Types of cabin on a cruise ship

There are four main types of cabin (or stateroom) on a cruise ship;

Inside Cabin - Cabins with no porthole or window. These cabins are usually the cheapest option. However, the same amenities and services will be available to guests staying in an inside cabin. 

Outside Cabin - These cabins may also be referred to as ocean view cabins. These cabins will usually be the same size and layout as the inside cabin but will have a window or porthole. 

Some cruise lines will also have the option to have an outside cabin with partial or full obstruction. These cabins will also have a window or porthole, but there will be an obstruction outside the window (this is often a lifeboat). 

Balcony Cabin - Balcony cabins are usually bigger than the standard inside and outside cabins. They can also be referred to as a veranda cabin. A balcony cabin will offer a little bit of outdoor space via a sliding French door. Often you will have a table and chairs (or for larger balcony cabins you may even have a lounger!) on your balcony, so you can sit and enjoy your outside space. Depending on the cabin, some balcony cabins have a glass-fronted balcony, others may have a metal-fronted balcony. 

Suite - A suite is the most expensive cabin type on a cruise ship. There are various types of suites. The size of the suite can also vary, and it is not uncommon to have a large living area that is separate from your bedroom. There will be a large bathroom (which may include a bath as well as a shower) and often with more luxurious toiletries. Suites will often offer a balcony, and the larger balcony suites may also include a hot tub! Suites will usually include many additional extras as well - such as fruit and wine on arrival, a butler service, priority boarding, and much more. 

Other cabin types;

Single Cabin - Suitable for solo guests. Most cruise lines have a limited number of single cabins. These cabins are a cheaper option to those travelling on their own, often with no or reduced single supplement, and will offer the same amenities and services as other cabin types. 

Check out our Singles Cruise Holidays Offers.

Interconnecting Cabin - Interconnecting cabins are two adjacent cabins of the same type with an interconnecting door in the middle of them. Perfect for families, multi-generation holidays, or a group of friends. 

Accessible Cabin - These cabins are also referred to as adapted cabins. An accessible cabin will have wider doorways and a wet room style en-suite bathroom with grab rails. They will be able to accommodate guests who use a wheelchair, with plenty of space to manoeuvre. 

Speak to our cruise specialists to discuss your requirements. Call 020 3514 3286.

Family Suite - A family suite is a larger cabin that will accommodate 4+ guests. Family cabins or suites are very limited and not all cruise lines have them! Some will have more than one bedroom, as well as a pull-out sofa bed to accommodate a larger number of guests. 

Guarantee Cabins - A guarantee cabin is when the cruise line designates your exact cabin number near the sailing date or at any time right up until the day you board the ship. 

In this case, you can choose the cabin type. This will guarantee a set minimum level of cabin grade indicated by the cabin type you have chosen such as Inside/Outside/Balcony. However, you have no choice in your cabin’s location onboard the ship.

For more information on the types of cabins available on your chosen cruise ship, check out our A-Z List of all cruise ships.