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Everything to Know About Cruise Cabin Bathrooms

What’s one place where you might spend a time on a cruise ship, yet no one talks about it? That’s right. The bathroom.

Every cabin has a bathroom built into the room, just like you would see in a hotel room. However, as you would expect, everything that you need comes at a much smaller scale.

Your cruise ship bathroom will have a commode (obviously), sink, counter space, storage, and a stand-up shower. Most showers also include a small clothesline for drying swimsuits.

To give you an idea of what you can expect, we’ve included a number of pictures of different cabin bathrooms below.

How large is the average bathroom on a cruise ship?

Including all the space — including the area taken up by cabinets, counters, and the shower — a typical bathroom is around 25-30 square feet. Considering everything in the room, however, the usable space is considerably smaller.

You’ll often have a small sink with about 2-3 feet of counter space surrounding it. The shower is stand-up only (no bathtubs in most rooms!), with enough room to turn around, but often not enough to bend over. So if you need to scrub your feet or shave your legs, you could have some difficulty.

There’s no argument that the typical cruise bathroom is small. It’s not large enough, for example, for two people to get ready for the day at the same time. If you rent a nice room such as a suite, then you can expect more bathroom space. 

Are there electrical plugs in the bathroom?

You might have heard rumors that there aren’t many electrical outlets in a cruise cabin. It’s true, and one reason we suggest people bring along an outlet adapter to give you more plugs.

The same limited outlet space applies to bathrooms, too. In fact, we have been in cabins where there isn’t an outlet available. If you need to do things like use a curler or a flat-iron, you have to do so near the outlet in the main part of the cabin.

Other bathrooms do have outlets, but you need to search for them. They typically aren’t near the counter where you would expect. Often they are overheard, built into the light.

Is there a vent for odors?

Many of us are used to having a switch-operated vent in our bathroom to remove smells and also provide some white noise. Unfortunately, cruise ships don’t have this sort of vent. Instead, there is a small vent that moves air constantly but there’s no control for it. 

That’s why it’s a good thing to travel with a companion that you are comfortable with. These vents don’t do much so whoever else is in the cabin will hear — and smell — anything that goes on on the bathroom.

If you are self-conscious, you can always run some water or turn up the TV to drown out some of the noise. As for smells, those with a balcony can open the door to let in some fresh air or bring along some air freshener. We’ve heard good things about Poo-pourri, a spray that you put into the toilet before you go . The spray forms a layer over the water, helping to keep smells from escaping.

How big is the shower on a cruise?

First things first, if you’re expecting a bathtub, then don’t be surprised. The vast majority of cruise bathrooms come with only a stand-up shower. Some high-end suites do have bathtubs, but you’ll have to pay up for that sort of luxury.

Instead, you’ll have a shower (often round) that’s just a couple of feet wide. If you raise your arms to the side of your body, your elbows will likely hit the sides of the shower. That can make things a challenge to clean yourself. This is especially if you are a little bit bigger or if you have to bend over a lot to shave your legs, etc.

The good news? There is still plenty of room to turn around and you can expect your shower will be a mounted spray wand with a hose attached. That way, you can just take down the wand and use it to spray wherever you need, instead of trying to contort yourself in a tiny shower.

Do cruise bathrooms have a clothesline?

One feature you’ll notice inside of the shower is a round cylinder attached to the wall. This is the clothesline. Simply pull the catch in the middle out and attach it to the holder on the other side of the shower. 

Here you can hang a couple of swimsuits. One thing to know is that given the lack of air movement, it takes a long time for things to dry here. Instead, it is more of a spot just to store wet clothes instead of actually drying them out. 

Can I drink the water from the bathroom faucet?

When you cruise, getting a drink of water is surprisingly difficult. There aren’t water fountains on ships. If you want a drink, you’ll need to head to the buffet or a bar. Another smart move is order bottles of water to be delivered to your room so there’s always something to drink.

But what about drinking from the bathroom faucet? Yes, you can do it. In fact, there are normally glasses in the bathroom. To be honest, we prefer having water from elsewhere but in a pinch, have drank from the tap.

Is there a hair dryer?

Your cabin will come with a hair dryer, so that’s one less thing you have to pack. But you should know it won’t be in the bathroom. Cruise cabins typically have hair dryers that are in the drawer of the vanity in the main part of the cabin. The dryers are “built-in” so they don’t take up any plug space. You just have to dry your hair in this spot instead of the bathroom.

Other things to know about cruise bathrooms

The toilet paper is thin . As you might expect, most mass market cruise lines save money by using extremely thin toilet tissue. If you have a sensitive tush, you can always bring your own paper (just don’t flush it as it may not work well with the ship’s waste system).

The commode flushes differently . Used to a regular toilet where the water spins? Toilets on cruise ships are more like the “airplane” style that use less water and have a strong “whoosh” when you press the button to flush. If you use the bathroom in the middle of the night, you will likely wake up your cabin mate when you flush.

Remember that you can fog up an entire cabin with steamy showers . Like long hot showers? With little venting in the bathroom, there is nowhere for all that steam and humidity to go. You run the risk of making the entire cabin feel damp for hours afterward. Keep the showers short or not as hot and steamy.

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Bathrooms on Cruise Ships: What You’ll Really Want To Know Now

By: Author David Chapman

Posted on Last updated: November 5, 2023

Categories Amenities , Health & Safety , LEARN , ONBOARD EXPERIENCE

For those of you about to enjoy your first sea cruise, the details of the bathroom in your cabin may be the last thing on your mind. The weather, the onboard entertainment, and the fun amenities on offer are far more important factors to consider as you embark on your adventure.

While even the smallest cabin will have its own private bathroom, it won’t be as user-friendly as your en-suite bathroom at home, so we’d like to fill you in on what you need to know about bathrooms on cruise ships.

An Overview Of What You Need To Know About Bathrooms On Cruise Ships

Unless you’ve booked a suite, the average cabin on a cruise ship is small. Inside cabins run about 167 square feet on average, while outer cabins average a little more, at 180 square feet. That doesn’t leave much space for a bathroom – and in fact, “bathroom” is a misnomer because usually there’s no actual bathtub. Most cabins will have just a curtained-off shower, a toilet, and a basin.

If you’re a large person or just hate the thought of a tiny bathroom, you would be well advised to book a suite-class cabin rather than a regular stateroom , some of which have full bathrooms. Suites generally are more spacious, offering a greater level of comfort. You’ll pay for the privilege of having more space, but it may well be worth it.

Typical Sizes Of Cruise Ship Bathrooms 

The average size of bathrooms on cruise ships is 25 to 30 square feet, which includes the shower, toilet, washbasin cabinet, and storage space. If you deduct the ten square feet for the shower, three or four square feet for the basin, and four or five square feet for the toilet, it leaves very little space for a person and certainly not enough for two.  

Disney Cruise Line cabins mostly have split bathrooms, with a commode room separate from the shower room. However, the combined size is still around thirty square feet, so both rooms are tiny. It is handy to have a separate toilet, but many people prefer the combined bathroom as it is just a bit more spacious.

What you need to know about bathrooms on cruise ships is most ships have accessible cabins designed for easy wheelchair movement, and the bathrooms in these cabins are much more spacious. The cruise line will gladly accommodate you if you have a medical certificate confirming your disability. For able-bodied cruisers, it may be worth enquiring about the availability of an accessible cabin. If they haven’t been allocated, you may be lucky enough to get one. 

Typical Amenities Inside Cruise Bathrooms

Bathrooms on cruise ships are not luxurious, but they are efficient units. Apart from the standard bathroom fittings of shower, toilet, and basin, the typical cruise bathroom will provide you with most items you’d find in a hotel bathroom or at home. 

Hygiene Products

What you need to know about bathrooms on cruise ships is they will all have liquid soap and shampoo , usually in wall-mounted dispensers, for convenience and space-saving. Most cruise lines also have basic hygiene products in the bathroom, including body lotion, and body wash. Sometimes the body wash will double as shampoo.

Bath towels, wash clothes and hand towels are provided by the cruise line for personal use in your cabin. Your bathroom towels will be refreshed several times throughout the day as needed.

Shower Vs. Tub

In a typical cabin, there will be a curtained shower section, but there are tubs in most suites if you are prepared to upgrade. Also, some suite class staterooms will have a second powder room in addition to a bathroom.

