Choosing a cruise ship cabin: The ultimate guide

Table Of Content

• Super Studio balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean
• Unique Theme Nights You Shouldn’t Miss When on a Cruise Ship
• Easy Accessibility to Open Air in Your Cabin
• Must-Have Travel Accessories
• Universal ticket offer: Florida resident 2-day passes good for 4 days
• Which cruise companies offer staterooms with French balconies?

If you're in a balcony cabin (and on the correct side of the ship), you'll be gazing down upon these sights in no time. They typically also offer you a great view of the outdoors from inside your cabin. Veranda safety is a concern for families with young children, but amenities like outdoor space and floor-to-ceiling windows make it worth it. My experience with Celebrity Cruises’ Family Veranda was positive, and the extra space was great for group relaxation. As an experienced cruiser, I’ve found that the average cost difference between a veranda and non-veranda stateroom varies by cruise line and itinerary. While there are pros and cons to both, I believe the value for money is worth it for the added privacy and stunning views.

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Super Studio balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean

The ship’s godmother is Sarah Fabergé, the great-granddaughter of Peter Carl Fabergé. During my voyage, the ship sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas. Cove cabins are limited in number and popular, so you'll need to snag one well in advance of your sailing. But as spectacular as they are, these arrivals into ports often take place very early in the morning, before you (or at least your bed-head hair) may be ready to go out into the world.

Unique Theme Nights You Shouldn’t Miss When on a Cruise Ship

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On cruise ships, the basic cabin categories are inside, outside (often called ocean view), balcony and suite — but there are subcategories, as well. As the name implies, a family veranda is a type of veranda that is spacious and appropriate for families who want to enjoy the luxury and convenience of the open air. A family veranda could accommodate more people than the verandas of ordinary cabins or staterooms. In many cases, a cruise ship cabin upgrade will get you a better cabin — roomier accommodations, a better ship location, and maybe extra perks. However, not all upgrade offers are desirable, especially if what you value in a cabin type and location is not what the cruise line will give you. Don't hesitate to say no to an upgrade if the offer does not represent good value for your money.

Easy Accessibility to Open Air in Your Cabin

Having experienced the spacious veranda staterooms on Disney cruises, I was curious to see how Celebrity Cruises compared in terms of luxury and comfort. After researching and comparing the two cruise lines, I found that Celebrity Cruises offered a variety of veranda staterooms with unique amenities and décor. By choosing a veranda stateroom, you can enjoy these benefits and create unforgettable memories during your cruise vacation. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, romance, or simply a space to unwind and connect with the ocean, a veranda stateroom offers a unique and rewarding experience. When booking your cruise, take the time to explore the various veranda stateroom options available, considering factors such as size, amenities, and location on the ship.

Must-Have Travel Accessories

The website not only provides information on veranda options, but also on inside cabins and different balcony options on various cruise lines. I appreciate that Cruise Tips offers new cruise deals and allows users to see today’s best cruise offers, which has helped me save money on my bookings. I personally learned that a veranda on a cruise ship is a private outdoor area where one can relax and enjoy the view. It’s a little piece of luxury that can make a big difference in the overall cruising experience. For instance, an interior cabin on a ship might be 140 square feet in space, while a balcony cabin might be 170 square feet, plus the additional outdoor space. Of course, the figures will change from ship to ship, but you can expect to see the trend on many cruise lines.

Universal ticket offer: Florida resident 2-day passes good for 4 days

There are a couple of different styles of verandas available on a cruise ship. Finally, you might prefer a cruise cabin that's close to the parts of the ship you use most. Fitness enthusiasts might choose a room near the spa; poker players might like to be not far from the casino. Norwegian's Studio cabins have access to an exclusive lounge where single travelers can meet and mingle and grab snacks. On Oceania's new ship Vista, solo cabin occupants will have concierge-level perks and privileges, including concierge lounge access. Carnival Cruise Line's Family Harbor cabins even come with access to an exclusive family lounge with snacks, games, TVs and computers, and a concierge.

