Which cabin should I choose ?

Inside cabin/stateroom (no porthole or window)

These are the least expensive cabins on a cruise ship. Most cabins have two lower beds, which can be pushed together to make a king-size (some cabins on certain ships have fixed twin beds, and there are a very small number with bunk beds, again only on certain ships). Instead of a porthole or window, these cabins typically have artwork or tapestry adorning the walls. Generally inside cabins will have individually controlled air conditioning/heating, dresser or storage space, closet, telephone, and satellite television. All modern cruise ship cabins are en-suite with WC and shower as standard.

Obstructed view outside cabin/stateroom

Obstructed view cabins have all the amenities of an inside or full view outside cabin, with the main difference of a lifeboat or tender hanging outside the cabin, blocking the view. Typically this will range from full to 30% of the view being obscured. When a cabin is fully obstructed, there will be a sliver of daylight from above or below the lifeboat. The advantage of obstructed cabins is that they are usually on a middle deck towards the centre of the ship, putting them in the perfect position to access the rest of the facilities onboard. Don’t worry about noise, lifeboats and tenders are securely fastened to the ship! 

Outside cabin/stateroom (with porthole or window)

The next category up from an inside cabin is the outside. Typically, in terms of size and layout, the two types of cabin are very similar, with the biggest difference being the addition of a porthole or picture window. Most modern cruise ships have a majority of cabins with picture windows, with porthole cabins restricted to the lower passenger decks, however older ships tend to have a larger percentage of porthole cabins. Neither portholes nor picture windows can be opened.

Balcony/Veranda cabin/stateroom

A cabin with balcony will have a French window, giving access to the outside, where typically there is a table and chairs (the ideal setting for breakfast at sea). Some balconies are solid, i.e. the balcony rail is solid metal, and some are open, where the balcony rail is clear Perspex and/or metal supports. The large windows allow more daylight into the cabin, which means a brighter, more open feeling. Balcony sizes vary from ship to ship, however a general rule of thumb is that cabins at the rear do have slightly more space.

Mini-suites

Most of these cabins are larger than those with balconies, and have several additional features which may include separate sleeping, living areas, walk-in wardrobes, butler service, DVD and Video players. The bathrooms in most mini-suites are larger also, some coming with spa baths and separate showers.

Suite

Suites are the crème de la crème of cruising, the very best cabin on board, these can be broken up into different classes, such as Grand, Royal, Penthouse, Owners, Presidential, Deluxe etc. Suites can vary in their facilities, but generally will contain some of the following: extra large balconies with outside whirlpool bath, hot tub, separate living & sleeping areas (sometimes on separate levels), multiple bedrooms, dressing room, grand piano, private courtyard/garden area, sundeck, private butler and concierge service, CD, DVD player, flat screen plasma TV, cocktail cabinet and personal library.