On Disney Cruise ships , the bathrooms have a separate toilet section and the other half contains either a shower or a small tub.

Electrical Outlets

Most bathrooms have outlets, although they may be awkwardly located near the light. However, because they are wired for low amperage, you can’t use a hairdryer or flatiron (anything in fact with a heating element) from this outlet. (Note: Although you will typically find a hair dryer in your cabin , you will not find a travel iron .)

The outlets in the cabin are suitable for those appliances but don’t plug in anything but your shaver in the bathroom.

If you have chargers, a fan, a hairdryer, and other electrical appliances, take an outlet extender so that you are able to make better use of the limited number of outlets.

Storage 

Unfortunately, in such a small space, there is only enough storage for the essentials. There are short shelves on each side of the mirror to carry toothbrushes, a few toiletries, a countertop, and possibly a cabinet under the basin.

You may well have additional hygiene products that you use daily. If you want extra storage space in your cruise ship bathroom, a popular cruise cabin hack is to bring an over-the-door shoe organizer.

Cruise Ship Toilets And Water

It’s pretty ingenious how modern engineering has solved the problem of dealing with the “black water” from toilets and the “gray water” from showers and basins in bathrooms on cruise ships. 

• The waste matter (to use a  polite term) from the toilet is not flushed away with water but drawn out by suction and sent to the ship’s inboard treatment plant .
• At the treatment plant, it is filtered to remove any objects that cannot be treated and then aerated to speed up the biodegrading process.
•  After this, it is sent to a settling tank to remove any undissolved solids before the water is sterilized using UV light. Once sterilized, it is returned to the ocean.  

Most of the water on board is drawn from the sea and then put through an onboard desalination process, which involves either reverse osmosis or evaporation to produce clean, potable water for use in showers, laundries, and the kitchen.

 Some water is also brought on board and stored. The desalinated water is treated further by a process known as mineralization before being made available for drinking.

Cruise Toilet Vs. Airplane Toilet

The toilet area in a cruise ship bathroom is very much the same size as you’ll find on an aircraft – just big enough! Both have a vacuum flushing system , but on an airplane, there is a liquid chemical that is used in the flushing process. On a cruise ship where there are far more people , and they’re on board for days rather than hours, no water is used to flush the toilet as it is a scarce commodity.

Other Cruise Ship Bathroom Facts

Are There Public Bathrooms On Cruise Ships?

Yes, you’ll find numerous restrooms and toilets on all cruise ships as passengers can’t be expected to run to their cabins every time nature calls

Where Are They Located?

• There are restrooms near the restaurants, bars, and entertainment areas on board, and the toilets are small but very usable.
• The locker rooms at the gym or spa also have shower facilities, some of which are much bigger than your cabin bathroom.   

Making The Best Use Of Your Cruise Ship Bathroom

While it’s not going to be as comfortable as home, there are several things you can do to make your cruise bathroom work for you. Because the bathrooms on cruise ships are so tiny, only essential items should be included in your luggage so that you can avoid unnecessary and annoying clutter.

What To Bring

• While some products are supplied in bathrooms on cruise ships, you will undoubtedly want to bring some toiletries with you. The way to do this is to bring only what you need for your time on board, using small plastic dispensers or bottles that can be reliably sealed.
• Bring additional means of storage. A good tip we’ve seen is to use a hanging shoe organizer , one with numerous pockets that hangs over a door, to store your everyday bathroom toiletries, jewelry, medication, toothbrush, etc., that would otherwise clutter up the limited shelf space. You can also bring suction or magnetic hooks (yes, the cabin walls are magnetic!) to carry light clothing items, towels, and facecloths while drying.  

Check out our recommendations to make every aspect of your cruise more comfortable!

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• Pack an air freshener . The extractor in a bathroom is only designed to remove twenty percent of the air every hour, so it’s not going to eliminate the smells that will inevitably make the tiny bathroom a no-go zone. A good air freshener sprayed before the time will work, as will a hanging car fresh-air dispenser that you can hang up in the cabin.  
• Depending on how long you will be on board, you may need to do some laundry on your cruise in the bathroom basin or shower. Take some detergent sink-packs with you for this purpose, and possibly a portable clothesline that you can hang in the shower (check with your cruise line if this is supplied).
• A trip to the bathroom in the middle of the night can be hazardous if you don’t turn on the light. Consider packing a small glow lamp or night light to avoid disturbing the rest of your cabin.
• This one is for parents who are cruising with babies – if you’re confident enough to take a cruise with an infant, pack a very small inflatable pool , which will fit in the shower and allow you to bath baby and then stow it away (the bath that is, not the baby).
• Because irons and steamers are not allowed on board because of fire risk, pack an anti-wrinkle spray to use before hanging your item of clothing in the shower, where steam will also help to remove creases.    

What To Leave At Home

• There’s no reason to pack towels -they are supplied by the cruise line and changed daily and sometimes even twice daily. Beach towels to use at the pool are provided on request and need to be returned after use.
• Hairdryers are supplied by the cruise line, so don’t pack yours. Although the electrical points in the bathroom are not suitable for hairdryers (the wattage is too low), they can be used in the cabin.
• Soap and shampoo are always supplied , so unless you have a brand that you find irreplaceable, don’t pack these items. Body lotion, shower gel, and conditioner are also in the bathrooms of most cruise liners, but to be safe, check with the line when booking your vacation.  

Closing Thoughts

Now that we’ve explained what you need to know about bathrooms on cruise ships, you can prepare for your cruise accordingly. Following these guidelines will make it much easier to get the best out of the bathroom facilities and give you more time and greater opportunities to enjoy the more entertaining aspects of your cruise!

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Overboard Bathrooms: The Best at Sea

By Heidi Sarna

We can't live without 'em of course, and the cruise lines of the world seem to realize just how important bathrooms are, sinking time and money into designing user friendly, attractive loos.

And that's no small feat. There are upwards of 1,500 to 2,000-plus bathrooms on today's largest mega ships when you include both cabin and public facilities.

Though cabin bathrooms are generally pre-fab units built off-site and plunked into each stateroom at the shipyard, that doesn't mean they're boring little utilitarian boxes. The best are outfitted with stylish finishings like ceramic tile, stone, solid wood, and veneers.

"Even for something as mundane as bathrooms, we spent a lot of time on the details," says Bob Holland, vice president of Resort Development for Walt Disney Imagineering, about the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic.

They may be the smallest rooms on a ship, but there are big issues that must be figured into their design, from weight factors that impact the size of bathtubs and how much stone can be used to considerations of maintenance and the strategic location in heavily-used public areas.

"The bathroom is a very important space in any cruise ship," echos Executive Architect Gunnar Aaserud of Petter Yran and Bjorn Storbraaten Architects of Oslo, the designer of numerous cruise ship bathrooms.

Disney Magic and Wonder (Disney Cruise Line, 888/DCL-2500 ; www.disneycruise.com )

"The Disney Cruise Line ships were built with families in mind. This prompted us to develop a split bathroom design which allows multiple members of the families to get ready at same time with added space," says Ozer Balli, vice president of Hotel Operations for Disney Cruise Line. One room has a toilet and sink, and the other a shower/tub combo and a sink; both offer storage space. "We wanted to make sure the same level of quality details we have in the rest of the ship is brought into the bathroom as well," says Disney's Holland, who adds they use real ceramic tile on the walls and floors. The bathroom d¿cor matches the rest of the stateroom, from the Mickey Mouse head cut-outs in the lighting fixtures, to the faux wood, rope detailing, and embossed doors. No standard ho-hum cans for these ships!

Norwegian Dawn (Norwegian Cruise Line, tel. 800/327-7030 ; www.ncl.com )

The pair of gigantic three-bedroom Garden Villa suites on deck 14 features truly stunning ocean view bathrooms with a whirlpool tub and separate shower. The focal point of the ultra-stylish interior is the signature-piece vanity, which features glass sinks seemingly floating above chromed metal pillars, a design created by Sweden-based Tillberg Design. Other high-end touches include solid Cherry wood window blinds and cherry laminate cabinetry and wall panels. And who can argue with the yummy L'Occitane toiletries?

