoy libations. Entertainment options include theatrical performances, live music, a casino, outdoor movie nights and more. 

As far as cabins go, cruisers can choose between Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony staterooms, as well as suite accommodations and new Virtual Balcony rooms. These technologically advanced cabins feature floor-to-ceiling displays that project real-time views of the sights and sounds from the outside of the ship. 

Odyssey of the Seas sails to ports in Europe, as well as to various destinations in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Cape Liberty, New Jersey.

family cruise ship rooms

Disney Dream

Last renovated in 2015 (after being introduced in 2011), the 4,000-passenger Disney Dream is one of Disney's largest ships. Highlights include the 765-foot AquaDuck water coaster, a virtual sports simulator (for an extra fee) and theatrical performances that bring Disney animated favorites – like "Beauty and the Beast" – to life.

While the ship emphasizes family-focused entertainment with five specialized kids clubs, parents can enjoy the adults-only Quiet Cove pool and the Senses Spa & Salon. At night, a section of the ship called The District transforms into an adult oasis with host of bars and lounges. In terms of dining, the ship offers nine themed venues including two specialty adults-only restaurants.

Staterooms also cater to cruising clans, offering perks like sofa beds. Over 85 percent of cabins have ocean views or verandas. Those looking for extra space can opt for Concierge Suites, which range from 622 to 1,781 square feet.

While some recent cruisers commented that the ship is more expensive than other mainstream competitors, most said it was well worth the price due to the personalized attention they received from the staff.

Disney Dream departs from Fort Lauderdale, Florida ;  New York ; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Southampton, England; and more for sailings in the Bahamas , Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Europe. The cruise line also offers some transatlantic voyages.

U.S. News Insider Tip : Don't skip dinner at Animator's Palate and its Undersea Magic dinner show. During the meal, you'll be immersed in the world of Finding Nemo, as Crush the turtle from the movie swims by virtually to chat with families between courses. (This dinner show is also available on the Disney Fantasy ). – Megan duBois, Contributor

family cruise ship rooms

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy launched in 2012 and underwent a dry dock in 2017. The ship features activities such as Pixar Day at Sea, Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular and the 765-foot AquaDuck water ride.

Staterooms are designed with families in mind. Inside cabins can accommodate up to four guests, and over 85% of the ship's cabins have an ocean view or a veranda. All cabins are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, minifridges and iPod docking stations.

Onboard entertainment is just as family-oriented, with Goofy’s Sports Deck activity center, a virtual sports simulator (for an extra fee), nightly live performances and 3D movies. While younger guests play in age-appropriate youth clubs, adults can relax at the Quiet Cove Pool or enjoy an evening at an adults-only bar or lounge.

When it comes to dining, the ship offers 10 themed dining venues, including two adults-only specialty venues, three main dining rooms and an ice cream shop: Sweet on You.

Fantasy sails from  Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida , to the Bahamas , Bermuda and a variety of ports in the Caribbean.

U.S. News Insider Tip : Between Palo and Remy is a secluded adults-only bar called Meridian. The bar is known for its martini program, where the bartenders will ask you a few questions and then whip up something off-menu for you to enjoy inside or outside on the exclusive patio. (Meridian can also be found on the Disney Dream ). – Megan duBois, Contributor

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Wonder of the Seas

Wonder of the Seas, which embarked on its maiden voyage in March 2022, holds 7,084 passengers and 2,204 crew members. The ship measures 1,188 feet long and 215 feet wide, and it weighs 235,600 gross tons. It surpasses its sister ship, Symphony of the Seas , as one of the largest cruise ships in the world.  

Guests can enjoy plenty of thrill activities on board, such as the Ultimate Abyss – a 10-story dark tunnel slide – or the 40-foot-long FlowRider surf stimulator. The ship also offers a fitness center, shopping venues, rock climbing, a carousel and clubs for kids and teens. When it's time to dine, cruisers have the option of 21 dining venues ranging from Italian fare to Southern cuisine. Travelers can also indulge in a few cocktails at 14 bars and lounges.

Accommodations include Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite staterooms. If you're looking for something more spacious, check out the ship's all-new Suite Neighborhood. Located on the upper decks, these suites offer guests ample private quarters to recharge during the cruise. Amenities included in the exclusive suites include priority boarding, a members-only dining facility and a dedicated check-in line. For families, the new neighborhood may be of particular interest because it features the Ultimate Family Suite. The family suite offers two floors of space with stunning ocean views, in-suite movies and video games and a kids slide between the floors.  

Wonder of the Seas sails from Orlando , Florida, to ports in the Caribbean.

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Carnival Panorama

A member of Carnival Cruise Line's Vista class, the Carnival Panorama debuted in December 2019 as the first new Carnival ship homeported on the West Coast in 20 years. With a capacity of 4,008 guests and 1,450 crew, Panorama is one of Carnival's largest ships.

