Cruise balconies are the most popular type of accommodation on the ship. However, they aren't all created equal, and some are definitely worse than others.

Certain balcony cabins, for example, have obstructed views. This means rather than looking out over the open ocean, your view may be partially blocked by lifeboats or bulky support structures. 

One time, I booked a Junior Suite on a cruise without doing much research, assuming that because it was a "suite," it would be located in a prime spot with a spacious balcony — I couldn't have been more wrong. 

The Junior Suite was located all the way forward and next to a public observation deck. This meant that if any other cruisers walked out over the bridge wings, they could peer directly at my balcony.

There are other kinds of balconies that you might not enjoy, either, such as interior-facing rooms on Oasis and Icon Class ships, along with the controversial infinite verandas that lack private outdoor space. 

Knowing that not all Royal Caribbean cruise balconies are created equally, here's how to avoid the wrong ones when booking your next vacation. 

Be wary of booking top-deck balcony cabins.

I try to avoid cabins underneath the pool deck, especially when sailing somewhere tropical and warm, because they're just so dang noisy. No, you likely won't hear people thumping above you or crew members dragging lounge chairs early in the morning. However, if you want to actually enjoy your balcony, the nearby pool deck can be frustrating. 

On one cruise, I was staying in a balcony on Deck 18, and the main pool deck was on the same level. There was one afternoon when I wanted to lounge on the veranda (it wasn't cheap, after all!) but realized that the sound of the nearby music and passengers made it seem like I was just steps from the action. 

Now, I automatically rule out balcony staterooms on higher floors, as I don't want to suffer from the loud noise levels that come with being so close to one of the ship's busiest areas. 

Interior-facing balcony rooms lack privacy.

Neighborhood balconies are cabins that face inwards towards the ship, rather than out to the ocean. These include Boardwalk, Central Park, and Surfside balcony staterooms. 

Although they might be a little bit cheaper than ocean-facing balconies, passengers in cabins opposite yours can see directly into your room if the curtains aren't drawn. Other guests can also glance up and easily see onto your balcony while walking in the public neighborhood areas below. 

Sometimes, these cabins are loud, too. For instance, when I stayed in a Central Park balcony on Icon of the Seas, I didn't realize how easily the sound of live jazz performances would carry up through the open-air neighborhood. 

Watch for obstructed view balconies.  

Obstructed balconies can result in major letdowns, especially if you're sailing somewhere scenic like Alaska or Norway. Instead of picture-perfect ocean views from the comfort of your private veranda, you may arrive on embarkation day to discover that a gaudy orange lifeboat, large beam, or other structure is directly in your line of sight. 

Generally speaking, Royal Caribbean's deck plans should indicate if a balcony is obstructed, and at what percentage. As such, you should always check the ship's deck plan before booking a cabin just to ensure you don't end up with a bad cruise room. 

I'd also recommend working with a trusted travel agent, as they can often identify problematic, obstructed-view cabins and help find better options in the same price range.

Infinite balconies aren't "real" balconies. 

Exclusive to Icon Class ships, you might wonder whether an infinite balcony is worth it or not for your sailing on Icon, Star, Legend, or Hero of the Seas. Although I've sailed in infinite balconies before, I can't say they're my favorite type of cruise room, though others love them for their spaciousness and added privacy (in certain situations). 

In short, these unique cabins are designed to bring passengers closer to the ocean by turning the entire stateroom into a balcony. There's no outdoor veranda. Instead, infinite balconies have a floor-to-ceiling window that opens with the push of a button.

I found that my Central Park infinite balcony was more like an extra-large room with a window. Since there were cabins directly across from mine, I never felt like I had the same sense of privacy that comes with a traditional balcony.

When I did have an ocean-facing infinite balcony, I hated that the air-conditioning shut off as soon as the window was lowered. This is something to be wary of since it won't take long for the cabin to become humid and stuffy in warm climates.

Guarantee balcony cabins are a huge gamble.

An easy way to end up with a disappointing balcony cabin is to indirectly book it. What does that mean? Well, Royal Caribbean offers customers a money-saving option, letting the cruise line pick their cabin assignment in exchange for a lower base fare. 

Although this is an easy way to potentially save hundreds of dollars, it's a gamble as to which kind of room you'll get. Oftentimes, those who booked a guaranteed rate will end up in a "leftover room" that other passengers didn't pick. This could be for a ton of different reasons, such as an obstructed view, a location near noisy public venues, or the proximity to the elevators. 

The same premise applies to RoyalUp bids. While bidding on a higher-category cabin might sound appealing, you could end up with a room in a bad location since you can't select the exact cabin. 

Let me be very, very clear in saying that there's nothing wrong with saving money or scoring a great deal on a better cruise room. It's just important to understand the pros and cons and whether you're okay risking the possibility of ending up in a less-than-ideal location.

What are the best Royal Caribbean balcony cabins to book?

There are two types of balcony cabins I try to book — if possible. First, I love any centrally located, mid-ship veranda. These make it easy to navigate the ship, which is especially important on massive vessels like Utopia of the Seas or Icon of the Seas. However, they also tend to be the most stable, making them ideal for guests who are prone to motion sickness. 

In my opinion, aft balconies are worth every extra penny, too! Not only do they usually stray from the standard cookie-cutter design of other cabins, but they also overlook the ship's wake. This is the trail of white, frothy water the vessel churns up as it sails in the open water, and is often considered one of the most picturesque views at sea.

Finally, if you have a larger family, you may want to look into Royal Caribbean's family balcony cabins. These highly sought-after cabins are designed for larger families and groups, accommodating up to six guests with a separate bunk bed area for kids. 

Are inside cabins better than balconies?

Having been on over three dozen cruises, I've stayed in tons of different types of cabins, ranging from tiny windowless staterooms to suites with butlers! 

Although I prefer balconies because I think they provide a good value between comfort and overall experience, there are times when you might be okay with saving money by booking an interior cabin. 

For instance, if you book a cruise on one of the biggest ships in the world (i.e., Icon or Oasis Class vessels) or a port-intensive itinerary, there's a good chance you won't spend much time in your room because you're going to be busy exploring the ship and different destinations. 

Recently, my sister and I sailed on our first European cruise together aboard Harmony of the Seas. Though neither of us is a stranger to cruising, it was her first time staying in an inside stateroom. I was worried she might feel cramped or complain about not having natural light, but she ended up saying she might consider an inside cabin again if the price was right. 

In the end, spending extra money on cabin amenities you won't really use can be a compelling reason to book a cheaper inside room instead.

One cruise ship passenger was so disappointed in what their cruise ship room looked like compared to the website description, that they called it a "nightmare".

Reddit user bambledsoe complained in a post online that their room on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas was a "scam" because they felt it didn't qualify to be referred to as panoramic or a suite. 

They booked an Ocean View Panoramic Suite, but felt the room didn't measure up to what was advertised.

"If you book the fantastic sounding Ocean View Panoramic Suite on this boat, check what your stateroom is. If it’s 1892-1910, you may as well cancel it because those rooms don’t qualify for the last two words," they wrote.

"They are slightly bigger than the standard non-balcony exterior rooms, but not really anything advertised." 

They also complained because the room was underneath the sports court, they could hear basketball being played until midnight.

According to bambledsoe, they were initially offered 10% of their cruise fare back as a credit, but eventually got $1,000 in onboard credit.  Still, they are upset and considering a class action lawsuit.

Their experience is a good reminder of how important doing research is for booking a cruise.

Cruise ship rooms aren't like airplane seats

One major difference in booking travel on a cruise ship is how much personalization exists.

All cruise ships have four major categories of rooms: inside, oceanview, balcony, and suites.  But there are so many sub-categories of cabins and variations based on a ship's class and year it was built.

You can never fully rely on the marketing description provided on the cruise line's website as your primary basis of selecting one room or another.  Certainly the stock images that are used across all ships aren't trustworthy, as they only provide a generic idea of what to expect.

Moreover, the complaint about cabin noise is an easily avoidable problem, because I always recommend checking deck plans to book a room that has other rooms one deck above or below it.

Booking a room underneath a public venue is one of the top cruise mistakes that we hear about.

Look for photos and videos of your room online

Say what you will about social media, but it's incredibly helpful when it comes to sharing cruise ship cabin photos.

So many people have posted videos and photos of their rooms on Facebook and YouTube that there's a good chance you can find what your exact room looks like.  Or at least a room that's the same category from the same ship.