Silver Whisper and Silver Shadow (Silversea Cruises, tel. 877/760-9052 ; www.silversea.com )

Supremely elegant to match the staterooms they're attached to on these suite-only ships, the bathrooms are ultra spacious and offer a separate glass shower stall as well as full sized tub. A long vanity with double sinks completes the picture. You'll want to spend hours here admiring the cherry wood and generous use of granite. Cushy extras include Frette bathrobes and Aqua di Parma toiletries.

Seven Seas Navigator and Voyager (Regent Seven Seas, tel. 800/285-1835 ; www.rssc.com )

The stateroom bathrooms on the all-suite Voyager and Navigator are very similar to the Silver Shadow and Whisper , offering the same great extra-long bathtub, separate shower stall design and overall luxury and spaciousness. The toiletries are from Aveda.

Volendam and Zaandam (Holland America, tel. 877/724-5425 ; www.hollandamerica.com )

Pretty in pink, these spacious powder rooms boast ocean views and are strategically located just outside of the main dining room, on the Upper Promenade deck. Four vanity tables have large mirrors and stools upholstered in buttery-soft pink leather. Underfoot is rose-colored carpeting. In explaining the inspiration for their design, architect Frans Dingemans said he wanted to give passengers a taste of the luxuries first-class passengers enjoyed on classic liners of years gone by.

Voyager of the Seas (Royal Caribbean, tel. 800/327-6700 ; www.royalcaribbean.com )

Among the most talked about cruise ship bathrooms may be one of the public men's rooms on Voyager of the Seas , located just outside of the Windjammer/Island Grill restaurant on deck 11. Not only does it offer sweeping ocean views from floor to ceiling windows, but the forest-green marble urinal bank is certainly unique. (Ladies have been known to sneak in just to have a peak!) Hosting several users at one once, this urinal-cum-object-de-art houses a planter up top and a soothing waterfall, creating a most civilized pit-stop. Fella's -- who knew relieving yourselves could be such a classy experience.

Pride of America (Norwegian Cruise Line, tel. 800/327-7030 ; www.ncl.com )

Offering comic relief for users as well as functionality, all the ship's public men's rooms sport goofy cartoons right above the urinals. "We wanted to do something more fun than you see in hotels and resorts, something that people could chat about," says Trevor Young, vice president of Hotel Newbuilding and Refurbishment for NCL. "We decided to do something comical and offer a little bit of clean toilet humour." Badum ching. NCL commissioned a cartoonist and digitally printed the images right onto the charcoal-black ceramic wall tiles. The rest of the funky bathroom features bright lipstick-red basins and toilet seats, and lots of mirrors and chrome moulding. Where's the disco ball?

Norwegian Jewel (Norwegian Cruise Line, tel. 800/327-7030 ; www.ncl.com )

The ship's 10 Courtyard Villas were big news when this new ship debuted last year. They share a private sun deck plus a courtyard, complete with a pool, hot tub, shaded sunbeds and even a small gym. Each villa has it own impressive bathroom with sweeping ocean views. In these spaces reside a whirlpool tub, separate shower, and vanity with double sinks. Rosewood veneers on doors and walls along with polished ceramic-like tiles create a luxurious feeling, along with the L'Occitane products. With these loos, who needs to ever venture out to the rest of the ship!

Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf (Windstar Cruises, tel. 800/258-7245 ; www.windstarcruises.com )

How refreshing, bathrooms that look like they actually belong on ship! Each of the cabins on these stylish yachts have teak-decked, nautical-style bathrooms that are not only attractive, but among the most functional at sea. Though very compact, the smart layout features three circular spaces, one occupying the shower; another, the toilet; and the middle, a mirror and vanity stocked with -- you guessed it -- L'Occitane toiletries. "Within the limited space, it is probably the best design ever conceived from an aesthetic point of view as well as from the practical point of view: comfort of the passengers and maintenance," says Jean-Claude Potier, owner of the original company, Windstar Sail Cruises. Couldn't have said it better myself!

Sea Cloud (Sea Cloud Cruises, tel. 888/732-2568 ; www.seacloud.com )

The Sea Cloud was built in 1931 as the Hussar by E.F. Hutton for his wealthy socialite wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post. The heiress spared no expense to decorate the four-masted barque and spent two years filling the ship's interiors with antiques, French Provencal furnishings, and marble and gold-plated fixtures. The bathroom in Post's exquisite personal suite, Owner's Suite No. 1, is covered in white Italian Carrera marble. The marble sink has gold-plated faucets in the shape of swans and gold inlay around the sink's edges. And it doesn't end there. Check out the gold foil swirls in the white-painted wood panelling covering the upper part of the bathroom walls. "When Marjorie Merriweather Post was building the ship she insisted that all of the fixtures be gold, as she believed gold was easier to clean than brass," says company spokesman Michael Mcintosh. Now, do we really think Post ever cleaned a thing in her life?

Questions or comments about this article? Check out our Cruise Message Boards .

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12 Genius Cruise Ship Bathroom Hacks and Organization Tips

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Cruise Bathroom Organization Tips and Useful Accessories

If cruise cabins are small, then cruise ship bathrooms are even smaller! Unless you’re cruising in a suite, you’ll find that your cabin is smaller and “cozier” than a hotel room.

For this reason, you’ll want to keep your cruise cabin bathroom well organized. In this post, I’ll share some awesome cruise bathroom hacks and organization tips, as well as the best cruise travel accessories to bring on your cruise.

I’ll also include a cruise toiletry packing list at the bottom of this post.

Cruise Ship Bathrooms – What to Expect

Just like cruise cabins are different than hotel rooms, so are the bathrooms. If you have a standard inside, ocean view or balcony cabin, you’ll usually have a single sink, a few very small shelves, and a “cozy” sized shower. 

On most cruise ships, you’ll have to upgrade to a mini or junior suite to have a bathtub. If you do need a small bathtub for young children, I’ll share a useful tip later on.

Some showers have glass doors, while others have shower curtains.

Cruise bathroom amenities

Bathroom amenities can vary from one cruise line to another, however you’ll usually have shower gel, a basic shampoo and sometimes you’ll be provided with conditioner. Personally, I bring my own favorite shampoo and conditioner, as well as other hair products. 

The bathroom tissue and toilet paper is just fine – no need to bring from home ;-).

You’ll be provided with fresh towels daily and as needed. Don’t be shy if you need more towels. Your cabin steward will be happy to oblige.

In your stateroom, you’ll find a hotel quality hairdryer.

12 Cruise Bathroom Cabin Organization Hacks & Accessories

A few travel items and organization products can make your life much easier on a cruise. However, in this post I’ll be sharing more than products – and some tips you can use that don’t cost a thing. In many cases, you can even bring items from home.

Organizing Your Cruise Bathroom Shelves

Remember when I said cruise bathrooms are small? Well, that goes for the bathroom counter space too. So, a handy cruise bathroom hack is to use the small shelves to keep only the few items you use every day.

Your cruise bathroom will have small shelves, usually on the left and right of the mirror. Under the sink, you’ll often have a shelf, and sometimes a small closed cupboard space. 2 glasses are usually provided.

Items that aren’t used every day, are best stored off the counters and shelves, to avoid clutter.

Toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, floss and other items can go on one shelf. We usually use one of the glasses provided in the bathroom to hold our toothbrushes. You can still keep a cover on your toothbrushes to keep them clean, but this will keep things organized.

Other shelves can hold deodorant, face creams and other items that will be used at least once a day. They are pretty small shelves, so they won’t hold much.

12 Useful Cruise Ship Bathroom Accessories

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Here are some practical cruise accessories to keep your bathroom organized on a cruise.

1. Over the door organizer

An over the door organizer is one of the most recommended items to keep organized on a cruise. My suggestion, if you use this, is to hang it on the outside of the washroom door, closet door or even on a cabin wall.

The nice thing about this, is that you can keep so many things in it, yet everything has it’s own space.

Whether it’s sunscreen, hair brushes, ties and clips, disinfectant wipes, or laundry stain remover, it’s all there. You can keep a pouch for every everything!

Cruise Packing Tip – A friend of mine packs the organizer ahead of time and puts in her luggage. When it’s time to unpack, she simply hangs it up.