The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Passengers can step outside onto a narrow balcony and enjoy the fresh air and scenic views. These cabins are ideal for those who prefer a more open-air experience and want to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the river and surrounding landscapes. While veranda staterooms may come at a higher cost than interior or oceanview cabins, the added value and memorable experiences make it a worthwhile investment for many cruisers. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, seeking relaxation, or simply looking to indulge in the beauty of the ocean, a veranda stateroom offers the perfect setting. Veranda staterooms are typically found on larger cruise ships and are available across various cabin categories, ranging from standard to lavish suites. They provide the perfect balance between indoor and outdoor space, giving you the freedom to enjoy the open air while still having a cozy retreat inside your cabin.

Which cruise companies offer staterooms with French balconies?

They feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a railing, giving passengers the feeling of a veranda without stepping outside. French balcony cabins are perfect for those who want to enjoy the surrounding views while staying comfortably indoors. Additionally, it’s important to consider the specific amenities, size, and price point offered by each cabin type within different cruise lines and ships. The French balcony on a cruise ship offers passengers a unique and immersive experience. Its floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open to a railing, providing fresh air and breathtaking views.

Disney Cruise Line Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

From Celebrity Cruises' AquaClass to MSC Cruises' Aurea cabins, spa cabins can come in multiple layouts (from inside to suite) and usually feature a Zen-inspired decor. Inside, a balcony cabin will offer an ensuite bathroom, bed(s), closet area, desk with chair and a small sitting area. The exterior wall will be a floor-to-ceiling window with a door leading to a private balcony, usually with two upright chairs and a small table for drinks or alfresco meals. Any time you want to snap an image that you find interesting, you can simply walk a few steps outside your room and capture the image. You would surely be able to shoot those photos from your veranda, as cruise ships tend to move in circles to provide all passengers a way to view the scenic spots on both sides of the ship.

However, I know a lot of folks who would rather not spend a single second of their vacation in their cabin—even if it is outside on a private balcony. With a variety of options to suit a variety of tastes and budgets, each form of veranda improves the passenger’s relationship with the sea and their destination. On a cruise ship, there are a few distinct veranda styles to choose from.

The size of the balcony can vary, with some cabins offering a more compact space and others providing a more generous area. Depending on the cruise line and ship, the balcony may feature chairs, loungers, and a small table for you to relax and enjoy the view. Throughout this article, we will explore the amenities and features of veranda staterooms, as well as their sizes and layouts. We will also discuss the different types of veranda staterooms available, and the benefits of choosing this cabin option for your cruise. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and tips for booking the perfect veranda stateroom. Veranda cabins are similar to traditional balconies on ocean cruise ships.

In doing so, you will often lose your previous booking perks and be eligible only for the current promotion. If you're prone to seasickness and prefer a midship cabin on a lower deck, you might not want an upgrade that could land you at the very front or back of the ship where it's rockier. With modern cruise ship internet access (especially Starlink), you should be able to participate in Zoom meetings, stream video, etc.

The feeling of being able to step outside and have my own outdoor space whenever I want is unbeatable. However, I understand that the cost of a veranda may not be worth it for everyone. Some may prefer to save their money for other aspects of their cruise, such as excursions or specialty dining. Verandas are often interchangeable with balconies, and the naming decision is up to the cruise line. Some ships have verandas that are only usable when the ship is in port, while others are available throughout the voyage. In terms of design, verandas are an excellent way to add outdoor space to a cabin without sacrificing privacy.

The fresh air available on balconies also can be a lifesaver — at least for your sanity — should you find yourself confined to your cabin due to an illness. That can happen if you come down with something like norovirus or COVID-19 on a ship. However, here are six things you'll get out of a balcony cabin that I personally think make it worth the extra cost if you have the money to spare. They provide your own little oasis, away from the rest of the ship, along with million-dollar views that you simply can’t get on land. Cruise ships’ verandas can provide breathtaking views and a private outdoor area, but there are also some possible disadvantages to take into account.

You might be surprised to learn that not all cabins on all cruise ships have a functional space to get work done. There might just be a small makeup stool near a ledge and a wall mirror, or a couch with a coffee table as the only real seating areas. If you have more flexibility in your budget, consider what’s important to you in accommodation. If you plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin, you might value a balcony or a spacious room more.