Welcome back, cruiser!

Today, we’re tackling one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when booking a cruise: choosing the right cabin.

It’s more important than you might think! Your cabin can make or break your cruise — whether you want to sleep like a baby, sip coffee on your balcony, or just have a cozy spot to crash between adventures.

And don’t worry: You don’t have to spend a fortune to find the perfect fit. It’s all about knowing what you personally value most on vacation.

First Things First: What’s Most Important to YOU?

Before you start clicking around deck plans, ask yourself a few quick questions:

• How much time will I actually spend in my cabin?

• Is a window or balcony important to me?

• Am I a light sleeper?

• Am I prone to seasickness?

• Am I traveling with kids or a group?

• What’s my budget — realistically?

Your answers will point you toward the best cabin type for you — not what a fancy Instagram reel told you was “the best.”

Now, let’s break it down cabin style by cabin style:

Inside Cabins: The Budget-Friendly Sleep Cave

Good for:

• Tight budgets

• Heavy sleepers

• People who won’t spend much time in the room

Not-so-good for:

• Claustrophobes

• Sunrise lovers

• People who need natural light to feel human

Inside cabins are the most affordable category on almost every ship. They’re completely enclosed — no windows, no portholes, nada. Think of it like a cozy, dark sleeping pod. (Pro tip: Great if you love sleeping in total darkness.)

If you’re planning on spending your days on the pool deck, in port, or exploring the ship, an inside cabin can be an excellent way to save money without sacrificing the overall cruise experience.

Sleep Style Tip:
If you’re a light sleeper who needs total darkness, you might actually sleep better here than in a bright balcony room.

Oceanview Cabins: A Window to the World

Good for:

• People who want natural light

• Budget-conscious travelers who still want a view

• Families (sometimes these cabins are larger)

Not-so-good for:

• People who want outdoor space

• Travelers prone to seasickness (more on that soon)

Oceanview cabins give you a window or porthole — no balcony, but you can still see the ocean. Sometimes, it’s a full picture window; sometimes it’s smaller, depending on the ship and category.

The light alone can be worth the extra cost compared to an inside room. Plus, waking up and seeing the waves (even through glass) makes it feel way more like you’re at sea.

Budget Tip:
Oceanview cabins are often only slightly more expensive than inside cabins. Sometimes it’s worth the small upgrade.

Balcony Cabins: Your Own Private Deck

Good for:

• People who love morning coffee with a view

• Couples wanting privacy

• Light sleepers who want fresh air

Not-so-good for:

• Tight budgets

• People who don’t think they’ll use it (honestly, some don’t)

Balcony cabins are where you really start to feel that cruise magic. Sliding glass doors, your own little outdoor space, and fresh ocean air whenever you want it? Yes, please.

If you’re someone who loves quiet moments — reading a book outside, sipping wine at sunset, or even just feeling the ocean breeze while you nap — a balcony cabin is heaven.

Sleep Style Tip:
Crack the balcony door open just a little at night (if allowed) for some fresh sea air and the most relaxing white noise ever.

Suites: The Splashy Upgrade

Good for:

• Big celebrators (honeymoons, anniversaries, retirement trips)

• Families needing extra space

• Travelers who love luxury touches

Not-so-good for:

• Travelers who won't use the extra perks

• Budget-focused cruisers

Suites can mean lots of things depending on the cruise line — from a larger room with a sitting area to a massive multi-bedroom, multi-bathroom space with butler service.

If you want extra room, priority boarding, special dining options, and occasionally even private sun decks, suites offer the VIP experience.

Budget Tip:
If you’re cruising during shoulder season (aka off-peak times), sometimes you can score a suite for not much more than a balcony cabin!

Location, Location, Location: It Matters on a Cruise Too

Once you pick your cabin type, there’s another major factor to think about: where it is on the ship.

Here’s why it matters:

• Midship cabins = less motion. If you get seasick easily, midship, lower-deck cabins feel the least movement.

• Higher decks = better views. But you’ll feel more motion up high!

• Forward cabins (front) = exciting but rocky. You might hear more engine noise or feel more sway.

• Aft cabins (back) = wake views, soothing sounds. Some cruisers swear the sound of the ship’s wake is better than any white noise machine.

• Near elevators = convenient but noisier. Families with kids or mobility concerns might prefer cabins close to elevators, but it can get noisy.

Personal Tip:
If you're a light sleeper, stay away from cabins directly under the pool deck, theater, or buffet — you’ll hear chairs scraping, bass thumping, and general foot traffic.

Solo Cruisers: You’ve Got Options Too

Some ships now have special solo cabins with no single supplement (yay!). These are often inside cabins but designed to feel cozy, not cramped.
If you’re cruising alone, definitely check to see if your ship offers them — it can save you a ton of money compared to paying double.

A Few Final Tips Before You Pick:

• Check the deck plans before booking. Make sure you’re not next to a noisy area unless you’re okay with it.

• Consider guarantee cabins if you’re flexible. Sometimes, the cruise line will assign you a room at a discount — but you can’t pick the exact location.

• Book early if you want specific cabins. Connecting rooms, family cabins, and certain balcony locations book up fast.

• Don't stress too much. Even the most basic cruise cabin is still your cozy, happy home base at sea.

Wrapping It Up: Find YOUR Happy Place

Whether you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime luxury cruise or a quick weekend getaway, there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to cabins.

The best cabin is the one that fits your budget, your sleep style, and your idea of a perfect vacation.

Take a few minutes to think about what matters most to you — and you’ll sail away happy.

Until next time,
Tara

P.S. Know someone picking a cruise cabin soon? Forward this to them — they'll thank you later!