The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Cruise Ship Cabin

Choosing the right suite or stateroom on a family cruise isn’t just about location, it’s about lifestyle. Your onboard space isn’t merely a place to sleep between shore excursions. It’s your private retreat, your dressing room for gala nights and your sanctuary with a view. Whether you’re sailing with an all-inclusive line like Regent Seven Seas or an intimate yacht-style vessel like The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, your accommodation sets the tone for the entire journey.

While it’s nearly impossible to choose wrongly on a high-end cruise given the standard level of service and design, there are still nuances to consider that can elevate your experience even further, especially when you consider an ocean voyage versus a river cruise.

How to Find the Best Cruise Ship Cabin for Your Needs

Start with the Right Cabin Category

Cabins on cruise ships run the gamut from basic balcony rooms to sprawling suites that become a home away from home. No matter if you’re cruising with a big-name brand like Celebrity or setting sail with a luxury line such as Seabourn, Silversea or Explora Journeys, knowing the differences between cabin types can help you pick the space that fits your travel style.

Oceanview Cabins

Sometimes referred to as “outside cabins,” oceanview staterooms include a window or porthole that lets in natural light and provides a glimpse of the sea, but no balcony. While you won’t have access to fresh air, these cabins are a solid compromise for travelers who want to avoid the enclosed feel of an inside cabin without paying for a veranda.

These are more common on older ocean ships and expedition vessels like those from Lindblad Expeditions or Hurtigruten, but also appear in river cruising. On river lines like Tauck and Uniworld, even standard cabins offer large picture windows or French balconies for scenic views just above the waterline.

Balcony Cabins

Balcony cabins, or veranda staterooms, are a favorite among cruisers who want private outdoor space. On oceangoing ships like Oceania’s Riviera or Regent Seven Seas’ Splendor, you’ll find generous verandas and seating areas perfect for enjoying breakfast at sea or an evening cocktail at sailaway.

On river cruises, balconies vary. Viking’s Longships feature true step-out balconies in the veranda cabins, while lines like Scenic and AmaWaterways offer innovative layouts where drop-down windows transform the entire wall into a Juliet-style balcony. While space is tighter on river ships, these panoramic setups bring you closer to the landscape gliding by.

Suites

Suites elevate the cruise experience with more space, better finishes and a long list of extras. On ocean ships, that might mean a private butler, access to members-only lounges or reservations at exclusive dining venues. Silversea’s Silver Suites, for instance, come with marble bathrooms and the option to order from the full restaurant menu without leaving your room. Some luxury river cruise lines also offer suites with walk-in closets, full-size bathrooms and enhanced service — features once exclusive to ocean ships.

Specialty Cabins

Many cruise lines now offer niche accommodations tailored to specific needs or interests. Spa suites, found on Seabourn’s Spa Penthouse and select Scenic river ships, offer wellness-focused perks like exclusive spa access or in-suite fitness kits. Family cabins are a growing feature on both river and ocean ships, with options ranging from extra sleeping spaces to two-bedroom suites on vessels such as Uniworld’s SS Maria Theresa.

Top-Tier Suites

At the highest end of the spectrum are Penthouse, Grand and Owner’s Suites, offered across nearly every premium and luxury line. On ocean ships, these suites may include multiple rooms, walk-in closets, powder rooms and wraparound verandas.

For example, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Owner’s Suite configuration resembles a private waterfront residence with separate living/dining areas and a 600-square-foot terrace, while Seabourn’s Wintergarden Suites feature solariums, spa tubs and in-suite bar setups curated to your preferences.

On river cruises, top-tier suites may not have the same square footage, but they offer immersive views and exceptional service. The Royal Owner’s Suites on Scenic ships offer full-size bathtubs, complimentary laundry and round-the-clock butler service. Tauck’s Loft Suites on the Inspire and Savor have split-level designs with natural light streaming in from high-set windows.

Consider the Experience You Want

A suite isn’t just about square footage, it’s about how you want to live on board. From entertaining friends and family to enjoying quiet mornings, your preferences will guide you toward the right space and services.

How Do You Like to Travel?

Are you traveling with a large family? Choose a suite with a dining area and expansive veranda, such as those on Oceania’s Marina or Explora I. Prefer a peaceful start to your day with in-room breakfast and sunrise views? A balcony suite on AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna or Viking’s river fleet will offer a quiet place to recharge.

If you’re celebrating something special, top-tier suites on lines like Regent, Seabourn and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection add polish to milestone cruises with extras like spa access, private excursions and priority boarding.

How Much Time Will You Spend in Your Suite?

Ocean cruises with sea days or trans-Atlantic crossings encourage lingering in your stateroom, so upgrading to a spacious suite makes sense. On a river cruise packed with daily excursions, your cabin may be more of a launchpad for cultural exploration. Still, choosing a suite with a window wall or balcony enhances the in-between moments, especially when floating past castles on the Rhine or watching the Danube light up at dusk.

Do You Need Extra Services?

Higher-tier accommodations often include butler service and in-suite dining, concierge lounges and private sun decks, and exclusive small-group excursions or private cars in port.

Location, Location, Location

The position of your cabin can significantly influence your experience, from how much motion you’ll feel to how peaceful your nights are. Larger ocean vessels span multiple decks and hundreds of staterooms, making location especially important. Cabins situated midship are the most stable and are a top choice for travelers prone to seasickness. Suites in this area, such as the Penthouse Suites on Seabourn’s Encore, also tend to be centrally located for easier access to lounges, elevators and dining venues.

Aft-facing suites often feature larger balconies and offer spectacular views of the ship’s wake. Regent Seven Seas’ Concierge Suites, for instance, are prized for their spacious verandas and quiet, tucked-away feel, though some guests may notice a gentle vibration from the engines below.

At the forward end of the ship, you’ll typically find a quieter atmosphere and proximity to the spa or fitness center. These suites can be ideal for early risers or wellness-focused travelers, but they also experience more noticeable motion, especially in rough seas.

Wherever you book, always consult deck plans to avoid staterooms directly beneath high-traffic areas like pool decks, buffet restaurants or nightclubs. Even in the most exclusive suites, ambient noise from above can affect your rest.

River ships, by contrast, are much smaller, usually carrying fewer than 150 guests and spanning just two or three decks. That compact size limits movement and ensures a more peaceful onboard experience overall. However, deck height still plays a role in your enjoyment.

Cabins on the upper deck often offer the best panoramic views and may include more spacious balconies or French windows that open wide to let in the breeze. These suites are ideal for travelers who want unobstructed views of the scenery along the route.

Lower deck cabins are closer to the waterline and often feature smaller, fixed windows. These rooms can be comfortable and quiet, but they may sit just above the river’s surface, something to consider during high water seasons when the river level rises and interferes with views.

The Bottom Line

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cruise cabins. On an ocean cruise, the right suite can provide a true floating retreat complete with outdoor space, fine dining and full-time service. On a river cruise, a well-placed balcony or panoramic window gives you a front-row seat for historic villages, vineyard-covered hills and centuries-old castles.

And if you’re unsure where to start, our Ciao Bambino Travel Advisors can match you with the perfect suite across the world’s best river, ocean, expedition or yacht cruise lines. All you have to do is sit back and savor the view.

Relevant Links:

Browse all ideas for large- and small-ship cruises on Ciao Bambino

6 reasons to set sail on a river cruise with kids

Cruising with kids: 11 great destinations to explore by ship

Consider an AmaWaterways river cruise with kids

A taste of Germany for teens on a Vantage Travel river cruise

10 must-know tips before booking a family cruise

One for the bucket list: A catered barge cruise in Europe

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.