Among the ship's standout amenities is the Sky Zone – a trampoline park that offers dodgeball and basketball games, toddler bounce sessions and more. Other unique Carnival amenities found on the ship include a suspended bicycle in the air called SkyRide, a sprawling water park, the Cloud 9 Spa and an open-air recreation area and ropes course.

Dining options on board are just as diverse. In fact, there are more than a dozen dining venues aboard Carnival Panorama, including multiple Guy Fieri eateries, a sushi restaurant, a steakhouse, a seafood eatery and more.

Carnival Panorama offers the line's typical range of accommodation classes (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) along with Family Harbor and Havana staterooms and suites. Havana Cabana Suites feature rain showers and patios equipped with hammock chairs, along with exclusive access to the Havana Bar & Pool. Meanwhile, Family Harbor accommodations are located next to the ship's Family Harbor Lounge and afford guests special perks, such as a free evening of babysitting and complimentary kids meals in the onboard specialty restaurants.

Sailing from Los Angeles , the ship cruises to destinations in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas . It also departs from Singapore for transpacific voyages. 

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Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance (previously Carnival Victory) set sail in December 2021 after a full transformation. The ship, which holds 2,984 guests and 1,108 crew members, boasts plenty of fun indoors and outdoors for cruisers of all ages.

Carnival Radiance features a ropes course, waterslides, a mini-golf course, dive-in movies in the evening and a sports area for activities like soccer, basketball, volleyball and boxing. The ship also offers a kids club for youths ages 2 to 17. The pool is surrounded by lounge chairs – perfect for relaxing – and those seeking additional quiet space can spend some time at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Inside, the spa, the piano bar, the comedy club and the performance event venue, which features musicals, concerts and more, round out some of Carnival Radiance's most popular offerings. Dining options (14 eateries in total, including a Chef's Table experience) abound on this ship as well: Cruisers can enjoy casual fare at Big Chicken or Guy's Burger Joint, or sit down for a more upscale meal at Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi or the Steakhouse.

Staterooms aboard the ship include Interior (porthole and picture window choices are available), Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category options. Carnival Radiance sets sail from Los Angeles to destinations in Hawaii and Mexico .

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Allure of the Seas

The 6,826-passenger Allure of the Seas, unveiled in 2010, is among the largest cruise ships in the world. There are a whopping 2,054 crew members on board to cater to passengers' needs. Along with signature line amenities like rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks, the ship houses seven unique neighborhoods with a variety of activities, shows and dining options. The ship underwent a $165 million refurbishment in 2020, which added approximately 50 new staterooms, the Ultimate Abyss (the tallest slide at sea), redesigned kids and teens spaces, new dining venues and more.

Other standout features include a zip line that descends 10 decks, two surf simulators and a science lab. Plus, with 19 dining options – and a Starbucks at sea – every member of the family will be satisfied.

In terms of lodging, about 65% of cabins feature balconies, and all staterooms are appointed with TVs and minifridges. Interior staterooms are the most economical option, but those who splurge on Suites are granted larger balconies and concierge service. Crowd-free areas might be difficult to find due to the outrageous capacity of the ship, but some recent cruisers praise the nonstop activity and entertainment. 

Allure of the Seas departs from Miami, Orlando, Florida, and Galveston , Texas, for sailings in the Caribbean.

family cruise ship rooms

Harmony of the Seas

Welcoming up to 6,687 passengers and 2,200 crew members, Harmony of the Seas is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. Launched in 2016 and tuned up in 2021, the ship features Royal Caribbean staples like surf simulators and rock climbing walls, as well as innovative amenities like the Ultimate Abyss (a 10-story slide) and three multistory waterslides. Plus, while younger passengers play in the arcade or at age-appropriate clubs, adults can relax at the spa or sip cocktails at multiple bars and lounges.

After working up an appetite, guests can choose from 20 dining options. Past cruisers especially praised the multitude of specialty restaurants, which range from Mexican to Japanese fare and require reservations and an additional fee.

When it comes to lodging, Harmony of the Seas offers a wide variety of cabin categories, with more than 70% of cabins featuring balconies. While Interior staterooms are the most economical choice, those looking for a little more space and luxury should consider upgrading to a Suite, which range from Junior Suites to four-bedroom Villa Suites. While all cabins offer flat-screen TVs and minibars, suites include access to a private restaurant, lounge and sun deck.

Harmony of the Seas sails from Miami and Galveston, Texas , to destinations throughout the Caribbean.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Wrap up a full day of Carnival fun… and you're gonna need a good night's sleep. Our staterooms are here to help.

couple enjoying the stateroom on carnival cruise line

ROOM TYPES FOR ALL TYPES

When it comes to staterooms, one size only fits some. That's why we've got enough variety to satisfy any type of fun seeker.

Interior cruise stateroom

Interior Staterooms

Interior stateroom

The most affordable way to experience all the Carnival excitement, without cutting corners on comfort. Here’s the perfect spot to curl up after a long day’s fun.

