Best and Worst Cruise Ship Cabins

From LoveToKnow Cruises

The best and worst cruise ship cabins should influence your decision in choosing the optimal cruise vacation. After all, if the room is terrible this will likely put a damper on your entire trip. However, if the cruise ship cabin is exceptional this will be icing on the cake, making your excursion one of the most wonderful experiences imaginable.

Balcony suites are among the best.

Categories of Cruise Cabins

  • Inside
  • Outside
  • Balcony
  • Suites
  • Owner's Suites, Penthouse Suites, and Presidential Suites

Inside Cabins

Inside cabins are not situated next to the hull, but instead are located in the ship’s interior, which means they have no windows at all and are thus quite dark. They are usually smaller than all other cabins and are the most affordable on the ship.

Outside Cabins

Outside cabins are also commonly known as ocean view cabins. They are located next to the hull, with a window. These rooms are usually well lit because of the natural sunlight provided by the window. The windows are usually sealed permanently shut, so they cannot open up to allow a breeze into the cabin. However, older ships often provide a porthole that does slide open, and newer ships usually offer a terrace on rooms situated high enough above the waterline -- which replaces any need to open up the window and offers a more spacious interior.

Balcony Cabins

Balcony cabins are very similar to outside cabins, and often have the exact same interior and furniture. The only major difference is the balcony. The issue with the balcony is whether the balcony is actually included in the size of the room. For instance, many balcony cabins count the balcony as part of the square footage of the entire room. Thus, the room is actually smaller than an outside cabin.

However, some balcony cabins offer the balcony in addition to the original square footage, which of course is a much better option. Still, a balcony cabin is considered a much better alternative than an outside or inside cabin because the balcony is an added feature. One that is much appreciated for the fresh air provided by this private outdoor terrace. Celebrity and Princess cruises usually provide the balcony as an additional space, while most other cruise ships tend to convert the balcony from the original space.

Suites

Suites vary greatly in size and the specific characteristics they provide. Many suites are nothing better than balcony cabins with a large bathtub, a tiny dining space, and a hefty extra cost because they are called suites. True suites are very special indeed, offering spacious sleeping and walking areas of the stateroom, and soundproof doors between the different areas of the cabin. Television sets are located in each room of the best suites. Spacious balconies are also an advantage of staying in the suites, and many suites provide separate balconies for the two rooms of the cabin.

Penthouse, Owner's, and Presidential Suites

There are many various names for these top-of-the-line suites. The setup usually includes a large dining area, living room, additional bathroom, a butler’s pantry with separate outside entrance for the butler, and a large master bedroom with king-size bed, walk-in closet, and an enormous bathroom with Jacuzzi. A separate bedroom and bathroom for additional family members is often included in this master suite. These are the most luxurious of all cruise ship cabins and may include all the latest technology, including flat screen, high definition televisions in every room with DVD players, and a hot tub. There is often a hot tub in the interior as well as on one of the outdoor balconies.

Best and Worst Cabins
Cabin Rating Reason
Inside cabins Worst No windows, small
Outside cabins Better Windows, larger
Balcony cabins Better yet Balconies, larger
Suites Best Larger, more options
Luxury suites Best of all Many rooms, everything included

Best Cruise Ship Cabins

The following list of the best cabins was compiled by experienced cruise experts from leading cruise publications, including:

Best Budget Priced Inside Cabins

  • Carnival Victory
  • Carnival Destiny
  • Carnival Triumph

Best Mid-Priced Inside Cabins

  • Summit
  • Infinity
  • Millennium
  • Celebrity Constellation
  • Disney Wonder
  • Disney Magic
  • Rotterdam VI
  • Amsterdam
  • Holland America Maasdam
  • Ryndam
  • Statendam
  • Volendam

Best Luxury Inside Cabins

  • Windstar Cruises
    • Wind Spirit
    • Wind Star
    • Wind Surf

Best Budget Outside Cabins

Best Mid-Priced Outside Cabins

  • Holland America Noordam
  • Zuiderdam
  • Oosterdam
  • Westerdam
  • Celebrity Constellation
  • Infinity
  • Millennium
  • Summit
  • Princess Cruises
  • Disney Wonder
  • Disney Magic

Best Luxury Outside Cabins

  • Seabourn Yacht Club
  • Seven Seas Navigator
  • Crystal Symphony
Many ships offer hundreds of balconies.

Best Budget Balcony Cabins

Best Mid-Priced Balcony Cabins

  • Celebrity Cruises
    • Infinity
    • Constellation
    • Summit
    • Millennium
  • Disney Magic
  • Holland America
  • Norwegian Cruise Lines

Best Suites

Best Penthouse, Owner's, Presidential Suites

Your Best and Worst Cruise Ship Cabins

Selecting criteria for determining the best and worst cruise ship cabins depends on exactly what you need. If you don’t plan on spending any time in the room other than sleeping, perhaps an inside cabin is best for you. The price must influence your decision, since the luxurious cabins are very expensive, so it all depends on how many people will be joining you on your cruise. Inside cabins are commonly considered the worst cruise ship cabins because they lack windows. The master suites may be better for those traveling with large families and friends because everyone can stay in the same suite and enjoy the experience..

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Comments

Beth, the suites have A/V inputs for a portable DVD player and/or other video devices should you choose to bring your own.

-- Contributed by: Michele Wanke

Do the balconey cabins on the Carnival Dream have dvd players with the television?

-- Contributed by: B Harvey

Marilyn - The smallest inside cabin on Royal Caribbean ships is 158 square feet; that doesn't sound like much, but they're very economical with storage space and it's great encouragement for you to get out on the ship and enjoy all the cruise activities. The space includes two twin beds that convert to a larger bed (they'll set that up for you if you want it), a sitting area, and a private bath; plenty of room to relax between fun activities!

-- Contributed by: Mayntz
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