Recommended: Over the door organizer closet (check reviews on Amazon)

An FYI – On Disney Cruises, you aren’t allowed to bring and hang over the door organizers, as they can damage the bathroom door. In this case, you can hang from the wall or ceiling with magnetic hooks, or inside a closet door.

Here are the magnetic hooks I mentioned, which are very handy for keep your whole cabin organized.

2. Magnetic hooks for cruise cabin walls

Cruise cabin walls are magnetic – isn’t that cool ? Seriously, magnetic hooks are a lifesaver!

Recommended: Heavy duty magnet hooks (amazon)

3. Hanging toiletry bag

To keep your bathroom organized on your cruise, one of the best things is a space-saving hanging toiletry bag . 

This one is my personal favorite (it’s so cute!).

The separate clear plastic pouches attach and detach with velcro. It can be used as a makeup bag, or any other toiletry items. It hangs on the inside of the cruise ship bathroom, where there are hooks on the door.

It comes including silver grey, black and bright pink and it’s the best toiletry bag I’ve ever had!

Recommended: Toiletry Bag for women and men (check reviews and color options on Amazon)

4. Bathroom Spray

One of the most important cruise bathroom hacks is managing bathroom smells. Since cruise cabins are small, your bathroom is pretty close to where you’ll be sleeping or hanging out. Therefore, a bathroom spray is handy, for obvious reasons. 

Handy tip – Spraying Poupourri into the toilet “before you go” is best to really eliminate odors. It does more than mask odors, which is why the original Poupourri (amazon link) is most often recommended.

Recommended: Poopourri bathroom spray

Managing Laundry on a Cruise

While not a specific cruise ship bathroom hack, managing cruise ship laundry definitely overlaps (and can lead to a messy and disorganized bathroom space).

Here are a few cruise laundry hacks that will be helpful, especially when traveling with children or for cruises longer than 5 days.

While some cruise ships have a self service laundrette, many cruise ships don’t. You can definitely send clothing to be washed and pressed on your cruise ship, but it isn’t cheap.

Using your cruise bathroom, you can manage pretty well, even during long cruises.

Here are a few tips and tricks for keep your outfits fresh, clean and wrinkle free during your cruise . 

5. Travel Portable Mini Washing Machine

This handy little item is awesome for traveling, for washing a few items quickly. If you’re cruising with kids , this might just be a life saver!

Recommended: Portable Mini Washing Machine (USB powered – see more info on Amazon)

Handwashing items in your bathroom sink

6. Travel size laundry detergent

If you plan on using this item, a laundrette, or hand washing items in your cruise bathroom sink, make sure to bring travel size laundry detergent as well.

7. Mesh laundry bags

As you have laundry, throw them in your mesh laundry bags and put them away in your suitcase. A handy tip to keep your cabin clutter free is to store your luggage under your bed.

This mesh pop up laundry hamper is good to keep near your bathroom or closet as laundry accumulates. It folds away quickly and doesn’t take up room in your luggage.

8. Stain remover stick 

I don’t go anywhere without a travel size tide-to-go instant stain remover stick (on a cruise, it’s even more important). For pen stains or coffee or anything else, it will save your cruise outfit!

Recommended: Tide to Go Stain remover sticks

Remove Cruise Outfit Wrinkles – Bathroom Shower Trick

Did you know that there aren’t any irons in cruise cabins? Since irons are a fire hazard, they are on a list of prohibited items on a cruise ship.

So, how do you get wrinkles out? Many people use the old hot shower trick. This is when you hand your outfit or clothing item in the bathroom during your hot shower. Hot water won’t be enough – you really need the steam from the shower.

9. Wrinkle release spray

Personally, I like to combine it with a little Wrinkle Release Spray for better results.

Recommended: Wrinkle release spray

Read more: How to Pack Wrinkle Free for a Cruise .

10. Clothes pegs

There’s often (but not always) a small clothes line in the cabin shower area. If you have some clothes pins at home, you can pack these for your cruise.

Alternatively, you can pack a portable clothesline that already has pegs attached.

Recommended: Easy travel clothesline (read over 4000 Amazon reviews)

Cruising with Babies Bathtub Hack

11. Inflatable baby pool

One of the tips I’ve learned from other cruisers traveling with very young kids and babies is to bring a very small blow up pool, which can be placed in the shower base. You can create your own baby bath tub, and then store it away.

Cruise Bathroom Items and Toiletries Packing List

On most cruise ships, you’ll have soap and shower gel provided, as well as shampoo and sometimes conditioner. Certain cabin categories may have more amenities.

12. Travel sized containers

It’s a good idea to pack smaller quantities of your favorite toiletries for travels. If you’re planning to cruise carry on only, or simple pack light for your cruise , these are perfect!

Remember to make sure that containers are leak-proof and TSA approved, so you can use them on travels for years to come.

Recommended:  Leak proof travel bottles (TSA approved – see almost 2000 great reviews)

These are great for lotions and powders:

Recommended:  Travel sized containers – TSA approved

Cruise Toiletries Packing List

Here’s a toiletries packing list for your cruise. Please adapt this to your needs and preferences.

• Shampoo and conditioner (if needed)
• Hair products (gels, hairspray)
• Hair accessories (elastics & hair clips)
• Toothbrushes
• Face creams
• After sun care (aloe vera)
• Make up remover
• Over the counter medication ( see first aid packing list here )
• Disinfectant wipes
• Stain remover sticks
• Wrinkle Spray
• Children’s items

More Cruise Packing Guides:

31 Cruise First Aid Kit Essentials You Need to Have

23 Essential Things to Pack in Your Cruise Carry-On Bag

20 Cruise Packing Tips all Cruisers Need

What to Pack in Your Cruise Shore Excursion Day Bag

The Pros and Cons of Packing Cubes for Cruise Vacations

How to Pack Light for a Cruise

Final thoughts: Awesome Cruise Ship Bathroom Hacks, Toiletries and Accessories

Keeping your cruise bathroom organized and having some much needed cruise accessories can make a big difference in how you enjoy the time spent in your stateroom. I’ve included a cruise toiletry packing list, to help you have everything you need for your next cruise vacation!

What tips and cruise travel hacks do you have, for keeping your cruise cabin bathroom organized, and making sure you have everything you need? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

P.S. If you found this helpful, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

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I get the $1 folding cloth boxes at Dollar Tree and put them in bathroom and on desk, great for storing loose items. I also hang my necklaces from magnetic hooks right by my bed.

Great tip! Thanks Bette

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Table of Contents

14 cruise ship bathroom hacks for a more comfortable voyage in 2023 .

  Onique Campbell

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14 Cruise Ship Bathroom Hacks for a More Comfortable Voyage in 2023

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Cruising is a fantastic way to see the world and relax, but sometimes, even the most luxurious ships can have small cabins and tight quarters. One area where this can be particularly frustrating is the bathroom.

Fortunately, with a little creativity and planning, you can optimize your cruise ship bathroom and have a more comfortable voyage. In this guide, we'll share 14 cruise ship bathroom hacks for a more comfortable voyage in 2023.

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How can you maximize storage and organization in your cruise ship cabin?

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• Request for complimentary: bathrobe and slippers! Wrapping yourself in a nice robe after a shower or bath can help make you feel more at home.
• Ask for extra amenities: like face towels, washcloths, and hand towels. Having comfort items on hand is a must when you’re on the go!
• Enquire about: any personal bathroom cleaning services offered onboard. A neat and clean bathroom can help maintain your comfort during the voyage.
• Ask about any upgrades: like a high-tech toilet, heated flooring, and a bidet. Having the latest and greatest can make your cruise bathroom experience more enjoyable.
• Request scented fragrances: to give your bathroom a spa-like feel. This will make your experience much more relaxing and luxurious.
• Ask for a flexible shower hose: Having one of these can make it easier to move around the shower and make it easier to get those hard-to-reach areas.
• Request extra washcloths: for removing makeup or body-cleaning scrubbies for giving yourself a nice exfoliation.
• Request an adjustable showerhead: with different settings and angles. Being able to get the water exactly where you need it makes for a much more comfortable bathing experience.
• Ask for a mirror: and supplant it with a magnifying mirror with a light, so you can finally get a close look and good shave.
• Request (if possible): personal care items such as lotion etc. Everyone deserves to feel good and relaxed on a cruise ship.
• Ask for a set of extra toiletries: so you won't have to awkwardly reuse one towel between showers.
• Ask for a vanity mirror: and better lighting in the bathroom. Proper lighting can help when putting on make-up or shaving.
• Make a request: for larger bathroom rugs to prevent slipping.
• Ask for extra hooks or shelves: in the bathroom for your toiletries.