In addition, you can easily seek advice from others about a certain room online.

Many people will post on message boards, Facebook, or Reddit to ask for someone else's experience in a specific cabin.  Once again, you might be surprised how often this works.

A travel agent can help you pick the right room

I think if this person had worked with a good travel agent, they could have avoided this situation in the first place.

Travel agents that sell a lot of Royal Caribbean cruises are well versed in how to pick a cruise stateroom, and they know not to pick rooms under common areas, and which room types might be best.

"Working with a knowledgeable and experienced travel advisor is essential to avoid the classic examples of expecting one experience and actually getting another," is what Zach Glenn, a Travel Advisor with MEI Travel, told me about this situation.

Jenn Greene is one of MEI Travel top performing agents, and she leverages her own experience in helping clients pick a room, " I have access to deck plan maps, actual photos from ship tours and much more. Often times a stock photo or AI generated photo will not show the real stateroom."

When I asked her how she guides a new cruiser to a specific cabin, she asks questions to understand their needs first, "Do you want to be in a quiet location so you can relax? Do you want to be near all the action? When it comes to say an oceanview vs a balcony, I ask how important having their own outside space is on vacation. You cannot guide a client without knowing how they like to travel."

This wasn't a "nightmare", but an avoidable problem

With all due respect to bambledsoe, I think anyone who's worried about encountering a similar situation should focus on looking up cabin reviews and other shared experiences before booking.

Booking a hotel or seat on an airplane is far simpler because there are less variables involved. It speaks to why booking a cruise online hasn't taken off like other forms of travel.

Working with a good travel agent, checking deck plans, and looking up photos or videos online are easy ways to see what a room looks like before you book.

Ironically, their Reddit post could now be helpful for others to avoid such a room in the future.

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas just received a major revamp, and I went on board to check out all the new changes. During my cruise on the massive Oasis Class ship, I stayed in the cheapest cabin available: a standard interior stateroom. 

Since this was such a busy itinerary, I didn't mind saving money on my accommodations. Instead, I preferred booking a windowless inside cabin to have a more generous budget for shore excursions, local cuisine, and other travel-related expenses. 

My sister tagged along with me, and we made great memories aboard Harmony of the Seas, visiting Spain and France — and to my surprise, she didn't completely hate the interior stateroom!

We booked a Category 4V Inside Stateroom months in advance through my MEI travel agent. The fare came to $1,286.74, or $643.37 per person, including gratuities. 

Although pricey for a three-night cruise, I realized we'd be paying more since it was Harmony's first sailing after her multi-million dollar Royal Amplification. 

In the end, the 172-square-foot cabin wasn't anything fancy, but it was a comfortable, modern retreat after long days exploring Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and Aix-en-Provence, France, and enjoying everything the newly amplified ship offered. 

Harmony of the Seas Interior Room Review + Photos

My sister and I were assigned cabin 10277 weeks before our voyage. This is a standard interior stateroom located toward the aft (or back) of the vessel, just steps away from an elevator bank. 

We ended up loving our cabin's location since it was easy to get to popular dining venues like the Main Dining Room and Windjammer on Deck 16. 

Since breakfast and dinner were usually the first places we headed after leaving the cabin each morning or freshening up in the evening, having those venues a short elevator ride away was convenient. 

Our cabin was also tucked away from the louder public areas, such as Dazzles, which helped it feel quiet and relaxing at night. 

Moving on, the layout of my 172-square-foot cruise room was nearly identical to the one I stayed in on Quantum of the Seas a few years back, minus the virtual balcony. 

There were two twin-sized beds (that could have been combined to create one queen-sized bed), a vanity, dresser, closet, safe, mini-fridge, flat-screen television, two nightstands, full-length mirror, and a small chair tucked into the corner of the cabin. 

We used the mini-fridge to keep our water bottles cool, so we'd return to the ship to ice-cold drinks waiting for us in the cabin. 

Because we spent so little time in the cabin besides showering and sleeping, the TV was not something we used very often. Still, my sister mentioned she wished it could swivel more, since she had an awkward viewing angle from her bed. 

As a newer cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas' staterooms are outfitted with plenty of charging options, including standard American and European outlets, along with USB ports. 

There's also one American outlet on the right side of the bed (when facing it). However, the opposite side does not have one. This means you should come prepared with an extra-long charging cord or portable charger. 

Moreover, I wish the cabin had a small loveseat instead of a chair. We did appreciate having the extra seating area, especially since my sister is a stickler about not getting into bed until she’s showered, but when used as a catch-all place, there was not much room left to comfortably sit. 

Now, let's talk storage. For a basic inside cabin, the storage space was fine. There was a dresser with five drawers and one cabinet, which housed the room's mini-fridge. Additionally, one of the drawers was already occupied by items like a box of tissues and the hairdryer, which left it fairly unusable for personal storage.

Still, we both agreed that for those on longer voyages, there would be more than enough storage to keep everything organized and tidy. 

The closet, for example, was spacious and had six deep cubbies — perfect for things like shoes, bags, folded clothes, and other essentials. This is also where you'll find the cabin's safe. 

Although we did not fully unpack during our three-night cruise, we did take advantage of the ample hanging space to keep our dresses from getting wrinkled. 

That said, we could have easily unpacked and had room to spare, especially since the closet came equipped with nearly two dozen hangers. 

Finally, the stateroom's bathroom was cramped but perfectly sufficient for daily use, with everything laid out efficiently to make the most of the small space.

The long sink vanity made getting ready in the mornings easier, especially since my sister often took over the cabin vanity area before I was up and showered. 

The shelves also provided a good amount of storage for toiletries and cosmetics. Plus, there were two hooks on the back of the bathroom door, which allowed me to keep my hanging toiletries organizer within reach. 

I also appreciated the two shelves in the shower, as this gave us both dedicated space for our shampoo, conditioner, and face wash. Some ships only provide a single small shelf, which I find frustrating.

That said, the shower did not have the best water pressure, and the water temperature was inconsistent. We quickly discovered that if we showered after 9:00 p.m., there would be chilly bursts. As such, my sister began showering before dinner each night. 

On the plus side, the shower was surprisingly spacious. The rounded capsule design (with no clingy, gross curtain) helped it feel more open than a typical cruise shower, and it was easy to move around without feeling boxed in or knocking my elbows on the wall. 

Like other Royal Caribbean cabins, the bathroom didn't come stocked with a ton of toiletries — just the basic Salt + Breeze hair and body wash, along with a bar of soap. 

Was my Harmony of the Seas inside cabin worth it?

For this cruise, I'm glad we didn't shell out more money on a balcony cabin. All we wanted was a clean, modern, and comfortable place to reset between busy port days and all the onboard activities — and our 172-square-foot stateroom provided just that. 

Beyond sleeping, showering, and getting ready, we spent very little time in the cabin. As such, the lack of natural light or private outdoor space never felt like a drawback. 

That said, there were a few minor quirks, such as the wacky water temperature and awkward TV placement, but nothing that impacted the overall experience in a make-or-break way. 

In the end, I'd happily stay in another inside cabin aboard Harmony of the Seas, especially since Oasis Class cruises are less about the stateroom experience and more about everything happening around the ship and ashore. 

Within the last few months, I’ve cruised in both an Infinite Veranda cabin and a traditional balcony stateroom. Even though an Infinite Veranda stateroom is considered very polarizing in the cruise community, I actually preferred it over the traditional balcony.

In December 2025, I sailed aboard Celebrity Edge on a 12-night itinerary across New Zealand with my husband. We splurged and booked an AquaClass Infinite Veranda cabin for the sailing. This was my first time experiencing this newer stateroom design, as we had previously sailed in a Deluxe Porthole Balcony while cruising on Celebrity Apex in Norway.

A few months later, I cruised on Celebrity Equinox with my family across South America and Patagonia. We knew the scenery would be fantastic, so we booked balcony cabins on Deck 8 for the sailing.

Both itineraries were scenic through colder weather, so having a balcony was a worthwhile splurge. While I’m not opposed to booking inside cabins to save money, I specifically chose balconies for these cruises to enjoy the views.

Each stateroom had its own pros and cons, but I did prefer the Infinite Veranda design over the traditional balcony. Here’s what my experience was like, and why I preferred the newer, more modern design.

What is an Infinite Veranda?