Available On : All ships

Available Features

family cruise ship rooms

Ocean View Staterooms

mom and children stare out their oceanview stateroom

These comfy rooms with a view let you sail along to beautiful destinations while gazing at the sort of vistas you simply won't find anywhere on land.

Balcony Staterooms

balcony stateroom

Any time you’re in your room, you’re steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis… designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views.

family cruise ship rooms

Get all the comforts of home and then some, with absolutely none of the hassles. Get comfy… stretch out, put your feet up. Or just spend time on your balcony — you’ve got one of our most spacious rooms.

Exclusive Amenities:

  • VIP check-in, plus priority embarkation and debarkation
  • Priority dinner reservations and main dining room time assignment
  • One complimentary load of laundry service
  • Two complimentary large bottles of water

Exclusive Amenities

  • Priority check-in, embarkation & debarkation
  • Priority dinner reservations & main dining room time assignment
  • Pillow-top mattresses

Family Harbor Staterooms & Suites

mom and daughter reading a magazine while dad and son relax on balcony

The term “family room” brings to mind that comfy place where kids and parents can do the all-important work of having fun simply being together. That’s precisely why there’s Family Harbor. You’ll notice that Family Harbor staterooms sport a classically American nautical décor... but benefits don’t stop at your door. Family Harbor staterooms are located near the Family Harbor Lounge, an exclusive spot featuring breakfast in the morning, snacks throughout the day, plus activities like board games, family movies, video games and more. As you explore the rest of the ship, the Family Harbor benefits come along, with your kids eating free in most onboard specialty restaurants... plus one free evening of Night Owls babysitting service, so you can enjoy some much-deserved alone time.

Available On : Carnival Celebration ® , Carnival Horizon ® , Carnival Jubilee ™ , Mardi Gras ® , Carnival Panorama ® and Carnival Vista ®

Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms & Suites

Cloud 9 Spa couple in robes

Cloud 9 Spa ™ staterooms do things a little different than ordinary staterooms. For starters, we dare you to cross the threshold without feeling a little more relaxed. Once you're inside, you'll find pleasing decor and in-room amenities like ELEMIS bath products and spa-branded bathrobes and slippers to enhance your stay.

What’s more, your excellent stateroom choice gets you priority spa reservations, free fitness classes, unlimited access to the thermal suites, exclusive discounts on treatments during port days... and more. (And on ships with a Hydrotherapy Pool, you’re welcome to use it as much as you want!)

And the best part? We've got a full range of rooms with that Cloud 9 mojo, from cozy Interiors to stretch-out Suites, ensuring you'll never have to sacrifice comfort for value.

Available On : Carnival Breeze ® , Carnival Celebration ® , Carnival Dream ® , Carnival Horizon ® , Carnival Jubilee ™ , Carnival Luminosa ® ,Carnival Magic ® , Mardi Gras. ® , Carnival Panorama ® , Carnival Radiance ® , Carnival Splendor ® , Carnival Sunrise ® , Carnival Sunshine ® and Carnival Vista ®

Havana Staterooms & Suites

couple enjoying their time in a havana cabana stateroom

At Carnival we love to cruise as much as anyone, but when you book a Havana stateroom, it's like you're no longer on a ship... you're at an exclusive island resort. But unlike most spots on land, you're never far from the ocean... or from the Havana Bar & Pool. (You'll enjoy exclusive access to the pool area!) Inside, all Havana staterooms feature a unique décor, but step up to a Havana Cabana for an extra-large outdoor chill space featuring a lounge-ready hammock chair. Step into a Havana Cabana suite for even more space, plus a luxurious rain shower. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Terrazza Staterooms

terrazza interior stateroom

Have you ever thought “maybe I could live like an Italian”? Well there’s a place you can kind of try out the lifestyle, at least for one vacation: Terrazza Staterooms aboard a Carnival cruise! You’ll find these aboard any of our Fun Italian Style ships, and the resort layout gives you everything you need for comfort and style in one place. For starters, all the staterooms feature a fresh style inside… and some add premium open-air benefits like a patio lounging area or balcony. And on a select few, the balcony is — how shall we put it? — grandissimo! But guess what’s included with every Terrazza stateroom? Exclusive access to a private deck featuring amenities like all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more. (All Terrazza stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Available On : Carnival Firenze ™ and Carnival Venezia ™

ALL THE PERKS, IN EVERY ROOM

With all this comfort and all these standard features, you've gotta try real hard to get homesick on a Carnival cruise.

  • Dedicated stateroom attendant
  • Soft, cozy linens
  • Stateroom climate control
  • Plenty of closet and drawer space
  • Bathrobes upon request
  • In-room safe for valuables

YEP, WE THOUGHT OF THAT TOO

Beyond the basics, you’ll find rooms that take your vacation to the next level — we’re talking stuff that matters most to groups, families, folks with special needs and more!

flexible stateroom onboard carnival cruise ship

Adding friends equals multiplying the fun. That’s why many Carnival staterooms can be configured in different ways — some sleep up to five!

connecting stateroom onboard carnival cruise ship

Keep the group together. Some cabins have connecting rooms with a common door between them.

mother brushing her hair and daughter exiting the bathroom

When it comes to bathrooms, an extra might be a good idea. Deluxe Ocean View staterooms sleep up to five and come with an extra half-bath.

view of an accessible ocean view stateroom

Specially modified rooms are available for guests with special needs .