• Utilize essential storage solutions: such as cubes and under-bed storage to store items such as clothes and shoes.
• Hang a roll-up shoe holder: on the inside of the door to store items that you use frequently.
• Invest in a shoe rack: which will allow you to fit more pairs of shoes in a smaller amount of space.
• Invest in a foldable wardrobe: or a fabric hanging shelf that can be hung on the wall or inside the wardrobe to save even more space.
• Utilize space-saving hangers: to maximize the storage space in the wardrobe.
• Utilize wall-mounted shelving units: to store items that can’t be hung up or stored in the wardrobe.
• Utilize storage ottomans: to store items such as extra blankets or pillows that take up space.
• Hang up a hanging shoe and bag organizer: to store smaller items and accessories.
• Invest in a hanging toiletries bag: to store all of your toiletries in an organized and efficient manner.

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Inside bathroom on Princess cruise ship cabins in 2023 + shower + shampoo? (inside cabin + balcony cabin) 🏔 Alaska cruise travel blog

On Princess cruise ship, you will have a private bathroom in your cabin.

You do not have to leave your cabin to use the bathroom, and you won’t have to share a bathroom.

As far as I can tell, the bathroom in balcony cabins and inside cabins on a Princess cruise ship are the same.

They were basically all the same on the cruise ships I was on anyway!

I have been on the Majestic Princess (inside cabin), Sapphire Princess (balcony cabin), and Diamond Princess (balcony cabin).

Are there public bathrooms on cruise ships?

There are also public bathrooms on Princess cruise ships.

So if you’re out and about around the cruise ship and need to go to the bathroom, you don’t need to walk all the way back to your cabin.

Usually the quickest way to figure out the location of the bathroom nearest to you is to find a crew member and ask!

See below for pictures inside a bathroom of a cruise ship cabin!

Inside the bathroom of a princess cruise ship cabin.

This is an inside cabin on the Majestic Princess cruise ship in May 2023.

Your cabin bathroom may vary!

And that’s a bit of what to expect of a Princess cruise ship bathroom!

Happy bathroom time on a princess cruise ship.

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Celebrity Beyond

Launched in April 2022, Celebrity Beyond is the third ship in the cruise line's Edge Series, capable of holding up to 3,260 passengers and 1,400 crew members. On board, guests have their pick of 32 food and beverage venues serving everything from Greek to French to Italian cuisine; there are also several cocktail bars and lounges where guests can grab a drink.

One of the highlights of Celebrity Beyond is its 4,500-piece art collection, which includes works by travel photographers and international artists. There is also no shortage of unique entertainment options; these range from acrobatic shows to juggling mixologist performances. To enjoy stunning water views, enjoy Celebrity's "Magic Carpet," a large platform that hangs off the edge of the ship and moves from deck to deck.

Staterooms offer amenities like plush bathrobes, comfortable Cashmere mattresses and flat-screen TVs; many also come with private verandas. For a one-of-a-kind experience, splurge on a room in The Retreat. This resort-within-a-resort features villas and suites with added luxuries like plunge pools, hot tubs and butlers. Plus, guests of The Retreat have exclusive access to a private sundeck, restaurant and lounge, along with an onboard credit that can be used however you see fit.

Celebrity Beyond sails to a variety of popular Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations, including the French Riviera, Italy, Mexico and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Celebrity Beyond, if you're lucky, your drink might be poured by Captain Kate McCue herself during the nightly flair bartender show at the Grand Plaza Martini Bar. Make sure to follow her behind-the-scenes adventures on Instagram. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Celebrity Edge

Debuted in December 2018, the 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge stands out for its modernity. The Edge is dressed to the nines in contemporary designs and features a diverse array of technologies, amenities, activities and dining venues on board. Passengers can delight in the ship's rooftop garden, take a dip in one of many ocean-facing pools, work up a sweat on the jogging track or relax at the on-site spa.

You'll find plenty of evening entertainment options, too, including themed bars and lounges, a club and a theater showcasing a variety of productions. The Edge was the first Celebrity ship fitted with the Magic Carpet – the line's cantilevered venue at sea that travels 13 stories. The open-air venue can be repositioned alongside several decks, allowing it to transform from a live music venue to a bar to an exclusive specialty restaurant, depending on its location.

For dining, passengers have 29 options to choose from. These include four main restaurants and specialty options serving a range of cuisines, from sashimi to French bistro classics. After a bite to eat, take a break and relax in your modern stateroom or suite. Every room offers technology that allows guests to control temperature, service and lighting with a touch screen. What's more, with a roughly 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, service across the ship will be spot on.

Celebrity Edge makes sailings across Europe, Asia, Australia and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Edge Series ships, park yourself at the Sunset Bar with a spicy margarita every evening – it’s the best spot on the ship to watch for the fabled green flash. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

Viking Venus

Launched in May 2021 from Portsmouth, England, Viking Venus features modern amenities and a contemporary design. The ship can hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. Amenities include multiple pools and shops, as well as a cinema, a live performance theater, a jazz lounge, a spa, a fitness center and a salon. Plus, you can attend a lecture or discussion with the onboard historian, who helps educate passengers on the cultural aspects of each destination. An onboard cooking school, The Kitchen Table, also allows guests to learn about each destination's unique cuisine. 

Cruisers can enjoy daily updated food options at The Restaurant, diverse cuisine at the World Café, expertly paired tasting menus at The Chef's Table and Italian favorites at Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. There are eight dining venues on board in total, in addition to the ship's cooking school at The Kitchen Table and 24/7 room service.

When it's time to rest, there are six types of accommodations to choose from – all with private verandas. The standard Veranda Staterooms measure 270 square feet and feature plush beds, free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. Higher-tier rooms come with extras like priority shore excursion reservations, priority spa reservations, in-room coffee and free laundry services. Plus, travelers in these cabins will have more space: Rooms reach up to 1,448 square feet and may include separate living and dining areas.

The Viking Venus sails to popular European destinations like Barcelona , Athens , Bangkok , Istanbul , Rome , London , Sydney and Stockholm .

Debuted in October 2021, Rotterdam welcomes up to 2,668 guests. The name hearkens back to the line's founding in the late 19th century, when its first ship, Rotterdam, sailed from the Netherlands to New York. Though the ship's name is rooted in the cruise line's past, its amenities are anything but antiquated. 

Among Rotterdam's standout facilities is World Stage, a performance venue that features a two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen that creates a panorama of light and sound for audience members. For more entertainment, passengers can catch a performance at any of the ship's numerous music venues, including the Rolling Stone Rock Room and B.B. King's Blues Club.

When travelers aren't grooving to live tunes, they can test their luck at the onboard casino or relax at the spa. Meanwhile, kids can play the day away at the Kids Club. Foodies will be pleased to hear the ship offers eight dining options, including Rudi's Sel de Mer, a French brasserie, and Tamarind, which highlights the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan.

Cabins range in size from 143 square feet to 1,290 square feet, with some of the luxury suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, whirlpool baths and verandas with hot tubs.

Sailings aboard Rotterdam depart from ports like Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and Amsterdam to destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and the Panama Canal.

U.S. News Insider Tip: The art collection aboard Rotterdam is valued at more than $4.1 million and has 2,645 pieces of diverse works ranging in value from $500 to $620,000. Take some time to walk around the ship to explore the collections. Each of the three stairwells has a theme that reaches from top to bottom: architecture, music or zoology. – Jill Schildhouse, Contributor

Seven Seas Splendor

Debuted in September 2021, the 746-passenger, 548-crew member Seven Seas Splendor is the newest ship within the Regent fleet. Seven Seas Splendor – along with most of the line's other ships – takes opulence to the next level by equipping each suite with its own private balcony. Other standard in-room amenities include interactive flat-screen TVs, luxurious bath products, bathrobes and slippers, signature queen-size beds and dining tables for two. There are 10 suite categories available, ranging from the smallest Veranda (307 square feet) and Deluxe Veranda suites (308 to 361 square feet) to the largest Regent (4,443 square feet) and Master suites (1,895 to 2,108 square feet). 