Celebrity Cruises introduced the Infinite Veranda concept on Celebrity Edge in 2018, which completely overhauled the traditional balcony design. While the seating area for a traditional balcony is outside with a sliding door, the Infinite Veranda has floor-to-ceiling windows that open for fresh air. The seating area is moved inside your cabin rather than actually outdoors.

Since then, Celebrity has continued to commit fully to the Infinite Veranda across its Edge Class ships. When sister-brand Royal Caribbean debuted Icon of the Seas in 2024, the cruise line also incorporated Infinite Verandas onto its newest ship.

Despite Infinite Verandas being the latest and greatest technology, they’re highly controversial. Some cruisers love them while others love to hate on them. Critics often argue they are not true balconies at all, but rather enclosed spaces with a window that opens. Some consider it a downgrade from the traditional outdoor experience.

At the same time, other cruisers have come around to the concept after adjusting their expectations. Rather than treating it as a replacement for a balcony, they see it as a different type of cabin entirely. Fans of the Infinite Veranda enjoy the added space, comfort and flexibility over being fully outside. 

The Infinite Veranda is significantly more spacious

Because the seating area is integrated into the cabin, an Infinite Veranda provides significantly more usable space. By eliminating the separate outdoor balcony, that square footage is instead incorporated into the stateroom, creating a more spacious interior.

In my experience, I immediately noticed the added space in our cabin. The entire room felt larger and less cramped than any other standard cabin I had experienced. Because the veranda space is part of the cabin, it's like having a second living room space with seating. 

We even used part of the area for extra storage, something that would not be possible with a traditional balcony. You wouldn't want your belongings to be subjected to the outdoor elements, but the Infinite Veranda could easily be used for more storage.

By comparison, our standard balcony stateroom on Celebrity Equinox felt noticeably smaller as soon as we walked in. While I wouldn’t normally describe a standard balcony cabin as cramped, it did feel less spacious than the Infinite Veranda. I hadn’t fully realized how much of a difference that additional space makes.

Even though both were technically balcony staterooms, the traditional layout made the interior feel more compact.

The Infinite Veranda is better for cooler weather

One of the biggest advantages of the Infinite Veranda was being able to use the space regardless of the weather. This became very apparent during our New Zealand sailing, where the weather varied dramatically throughout the itinerary.

In the southern part of the country, we experienced colder temperatures with wind and rain. As we continued north toward Auckland and the Bay of Islands, the climate shifted to warmer, more humid conditions. It was the kind of itinerary where the weather was constantly changing, sometimes even within the same day.

With a traditional balcony, those weather changes would directly impact how often we used the outdoor space. In colder conditions, enjoying the balcony meant bundling up with hats and coats. Once we were in the warmer weather, it was too hot and humid to be outside for extended periods. 

With the Infinite Veranda, those issues pretty much disappeared.

We didn’t have to consider if the weather was good enough to use the balcony. Instead, the Infinite Veranda space was always accessible. Whether it was too cold, too windy, or too warm, we could still sit back and enjoy the floor-to-ceiling windows, often with a light breeze coming through when we chose to open them.

A traditional balcony is less flexible

I didn’t realize how much I appreciated the flexibility of an Infinite Veranda until my South America cruise in a traditional balcony. 

While cruising through Patagonia, we almost always had to bundle up just to step outside. This meant putting on a coat, scarf, and hat just to enjoy the views from our balcony. And this was with relatively good weather for the region. We were actually quite lucky with conditions, which says a lot about how demanding that environment can be!

Because of this, our time spent outside on a traditional balcony felt more intentional and limited. It wasn’t something you did casually or frequently, as it was very cold the minute you stepped outside.

With a traditional balcony design, the views are also fairly obstructed. Between your sliding door, the balcony furniture, and the balcony railing, it's hard to actually see the views. If you don’t physically go outside, you can’t really enjoy the scenery. 

In comparison, the Infinite Veranda has uninterrupted views all the time. We found ourselves using the space throughout the day, from having coffee in the morning to watching the sunset in the evening. 

My husband even watched an entire football game on his laptop while sitting in the Infinite Veranda. Ultimately, it became an extension of the cabin rather than a separate outdoor space that required planning around the weather.

Even on rainy or cooler days, we could sit comfortably inside and still take in the scenery without sacrificing comfort. At times, we would briefly open the window for fresh air, getting the benefit of the ocean breeze without fully exposing ourselves to the elements.

For scenic itineraries like New Zealand or Patagonia, where weather can be unpredictable and constantly changing, this design made the space far more usable. This is also true for warmer climates. In the Caribbean, it’s often too hot for me to actually sit outside and enjoy a traditional balcony.

Privacy was another big advantage of the Infinite Veranda

Another unexpected advantage of the Infinite Veranda was the added sense of privacy.

Because the space is enclosed, it felt quieter and more secluded. We rarely heard our neighbors, aside from the occasional sound of someone opening or closing their window. This was one of the downsides of the Infinite Veranda, as it’s fairly noisy whenever you open or close the window.

On our traditional balcony, the experience was very different. While it was nice being outside, it also felt more public. Noise carried easily between balconies, and I was more aware of nearby passengers.

Anytime we were talking on our balcony, I knew our neighbors could probably hear us. This was especially true during scenic sailing days when almost everyone was outside on their balconies watching the scenery. It made the private balcony feel a little less secluded.

Similarly, I was shocked at the noise from people moving their balcony chairs! 

While staying in the Infinite Veranda, we never heard anyone moving chairs. In contrast, in our traditional balcony cabin, we could hear neighbors dragging furniture almost every morning. It’s something I hadn’t considered before, but it’s definitely a downside of the traditional balcony experience.

If you want to actually be outside, you probably won't like the Infinite Veranda

Despite the benefits, the biggest criticism of the Infinite Veranda is valid, as you’re really not outside. At times, I felt more like a dog sticking its head out the window while looking at the views from our Infinite Veranda. While you still get fresh air, it lacks the full outdoor experience that you get with a traditional balcony.

On the flip side, we had unusually sunny and clear weather while cruising around Cape Horn. We were extremely lucky to have calm seas this day, and we spent most of the day taking in the views. This is something the Infinite Veranda simply can't replicate. If being outside is a top priority, you'll probably prefer a traditional balcony.

Temperature control is another downside of the Infinite Veranda

One downside I noticed in the Infinite Veranda cabin was temperature control.

As we sailed into warmer regions near Auckland and the Bay of Islands, the cabin started to feel noticeably warmer, likely due to the floor-to-ceiling windows. Because of this, we often kept the blinds closed during the day to help manage the temperature.

Additionally, when the window is open, the air conditioning automatically shuts off. As you might imagine, this can make the room feel warm or stuffy.

In contrast, our traditional balcony cabin maintained a more consistent temperature, since the outdoor space is separated by a sliding door. Although the air conditioning will shut off when the sliding door isn’t locked, it didn’t seem to be an issue keeping our cabin at a comfortable temperature.

Which one is better? I prefer the Infinite Veranda

After experiencing both cabin types back-to-back, I found myself preferring the Infinite Veranda.

The added flexibility, larger living space, and ability to enjoy the views in any weather made a noticeable difference throughout our cruise. On scenic itineraries, especially in places like New Zealand and Patagonia, it allowed me to take in the views far more often without having to think about temperature, wind, or rain.

However, a traditional balcony still offers something the Infinite Veranda cannot fully replicate. There is nothing like stepping outside, feeling the salty air, and experiencing the ocean without any barrier. For many cruisers, having an outdoor space is the entire point of booking a balcony in the first place.

But for how I actually use the cabin, the Infinite Veranda made more sense. It truly felt like an extension of the cabin rather than a separate space. Having more space elevated our cabin experience substantially. 

If you’ve been hesitant because of how polarizing these cabins are, I wouldn’t let that scare you away. There are clear pros and cons to both designs, and a lot of it comes down to personal preference.

For me, especially when cruising somewhere scenic, the Infinite Veranda is absolutely worth considering. Ultimately, the better option comes down to how you want to experience your time at sea.

When I get in my cruise ship cabin, the first thing I look to do is prep it to be my temporary home by making important changes.

Not only do these changes personalize the room more, but I think it makes things feel more like I'd want it if it were my bedroom at home.

Because I cruise a lot, I've come up with my routine when I get into my room.  Some of it is personalization, and other aspects are about setting up the rest of the cruise to be as I want it.