TOP-TO-BOTTOM, FRONT-TO-BACK FUN

Wherever on the ship you make your home base, good times aren't far.

  • Lower decks
  • Upper decks

For arts and entertainment, health and relaxation, stay up front. The fitness center and spa are nearby, not to mention great performances in the show lounge.

Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm EST Sat-Sun 9am - 6pm EST

Stateroom and Suites

  • Balcony or Panoramic Sealed Window* 
  • Sitting area with sofa 
  • Spacious Wardrobe
  • Comfortable double or single beds (on request)
  • Interactive TV**, telephone, safe and minibar
  • Bathroom with bathtub, vanity area with hairdryer 
  • Balcony 
  • Interactive TV, telephone, safe and minibar
  • Bathroom with shower or bathtub , vanity area with hairdryer 
  • Window with sea view
  • Relaxing armchair 
  • Interactive TV*, telephone, safe and minibar
  • Bathroom with shower, vanity area with hairdryer
  • Bathroom with shower, vanity area and hairdryer 

MSC YACHT CLUB ACCOMMODATIONS

Revel in the high end luxury of the exclusive MSC Yacht Club with private venues and dedicated 24-hour Butler service.

Each of these elegant suites is fitted with ergonomic Myform Memory mattresses, a choice of pillows of your comfort, Egyptian cotton bathrobes and bedding by Italian company Mascioni, lavish marble-floored bathrooms with shower and/or bath, interactive LCD TV, complimentary mini-bar and exclusive goodnight chocolates by Venchi.

Available on MSC Seashore, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seaview, MSC Seaside, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida.

  • Spacious wardrobe 

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Disney Dream Staterooms

family cruise ship rooms

Everything you need to know about MSC Cruises cabins and suites

A relative newcomer in the North American market, MSC Cruises is equal parts elegant and kitschy. The line tends to appeal to a wide swath of cruisers, from Europeans who like to party into the wee hours of the morning to American families who book because of affordable fares and "kids sail free" pricing.

To satisfy its diverse passenger base, MSC offers accommodations to fit all types of travelers. Rooms include inexpensive inside cabins that sleep two people, midlevel staterooms with windows and balconies, and high-end suites that offer cruisers with larger budgets a private oasis in the form of the MSC Yacht Club .

A variety of connecting rooms and cabins with extra bunks accommodate larger groups and families who wish to share space.

Because your cruise cabin will be your home away from home for several days, it's important to book one that fits your needs. That's especially true if you're sharing it with several people.

Whether you're looking at an inside cabin for a cruise with friends, balcony accommodations for you and your significant other or a suite for your family, here TPG breaks down what you can expect when you book a room on one of MSC's ships.

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

MSC Cruises cabin primer

MSC Cruises has become one of the fastest-growing lines in the cruise industry, with about two dozen ships in its fleet. The vessels fall into six classes : Lirica, Musica, Fantasia, Meraviglia, Seaside and World.

Although cabin offerings can vary from ship to ship and class to class, the standard types remain the same: inside, outside, balcony and suite.

Additionally, you'll find the same basic amenities in each room, unless otherwise noted below. They include two twin beds that can be joined to form a queen- or king-size bed; an in-cabin bathroom with a shower, a sink, a toilet and basic soap, shower gel and shampoo; a couple of nightstands; a chair or sofa; a desk/vanity; a closet; a safe; a hair dryer; a minifridge; a phone; USB outlets and a selection of both North American and European outlets.

On all ships except MSC Lirica, MSC Opera, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Armonia, you'll also find an interactive TV that allows you to view the daily schedule, check your onboard account and choose from a selection of live TV programs and movies.

Twice-daily room tidying is provided by a room steward assigned to each cabin, and room service is available throughout the day for an added fee.

One confusing aspect of MSC's bookings is that you'll have to select an experience package in addition to a cabin type. Package tiers determine things like your ability to choose a specific cabin and preferred dining time and whether you'll receive welcome amenities in your room. Certain cabin types are only available in conjunction with certain package experiences and vice versa. Those are noted in each respective section below.

Accessible cabins , including accommodations for wheelchair users, are available on every ship in MSC's fleet. In addition to more space, they feature wider doorways and lowered sinks and toilets in the bathrooms, as well as grab bars.

MSC Cruises' experience packages

Here's what you get when you book each of MSC's three experience packages, which determine the perks you'll receive on your sailing.

