Which cabin is worth paying more for, and where the extra money is wasted
Most people choosing a cruise cabin ask the wrong question. They ask what the cheapest option is, or what the best one is. The better question is how much time you will actually spend in the cabin, and what you will be doing there.
Cabins fall into four broad types: inside, ocean view, balcony and suite. The differences between them are real, but they matter far more on some cruises than on others.
Inside cabins: good value if you are out all day
An inside cabin has no window. It is the cheapest option, and for many people it is the right one.
If your days are spent ashore or in the restaurants, bars and shows, and you use the cabin only to sleep and change, an inside cabin does the job. Spending extra here would be wasted.
It is a poor choice if you dislike feeling enclosed, you are prone to seasickness and like to see the horizon, or you plan to spend time in the cabin, such as a long sea day or a quiet morning with a cup of tea.
Ocean view: the middle ground that is often skipped
A window gives you daylight, a sense of where you are and a view of arriving in port. It costs less than a balcony.
It is worth it if you want natural light and don’t need your own outdoor space. It suits shorter cruises and couples who are happy to sit on deck or in a lounge.
Check before you book: some ocean view cabins have an obstructed view, because a lifeboat or part of the ship is in the way. These are cheaper and often better value, as long as you know about it in advance. Ask me and I’ll check the deck plan.
Balcony: the upgrade that is worth paying for on the right cruise
This is the cabin type where the extra cost is most often justified, and most often wasted, depending on the itinerary.
Worth paying for:
- Scenic cruises. On routes like the Norwegian fjords, Alaska or a Mediterranean cruise with scenic sailings, the view is part of the trip. You can watch it in private, with breakfast, without queuing for a place at the rail.
- Long cruises. Over ten or fourteen nights, having your own outdoor space makes a real difference.
- Cruises with several sea days. You will spend more time on board.
- Anniversaries, honeymoons and special occasions. Privacy is part of what you are paying for.
Often wasted:
- Port-heavy itineraries where you are ashore all day. If you leave at 8am and return at 6pm, you may use the balcony for an hour a day.
- Cold-weather cruises where you won’t sit outside. A balcony is much less useful in the cold, and the doors are often kept shut.
- Short breaks of two or three nights. There isn’t enough time to get the value.
Suites: pay for the benefits, not the label
Suites give you more space, and on most lines a set of extras. These can include priority boarding, a dedicated lounge, a butler or concierge, drinks packages or speciality dining. What is included differs widely between cruise lines and even between suite grades.
Worth it if you will use the extras. If a suite includes drinks and speciality dining that you would pay for anyway, the gap in price can be smaller than it looks. It also makes sense for longer cruises, for people who want more room, and for special occasions.
Wasted if you would be paying for perks you won’t use. Add up what is included and compare it with the cost of the ballroom-sized space you won’t be sitting in.
I will always work out what is included on a specific sailing before suggesting one, because the sums vary so much.
Location matters as much as the cabin type
The position of the cabin on the ship can make a bigger difference to your trip than the grade of cabin. A mid-ship cabin on a lower deck usually has the least motion, which matters if you are prone to seasickness. Cabins directly below the pool deck, the theatre, the galley or the nightclub can be noisy. Cabins close to lifts are convenient, but have more foot traffic.
A well-placed inside cabin can be a better choice than a badly placed balcony.
A warning about guaranteed cabins
Some cruise lines offer a lower price if you accept a “guaranteed” cabin, where you choose the grade and they assign the specific cabin later. It can save money, but you have no control over the location. If the position matters to you, book a specific cabin instead.
A simple way to decide
Ask yourself three questions:
- How many hours a day will I be in the cabin?
- Is the scenery part of the reason I’m going?
- Will I use what the upgrade gives me?
If the answers are “very few”, “no” and “not really”, save your money. If they are “quite a lot”, “yes” and “definitely”, the upgrade is usually money well spent.
Talk to me before you book
Cabin prices change daily, and the same cabin type can differ in value from one ship to another. I’m happy to look at the options for your cruise and tell you honestly where the extra money is worth spending and where it is not, even if that means recommending the cheaper cabin.