Plus, I prefer to get it all done on embarkation day so I can enjoy the rest of the cruise without worrying about needing to still do something.

Here's my list of 16 things everyone should do when they get to their cabin on a cruise.

Make my room colder

Whether I'm in a giant suite or a small inside room, my eye immediately latches onto the thermostat when I first walk in.

It seems every time the cabins are prepped for the next sailing, the thermostats get reset to a neutral setting of hot vs cold, but in my opinion, it's almost always too warm.

Unless it's the middle of winter, I always crank the air conditioning back down to its coldest setting.

Part of why I do this is because cruise ship cabins tend to run hot, especially if you have a balcony or window, because the sun radiates heat in.

Plus, I find it easier to sleep if the room is cold instead of hot. Not to mention it's faster to raise the room temperature than try to cool it down later.

Look around the room for anything that's broken

My next step is to visually inspect my room to verify it's what I expected.

Most of the time, the room is exactly as I imagined, and things are in place and it's how it should be.

I rarely encounter any issues, but if there was one, I'd immediately pick up the stateroom phone and call the maintenance department so they can fix it.

Royal Caribbean has a team of maintenance workers that live on the cruise ship. They can be dispatched to deal with issues, large or small.

Put all of my travel documents, cash, and valuables in the safe

It's a good idea to collect anything valuable and put it in the stateroom safe.

You'll find the safe almost always in your closet, although on some ships it can be located in drawers.

I'll put my wallet, passports, cash, and any jewelry I don't need at the time away in the safe.

This might be a hot take, but I don't know why anyone would carry their wallet around the ship. The ship is cashless (Seapass card pays for everything) and I'll keep my tip money or casino cash in a pocket.  My car keys, driver's license, Macy's charge card, and George Costanza exploding wallet in my safe.

Unpack so I can be done with it

I've tried unpacking and living out of a suitcase, and unpacking feels more like living at home. But it's extra work.

I feel like unpacking all my clothes reduces clutter in the room and it feels more "normal" than just grabbing things from a suitcase. Plus, it's definitely easier to find specific clothing if I unpacked.

There's an impressive amount of storage space in your stateroom. Drawers, closets, and hangers are all available to use and most of the time there is more storage space than I can use.

On older ships, I recommend trying to keep your clothes away from the life jackets that are probably in your closet.  The life jackets have a tendency to smell a little bit, and that odor could get onto nearby clothes.

Hang up dresses, suits, and anything I don't want wrinkled

While I'm unpacking, I'll try to get my formal wear out of my suitcase immediately and onto hangers.

Royal Caribbean has "Dress Your Best" nights, which are better known as "formal nights". 

Plus, there are other themed nights where you might have packed a special outfit for it.

Your closet comes with an assortment of hangers, but if you need more, your stateroom attendant can provide them.

Hide my luggage

With unpacking complete, it's time to get those bags out of the way.

Don't leave luggage in your room or closet. Instead, you can fit it under your bed. 

This cruise tip reduces clutter, takes advantage of under-utilized space, and frees up valuable closet space.

Put decorations on my stateroom door

Another fun cruise trend to adopt is decorating your cabin door.

It might seem silly, but I've found it's a fun way to celebrate being on vacation and sharing part of your personality with others.

You can put up practically anything, but you cannot use any adhesives. Instead, magnets are suitable for arranging things on your door without damaging the door or paint job.

You could put up your names, battery-powered LED lights, a whiteboard, or "I'm on vacation" signs.  Some cruisers get very creating with all of this.

Check out my balcony

Another area to check is the balcony and door to it.

I think if you're in a balcony room, you'll probably instinctively head out to see what it's like anyway, but verify the door opens and closes as you expect.

The top issue I run into is a door that feels like a bank safe to try to open or close. Once you sail, I've had balcony doors have a loud whistling sound.  In either case, a call to maintenance can usually remedy the issue.

Also, there should be two chairs and a table, at the very least. 

If you booked connecting balconies, double check the balcony divider is open, and if it's not, ask your stateroom attendant to open it for you.

Check the power outlets work

Typically there aren't many power outlets in your room, but it's a good idea to verify the outlets all work.

To be honest, I can't think of a time when an outlet didn't work, but better safe than sorry.  I would hate to be getting ready for sleep only to realize I can't charge my phone.

Inspect the bathroom and shower

Perhaps the part of my cruise ship room I've had the most maintenance problems is the bathroom.

Clogged toilets and backed up showers are problems I've run into over the years. The good news is it's not common, and when it does occur, can be fixed quickly.

Here is my checklist for things in the bathroom to look at:

• Verify the toilet flushes
• Verify there is hot water
• Verify the sink works
• Verify the shower door/curtain works
• Verify the shower drains properly

If you have more than 340 points in Royal Caribbean's loyalty program, you're supposed to get upgraded toiletries in the room. 

Meet my stateroom attendant

The crew member you're likely to encounter the most on your cruise is your cabin attendant, and they can be really helpful.

Cabin attendants won't be around when you first get to your room.  They usually start their shift around 3pm, and will go door to door and try to say hello.

When you meet them, they'll ask if everything is acceptable in the room or if you have any preferences. They usually will have you their card with their name and phone number.  I'll stick the card on the vanity so I can easily find it if I need it later.

Besides alerting them to any issues you identified earlier, this is when you'll want to make certain requests:

• If you want your room cleaned in the morning or evening (Junior Suites and higher rooms get twice a day cleaning)
• If you need more towels
• Requests for buckets of ice
• Ask to open balcony dividers or connecting room doors

If you ever have any issues or concerns about your stateroom, this is the crew member to talk to. 

Change the bed configuration

Did you know every bed can be split or combined?

You can specify this ahead of time in your cruise reservation, but perhaps you changed your mind or the request never got fulfilled. Don't worry, you don't have to move any furniture around.

Ask your cabin attendant to make the change.

They can also set up a bed on the couch, or opt to leave it in "bed mode" if you prefer.  

When my kids are using a couch as a bed, they prefer to leave it as a bed because it's better for lounging and ensures if they want a nap, we don't have to track down the cabin attendant.

Read my "cruise mail"

As you enter your room, there should be paperwork on your vanity.  Just like your mail at home, some of it goes right in the garbage, but some of it is important. 

A list of Royal Caribbean benefits you're entitled to as part of Crown and Anchor Society is listed there, which is a good reminder to take advantage of them later. These include discounts on beer, spa treatments, photo packages, and more.

If you booked any shore excursions through the cruise line, your tickets should be in an envelope on your vanity.

You may also find invitations to events, welcome letters, and more.

I'll sift through it all, toss anything I don't need, and then stash the important stuff so I know where it is.

Place drinks in the cooler

Every cabin has a fridge, but it's more of a cooler than a true refrigerator.  Nonetheless, it works great at keeping drinks cold.

Whether you have complimentary beverages from Crown and Anchor Society or brought 12 bottles of water or any non-alcoholic beverage onto the ship, I'll put them in the "fridge" so I can enjoy them later.

Not only do I do this so the drinks are ready, but it clears up space.

Take a nap

With cabins usually ready by 1pm, I'm ready for a quick recharge by this point on embarkation day.

The first day is busy, and there's lots more fun waiting for me in the evening. So a strategic nap in the early afternoon allows me to sleep off my welcome aboard lunch and be refreshed for the rest of the day.

If I do it right, I'm awake and ready for more afternoon fun well before sailaway.

Do the safety drill

I've gotten in the habit of completing the safety drill as soon as I board the ship, but sometimes it doesn't happen.

In case I didn't do it earlier, now is the time to quickly take care of eMuster.

The drill consists of three parts. The first two, watching a lifejacket safety video and listening to the emergency horn, can be done via the Royal Caribbean app. 

You can actually do these two steps even before you're on the ship the morning of embarkation day.  We usually do it on the drive to the cruise terminal.

The final step is to go to your muster station to check-in.  On the back of the cabin door is a sign indicating where your muster station is.  It's also located within the "Safety" section of the Royal Caribbean app.

I recently stayed in a cruise ship cabin I knew was in a location that I recommend avoiding, but I was curious if it would be as bad as people say.

This cabin is located at the very front of the ship, offering a view you don't usually get. However, this room location is notorious for being bad with motion.

