You Want To Cruise! How to Pick the Perfect Stateroom for Your Cruise
One of the most important decisions you’ll make when booking your cruise is choosing your stateroom. With so many categories, locations, and upgrades available, the options can feel overwhelming—especially for first-time cruisers. Your stateroom will be your home at sea, so picking the right one for your comfort and budget is key. Let’s break down the most common stateroom categories, along with the pros and cons of each, and then talk about location—because where you’re on the ship matters just as much as what type of room you book.
Stateroom Categories
Inside Cabin
These are typically the most affordable staterooms, located on the interior of the ship without windows.
Pros:
Lowest price point (saves more of your budget for excursions or specialty dining).
Perfect for guests who don’t plan to spend much time in the room.
Often very cozy and dark, great for sleeping.
Cons:
No natural light or views.
Can feel smaller compared to other categories.
Not ideal for those who may feel claustrophobic.
Oceanview Cabin
Oceanview staterooms include a porthole or window for natural light and sea views.
Pros:
Bright, airy feel with natural light.
Views of the ocean and ports without paying balcony prices.
Usually larger than inside staterooms.
Cons:
Windows don’t open.
Priced higher than inside cabins.
Limited supply compared to balconies.
Balcony Stateroom
These feature a private veranda—perfect for morning coffee with a view.
Pros:
Fresh air and private outdoor space.
Fantastic for scenic cruising (Alaska, Mediterranean, Caribbean sail-bys).
Feels more spacious and luxurious.
Cons:
Higher cost compared to inside and oceanview.
Balconies can be small, depending on the ship.
Not always necessary if you don’t plan to spend time in the room.
Suites
The most luxurious option, often with multiple rooms, larger balconies, and premium perks.
Pros:
Maximum space and comfort.
Priority services (boarding, dining reservations, concierge).
Best for families, special occasions, or guests who want luxury at sea.
Cons:
Price point is significantly higher.
May include amenities that casual cruisers won’t use.
Guarantee (GTY) Cabins
A unique booking option where you choose a stateroom category (inside, oceanview, balcony, or suite) but not the exact location. The cruise line guarantees you’ll be placed in that category—or potentially upgraded to a higher one—but the actual stateroom is assigned closer to sailing.
Pros:
Often a lower price than selecting a specific cabin.
Chance of a free upgrade to a better location or higher category.
Great for flexible travelers who don’t mind surprises.
Cons:
You cannot choose your cabin location. You may end up far from elevators, near a noisy area, or in a less desirable spot.
Families or groups traveling together may be split up.
Not ideal if you need a specific layout (like connecting rooms).
Choosing the Right Location
Where your stateroom is located on the ship can impact your comfort just as much as the type of room. Here’s what to consider:
Midship: Generally the most stable location with the least motion, perfect for guests prone to seasickness.
Forward (front): Great for views when sailing into ports, but more motion can be felt here.
Aft (rear): Often larger balconies with stunning wake views, though you may feel more vibration from the engines.
Higher decks: Closer to pools, buffets, and entertainment, but can be noisier.
Lower decks: Quieter and more affordable, but further from top-deck activities.
Sample Scenario Guide
Here are a few examples of how to match the right stateroom to your cruise style:
Budget-Conscious Traveler: Inside stateroom or a GTY cabin for the lowest cost, maximizing savings for excursions.
First-Time Cruiser: Oceanview or midship balcony for comfort, natural light, and reduced seasickness.
Romantic Getaway / Honeymoon: Balcony stateroom or suite for privacy, luxury, and stunning sunset views.
Family with Kids: Balcony or suite for more space; connecting rooms are ideal (avoid GTY if you need connections).
Adventure Traveler (always on the go): Inside or GTY—why pay for a balcony if you’re rarely in the room?
Scenic Itinerary (Alaska, Norway, Panama Canal): Balcony or aft stateroom for the views you don’t want to miss.
Top Mistakes First-Time Cruisers Make When Choosing a Cabin
Picking the Cheapest Option Without Considering Comfort
Many first-timers book the lowest-priced inside cabin, only to feel cramped or miss having natural light.Booking Too Close to Loud Areas
Staterooms directly under the pool deck, near nightclubs, or beside service doors can be noisy late at night or early in the morning.Overpaying for a Balcony They Don’t Use
A balcony is amazing—but if you’re hardly ever in your room, it may not be worth the splurge.Not Thinking About Seasickness
Booking a forward or high-deck cabin without considering motion sensitivity can lead to discomfort.Choosing GTY When They Need Specifics
Guarantee cabins are great for flexible travelers, but a mistake for families who need connecting rooms or guests who want control over location.Forgetting Accessibility Needs
Not all cabins are ADA-compliant. If you need wider doorways or roll-in showers, be sure to request an accessible stateroom early.Booking Late and Missing Best Locations
Waiting too long to book often means being stuck with less desirable staterooms (noisy, obstructed view, or far from elevators).
Our Tips for First-Time Cruisers
Budget vs. Experience: Decide whether you want to invest in your room or experiences off the ship.
Length of Cruise: On shorter cruises, you may not use a balcony as much as you would on a longer sailing.
Destination: For scenic routes (like Alaska), a balcony can be well worth it.
Personal Comfort: If you’re prone to claustrophobia, skip the inside stateroom. If you’re never in your room, don’t overpay for a balcony you won’t use.
Why Work with a Travel Advisor?
Choosing the perfect stateroom is a mix of budget, comfort, and preferences—and it’s not always easy to weigh the trade-offs. As a travel advisor, we help over clients cut through the overwhelming number of options and select the best stateroom for their cruise style. Whether it’s a cozy inside cabin for a budget-friendly getaway, or a luxurious suite for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, we’ll find the right fit together.