Guests have a wide array of things to do while on board. Spend your days relaxing at the spa, playing paddle tennis or bocce ball, working up a sweat on the jogging track or taking a dip in the ship's two whirlpools and two pools, one of which is an infinity-edge pool that stretches along the edge of the ship, providing swimmers with exceptional views of the ocean. At night, enjoy one of five shows at the onboard theater. 

When it comes to food, Seven Seas Splendor offers eight eateries ranging from casual to fine dining. Enjoy your breakfast alfresco at La Veranda and grub down for lunch at the Pool Grill buffet. For something more formal, opt for a French-inspired meal at Chartreuse, Pan-Asian dishes at Pacific Rim or Compass Rose, the largest restaurant on the ship.

Seven Seas Splendor visits a variety of European and Mediterranean destinations, as well as ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and South America.

Celebrity Apex

The Celebrity Apex – which made its inaugural sailing in June 2021 – can hold up to 2,910 passengers and 1,320 crew members. Guests can wine and dine at 29 restaurants, bars and lounges, then spend the night testing their luck at the casino or enjoying live music at the Magic Carpet (which offers great ocean views). Specialty restaurants include a steakhouse and a raw bar, while main dining options feature Mediterranean, Italian and French cuisines. There are also meeting spaces and multipurpose areas on board, as well as upscale shops. 

Visit the spa or adults-only Solarium pool to stay relaxed throughout your stay at sea. For younger travelers, there are some kid-friendly areas of the ship – such as a Camp at Sea. However, the ship is geared more toward adult clientele (or families with older children) looking for a relaxing escape.

The ship's staterooms, which start at 181 square feet, offer smart TVs, customizable air conditioning and plenty of storage space. Many rooms also offer private verandas. If you're willing to splurge, consider booking a room in The Retreat. This exclusive section of the ship features luxury accommodations as well as access to a private restaurant, sun deck and lounge. Plus, rooms in The Retreat offer more space, measuring up to 1,892 square feet.

The Celebrity Apex sails to European destinations like Greece, Italy, Croatia and Portugal, as well as to Caribbean hot spots like St. Thomas , Puerto Rico , Belize and Grand Cayman . 

Viking Saturn

Debuted in May 2023, the adults-only Viking Saturn has the capacity to hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. Travelers love the ship's clean Scandinavian design and compact size, which allows it to dock in smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot reach.

On board, travelers have access to a slew of amenities, including a fitness center, a spa, a library, a state-of-the-art theater, a hair salon, an infinity pool and more. A resident historian is also on board to offer lectures and educational programming about upcoming port destinations. When hunger strikes, Viking Saturn offers an array of dining options, from fresh seafood at World Café to afternoon tea service at Wintergarden to traditional Norwegian cuisine at Mamsen's. Or, learn how to prepare regional dishes from your itinerary at the onboard cooking school.

Starting at 270 square feet, standard staterooms come equipped with king-size mattresses (which can be converted into two twin beds), flat-screen TVs, full-size verandas and bathrooms with heated floors. What's more, each accommodation includes 24-hour room service. Travelers who opt to stay in one of the ship's upgraded suites (which reach up to 1,448 square feet) have access to additional perks such as separate living areas and dining rooms, complimentary laundry services and a welcome bottle of Champagne, among other luxuries.

Viking Saturn sails to a variety of destinations in northern Europe (such as Bergen, Norway; London  and Stockholm ) and the Mediterranean (think: Barcelona, Spain ; Rome ; Athens, Greece ; and Istanbul ).

The 930-passenger Viking Sky – which debuted in February 2017 – receives rave reviews from past cruisers for its port-heavy itineraries (fares include one complimentary excursion per port) and luxurious, comfortable staterooms. Cabins offer between 270 and 1,448 square feet of space and include balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and bathrooms with heated floors, among other amenities. Those who opt for an upgraded stateroom or suite are treated to additional perks, like priority reservations at the spa and specialty restaurants.

Viking Sky's activities include classes at the fitness center, treatments at the spa and destination-focused lectures. The ship also offers two pools and two whirlpools, including an infinity pool on the stern of the ship. In the evenings, passengers can enjoy live performances in the theater or watch destination-related movies in one of two cinemas.

Guests also have their choice of cuisine, from alfresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace to Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. With 550 crew members on board, the ship maintains a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio.

Viking Sky sails to the Mediterranean, Europe, Central America and more. The ship also offers world voyages.

Viking Mars

Viking's newest ship, the Viking Mars accommodates 930 passengers and, since it's a smaller vessel, it can dock in many ports where some of the larger ocean-faring cruise ships can't reach. The all-veranda accommodations on this ship, which debuted in May 2022, range in size from around 270 square feet to 1,448 square feet. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars filled with drinks and snacks, robes, slippers and 24-hour room service.

Visitors will find a relaxing spa, a hair salon, a yoga area and a well-equipped indoor fitness center (plus an outdoor fitness center) aboard the ship. Those looking to unwind with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other should snag a cozy spot in The Living Room. Like other Viking ships, the Viking Mars offers educational programming, lectures, cooking classes and more on board.

Cruisers can also enjoy amenities like the main pool and hot tub, the infinity pool, the cinema, the theater, a jazz lounge and various bars. Dining options on this ship include Manfredi's Italian Restaurant, Aquavit Terrace, World Café, The Chef's Table and The Kitchen Table.

Viking Mars receives rave reviews from recent cruisers. The variety of excursions, the delectable onboard dining and the comfortable cabins are a few things previous guests highlighted as superb. However, the staff received mixed reviews: Some experienced attentive and friendly employees, while a few noted they were expecting better service across the board for the price point.

Upcoming itineraries on the Viking Mars include cruises with ports of call in Iceland, Norway, Greece, Italy, Spain, the U.S. and Canada.

Seven Seas Explorer

Regent Seven Seas Explorer debuted in 2016. It's one of the largest vessels in the fleet, welcoming up to 746 passengers. The ship makes service a top priority, with 548 crew members on board. According to past cruisers, the staff was friendly and attentive.

Travelers were even more impressed by the all-suite accommodations, which are some of the largest offered among ocean liners. All 373 suites include spacious balconies, marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, interactive flat-screen TVs and unlimited Wi-Fi.

Another high point: the cuisine. Explorer offers eight dining areas that range from the casual Pool Grill to Asian creations at Pacific Rim. As part of the 'Regent Experience,' all specialty dining is included in the cruise fare.

Outside the cabins, guests can spend their days participating in cooking demonstrations, lounging by the pool or relaxing in the library. At night, entertainment options include casino games, cocktail lounges and shows in the Constellation Theater. Complaints about this ship are few and far between, though some reviewers felt the entertainment could be more impressive. 

The best perk, according to recent passengers? All shore excursions are included. Seven Seas Explorer sails to destinations in Alaska, Asia, Australia and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Pacific Rim is a favorite dining venue among cruisers, with its Asian-inspired cocktails and cuisine offering a selection of dishes from Thailand, Korea, China, Vietnam and Japan. Spin the bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel as you enter the restaurant and be sure to sample the miso black cod. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Available only on Celebrity Reflection ® , our Reflection suites have extra-high ceilings and full-height glass doors and windows that display spectacular views; not only from the spacious sitting area but also from the bathroom—which awakens you with a cantilevered glass shower jutting over the sea.

• Panoramic corner location
• Access via private suites corridor
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Two bedrooms and two full bathrooms
• Exclusive eXhale ® bedding, featuring king-sized and queen-sized mattresses
• Veranda with lounge seating and tub with rain shower
• Marble primary bathroom with ocean views and cantilevered shower
• Walk-in closet with generous storage space

Exclusive services and amenities

• Complimentary bottled water, soda, and beer stocked daily
• Unlimited lunch and dinner in all specialty restaurants
• Two complimentary bottles of premium spirits
• VIP canapés
• Complimentary laundry and pressing service
• Complimentary Extend Your Stay in participating debarkation ports.
• Priority luggage delivery

The best amenities, all included.*

As a guest of The Retreat, you’ll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.