I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas, which is one of the newest ships in the fleet.  Some cruise advice is rooted in decades old lore, so I was curious if staying in a cabin all the way forward would be a mistake.

I didn't seek out this room, but it was what was left when I received an offer from the casino loyalty program for a "free cruise".

I decided to give it a try and see if the room's layout and view would make up for any potential issues with noise, movement, or something else.

I stayed in an oceanview cabin at the very front of the ship

My room was cabin 9500, which is at the very front of Utopia of the Seas.

Most cruise ship hallways go from the front to the back of the ship, but when you reach the front of the ship, the hallway turns sideways.

Unlike most oceanview cabins, this one faces forward instead of to the side, offering a view most other cabins don't get.  This is partially why I booked the room.

Plus, it's a large space.  The layout of the cabin adds more living space because the room is angled to the front.

Walking into the stateroom, the layout is typical of most standard rooms on Utopia.  A private bathroom is at one side, with the bed and closet space nearby.

In fact, there is a lot of storage space in these rooms. Frankly, I think the amount of storage space and closet configuration is superior on Oasis Class ships compared to the newer Icon Class ships.

There are two large closets on either side of the bed, with shelves and hangers inside.

Past the bed is a large couch and vanity.

The couch is plenty big, and it faces the large window. I thought it might be perfect for watching the world go by, but the window is angled enough so that you can't see the horizon if you're laying down on it.

The vanity has a mirror, electric outlets, and a chair.  When seated here, you can get a great view outside the window.

The window itself is massive and there's an electric curtain to open or close it.

A sign indicates the window should be closed at night to prevent ambient light from my cabin illuminating outwards and potentially causing trouble for the ship's bridge above.

There's not much to see at night, so that's not a problem.

The switch made it simple to open and close the shade, and the shade did a great job at blocking out the light to keep the room dark for sleeping. I was impressed how dark the room got when the shade was closed.

Since the window is angled, the head space quickly shrinks as you get closer to the window.  

Even though an adult cannot stand up straight right at the window, the room felt quite big and I'm certain a standard oceanview cabin would not have felt nearly as big.

Movement in the room made sleeping difficult

Conventional wisdom says cruise ship cabins at the very front of the ship should be avoided because they tend to have more of a sensation of movement. 

That advice was accurate for my sailing.

As Utopia moved through the ocean, any waves the ship encountered were broken by the front of the ship and the shudder seemed to be worse in my room than elsewhere.

One evening I was in the Mason Jar bar, and I had to go back to my room to get something. I instantly noticed the amount of movement was more noticeable in my room compared to the bar.

Personally, movement doesn't bother me as much because I think it helps me sleep.  A gentle rocking motion isn't so bad for how I like to cruise.

However, someone more sensitive to motion might find it nauseating.

The real problem with this room was when the ship would dock in the early morning hours.

On this 3-night cruise, we visited Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.  On both stops, the ship used its bow thrusters to safely move it alongside the pier.

The problem is those bow thrusters are directly below my room and it felt like an earthquake each time they were used. 

Docking began around 6am or so, and it took about 20-30 minutes to complete the procedure.  This meant I was startled awake by the shuddering and it lasted long enough to make going back to sleep difficult.

I'm not someone to sleep until noon, but I'm also not an early riser. This would be the top reason I wouldn't book this room again.

A room at the front of the ship has a long walk

If I value sleep the most, convenience would be second.

The fact this room is all the way at the front of the ship and this is one of the biggest cruise ships in the world, the distance to walk was substantial.

It really meant that it wasn't quick if I needed to run back to the room for something.  Obviously this is a "first world problem" and I don't expect any sympathy for it.  But I guarantee anyone staying in this room might think twice if they truly need to go back to the cabin because of the distance.

When I've stayed in rooms much closer to elevator or stairs, I don't lament going back to my room as much.

The greater distance to walk is a minor gripe, but something else that added to my experience.

I was surprised how many people prefer this kind of a room

When I shared my experience staying in this cabin on YouTube, more people than I expected commented that they wouldn't mind booking this cabin.

The overarching theme among those that said they would book it seem to be they are early risers and don't sleep past 7am.

"Instead of turning me off of it you sold me on it. I would never close the window shade. I would lay under there at night to watch the stars. I wake up at 6am normally anyways."

"If I wanted to sleep in a hotel, I'd go to a hotel for cheaper and not go on a cruise ship."

"Ship movement doesn't bother me at all. In fact, I try and book as far forward and as high as possible. Love the rockin and rolling!"

Suffice to say, I don't agree with their assessment.  But it goes to show you why online cruise reviews are so subjective, and why you should never use them as a basis of booking a cruise or not.

I won't book this kind of room again

While I thought the view and window were great, I wouldn't book a room at the front of the ship again because of the poor sleep I got.

I can deal with the long walk and the extra movement, but the lack of sleep really bothered me.

It wouldn't be an issue on a sea day, but since Utopia of the Seas only does short 3- and 4-night cruises, it's almost all port days.

Someone posted on my YouTube video this would be a great room for toddlers because of the extra living space. Plus, they're short enough the lower ceiling wouldn't be a factor.

I thought the room itself was great, and I even got to see a SpaceX rocket launch from my window.  There's no denying it's something different and not your typical cruise ship room.

However, I think the advice to avoid cruise ship rooms at the front is still a mistake to avoid.

In the future, I'll stick to a room closer to midship for the convenience and less issues with movement.

Read more: How to choose a cabin

I took four Royal Caribbean cruises in 2025, and I booked an interior cabin for each and every sailing. Although I knew to expect a windowless cabin on every ship, I was surprised at how much these rooms can vary from one ship to another.

Naturally, interior cabins on older ships will be more outdated than those on Royal Caribbean’s newer vessels. Knowing this, I wrongly assumed that a newer cabin would always be the most well-designed.

After sailing on Allure of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, and Star of the Seas, I found things I liked and disliked about each cabin. My room on Anthem of the Seas, for example, featured abundant storage options, whereas my Star of the Seas cabin had the most modern aesthetic.

In order to properly rank these cabins, I judged the rooms in four categories: storage, connectivity, layout, and cost. In addition, I allocated three bonus points for positive features in each room, whether for the bathroom or seating areas.

All prices listed are for two adults in a guarantee inside room, including taxes, fees, and gratuities.

So, after spending four cruises in interior cabins this year, here’s how I’d rank them from best to worst.

Anthem of the Seas

• Storage: 10/10
• Connectivity: 8/10
• Layout: 7/10
• Cost: 4/10 ($210 per person, per night)
• Virtual balcony bonus: +3 points

Total Score: 32/40 (29/40 + 3 bonus points)

In June, I spent a week cruising to Alaska on Anthem of the Seas, and my interior cabin was a cozy place to call home during my time onboard.

Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum Class cruise ship. This is my favorite class of vessels in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. I love the modern decor, ship layout, unique itineraries, and innovative cabins found on Quantum Class ships.

I cruised to Alaska in the peak summer season with a June 20th departure, and I paid $2,937 total for the room. Although I loved the additional hours of sunshine and warmer weather, the price reflected that.

Even with the high price, though, it was still my favorite interior cabin of the year.

Pros:

All interior cabins on Anthem of the Seas feature a virtual balcony, which is a large floor-to-ceiling television screen that projects a live feed of the outdoors during the sailing.

I wouldn’t consider this a balcony replacement, but I still enjoyed being able to “see” the scenery from my inside stateroom.

Read more: Virtual balcony cruise cabin review

Connectivity was great in the cabin, too; there was an outlet on one side of the bed along with outlets at the desk.

As far as storage, there was more than enough space to unpack. The room featured a vanity with five drawers, shelves above the desk, storage cabinets above the bed, and a closet with shelving and hanging space.

The layout also offered plenty of walking space. I shared the cabin with my brother, and we never felt cramped in the room.

Cons:

Aside from the high price, I didn’t have many complaints with my interior cabin. If anything, I wish the room featured a couch instead of a small chair so we had extra seating space.

Some interior cabins on Anthem of the Seas do have a couch, but because I booked a guarantee inside the room, I couldn’t choose my exact cabin location.

Read more: A full photo tour of my Anthem of the Seas inside cabin

Allure of the Seas

• Storage: 8/10
• Connectivity: 4/10
• Layout: 7/10
• Cost: 8/10 ($150 per person, per night)
• Couch bonus: +3 points

Total Score: 30/40 (27/40 + 3 bonus points)

I boarded Allure of the Seas for a 4-night cruise following her amplification in April, and I was excited to see all the new changes and upgrades made to the vessel.