  • Accommodations
  • Complimentary food in the dining room and buffet
  • Broadway-style theater entertainment
  • Access to the onboard gym, pool and kids club
  • MSC Voyagers Club points
  • One for-fee change to your cruise booking (with some restrictions)
  • Drink package discount at time of booking
  • All Bella perks
  • Choice of specific cabin and location
  • One free change to your cruise booking (with some restrictions)
  • Ability to choose between early and late seating for dinner
  • Room service (complimentary for breakfast, but fees apply for other meals)
  • Discount on pre-cruise specialty dining package
  • All Fantastica and Bella perks
  • Flexible My Choice dining, which lets you eat at any time you choose between set hours
  • Free 24-hour room service delivery
  • Pillow menu
  • A welcome package, including Prosecco and chocolates
  • Complimentary access to your ship's solarium and thermal area
  • A 10% discount on all spa treatments purchased on board
  • Special Balinese massage offer when booked pre-cruise
  • Complimentary use of bathrobe and slippers
  • Priority boarding and luggage drop-off

Inside cabins on MSC Cruises ships

Inside cabins — rooms with no windows — are available on all ships in the MSC fleet. Ranging from 140 to 301 square feet (depending on the ship), they make for great sleeping because they're so dark. They're also ideal for passengers who are on a budget.

In addition to the standard amenities mentioned above, they provide room for anywhere from two to four passengers to sleep. (Rooms that sleep more than two feature bunks that pull down from the ceiling.)

These cabins are available with the line's Bella and Fantastica experiences.

If you're sailing solo, some MSC vessels offer cabins for one outfitted with a twin bed that converts into a couch. These interior studio accommodations are only available with the Bella package on MSC Meraviglia , MSC Bellissima and the line's World Class ships.

Ocean-view cabins on MSC Cruises ships

Ocean-view rooms are similar to insides in that they provide basic amenities — but with a view.

Offering 129 to 269 square feet of space (depending on the specific ship and ocean-view category), these staterooms allow you to see outside through a porthole or a window that doesn't open.

MSC's outside cabins are available to passengers who book Bella and Fantastica packages.

Additionally, if you're traveling with your family or another group, several of MSC Cruises' ships — particularly those in the Meraviglia and Seaside classes — feature space for as many as 10 passengers via a series of connecting rooms. Options are available at the ocean-view and balcony levels.

Balcony cabins on MSC Cruises ships

You might be surprised to discover that most of MSC Cruises' balcony cabins provide less interior square footage than what's available in inside or ocean-view staterooms.

Balcony rooms run anywhere from 129 to 205 square feet, but their key feature is, of course, a private balcony, which does add an extra 32 to 129 square feet, depending on the vessel and specific type of balcony room booked. These cabins are bookable in conjunction with MSC's Bella, Fantastica and Aurea experiences.

Although balcony cabins offer upgraded amenities, including MSC's brand of hand lotion and toiletries, they are largely the same as inside and ocean-view accommodations.

MSC's newest ships — including those in the Meraviglia, Seaside and World Classes — house connecting balcony rooms that can sleep up to 10 in the same group traveling together.

Additionally, on its World Class ships, the line has introduced inward-facing balconies, similar to the ones Royal Caribbean pioneered in 2009 with the debut of its Oasis Class vessels . On World Europa, for example, they overlook the ship's promenade, offering views of the activity below, rather than the ocean.

MSC Cruises suites

All ships in MSC's fleet have suites that can be booked as part of the Fantastica and Aurea packages, but it's Aurea that offers the largest number of perks, as outlined above.

The several types of suites vary by ship in terms of size and amenities. Some come with balconies, while others only offer floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows.

Junior Suites

Although this room type is listed as a suite, it's essentially a balcony cabin with a bit more space — 183 square feet of interior accommodation with a balcony that ranges from 140 to 183 square feet.

Standard suites include rooms with huge balconies larger than the cabin's interior space and ones with private whirlpool tubs. They run from 269 to 355 square feet, with balconies measuring 32 to 409 square feet.

Grand Suites

Coming in between 377 and 420 square feet, with balconies spanning from 32 to 495 square feet, Grand Suites — found on Seaside and World Class ships — come in two types. They include standard one-bedroom Grand Suites, as well as two-bedroom varieties.

The latter has one bedroom with a queen-size bed and another with two twins. It sleeps up to five passengers and offers two bathrooms — one with a shower and the other with a bathtub.

While most suites are designed for double occupancy, some suite accommodations on MSC Bellissima, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Magnifica can sleep up to five people.

MSC Yacht Club suites on MSC ships

All cabins located in the MSC Yacht Club — an exclusive, gated area on select ships — are called suites, even the smallest and least expensive, which don't have windows or balconies.

Yacht Club suite types range from insides to two-deck duplexes, all of which come with butler and concierge services, luxuriously appointed furnishings (such as real marble finishes, memory foam mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets) and access to members-only restaurants, bars (alcohol is free there), lounges, pools and sun decks.