Premium Drinks

Enjoy Premium Drinks throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.

Premium Wi-Fi

It's easy to stay connected at all times with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi. It's included as part of The Retreat experience.

Services & amenities for Reflection Suite guests

Intuitive Service

• Dedicated pre-cruise Retreat Concierge. Call 1-877-RETREAT.
• Onboard Retreat Concierge
• Priority check-in, departure, and port tendering/boarding
• Reserved theater seating on Evening Chic nights

World-class cuisine

• Choose from Luminae at The Retreat, the main restaurant, specialty restaurants, or in your suite
• Unlimited lunch and dinner in all specialty restaurants.
• Preferred seating in specialty restaurants

Thoughtfully curated amenities

• Complimentary welcome bottle of champagne or sparkling wine
• Complimentary in-suite specialty coffees
• Fresh fruit delivered upon request
• Celebrity’s eXhale ® bedding, featuring plush duvets, 100% pure cotton sheets, and a pillow menu to customize your night’s sleep
• Premium bathroom amenities
• Plush bedroom slippers and 100% cotton bathrobes

Experience a day at The Retreat

Other Suites

You'll feel on top of the world amid the sprawling space of our Penthouse Suite experience.

Separate living, dining, and sleeping areas make this space fit for a king or queen.

These two-room suites feature a large living area with floor to ceiling panoramic windows.

Celebrity provides nothing but a top notch vacation. If you're looking for high-class and luxury, you won't go wrong here!

Suite was the perfect size for 2. Wonderful staff! There are no complaints. Izzy, our butler, the 2 cabin stewards and the Cafe Baccio staff were always most attentive. The reason we cruise was all there. We’ll be back!

This was our first cruise and we chose a Sky Suite (9204) and were extremely happy. The bathroom was just as described. The attention to detail that our Butler, Dino, gave us was beyond my expectations. He led us up to our cabana and handled my tailoring job.

We have taken several cruises in a suite. None of them compared to the treatment of the suite guests on this trip. We felt that we received value for what we paid for. We also liked being able to interact with the officers at any given moment.

If people are wanting to experience a phenomenal cruising experience, then I would highly recommend that they should seriously consider a quality holiday with Celebrity. Everything from the incredible Ships, the absolutely amazing Crew Members, the high standard and wide selection of Food, the outstanding and diverse onboard Entertainment, will truly ensure the most astounding and immersible exciting and memorable holiday!!

Your escape awaits

Journey through the wild terrain of Alaska with our Alaska cruises and discover the natural wonders that await as the rugged beauty of this pristine frontier unfolds.  

Whether it’s a quick getaway you want or a two-week island-hopping adventure, when you vacation with us through the Caribbean, you’ll come back completely renewed and restored.

Immerse yourself in the incredible history, culture, cuisine, and undeniable beauty of the Old World on a Celebrity European cruise vacation.  

1/5 Reflection Suite Primary Bedroom

Celebrity Reflection

2/5 Reflection Suite Living Room

3/5 Reflection Suite Living Room

4/5 Reflection Suite Primary Bathroom

5/5 Reflection Suite Living Room

1/3 Luminae at The Retreat

Celebrity Edge Series

2/3 Luminae at The Retreat

Celebrity Millenium Series

3/3 Luminae at The Retreat

Celebrity Solstice Series

1/6 The Retreat Lounge

2/6 The Retreat Lounge

3/6 The Retreat Lounge

4/6 The Retreat Lounge

5/6 The Retreat Lounge

6/6 The Retreat Lounge

1/7 The Retreat Sundeck

2/7 The Retreat Sundeck

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7/7 The Retreat Sundeck

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Best and Worst Cabins on Cruise Ships

What are the best and worst cabins on cruise ships - and why? Where and what are the best cabins on a cruise ship is a question about location ( cruise deck plans ), fares and price-inclusive amenities. Where and what are the best and worst staterooms are among the general questions for first-timer cruisers.

Staterooms are like tiny homes at sea, and choosing your "best" is kinda personal. Your choice also will depend on the company, vessel, room size, type/view, deck location, amenities. Not to forget the special offers with super low-priced promo deals that could change everything you know on the subject. Find out more secrets at our stateroom tips and tricks .

Types of cabins on cruise ships

Cruise ship cabins are often referred to as "staterooms" or "cruise accommodations". Their furnishings can range from "comfy" to "luxurious". The cheapest tend to be smaller than an ordinary budget hotel room. The largest staterooms (suites) rival many land-based luxury resort accommodations  - both as sizes and amenities, but mostly as prices. Cabin rates are per person and usually based on double occupancy (excepting studios). Prices range widely by cabin types, sizes, deck location, amenities, company's and vessel's ratings, also by destination, season, itinerary, travel agency, inclusions, and bonuses, promotion deals, etc.

• Inside cabins are the cheapest, located in the ship's interior (an inside corridor), no window, capacity up to 4 guests.
• Oceanview/Outside cabins - about 15-20% more expensive, with windows which don't open or porthole, the cheapest of this type may have a partially (or substantially) obstructed view.
• Balcony cabins (also called Veranda) - 30-40% more expensive than Inside; have outside chairs and a table, often with 4-star amenities.
• Mini-suite and full Suites (multi-room accommodations) - some of the most expensive, with a private veranda, bathtub (hot tub), a large sitting area, 2 closets. Suites and Interior cabins tend to sell out first (partly because there are fewer of them, partly because they offer, respectively, extremely good value and the cheapest fares).
• Grand Suite and all Penthouse, Owner's, Presidential and the like suites - the most expensive and the largest cruise staterooms at sea (separate living and sleeping areas, a wide variety of bonus amenities and perks). Sizes vary according to line and ship, reaching up to 5,000 ft2 in the case of NCL's Garden Villa suites. At the modest price of only US $30,000 per week you'll enjoy a private sauna and open-air Jacuzzi, your very own kitchen, a private elevator entrance, the best butler service money can buy and the best luxury available on a cruise ship.

On big ships, you'll find a number of cabin categories within each cabin type. This is according to location, size, features, quality of view, etc. Cabin rates vary not only by type and size but also by category. For a particular cabin type, brochure/online prices usually apply to the lowest category. In your cabin, every square inch is usable since the price of ships is generally determined by the number of their beds/berths. So luggage fits under the bed, while the items you unpack will be stored in closets and drawers.

Which cruise ship cabins to avoid?

After analyzing their deck plans, we'll list here the most famous ships and their "worst" cabins. The "bad cruise cabins" issue is not about amenities, but about location - and noise. Cabins located nearby the ships' elevators or with some public areas above (restaurants, bars/clubs, kids areas), or near public bathrooms may present some noise concern during the day or late at night.

what does a cruise ship cabin look like (details/amenities)

• All cabins have twin beds, usually convertible to create a queen bed, while suites may have king-sized beds. Family cabins may also have pull-down or bunk-beds (loft beds attached to the wall), sleeper sofa or an additional twin bed.
• All have a small safe to lock in it all valuables while onboard (passports, credit cards and cash, fine jewelry, iPads), at least 1 large wall-mounted mirror, individually controlled air conditioning.
• All have private bathrooms with showers, basic bathroom amenities (typical for a motel, including a hairdryer), ship toilets operate by power suction.
• All have a phone (wake-up call option, synchronized to ship's time). Nowadays all ship cabins also feature a flat TV and a DVD player, a mini-bar and a small refrigerator (cans and bottles for sale; if you bring your own drinks, ask the steward to empty it first).
• All have a reach-in closet, a shelf for life-vests, storage drawers (suites usually have walk-in closets with several shelves). Higher categories cabins also have a desk with a chair.
• Power outlets are minimized to avoid fire risk. Near the bed (and the desk) there are  1 or 2 low-wattage (120V 60Hz) outlets for laptops.

A good cruise travel agent could be of great assistance to you (using agency services is highly recommended for first-timers) guiding you through all the grades and deckplan codes for the nuances of features, best locations and the best-worst staterooms on a particular boat.