Cabins, however, were not upgraded during the amplification. Allure of the Seas launched in 2009, so I expected my cabin to be somewhat outdated.

I paid $1,260 for the 4-night cruise, bringing the cost to $315 per night for two adults, which included taxes and gratuities. At just over $150 per person per night, I thought the price was fair to sail on a renovated cruise ship.

Pros:

As a whole, I found the room layout optimal. Even though it was the smallest room category on the ship, there was ample room to walk around the cabin.

Storage was abundant as well, although not quite to the same standard as Anthem of the Seas. The vanity was packed with shelves and drawers, and the closet had built-in shelves and space for hanging clothes.

The bathroom was modern, and it also had significant storage space next to the sink.

Finally, I appreciated a bigger couch in the room instead of a small chair, and there was even a small coffee table.

Cons:

Connectivity was severely lacking in the cabin. There were just three outlets on the desk and one in the cabin’s bathroom. I missed having outlets by the bedside, as it makes charging my phone at night more convenient.

Aside from connectivity, the furnishings were in need of a refresh. In particular, the couch’s upholstery was stained and well-worn.

Despite a few faults, I was pleased with my cabin on Allure of the Seas. It offered a great value for sailing on a ship with so much to see and do onboard.

Read more: A full photo tour of my Allure of the Seas inside cabin

Explorer of the Seas

• Storage: 7/10
• Connectivity: 4/10
• Layout: 7/10
• Cost: 8/10 ($154 per person, per night)
• Couch bonus: +3 points

Total Score: 29/40 (26/40 + 3 bonus points)

Explorer of the Seas was the oldest Royal Caribbean ship I sailed on in 2025, having launched in 2000. Knowing this, I expected my cabin to feel outdated, but I was actually pleasantly surprised by the room.

I initially booked my 7-night cruise to Greece with my mom, and we paid $2,149 for the room, or $307 per night ($154 per person). A few months later, however, my dad joined the cabin, raising our total cost to $2,830, or $404 total per night ($135 per person).

Given the dreamy Greek Isles itinerary in May, I thought the price was more than reasonable.

Pros:

I shared my small interior cabin with both of my parents, but it felt spacious enough that we never felt too cramped. With the beds separated, there was significant walking space in the main living area, and I appreciated the couch for extra seating.

The amount of storage space was a nice surprise; we all unpacked without much hassle.

The closet had built-in shelves and hanging space, and the desk had plenty of storage. There were nine drawers below the desk in addition to shelving above the TV and behind the mirror. The cabin’s nightstands also had storage space.

Cons:

I didn’t have any major complaints with my cabin. The number of outlets was limited, but this was to be expected on a 25-year-old cruise ship.

In order to share the cabin with both of my parents, one of us had to sleep in the room’s pullman bed. I certainly didn’t love sleeping on the tiny, thin mattress, but most guests won’t need to use this feature of the room.

Read more: A full photo tour of my Explorer of the Seas inside cabin

Star of the Seas

• Storage: 5/10
• Connectivity: 10/10
• Layout: 4/10
• Cost: 3/10 ($276 per person, per night)
• Bathroom bonus: +3 points

Total Score: 25/40 (22/40 + 3 bonus points)

This might come as a shock, but the “worst” interior cabin I sailed in this year was on Royal Caribbean’s newest cruise ship.

I booked an interior cabin on my 4-night Star of the Seas cruise in August, and paid a whopping $2,210 for two adults. At around $552 per night, it was my most expensive cabin of the year, but still somewhat reasonable for a brand-new cruise ship.

Even though the ship itself was nearly perfect, I found a lot of room for improvement in my cabin.

Pros:

Whereas older cruise ships lack cabin connectivity, Star of the Seas had more than enough outlet options. Strangely enough, there was a charging outlet on only one side of the bed, but there were enough other outlets and USB ports elsewhere in the room.

The room had a clean, sleek aesthetic. Because it was the inaugural sailing, everything was shiny and completely brand new.

I also appreciated the cabin’s extra spacious bathroom, which featured a larger-than-typical shower with a bench seat.

Cons:

Although my cabin was modern in its decor, it lacked storage space, and the layout felt extremely cramped.

The desk lacked the same amount of storage found in my cabins on Allure, Explorer, and Anthem of the Seas. There were just two shallow drawers with an awkward diagonal configuration.

The closet, too, lacked functionality. There were no built-in shelves like I found on other ships, and instead of drawers, the closet had four pullout baskets.

I cruised on Star of the Seas with my mom, and we had trouble unpacking completely with the limited space. She opted to live out of her suitcase in the back corner of the room.

Aside from storage, the cabin’s layout was awkward. A small armchair was crammed between the bed and closet, and the desk’s location was inconvenient, as it was directly in the main walkway at the cabin’s entrance.

My mom and I kept running into each other when going about the cabin.

Read more: A full photo tour of my Star of the Seas inside cabin

Interior cabins differ greatly, so you have to make the cabin work for you

Despite staying in the cheapest, smallest cabins onboard, I enjoyed all of my Royal Caribbean cruises in 2025. The four cabins were far from equal, but I found things to like about each and every one.

If there’s one thing I learned about cabins this year, it’s to always come prepared. Your cabin might have fewer outlets than you expect, so be sure to pack extra USB hubs and long cables to make charging your electronics easier.

Likewise, consider bringing items like magnetic hooks and over-the-door shoe organizers if sailing on a ship with fewer storage options.

Read more: Inside cruise ship cabin hacks you need to try

Overall, even my “worst” interior cabin of the year was still a cozy place to call home during my vacation.

At the end of the day, a cabin is just a small part of your cruise experience, so I wouldn’t necessarily pick one ship over another just because of the cabin features.

Instead, pick a ship or itinerary that interests you the most, and learn to make the cabin work for you and your travel party.

Your cruise cabin quickly becomes your home away from home, but this month, I splurged on decorations to make our cabin feel even cozier for Christmas.

The holiday season is always magical with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and seasonal decor everywhere you look. My husband and I look forward to decorating our house each year for the Christmas season. Once November hits, our home stays festive through January with decorations!

Because we were jetting off to Australia for a 12-night cruise to New Zealand, I decided to stop by my local dollar store to pick up some seasonal decorations for our cabin. It might seem frivolous or unnecessary, but my husband and I are huge fans of the holiday season.

More importantly, we’ve spent multiple Christmases apart over the years because of my husband's military deployments. So, we truly cherish the time we’re able to spend together during the holidays.

I figured the dollar store would have plenty of inexpensive options to bring onboard for decorations, and I was right! Our local Dollar Tree was filled with holiday decor, and I was pleased to find many lightweight, easy-to-hang items that would work perfectly in a cruise cabin. Some items were more than $1.25, and I also purchased other cruise-related essentials to bring along. 

My plan was to bring the decorations aboard, enjoy them for the duration of the cruise, and leave them behind at the end of our trip. Because everything was so affordable, I didn’t mind parting with it at the end of the cruise. But, in the end, I gave our Blu hostess a bag filled with decorations and Christmas goodies for her to enjoy. 

In addition, leaving the decorations behind meant freeing up extra space for shopping on the way home. I love bringing back treasures from my travels, so I knew that space would be put to good use.

Here’s how I spent $40 at the dollar store to decorate our cabin and get into the Christmas spirit during our cruise. 

First, Celebrity Edge was decorated beautifully for the holidays around the ship!

If you’ve ever cruised during the Christmas season, you know cruise lines truly deck out their ships from head to toe in holiday decor. Throughout December, you’ll find beautiful displays, festive garlands, and massive Christmas trees placed all around the ship. It's pretty much impossible to forget that it’s the most wonderful time of the year, even on a cruise ship!

The Grand Atrium on Celebrity Edge was covered in garland and warm, glowing lights when we boarded. I was so excited to see that the decorations were already up when we boarded right after Thanksgiving. 

Walking into the ship immediately felt festive and cozy, which set the tone for the entire cruise, despite the hot Australian heat! It truly felt like we were in the Christmas spirit from the moment we boarded.

In addition, there was a huge Christmas tree in the atrium, decorated with beautiful ornaments and twinkling lights. It quickly became one of our favorite spots onboard. 

