If you’re new to cruising, choosing the right cabin can be one of the more confusing parts of booking your first sailing. You’ll be asked what type of cabin you’d like, then told about different positions on the ship, deck levels and supplements, and it’s not always obvious what makes a meaningful difference to your holiday.
Originally published 18 June 2021. Last updated 26 May 2026.
This guide explains every common cruise cabin type, what’s included, who each suits and how to choose the right one. To explore current cruise deals, browse our cruise & stay packages, our luxury cruise offers, or speak to a cruise specialist on 020 7947 0270.
The Five Main Cruise Cabin Types at a Glance
| Cabin type | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Inside | Cheapest | Budget-conscious cruisers who plan to spend little time in the cabin |
| Outside | Mid-range | Travellers who want natural light without paying for a balcony |
| Balcony | Most popular | Scenic itineraries (Norwegian Fjords, Alaska) and couples wanting private outdoor space |
| Mini Suite | Premium | Slightly more space and small perks, without full-suite pricing |
| Suite | Highest | Travellers who want exclusive areas, butler service and a ship-within-a-ship experience |
Inside Cabin
An Inside Cabin, sometimes known as an interior cabin, is generally the cheapest cabin on a ship. They are located facing the inside of the ship, so there are no windows or natural light. This can be a bonus if you enjoy the odd afternoon nap or two. The common preconception that inside cabins are smaller and cramped isn’t always true, you’ll typically have the same en suite bathroom, closet storage, TV, air conditioning and other features as any other cabin.
Best for: first-time cruisers testing the experience, port-intensive itineraries where you’ll barely be in the cabin, and anyone prioritising the cruise budget on excursions or upgrades.
Outside Cabin
Outside Cabins, also called Oceanview Cabins, are cabins with a window. The window will either be a porthole or a picture window. Outside cabins tend to be located on lower decks, and the windows do not open, but they bring natural light into the room, which can be a meaningful upgrade over an inside cabin for very little extra cost. They’re particularly good if you prefer waking up naturally or enjoy checking the weather and view before heading to breakfast.
Best for: the natural-light upgrade over inside cabins, and travellers on a budget who still want a view.
Balcony Cabin
Depending on the cruise line, these cabins are called Balcony or Veranda Cabins. As well as the usual cabin features, you have a small private balcony, usually with a table and chairs. Balcony Cabins are by far the most popular cabin type today, because you get private outdoor space and fresh air directly in the room. They’re particularly sought after on scenic itineraries, Alaska and the Norwegian Fjords in particular, and on bucket-list voyages where the scenery is half the holiday.
Best for: scenic cruise routes, longer voyages, couples and anyone who values private outdoor space.
Mini Suite Cabin
Mini Suites go by various names. Some cruise lines call them Club Balcony, others Junior Suites. Generally a Mini Suite is a slightly larger balcony cabin, but the real difference is the perks that come with it. These vary by cruise line, you might find fresh fruit or sparkling wine waiting on arrival, a dedicated guest lounge, priority embarkation or upgraded toiletries.
Best for: couples celebrating a special occasion, longer cruises where the extra space pays off, and travellers who want a taste of suite-level perks without the suite price.
Suite Cabin
If you want a bit of luxury and privacy, a Suite Cabin is the top option. Choosing a Suite can feel like cruising on a completely different ship. As well as more luxurious accommodation, you’ll often have a restaurant exclusively for Suite guests, a private bar and lounge, sometimes a Suite-only sun deck or pool, plus butler service, priority boarding and disembarkation, drinks packages and other promotional offers. Standout suite experiences across the cruise lines we book include The Haven by Norwegian Cruise Line, the Yacht Club onboard MSC Cruises, and The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises.
Best for: luxury cruisers, special occasions, multi-generational groups travelling together, and anyone who wants the ship-within-a-ship experience.
Obstructed & Partially Obstructed Cabins
Looking through a ship’s deck plan, you may see symbols denoting features of a particular cabin. One of the most common is the Obstructed Cabin marker. This means part of the ship’s structure obstructs the view from your window or balcony, most commonly lifeboats on lower decks. Some obstructions completely obscure the view, while others are very minimal. Partially obstructed cabins can be a great way of saving money if you’re willing to compromise on the view slightly.
Best for: savvy cruisers who don’t mind a partial view in return for meaningful savings.
Cabin Location: How to Pick the Right Spot on the Ship
The cabin type matters. The cabin location matters almost as much. A few practical rules:
- Midship cabins feel the least motion. If you’re worried about seasickness, choose a cabin in the centre of the ship and on a lower-to-middle deck. The further forward or aft you go, and the higher up, the more motion you’ll feel.
- Higher decks have better views but more noise from above. Cabins directly below the pool deck, gym or running track can suffer from early-morning footfall and chair-scraping.
- Avoid the deck directly above bars or entertainment venues. Music can carry into cabins below until late into the evening on some ships.
- Forward cabins on smaller ships can pitch in rough seas. Aft cabins on most ships are quieter, with the bonus of larger balconies on some classes.
- Connecting cabins are useful for families, but check the doorway can be locked from both sides.
How to Choose the Right Cruise Cabin
The right cabin depends on three things: your itinerary, your budget and how much time you’ll actually spend in the room.
- For port-intensive Mediterranean or Caribbean itineraries, an inside or outside cabin is often the best value, you’ll barely be in your room.
- For scenic cruising (Alaska, Norwegian Fjords, the Inside Passage), a balcony pays for itself many times over. The view is the holiday.
- For longer cruises (14+ nights), the additional space of a mini suite or suite reduces the “cabin fatigue” that can creep in on long voyages.
- For first-time cruisers, balcony cabins on midship decks are the safe sweet spot, enough comfort to enjoy the experience, not so much spend that the cruise feels prohibitively expensive if you don’t end up loving it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Cabins
What is the cheapest type of cruise cabin?
Inside cabins are the cheapest cabin type on virtually every cruise line. They are interior cabins with no window, but otherwise the same facilities as an outside cabin.
Are inside cabins worth it?
Yes, particularly on port-intensive itineraries where you’ll be off the ship most days. Inside cabins are often half the price of a balcony, and the savings can fund excursions, drinks packages or a longer cruise.
What’s the difference between a Mini Suite and a Suite?
A Mini Suite is usually a larger balcony cabin with some upgraded perks. A full Suite typically comes with butler service, a separate living area, exclusive Suite-only restaurants and lounges, priority embarkation, and access to a Suite sun deck or pool on many ships.
Which deck is best on a cruise ship?
For most travellers, the middle decks of the ship (decks 7-9 on most large vessels) offer the best balance of motion stability, easy access to public areas, and quiet at night. Higher decks have better views but more noise from pool decks above.
Will I get seasick in a balcony cabin?
Cabin type doesn’t affect seasickness directly, cabin location does. Midship, lower-deck cabins feel the least motion regardless of whether they’re inside, outside or balcony. If you’re prone to motion sickness, prioritise a midship cabin over a fancy cabin type.
Should I book a cabin or speak to a cruise agent?
A cruise specialist can save you significant time. They know which cabin grades to avoid (under noisy decks, near service areas) and which ships have unusually generous balconies, plus they can apply group rates, onboard credit and other perks that aren’t visible on cruise line websites.
Ready to Book the Right Cabin?
Speak to a Paramount Cruises specialist who can match your itinerary, budget and travel style to the right cabin grade, and flag the deck-plan quirks no booking engine will warn you about.
