No matter which Royal Caribbean ship you cruise on, you will have many cabin categories to choose from.
From sprawling, multi-level suites to small, windowless inside cabins, Royal Caribbean provides options for every passenger.
Guests can choose their cabin category based on their budget, preferred location, amenities, views, or size.
When you book your cruise, you will choose which type of stateroom you prefer.
There are four main categories to choose from: inside cabins, oceanview cabins, balcony cabins, and suites.
Among these options, Royal Caribbean’s oceanview staterooms provide stunning views at an affordable price.
How do you know if an oceanview cabin is the right fit for you?
This guide will help you understand the different types of oceanview cabins, and their perks and amenities.
What is an oceanview stateroom?
Every Royal Caribbean stateroom comes with a basic set of amenities that are included in your cruise fare.
This includes:
- A bed that sleeps at least 2 people
- Private bathroom and shower
- Vanity desk and chair
- Safe
- Mini-fridge
- Closet
- Television
- A dedicated stateroom attendant
- Free cleanings once a day
- Climate control
- Hair dryer
- Telephone
As the name suggests, an oceanview cabin adds the benefit of an outside view.
These types of cabins have a wide window or a porthole through which you get a panoramic view of the ship’s surroundings.
This allows guests to gaze out onto the ocean, shore, or landscapes the ship sails through, all from the comfort of their own room.
Not only does this window offer a clear view of the seaside, but it also provides natural lighting to the whole stateroom.
Like interior cabins, regular oceanview cabins can accommodate 2-4 guests per room.
If an interior cabin is the smallest, cheapest cabin category, an oceanview cabin is essentially the next step up.
It is an upgrade from the dark, windowless inside cabins, and a slight increase in cost.
Usually, they are slightly larger than interior cabins and about the same size as balcony cabins (without the extra area of a balcony).
Read more: Oceanview vs Balcony staterooms on a Royal Caribbean cruise
They span up to 354 square feet.
Before you book an oceanview cabin based on that difference in size, remember that it depends on the cruise ship.
You should look at the area of each cabin category on your ship before choosing.
There are also several sub-categories of oceanview staterooms that you should consider before booking one.
What are the types of oceanview staterooms?
Royal Caribbean offers a variety of oceanview cabins, allowing guests to choose based on their preferences and budget.
When choosing the right type for you, keep in mind where you want the stateroom to be located.
Cabins on higher decks will have a better view, while ones near the front or back of the ship may make you seasick. Also, locations near high-traffic areas will experience more noise.
You will also want to take into account the dimensions of the cabin and compare it to the size of your party. Some oceanview staterooms have extra space and sofa beds for additional guests.
And, of course, take a look at your budget for the cruise.
The different categories of oceanview staterooms mean that you have several price points you can choose from.
Interior Oceanview
Virtual balcony staterooms have a clever technological hack that gives guests a view of the ocean.
These cabins are located on the inside of the ship, without any real windows. Instead, they feature a virtual balcony: a floor-to-ceiling HD screen that displays a real-time video feed.
While there are no actual windows in this cabin, the virtual balcony provides guests with a more budget-friendly way of viewing the sea.
Outside Oceanview Stateroom
Oceanview staterooms on the outside walls of the ship feature real windows or portholes.
These provide unobstructed views of the ocean.
These cabins vary in size and amenities, but all consistently offer that view of the sea.
Spacious Oceanview Stateroom
Spacious oceanview cabins are similar to outside oceanview cabins, just with some extra space.
They make for a wider stateroom and may include an added living area with a sofa.
These spacious cabins still have the porthole or window that provides an ocean view.
Panoramic Oceanview Stateroom
A Panoramic oceanview stateroom offers an even wider ocean view, without the prices of a balcony cabin.
A panoramic, wraparound window in the cabin stretches 76 inches high and 103-321 inches wide for a large window view.
This expansive window provides incredible views.
Family Oceanview Stateroom (Ultra Spacious)
The family oceanview stateroom has an even larger living space, sleeping up to six people.
It spans from 265 to 328 square feet and includes a king-size bed with bunk beds in a separate area.
There is also a living area with a sofa bed, also separated for tons of privacy. They usually have portholes for that ocean view, and some also include an extra bathroom.
To book this room, you usually need a minimum of five people in your party.
You should expect them to cost more than a standard oceanview cabin, but they generally sell out slower due to the size of the groups required.
However, these staterooms are usually located at the very front or the very back of the ship. This may be a major drawback because it can leave guests inside more susceptible to feeling the ship’s motion and getting seasick.
Read more: Royal Caribbean stateroom options for larger families
Why choose an oceanview stateroom?
So what are the benefits of booking an oceanview cabin?
This category is popular for many reasons, especially for guests who want an exterior view but don’t have the budget for a balcony cabin.
Often, there is little price difference between an interior and an oceanview stateroom, making the upgrade worth it.
Read more: Inside cabin vs. oceanview cabin: Are the differences worth an upgrade?
The spectacular views are the most obvious benefit of an oceanview stateroom. Guests can wake up to the sunny sight of wide blue water or rest while witnessing a gorgeous golden sunset.
An ocean view also allows you to watch the ship sail live into a port—an exciting experience!
There’s something naturally relaxing about being near the ocean and seeing the sun, and having a window in your stateroom can enhance your cruise vacation.
Natural lighting is another major advantage. The human body responds to sunlight, and having access to natural light can help you retain your natural body clock, waking up when the sun rises and sleeping when the sun sets.
Seeing sunlight can also calm your nerves, and the ocean view helps ease motion sickness.
In an oceanview cabin, you get views that you would otherwise have to go out into public areas to see. Your oceanview stateroom will provide a private sanctuary where you can retreat and witness nature without being bothered by crowds of other passengers.
However, if your stateroom’s location on board is important to you, an oceanview cabin provides fewer options to choose from.
Most outside cabins are balconies, so oceanview staterooms are usually found in less desirable locations, like lower desks, or the front and back of higher decks.