The massive Christmas tree made the perfect backdrop for happy hours or after-dinner drinks while enjoying live music in the atrium. I also loved seeing it lit up in the mornings when we stopped by Cafe al Bacio for our daily coffee, making our early mornings feel special and festive.

As the cruise went on, even more holiday displays appeared around the ship. Toward the end of the sailing, a beautiful, over-the-top gingerbread display popped up outside of Eden. The display included intricately detailed gingerbread houses and spectacular Christmas decorations. Almost every passenger walking by stopped to admire the display and take a picture!

We booked an AquaClass Infinite Veranda stateroom for our cruise, which gave us plenty of space to decorate.

For this sailing, we decided to splurge on an Infinite Veranda cabin with AquaClass perks. We booked cabin 9268 on Deck 9 aboard Celebrity Edge, and it turned out to be a great location. Our cabin was quiet and tucked away from heavy foot traffic. In addition, it was conveniently located on the ship so we never felt far from restaurants, lounges, or elevators.

Our stateroom included a couch, vanity, king bed, and the Infinite Veranda space. The bathroom was also surprisingly spacious, and we were impressed by how much extra room the Infinite Veranda added to the cabin. Unlike a traditional balcony, the Infinite Veranda features floor-to-ceiling windows and a small sitting area that blends seamlessly into the living space.

This layout made the entire cabin feel open and more spacious than a standard stateroom. Because the walls are magnetic, I packed my magnetic hooks to hang Christmas decorations and lightweight items around the cabin. 

I also brought a few heavy-duty metal clips from the dollar store for extra flexibility, knowing we’d likely have more to hang on the walls than normal. My husband was surprised these heavy-duty clips were from the dollar store, as he was impressed by the quality. 

I decorated our cabin after unpacking our suitcases and immediately wished I had brought even more decorations.

On embarkation day, I was eager to unpack my belongings and get settled in our stateroom. After unpacking my clothes and feeling organized, we started decorating the cabin for Christmas. 

For decor, I packed tinsel-style Christmas trees to hang around the stateroom. They were simple, but lightweight to pack and festive for our stateroom. Because they weren't expensive, I didn’t worry about them getting damaged. 

I actually purchased even more decorations to pack, but I decided not to bring them since they didn’t fit well in my suitcase. Some decorations already looked bent before packing, so I didn't trust they'd survive the flight to Australia! The tinsel pieces ended up being the easiest and most practical option.

The first thing we added was a large red Christmas bow on our cabin door. I didn’t bring Christmas magnets for the door, although that would have been another easy option. One of our neighbors used magnets on their door, which I thought looked really cute.

We loved having the big red Christmas bow on our door because it made our cabin easy to spot in the hallway. The glittery bow felt festive without being too much. I used a heavy-duty clip from Dollar Tree to hang it, and it stayed in place for all 12 nights without any issues.

Inside the cabin, we placed a small snowman near the entrance, so we were greeted by him every time we came back. Across from it, Edge-class staterooms have a small cubby with a built-in light that usually holds a piece of decorative art. We swapped that out for two small Christmas trees that fit perfectly in the space. With the light above them, they added a nice little holiday touch.

I also brought Christmas window clings to decorate the mirror. They weren’t traditional stickers, which was important because I didn’t want anything that could leave residue or damage the cabin. If you plan to decorate your cruise cabin, it’s always worth double-checking the rules and sticking with removable options.

That said, the window clings didn’t hold up very well. They slowly fell off throughout the cruise, and after putting them back up several times, we eventually gave up and tossed them.

We added two more tinsel Christmas trees to the main wall of the cabin, hanging them with magnetic hooks. Because they were so lightweight, one hook per decoration was enough. If you plan to bring anything heavier, you’ll probably want stronger or extra hooks. I loved waking up each morning and seeing those little Christmas trees on the wall.

When you’re cruising in warm weather, especially during summer in New Zealand, it’s easy to forget that it’s actually Christmas. Having a few simple decorations in the cabin helped it feel cozier and a bit more like home.

I also packed a few other Christmas-themed cruise essentials from the dollar store.

Before every cruise, I make sure to bring a handful of must-have products I rely on. One of my non-negotiables is a bottle of liquid hand soap for the bathroom. I absolutely hate using a bar of soap to wash my hands on a cruise, especially during a longer itinerary. 

Liquid soap just feels cleaner to me, and bars of soap tend to get mushy after a few days. It’s a small upgrade, but it makes a noticeable difference in your cabin experience. 

While shopping at the dollar store, I found an adorable bottle of liquid soap shaped like Santa. It was a fun change from my usual Softsoap and fit right in with the Christmas theme in our cabin. And for $1.25, it was a steal! We ended up using most of the liquid during the cruise and tossed the bottle before disembarkation.

The dollar store is also a great place to pick up self-care items. I like bringing face masks and body scrubs to make evenings in the cabin feel a little more relaxing. Instead of spending a lot at the spa on a facial, I’d much rather do a face mask at night while watching a Christmas movie.

In addition to face masks, I packed these seasonal winter berry shower fizzies for the cabin. They're similar to a bath bomb, but dissolve on the shower floor instead and release a light scent as the steam builds. This is an easy way to make a standard cruise ship shower feel a little more luxurious! I’d use one at the end of the day after dinner, and it was a nice way to wind down before bed.

Similarly, I always stock up on these $1.25 antibacterial wipes from Dollar Tree by Biopure. They come in a pack of 40 and are surprisingly good quality for the price. The small pack is easy to travel with, so I keep it in my bag at all times. I bring them on excursions, to the buffet, to the pool deck—basically everywhere!

My dollar store had some fun seasonal scents that I couldn’t resist. I picked up the sugar plum and cherry pie scents, which were a nice change from the regular wipes! 

I’ve even written a full article about why these wipes are a cruise must-have. For example, these wipes contain aloe and vitamin E, so they don’t dry out my hands like some sanitizers do. Studies have also shown that sanitizing wipes can be more effective than hand sanitizer alone, especially when handwashing isn’t available. 

I was determined to stay healthy on this cruise, and I made it home without getting sick. I honestly credit those wipes for doing their job, and I loved the festive Christmas scent as a bonus.

I loved decorating our cabin for Christmas, and I would do it again!

I didn't plan to decorate the cabin to look over-the-top, but we appreciated having a cozy, festive space that felt like home during our 12 nights aboard Celebrity Edge. Coming back to a festive cabin after a long day in port or a sea day made it feel more personal and relaxed. This truly became our home away from home! 

I liked that everything was inexpensive and easy to pack from the dollar store. I didn't feel bad leaving it behind at the end of the trip. In fact, our hostess at the Blu restaurant was excited to use the decorations for her cabin! The extra space in our suitcase was quickly used for the many different treasures we purchased in New Zealand. 

I spent around $40 on everything at the dollar store, including some other cruise-essentials like toothpaste, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer. While it might seem unnecessary, bringing Christmas decorations brought us extra joy during our cruise without adding stress or clutter. 

If you love the holidays and you're planning to cruise in December, I'd highly recommend adding a few basic decorations to your cabin as an easy way to make the experience feel even more magical.

Cruise ships offer different stateroom categories to accommodate various vacation preferences and travel budgets, ranging from windowless inside cabins to spacious suites. 

Sometimes, however, the cheapest cruise cabin isn't the best. While saving money is always great, the trade-off can affect your onboard experience. For example, a lower-category cruise stateroom typically means less space and no access to natural light.

Before you agree to a downgrade, consider what you might be giving up on your next vacation and whether the cost savings are worth it. Here are 7 reasons the cheapest cruise cabin isn't always the smartest choice. 

No fresh air or natural light

Interior cabins do not have private balconies or windows. As such, they're sometimes referred to as "shoeboxes" or "tombs" because of their compact size and lack of natural light. Some travelers don't mind the setup. Others, however, find the windowless staterooms disorienting and claustrophobic. 

Without a window or balcony, you can't watch the sunrise, step outside for fresh air, or check the current weather conditions. Your stateroom's television will typically have a live feed of the bow or top deck, but it's not a substitute for the benefits of a true verandah or window. 

Plus, if you suffer from motion sickness, being in an interior cabin can make it harder to orient yourself since you can't gaze out at the horizon. 

Limited storage space

Cruise cabins aren't known for being spacious. The lack of storage space, in particular, is a common complaint, especially on older ships. 

