Discover the best cabins on a cruise ship for families. Learn whether front, mid or aft is best, what inside and outside cabins are, and which cabin type suits your holiday.
Choosing the right cabin is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when booking a cruise. While every cabin gives you access to the same fantastic restaurants, entertainment and destinations, where your cabin is located can have a big impact on your overall holiday experience.
Should you stay at the front, in the middle or at the back of the ship? Is an inside cabin enough, or is it worth upgrading to an ocean-view or balcony cabin?
If you’ve ever searched for the best cabins on a cruise ship, you’re certainly not alone. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about cruise ship cabin types, the pros and cons of different locations, and which options are best suited to families.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The best cabin often depends on the type of ship you’re sailing on, so start by reading our guide to finding the right-sized ship for your holiday.
If you’re travelling with young children, being close to family facilities may be more important than having the biggest balcony. If you’re looking for value for money, an inside cabin could be ideal. Meanwhile, couples or larger families may appreciate the extra space offered by a balcony or suite.
Before deciding where your cabin should be, it’s worth understanding the different cabin categories available with the various cruise lines.
If you’re wondering what is an inside cabin on a cruise ship, it’s exactly what the name suggests – a cabin located on the inside of the ship with no window or balcony.
Inside cabins are usually the most affordable accommodation available and offer excellent value for money. They’re ideal if you plan to spend most of your holiday exploring the ship, relaxing by the pool or heading ashore, rather than spending lots of time in your cabin.
Many guests also enjoy how dark inside cabins become at night, making them perfect for a restful night’s sleep after a busy day.
An outside cabin, also known as an ocean view cabin, includes a window or porthole overlooking the sea.
If you’re asking what an outside cabin on a cruise ship is, think of it as the next step up from an inside cabin. You’ll benefit from natural daylight and changing ocean views without paying the premium for a private balcony.
For many families, ocean-view cabins strike an excellent balance between comfort and value.
Balcony cabins are among the most popular choices on modern cruise ships, and it’s easy to see why.
Your own private outdoor space provides somewhere to enjoy breakfast while watching the sunrise, unwind with a drink after dinner or simply take in the sea views whenever you like.
Families often appreciate having a balcony where parents can relax once younger children have gone to sleep, while couples enjoy the added sense of space and privacy.
If you’re travelling with children on a family cruise, it’s worth looking beyond standard cabins.
Many cruise lines offer dedicated family cabins with additional sofa beds, Pullman beds or interconnecting rooms, making them much more practical than squeezing everyone into a standard cabin.
For larger groups or multi-generational holidays, family suites provide extra living space, larger bathrooms and additional sleeping areas, helping everyone spread out and relax.
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Once you’ve chosen your cabin type, the next decision is where on the ship you’d like to stay.
Each location offers its own advantages.
For many families, mid-ship is the sweet spot. Cabins located in the centre of the ship tend to experience the least movement, making them a popular choice for anyone worried about seasickness. They’re also conveniently positioned for getting around, meaning restaurants, theatres, pools and children’s clubs are all within easy reach.
If you’re cruising for the first time, a mid-ship cabin is often a safe bet.
Cabins at the front of the ship often enjoy fantastic views as you sail into new destinations. They can be a great choice for guests who enjoy watching arrivals and departures, although they may experience slightly more movement than mid-ship cabins, particularly in rougher seas.
On larger ships, they’re also worth considering if you don’t mind a little extra walking.
Many seasoned cruisers actively seek out aft cabins, located at the back of the ship.
So, are aft cabins on cruise ships good?
For many guests, they’re among the most desirable cabins on board.
Aft-facing balcony cabins often offer larger outdoor spaces and uninterrupted views of the ship’s wake, creating a peaceful setting that’s perfect for relaxing throughout the day.
Some guests may notice a little more vibration when the ship is manoeuvring into or out of port, but this is usually minimal and rarely affects the overall experience.
If you’re wondering are cabins at the back of a cruise ship good, the answer is yes – particularly if you enjoy spending time on your balcony.
The panoramic views and quieter atmosphere make aft cabins particularly popular with experienced cruisers. The only trade-off is that they can be a longer walk to facilities located towards the front or centre of the ship.
For most families, a mid-ship cabin surrounded by other accommodation offers the best combination of comfort and convenience.
These cabins are typically quieter than those located beneath busy public areas such as the pool deck or theatre, while also providing easy access to lifts, restaurants and family-friendly facilities.
If you’re travelling with younger children, it’s always worth checking the ship’s deck plan before booking to avoid cabins directly below entertainment venues or above late-night bars.
Choosing the right cabin isn’t just about location. It’s also worth considering how much time you expect to spend in your room, whether you’d make use of a balcony and how important natural light is to you.
Some travellers are perfectly happy with an inside cabin if it means spending more on shore excursions or dining experiences, while others see their cabin as an important part of the holiday itself.
Taking a few minutes to study the ship’s deck plan before booking can also help you avoid noisy locations and find the cabin that best suits your needs.
The best cabins on a cruise ship are the ones that match the way you like to travel.
Whether you’re looking for excellent value in an inside cabin, the natural light of an ocean view, a spacious balcony or a family-friendly suite, choosing the right location can make all the difference to your holiday.
Explore our range of cruises and discover the ship, cabin and itinerary that’s right for you.