The Yacht Club features seven different types of rooms. Ships that have the MSC Yacht Club on board include MSC Bellissima, MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Seaside, MSC Seascape, MSC Seaview, MSC Seashore, MSC Splendida, MSC Virtuosa and MSC World Europa.

Note: Not all Yacht Clubs have the same suite types available.

MSC Yacht Club Interior Suites

Although these 161- to 226-square-foot cabins don't offer a view or fresh air, they are elegantly decorated and include all the Yacht Club benefits mentioned above.

MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suites

These Yacht Club digs are the equivalent of a balcony cabin — but in a dedicated area that includes all the exclusive perks. They run 236 to 366 square feet and have balconies ranging from 54 to 86 square feet, so they also come with a bit more space, both inside and outdoors.

MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Grand Suites

Similarly, Deluxe Grand Suites are like the Yacht Club equivalent of booking a Grand Suite with more perks. Depending on the ship, they offer anywhere from 269 to 463 square feet of space, plus 65- to 129-square-foot balconies. Some Grand Suites also have two bedrooms instead of one. Further, these rooms on Seaside Class ships include bathrooms with bathtubs, as well as separate living areas.

MSC Yacht Club Duplex Suites

Rising two decks, MSC's duplex staterooms measure 495 to 635 square feet and come with 65- to 334-square-foot balconies. They feature living rooms with two-person sofa beds downstairs and master bedrooms upstairs, which also sleep two passengers.

Each of these accommodations comes complete with two walk-in closets and two bathrooms — one with a bathtub and one with a shower. Most duplexes on Meraviglia and World Class ships also have their own private whirlpool tubs.

MSC Yacht Club Executive and Family Suites

The line's Executive and Family Suites, available only on Fantasia Class vessels, are an excellent choice for anyone who wants to stay in the Yacht Club with a family or other group of more than two people.

This option, which is one type of suite (despite its confusing name), has space for up to five cruisers via a combination of bunk beds, sofa beds and beds that pull down from the ceiling, depending on the ship. The suites clock in at around 431 to 549 square feet, depending on the vessel.

The only drawback is that these staterooms have no balconies and no in-room dining areas, but they do include all the perks you'd find in Yacht Club cabins.

MSC Yacht Club Royal Suites

Although they only occupy one level, at 388 to 667 square feet, MSC's Yacht Club Royal Suites are right up there with the Duplex Suites in terms of space. They offer the second-largest amount of square footage after the Owner's Suites. They come with huge balconies comprising 355 to 753 square feet of outdoor area.

Additionally, bathrooms in these suites offer bathtubs on Fantasia, Meraviglia, Seaside and World Class ships, and the latter three have private whirlpool tubs, as well. All four classes' Royal Suites also include separate living room areas.

MSC Yacht Club Owner's Suites

The largest and most impressive of all MSC's cabins are the Owner's Suites found in the Yacht Club. Offering an impressive 840 to 1,119 square feet — larger than some land-based apartments — plus 269- to 670-square-foot balconies, they're some of the most luxurious rooms afloat.

Specific amenities vary by ship, but as an example, Owner's Suites on MSC World Europa offer floor-to-ceiling windows and walk-in closets. These accommodations on both the line's Seaside and World Class vessels also feature bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs, as well as private whirlpool tubs and separate living room areas.

Bottom line

Although MSC Cruises' cabin types are straightforward, the line's add-on experiences can complicate things a bit.

Overall, what's key to remember is that MSC Cruises offers a wide variety of rooms and pricing to meet just about any budget or style of cruising. Each ship will offer accommodation choices from the least expensive, bare-bones interior rooms to the priciest suites, which come with butler and concierge services.

When you sail with MSC Cruises, you can expect function, style and comfort, regardless of the cabin type you book.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • Top ways cruisers waste money
  • The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Royal Loft Cruise Suite Cat. RL

PACK LIGHT. THINK BIG.

Stay royally, room & never bored.

Loaded with adrenaline-amping thrills and maxed-out ways to make new memories, Harmony of the Seas® is your ticket to the boldest family vacation ever. Whether you’re traveling with kids or bringing the whole extended adventure squad along, you’ll find spacious, well-appointed cruise rooms designed to suit all your vacation needs. 

Royal Suite Class

THE LUXURIOUS ROYAL SUITE CLASS

Real luxury is so much more than design and amenities. It’s about unforgettable experiences — moments that inspire, service that exceeds expectations, and one-of-a-kind adventures that give you stories to bring home. You’ll discover all that and more when you sail in  Royal Suite Class.

Symphony of the Seas Genie Flowrider Private Lesson

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES

Elevate every aspect of your travel adventure with exclusive access and unique experiences you’ll treasure for years to come, crafted just for you by a Royal Genie or dedicated Concierge.

Room Service Bottle Glass

INCLUSIVE AMENITIES

Sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest difference. Our Sea, Sky and Star Class Suites offer complimentary services and amenities that make every moment unforgettable.