While all standard staterooms (i.e., interior, ocean-view, and balconies) provide storage options, the amount varies widely. Since inside cabins are the smallest, they may have limited closets, drawers, and shelving. 

This may not be an issue on a short 3- or 4-night cruise. However, those sailing on longer voyages, such as two-week cruises through the Panama Canal or across the Atlantic Ocean, could find the lack of storage frustrating. 

Read more: I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

Less space to relax

The size of inside cabins on Royal Caribbean cruise ships is inconsistent across the fleet. 

For example, most interior staterooms on Enchantment of the Seas come in at around 136 square feet, while those on Utopia of the Seas measure anywhere from 150 to 170 square feet. 

The smaller the rooms are, the less living space you have. In fact, it's not uncommon for many inside cabins to have limited seating, whereas most ocean-view and balcony staterooms have an extra sofa. 

Privacy is harder to come by

One major downside of inside and ocean-view cabins is the lack of a private verandah. Without a balcony, it's harder to savor private moments watching the passing scenery. On typical Caribbean sailings, this may not be as big an issue. 

However, on scenic cruises to places like Alaska or Norway, you might want your own outdoor space to enjoy glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. 

In fact, it is not uncommon for the top deck to be packed on glacier viewing days. As such, a room with a balcony means you won't have to fight the crowds for a good spot. You can even enjoy room service, complete with freshly brewed hot coffee, from the comfort of your private verandah. 

Basic amenities 

One reason to consider splurging on a suite is the extra benefits. The perks vary but often include upgraded toiletries, plush bedding, priority boarding, extra Crown & Anchor points, and access to exclusive lounges. 

Inside, ocean-view, and balcony rooms cover the basics, offering everything from an ensuite bathroom, daily housekeeping, and a television. However, the added comforts of a suite can make a noticeable difference, especially if you're celebrating a special occasion onboard. 

For example, Sky Class suites within the Royal Suite Class include complimentary VOOM internet; access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; priority boarding; suite lounge access; and more.

Read more: What are the Royal Caribbean suite perks?

Last-minute upgrades are a gamble

RoyalUp is Royal Caribbean’s cabin bidding program that allows passengers to bid on higher stateroom categories before their cruise, with the chance to “win” a better cabin. 

It can be tempting to rely on last-minute upgrades to score a balcony or suite at a lower cost. However, availability varies, and there's no guarantee that your bid will be accepted.

There's less of a chance if your cruise sells out in advance, which is common during peak travel times. As such, you should secure your preferred stateroom when booking to avoid disappointment. 

Guarantee cabins are risky

Finally, the cheapest cruise cabins are guarantee inside staterooms. Rather than selecting your specific cabin at the time of booking, Royal Caribbean will randomly assign a stateroom before sailing based on the remaining inventory.

Although they're a good option for cruisers who want to save money on their fare, you risk being assigned a cabin in an undesirable location, such as near a noisy elevator bank or at the front of the vessel. 

Once the stateroom has been assigned, it cannot be changed. This could be frustrating if you're given, for example, a connecting cabin and don't know the party in the adjoining stateroom. 

Read more: I saved $240 on my cruise by letting Royal Caribbean choose my room, and I'd totally do it again

I've cruised on dozens of Royal Caribbean ships, and it's clear there are a few kinds of cruise rooms that are the better than others.

I've had my fair share of bad staterooms, from noisy cabins near crew access doors to hard-to-find interior staterooms. 

When planning your first Royal Caribbean cruise, it's important to pick the right cabin. Otherwise, you could be kept awake by the late-night thumping of the nightclub or awoken by the anchor dropping in tender ports. 

While the "best" cruise room is determined based on your budget, preferences, and itinerary, there are 5 solid options that rarely disappoint — and one that is almost a bad idea for first-timers. 

Traditional ocean balcony

Balconies are the most popular cruise cabin category, and for good reason. Who wouldn't want to wake up to a front-row view of the ocean or a new port of call, especially on a scenic cruise to places like Alaska and Norway? 

Generally speaking, balcony staterooms offer a great balance of space, amenities, and price. They aren't as cheap as windowless inside staterooms, but they aren't going to break the bank like spacious suites within the Royal Suite Class. 

The newer the ship, the more balcony cabins available. For example, Icon of the Seas has a whopping 1,815 balcony staterooms onboard. 

Be careful, though. Oasis and Icon Class vessels have interior-facing balconies. You don't want to choose a neighborhood balcony if you're dreaming of an ocean view. 

Read more: I stayed in balcony cabins on 5 different cruise ships. Here's how they compared

Midship inside room

An unfortunate reality of cruising is seasickness. Even if you don't think you'll be affected by the ship's rocking, it is smart to come prepared with remedies like Dramamine, Sea-Bands, or even prescription patches from your doctor. 

You never know when you will hit an unexpected storm, and rough seas can make even seasoned travelers feel queasy and dizzy. 

Another pro tip is to book a midship interior stateroom, preferably on a lower deck. Although nothing is ever guaranteed, these cabins often experience the least amount of movement. 

By staying close to the midship, you reduce the swaying sensation felt most in forward and aft cabins, as the middle of the vessel is like an equilibrium point. 

Read more: I always stay in an inside cabin on a cruise ship. Here's why I actually like these rooms

Connecting cabins for families 

While most Royal Caribbean staterooms are designed to accommodate two to four guests, fitting four people into one cabin can feel crowded and uncomfortable. 

As such, many families like to book connecting (or adjoining) staterooms. It's cheaper than splurging on a suite, and it gives everyone more space to unwind and settle in. 

Having two bathrooms is a major perk, too. Instead of rushing to shower after a long day ashore or compete with your teens for vanity space, everyone can get ready at their own pace. 

Connecting cabins come in nearly every stateroom category, from interior to ocean-view, balcony, and suite. There are even some suites that connect to standard cabins for a flexible setup that allows parents to enjoy the suite perks while keeping the kids close by. 

Read more: I booked two cabins for my kids. I'd book the same family travel hack, but there's one thing I'd change

Grand Suite

Royal Caribbean suites come in all shapes and sizes, from Junior Suites (that are essentially large balcony cabins) to the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon and Star of the Seas. Because of this, it can be hard to narrow down the best pick. 

However, if you're looking for a suite with a good variety of perks without splurging on a top-tier room, a Grand Suite is a solid choice. Grand Suites offer more space, upgraded amenities, priority boarding, and access to exclusive areas like suite lounges. 

Even better, guests staying in Grand Suites on Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships can dine at the suite-only Coastal Kitchen restaurant.  

Still, Grand Suites are more expensive than standard cabins. For instance, a Grand Suite on Icon of the Seas' October 3, 2026, sailing starts at $4,905 per person. However, an ocean-view balcony on the same sailing starts at closer to $1,950 per person. 

As such, Grand Suites are smart for first-time cruisers looking to celebrate something special onboard, such as a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, or graduation, rather than the frequent sailor. 

Infinite Balcony

Infinite balconies are controversial. Some love the extra living space, while others miss having a traditional cruise balcony. 

Although nothing comes close to having personal, outdoor space on a cruise ship, there are some pros to these Icon Class-exclusive cabins. First, you get uninterrupted views of the ocean from the massive floor-to-ceiling window. 

Another big advantage is the extra indoor living space. This is a perk in the Caribbean, when it is sometimes too warm to take advantage of the balcony. On extremely hot or humid days, you won’t lose usable cabin space that might otherwise remain unused.

Finally, infinite balconies are more private, as they don't share thin dividers with neighboring cabins. Since the balcony area is enclosed within your stateroom, it's practically impossible for other guests to peek into your space or hear your conversations. 

First-time cruisers should avoid guarantee cabins

Guarantee (or GTY) cabins might seem appealing because of the cost. 

For a cheaper rate, you give up the ability to select your stateroom, allowing Royal Caribbean to randomly assign your cabin closer to your sailing date. You won't be given a room lower than the category you booked. Beyond that, however, the exact location is up to Royal Caribbean. 

It's a risky gamble. For example, if you choose a guarantee balcony, you could end up with an obstructed view room. On the flip side, those worried about motion sickness could be assigned a cabin at the front of the ship, where you're more likely to feel the vessel's movement.

While some guests have gotten lucky with the random upgrade or perfect cabin location, there's a lot of uncertainty when reserving a guarantee stateroom. 

As such, it is best to avoid guarantee cabins on your first cruise.