Cruise Cabin Guide: Pros and Cons of Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, and Suite Options

One of the first things you’ll notice when booking a cruise is that the sticker price is usually for an interior cabin, and upgrading can get pricey. Is the extra cost worth it? As someone who’s stayed in everything from broom closets to family suites, I’ll help you pick the perfect cabin—whether you’re cruising solo, with a partner, or with a big group!

First off, let’s establish that cruise ship cabins have never been known for being “roomy.” On my November 2024 sailing on the Carnival Panorama, the cruise director, Andy, joked about first-time cruisers marveling at the ship’s size—“Two-story dining rooms! So many hot tubs! The buffet is massive!”—only to end with, “I can’t wait to see my room!” Cue laughter, as experienced cruisers know most staterooms are famously small, especially compared to hotel rooms. Andy even joked the showers are so tiny, you could soap the walls and spin yourself clean! Despite the size, every cabin has what you need for a comfortable cruise, so upgrading is a personal choice. Let’s dive into my Cruise Cabin Guide and find your perfect fit!

Cruise Cabin Guide - Quick Reference

Cabin Type	Best For
Interior	Budget Travelers and those wanting perfect darkness for deep sleep
Oceanview	First time cruisers who want to wake up naturally
Balcony	Couples and people who value private places to sit outside
Suite	Large groups and luxury seekers who prioritize amenities

Interior Cabins

Honestly, I tend to prefer the interior cabins and not only because they are cheaper. Interior cabins are going to provide all the basic necessities you need to enjoy your cruise! Depending on the cruise line and how many people are in your booking, an interior cabin will usually have two twin beds that can be pushed together into a queen and possibly a small couch that folds into another bed or two bunk beds that can be pulled down from a hatch in the ceiling by your room steward. 

There are also interior cabins with adjoining doors where larger parties can have connected rooms, but these often get booked early so you need to check if they are available when booking your cruise. All cabins will also have a TV, desk outside of the bathroom with outlets, USB ports, and a mirror, a mini fridge, and a closet with a safe, drawers, and hangers. The bathroom will be small but there are ample shelves next to the mirror for everyone to store their toiletries. 

Pros:

• Near perfect darkness when the lights are off. I have never slept better than while being rocked to sleep by the boat in a pitch black interior cabin

• Being the cheapest option means you have more money leftover to buy drinks, book shore excursions, and save for another cruise!

• Interior rooms tend to be in the middle of the boat which can be better for seasickness (see my blog post about managing sea sickness here)

Cons:

• Not enough storage room to unpack more than one suitcase. Typically you end up sliding your suitcase under your bed and only getting it out when you need something

• Difficult to fit any type of stroller or crib without tripping over yourself

Things to Consider:

• Darkness in interior cabins might lead to oversleeping—but who doesn’t love extra rest on vacation?

• Cruise ships offer so many activities, you might not need much cabin time anyway!

Oceanview Cabins

Oceanview cabins are almost identical to interior cabins, with one main upgrade—a window or porthole that can't be opened. Some cruise lines even offer slightly larger Oceanview options, perfect for families who need extra room for strollers, cribs, or wheelchairs.

But here’s the thing: you can enjoy breathtaking views from the pool deck, buffet, or even your cabin TV, which often streams live ship-camera feeds. And since you usually don’t get to pick your exact cabin, there’s no guarantee your window will have the view you want.

Pros:

• Waking up to natural light can help maintain your sleep schedule

• The window helps make the room feel more open

Cons:

• No perfect darkness to help you sleep

• In my opinion, the extra cost doesn’t justify the benefits when you could upgrade to a balcony instead

Pro Tip: Some cruise lines offer last-minute suite/balcony upgrades at a discounted rate if they don’t sell those cabins, call a week before your sail date to see what’s available!

Balcony Cabins

A balcony cabin comes with a lot of upgrades over other cabins other than just having the balcony. These are the staterooms where you are likely to start seeing larger square footage, more storage space, and extra sitting room like a small couch and/or coffee table. These cabins feel more like a hotel room and often include extra beds, depending on the cruise line. Obviously, they also feature a small balcony usually appointed with a small table and chairs where you can sit outside and enjoy the ocean breeze. 

During the day, it can be mesmerizing to watch the waves as the ship cuts through the ocean towards your next port, and watching the sunrise or sunset from the privacy of your balcony is a uniquely calm experience. At night, I always love to sit outside and take the time to really think about the things in my life that get drowned out by the constant noise and distraction of reality while looking out at the dark horizon. I know I say there is “always something going on” when you’re on a cruise, but if you are the kind of person who needs to step away and have a private space to slow down for a while then a balcony cabin might be the perfect place.

Pros:

• Personal and Private place to sit and enjoy being on the ocean without having to worry about other cruise passengers interrupting you

• Typically a larger and better equipped cabin with more room to store/unpack your things

  
  

Cons:

• Can be risky if you have children who are prone to throw things overboard, my little brother with Downs Syndrome has lost a few toys to a balcony cabin

• With as much as there is to do on a cruise ship, you might not spend as much time on your balcony as you think you will.

Suites

Suites are ideal for large families, luxury seekers, or special occasions and there are many different types depending on your needs and how much you are willing to spend. For example, Carnival cruise line has the Family harbor Suites which offer upgrades like more beds, a full bathroom with a separate washroom, a separate living room area, and access to the Family Harbor Lounge where a limited selection of food, coffee, and extra tables to play games on are available 24/7. There are also Suites like the Havana and Havana Cabana Staterooms on Carnival that get you amenities like upgraded decor, hammock chairs, a rain shower, and access to a pool, bar, and sitting area reserved for Havana guests. Royal Caribbean has the Sea, Sky, and Star Suites which each have progressively larger and better furnished staterooms, with some being two story staterooms with large sitting areas, art, foosball tables, and dining areas. 

When it comes to Suites, there is a wide variety of amenities and price points. The most luxurious I have ever stayed in personally is a Family Harbor Suite on Carnival, and I would book that Suite again in a heartbeat for access to the Family Harbor lounge alone. Booking a Suite gives you access to the absolute best each ship has to offer, but trust me when I say you can have an amazing and comfortable cruise with or without a Suite

Pros:

• Access to a wide range of suite-only guest amenities and accommodations

• As much room to fit your family, friends, and stuff as you are willing to pay for

Cons:

• The price. If you are willing to pay for the extra benefits then there really are no downsides to getting the perfect suite to fit your needs!

At the end of the day, you should choose what cabin best suits the group you are traveling with, and I hope I have provided some valuable insight into what you really get with each type of cabin. There are always going to be solutions to any problem, and the cruise lines are there to help you meet those needs with things like adjoining and disability accessible cabins, and if specific people in your group prioritize things like budget or a balcony you can always mix and match! Ultimately, the important thing is that you get yourself onto the boat so you can experience all of the amazing parts of cruise travel. Unlimited food, amazing shows, and adventures exploring the ports of call all come standard issue on a cruise no matter what room you book, so sleep in the broom closet if you have to!