Travel In Style: Best Rooms On A Cruise Ship

Get the Room You Need at the Price You Want

By Mary Luz Mejia | Published on September 12, 2023

Cruise vacations are ideal because they make planning so easy. Your accommodations, dining, transportation, itinerary and more are taken care of for you, so you just need to hop onboard and relax. One thing that can make cruising even better is booking the perfect stateroom to make you and your family feel right at home, at sea.

This handy guide gives you the scoop on the best rooms on a cruise ship, from budget-friendly options and stunning ocean view staterooms to spacious villas designed for bigger groups and even kid-friendly suites. When you're sailing the high seas, enjoying where you stay plays a big part in the memory-making good times.

Fit For The Whole Family

When you've got extended family traveling with you, consider the memory-making fun you can have in a Villa Suite that's chock-full of amenities. Designed to accommodate up to 14 people, this is one of the most spacious and best suites available onboard the Oasis and Quantum Class Fleets. These four-bedroom suites are equipped with two master bedrooms and bathrooms, bedrooms with twin beds that sleep four people, two pullman beds and a pull-out sofa bed in the living room.

You can dine in your own private dining area (including a terrace dining table that seats 12!) with a wet bar, chill in the whirlpool located on the 400 square foot balcony, and unwind while at sea — literally in the lap of luxury.

A cruise ship interior room is great if you're conscious of your budget and are one to experience sea sickness. Interior cabins range from 180-270 square feet, offer good storage and do not have windows (which is perfect if you need absolute darkness to sleep well or enjoy a nice mid-afternoon nap). To brighten up these cabins, select Royal Caribbean ships include innovative virtual balconies. These are floor-to-ceiling, 80-inch, high-definition screens that give you a real-time glimpse into the magnificent views outside. Traveling in a group? Don't forget to ask for connecting rooms to accommodate the whole fam!

If your particular ship has a promenade, I recommend trying to snag an inside cabin with a promenade view for a little extra. If you're planning to just use your stateroom to sleep, shower and change, this affordable option is a good way to get your cruising feet wet! This stateroom puts you right in the center of it all, with a great view overlooking any onboard events, such as parades. Keep in mind that these rooms usually offer two twin beds that can turn into a queen-sized bed, a sofa or pullman bed (that tucks away when not in use) for one or two extra passengers, plus a TV and desk set up.

Family-favored suites are so sweet, your kids might never want to leave! There are many suite options to help you feel right at home, so you can travel in comfort. The best part of a suite stateroom is that you can opt for two full bedrooms, giving parents a chance to unwind in the comfort of their own lounge as they watch the sun set from a panoramic window and cozy sofa. Ocean View and Grand Suites are available for families, the latter offering you reserved dinner seating, onboard shows for the whole family, roomy staterooms plus a private balcony.

Others may prefer the option of luxury on a budget and choose a Royal Caribbean Junior Suite. These usually feature approximately 290 square feet of space, fitting two twin beds that convert to a Royal King, a sitting area with a sofa bed, a personal balcony with a sun lounger, a bathroom that includes a full-sized tub and a walk-in closet. Pillow-topped mattresses, premium toiletries and complimentary dinners at Coastal Kitchen also make this a draw for families who want the good life without breaking the bank.

Currently offered on Spectrum of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas, the Ultimate Family Suite is among the best family accommodations in cruising. Ideal for larger families with younger kids, these multiroom, multileveled colorful playhouse-style suites appeal to the young and young at heart. Experience fun additions such as the indoor slide, ping pong and air hockey tables, or settle into movie night in your en suite cinema after a full day at sea. Cheery pops of color, a private cabin hot tub, a stylish master suite for parents and plenty of rooms for the kids means these suites sleep up to eight passengers in approximately 1,100 square feet of fun!

Passengers have access to the skilled services of the Royal Genie concierge, complimentary beverages, specialty dining packages, free VOOM internet access and all-access VIP cruise options.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse onboard Icon of the Seas will be a first at sea. Featuring a 1,772-square-foot, three-level townhouse that can accommodate eight passengers, it's ideal for large families with young children and teens. It's got all the bells and whistles of the Ultimate Family Suite, except in a larger space that also includes a private theater room, ping pong table, slide, life-sized Connect-Four, a complete video game system, table tennis and jacuzzi on your own private balcony and more! Bonus: Your Royal Genie concierge does all the heavy lifting, so you don't have to!