Royal Suite Class Loft

UNPARALLELED ACCOMMODATIONS

In between awe-inspiring vacation experiences, retreat to the most spacious luxury cruise suites. When you sail in Royal Suite Class, you’ll find every detail has been carefully considered with you in mind.  

Cruise Junior Suite with Balcony Cat. JS

DESIGNED TO MATCH YOUR TRAVEL STYLE

Relax, unwind and make yourself at home after a full day of adventure. From thread-count comfort and deluxe amenities to breathtaking views, you'll find all the creature comforts you'd expect during your vacation – and some you probably haven't even thought of — in a range of rooms to suit your travel style.

Interior Living Room

INTERIOR STATEROOMS

Oceanview Living Room

OCEAN VIEW STATEROOMS

Balcony Living Room

BALCONY STATEROOMS

harmony interior virtual balcony cropped

VIRTUAL BALCONY STATEROOMS

Designed to match your comfort needs.

24-hour room service for fueling up between thrills. A daily stateroom attendant dedicated to making sure your stay is spectacular. Daily cleaning service so you can rest easy before the next day’s adventures. Whether you’re traveling with kids, a group of fellow explorers, or require any kind of specialized services, we’ve thought of all the creature comforts you’d expect during your vacation — plus a few more.

BABY ONBOARD

Vacationing with a baby? Let us know and we’ll provide a crib and supplies to make your little one comfy.

BRINGING THE CREW

Keep the whole squad together on your next getaway. Select staterooms can connect to accommodate more guests.

COUPLES RETREAT

Our staterooms offer spa-like comfort so you can disconnect from reality and reconnect with your partner-in-adventure.

SPECIAL NEEDS

All of our cruise ships are equipped to accommodate any special needs — just let us know and we’ll make you feel at home.

Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom

Crown loft suite with balcony, owner’s suite - 1 bedroom, aquatheater suite - 1 bedroom, every detail accounted for services & amenities just for you.

family cruise ship rooms

BABY FRIENDLY

family cruise ship rooms

ROOM SERVICE

family cruise ship rooms

CONNECTED STATEROOMS

family cruise ship rooms

SPA-LIKE SERVICES

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IN-ROOM VOOM WIFI

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DAILY CLEANING SERVICE

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COUPLEs RETREAT

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EXPLORE MORE

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COMMENTS

  1. Best Family-Friendly Cruise Ship Cabins

    Family Ocean View Staterooms: An affordable option for families of five, these outside cabins are available on Carnival's Dream-class (Dream, Magic and Breeze) and Conquest-class ships (Glory ...

  2. Ultimate Family Suite

    DETAILS. The first and only one of its kind available exclusively onboard Symphony of the Seas®, Spectrum of the Seas®, and Wonder of the Seas® the Ultimate Family Suite offers endless ways to bond over thrilling new experiences — all in one room. Unwind on your balcony in your very own jacuzzi or take part in a game of table tennis — all while soaking up stunning ocean views.

  3. 10 Best Cruise Ship Family Cabins

    By cruise ship standards, and even when compared to most hotels on dry land, the two-bedroom family suites found on Princess cruise ships are downright massive. Accommodating up to a whopping eight family members, the cabins have a queen and a pair of twin beds, two bathrooms (one with a walk-in shower, the other with a tub/shower combination), and an oversized living room.

  4. Incredible Cruise Ships With Family Suites

    The best cruise lines with family suites are Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises. Let's dive deep into what ...

  5. Cruise Ship Rooms and Suites

    The options are endless, and the comfort is always guaranteed. Interior Staterooms. Our Interior staterooms include a wide array of amenities for your whole family to enjoy. Size: Up to 340 sq. ft. Occupancy: Up to 6 guests. Ocean View Staterooms. Savor the seaside and snapshots of landscapes from shore to shore.

  6. The Best Rooms For Families On A Cruise Ship

    Finding the best rooms for families on a cruise ship is all about choosing the right size stateroom for your crew, ensuring all family members are comfortable and able to enjoy their cruise experience. Your family's room, after all, is your home on the high seas. From the size and location of your room to whether or not multiple rooms connect ...

  7. What to Expect on a Cruise: Cruise Rooms for Families

    Family staterooms are cabins designed to accommodate families. The amenities vary by cabin type and by cruise ship, but most can sleep at least four and sometimes up to 10. These cabins might have ...

  8. Best Cruise Ship Cabin Categories for Families

    Plenty of cruise ships offer ocean view rooms; what differs ship to ship is the size of the window. Look for language like "picture" or "panoramic" window. Aboard Norwegian Encore, look at the Family Oceanview with Large Picture Window. This cabin ranges from 240 to 372 square feet, depending on ship location.

  9. The 6 Best Kid-Friendly Cruises for Your Family Cruise

    The cruise line's newest Oasis-class ships -- Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas -- feature even more kid-friendly extras. That includes the Ultimate Abyss slide, a ...

  10. Best cruise ship cabins for your family

    These Carnival cruise family rooms are tops for families because of their access to the Family Harbor Lounge and the associated perks. The lounge, located smack in the middle of all the Family Harbor cabins, is the place to go to play board and video games; check your email; get assistance from a concierge; and grab complimentary breakfast, snacks, and drinks.

  11. Mailbag: What's the best cruise ship cabin for my family?

    Family cabins. Royal Caribbean offers family-sized staterooms on many of its ships, usually with the word "family" as a prefix to the stateroom category title. These rooms are designed for 5 or 6 guests, and come with more living space. With extra beds and square footage, these family cruise ship cabins have what you would need to fit everyone ...

  12. Cruise cabins and suites

    CruiseMapper's cabin and suites section allows you to explore cruise staterooms by ship. Each page provides extensive information on all passengers accommodations on a particular vessel, including floor plans, room types and categories (grades used upon booking), cabin sizes, deck location. Also provided is an extensive review of all ticket ...

  13. Two Bedroom Family Suite

    Mini-Suite stateroom connected to an inside cabin via a shared lounge. Balcony with 2-4 chairs, table and ottoman. 2 bathrooms, one with bath tub the other with a walk-in shower. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors. Separate sitting area with sofa bed & coffee table. Complimentary welcome glass of champagne on embarkation day.

  14. Ultimate Family Suite

    DETAILS. The first and only one of its kind available exclusively onboard Symphony of the Seas®, Spectrum of the Seas® and Wonder of the Seas® the Ultimate Family Suite offers endless ways to bond over thrilling new experiences - all in one room. Unwind on your balcony in your very own jacuzzi or take part in a game of table tennis - all while soaking up stunning ocean views.

  15. 15 Best Cruises for Kids in 2024

    Odyssey of the Seas. Royal Caribbean International. #2 in 15 Best Cruises for Kids in 2024 (tie) Read More ». Launched in July 2021, the Odyssey of the Seas holds 5,498 passengers and 1,550 crew ...

  16. Best Cruises for a Family of 5

    Carnival. For travelers looking for cheap cruises for a family of five, Carnival provides a lower-priced vacation option than expensive Disney. Its Dream-class ships offer Deluxe Oceanview cabins ...

  17. Cruise Ship Rooms

    Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms & Suites. Cloud 9 Spa ™ staterooms do things a little different than ordinary staterooms. For starters, we dare you to cross the threshold without feeling a little more relaxed. Once you're inside, you'll find pleasing decor and in-room amenities like ELEMIS bath products and spa-branded bathrobes and slippers to enhance your stay.

  18. Staterooms and Suites

    Revel in the high end luxury of the exclusive MSC Yacht Club with private venues and dedicated 24-hour Butler service. Each of these elegant suites is fitted with ergonomic Myform Memory mattresses, a choice of pillows of your comfort, Egyptian cotton bathrobes and bedding by Italian company Mascioni, lavish marble-floored bathrooms with shower ...

  19. Sanctuary Collection

    Our suites offer some of the most luxurious accommodations at sea, with spacious staterooms, large balconies, and spectacular views. Additionally, guests can enjoy a variety of amenities such as priority services, specialty dining, in-room Lavazza coffee maker, mini-bar set-up, access to the Suite Lounge, and more.

  20. Room Types

    INTERIOR. STATEROOMS. Our interior staterooms include a wide array of amenities for your whole family to enjoy. OCEAN VIEW. STATEROOMS. Savor the seaside and snapshots of landscapes from shore to shore. BALCONY. STATEROOMS. Claim your slice of paradise with balcony views just outside your door.

  21. Cruise Ship Rooms: How to Choose the Cabin That's Right for You

    Cruise ship rooms, called cabins or staterooms, are akin to hotel rooms. ... Family rooms are often suites that feature a separate kids' room (or sectioned-off area) plus an area for a parent of ...

  22. Disney Dream Oceanview Staterooms

    Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern time; Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern time. Guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call. Learn about Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom design features and amenities on the Disney Dream cruise ship, like split bathrooms and real porthole windows.

  23. Family Cruises: The Ultimate Family Vacation

    Family-friendly vacation destinations are always on the itinerary when you sail with Royal Caribbean®. From thrill-topping island hopping to exploring the Last Frontier, max memories like never before onboard the best family cruise ships in the world. cococay getaway. Kick family bonding up a notch at Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas ...

  24. Everything you need to know about MSC Cruises cabins and suites

    MSC Cruises offers accommodations to fit all types of travelers, including inside cabins, midlevel rooms with windows and balconies, and high-end suites. TPG breaks down what you can expect when ...

  25. Cruise Rooms & Suites

    ROOM & NEVER BORED. Loaded with adrenaline-amping thrills and maxed-out ways to make new memories, Harmony of the Seas® is your ticket to the boldest family vacation ever. Whether you're traveling with kids or bringing the whole extended adventure squad along, you'll find spacious, well-appointed cruise rooms designed to suit all your ...