Special types of staterooms (crew, single, family, Spa, accessible)

• Crew cabins are located on one of the crew decks (on some ships located below the waterline/under the water), while cruise ship staff cabins are in the passenger areas.
• Single cabins (aka Solo cabins) are generally difficult to find. The world's best ships with single cabins belong to the fleets of such famous operators, like Fred Olsen and P&O on the UK market and NCL Norwegian Lines. The best of all ships with single-occupancy cabins is the NCL Norwegian Epic, boasting 128 of its 100 square foot (9,3 m2) "Epic Studios" - specifically designed for solo travelers, and features a full-size bed and a large round window looking out into the corridor.
• Family cabins - many of a standard size for its category, but with more beds and bathrooms, providing more privacy for parents. The best lines with family cabins are Carnival, Disney, Celebrity, Princess, and NCL.
• Accessible/Disabled cabins are special accommodations for passengers with mobility challenges. These rooms have wheelchair access, wide doors (doors are even automatic on some ships), a bathtub with grab bars, roll-in showers, portable ADA kits for guests with hearing impairments, closed-captioned televisions.
• SPA cabins - Spa-deck staterooms with direct access to the ship's Spa and Fitness complex.

What are the best cabins on cruise ships (amenities)?

In a concise manner, the best luxury cruise cabins are to be found on Regent Seven Seas and NCL ships, while the cheapest cruise cabins are offered by all HAL and Carnival ships (honored also with the "best standard cabins" reward). NCL (Norwegian Lines) is well appreciated for offering a great variety of staterooms. NCL offers even garden and courtyard suites, and some of the best family cruise suites at sea featuring a separate living and dining area and exclusive access to a private courtyard with a pool and Jacuzzi. The Regent Seven Seas line is praised for its all-outside all-suite ships and best luxury.

The largest (by category) and absolutely affordable to most cheap cruise cabins are always "the deal" on Carnival ships. The Carnival's standard cabins are the industry's largest and very well-equipped (even the lowest Small Inside category). As for Holland America cabins, they are 25% larger than those of other premium brands.

Carnival, Disney, and Royal Caribbean are well known for having more than decent interior cabins - the Carnival's being most spacious, and those of Disney - most family-friendly. The Disney Deluxe Inside Stateroom accommodates 4 persons with a convertible sofa and a pull-down bed and also features a split bath. The Royal Caribbean ships of Freedom and Voyager class are honored for their unique inside cabins with windows looking out on the Royal Promenade (a tip - if traveling with kids, choose the most affordable Promenade Family Stateroom - an interior accommodation 300 ft2 /28 m2 in size and capacity of 6 guests).

• The best BEDS on ships. The Oceania line is the winner when it comes to beds - its Tranquility Beds feature Euro-Top mattresses, plush duvets, deluxe pillows, even Egyptian cotton linens. If you like to make the best budget ship vacation deals without sacrificing comfort, then Carnival is your game with the line's world-famous Comfort Bed System.
• The best BATHROOMS on ships. The Crystal ship's suites have separate tubs, multi-head massage showers, double vanities, and of course - the marble tiling. For standard cabins, NCL leads by having 3-sectioned bathrooms - the sink is in the middle, while a separate toilet and shower section are positioned on either side. Disney ships are also ranked for their family-friendly split bathrooms.
• The largest CLOSETS on ships. Regent and Silversea lines get the 1st prize for having the largest walk-in closets. The storage spaces include a hanging section, numerous drawers and shelves, and places for shoes. The best cheap option is Carnival with its faux walk-in closets.

Where are the best cabins on a cruise ship (location)?

Choosing the best cruise cabin location on your ship is a matter of personal choice. Generally, your cabin will be located either on lower (higher) deck, mid-ship, forward or aft (rear), with some pros and cons to all these locations. Booking a "guarantee" cabin is an open deal - you pay for a cabin category (not a specific stateroom) - best prices are guaranteed, but not necessarily the best location.

• Lower Deck cabins - cheapest. The cheapest are the lower deck Interior staterooms. The main advantage (besides the price) is a smoother ride. Main disadvantages - you're using constantly elevators/stairs, more engine noise/vibrations, the sound of the anchor dropping (if you're near the ship's front).
• Higher Deck cabins - more expensive. You'll feel more motion (not suitable if you're prone to seasickness). But you're closer to the best ship amenities - entertainment and dining venues, onboard pools, Spa, bars and lounges, etc.
• Midship cabins - less motion and a central location. The main disadvantage - more traffic outside. Also, check the lifeboat locations (lifeboats may significantly obstruct your view).
• Forward cabins - the most motion, wind and spray, smaller windows (often recessed or slanted). Forward located suites provide larger than average balconies.
• Rear (Aft) cabins - more motion than the midship cabins, but less than the front ones.

Best cruise ship staterooms by type and cruise line

Best-view cabins.

Best-view cabins are located forward (at the ship's front/bow) or aft (at the ship's stern). These rooms have the largest balconies and widest ocean views. Front staterooms are with oversized floor-ceiling windows. For the best choice of such rooms choose Carnival or Royal Caribbean.

Best "Large Balcony" cabins

Aft balcony cabins have the ship's largest private verandas, and there are just a few (6-10) such rooms per deck. They are lined up along the stern and give more terrace space and privacy. Aft cabins located in the ship's corners are usually with wraparound balconies.

Larger balconies also have the "hump cabins", located where the vessel's superstructure changes from narrower to wider. Most verandas there are angled and with curvy outlines. For more hump cabins search in the fleets of Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises.

Best "Low-Motion" cabins

The "best cabins for seasickness" are located at the ship's edges (top decks, bow, and stern). The worst area in the front section, as the bow is first hit by waves. Higher deck front cabins fell more the up and down motion, while for the aft cabins the motion is less noticeable. The most stable cabins are located midship and on lower decks (closer to the waterline).

Best "Low-Noise" cabins

Quietest staterooms are far away as possible from congested public areas and venues. Light sleepers should avoid staterooms located near pool deck/lido deck, elevators, hallways, laundry facilities, casino, theater, kids clubs, disco nightclub.

• Avoid cabins located forward on lower decks - where the ship's anchors are located. Lowering and raising the anchors generate a lot of noise.
• Avoid lower decks aft rooms are near the ship's engine rooms - where diesel generators create a constant hum, all the time of the voyage.
• Avoid cabins under the Promenade Deck - an outdoor deck space where passengers are often walking and talking (usually loud).

Best Handicap cabins (for passengers with disabilities)

Passengers with mobility impairment must choose near-lift cabins which are easily accessible from the onboard passenger elevators. Special handicap cabins are available on all large cruise liners. A limited number of wheelchair-accessible rooms are available on most ships, including luxury mega-yachts. Search the vessel's deck plans for the best location, type, and size.

Best Spa cabins

Thermal Suite and spa lovers must book staterooms located near the ship's wellness complex. In close proximity, they will find heated loungers, thalassotherapy pool, saunas, and massage rooms.

Most cruise ships have designated "spa staterooms" (inside, oceanview, balcony, and suite) located on the Spa Deck or 1 deck above or below the Spa. Some ships (especially top-luxury) have rooms with direct Spa access (via a staircase in the spa) or via an exclusive elevator. For more Spa cabins search in the fleets of MSC, NCL, Costa, and the luxury lines (Seabourn, Silversea, Crystal, Azamara).

Where are the best cruise SUITES?

On the Silversea ships Whisper and Shadow - the 1-bedroom "Royal Suite" is 1,352 ft2 or 126 m2 (the 2-bedroom version is 1,697 ft2 (158 m2), the "Grand Suite" is 1,435 ft2 or 133 m2 (2-bedroom is 1,780 ft2 (165 m2) and the "Owner's Suite" is 1,553 ft2 (144 m2). The last category "top luxury cruise suite" prices start from the modest US $850 per person per day!

Suites on the NCL ships Gem, Jade, Jewel and Pearl are the "affordable choice". Norwegian Pearl's "Garden Villa" has a staggering size of 2320 ft2 (216 m2) plus a huge balcony measuring 1035 ft2 (96 m2). Norwegian Jewel's two Garden Villas are combined into an almost 5000 ft2 (465 m2) "cruise mansion". Floor-ceiling windows, plenty of deck furniture, separate bedroom, fabulous private bathroom with hot-tub, 2 additional bedrooms (with their own private bathrooms), living room, dining room.

About the worst cabins on cruise ships / which staterooms to avoid. First of all, there's no such thing as "the worst cabin" - simply because to offer a bad product (even for cheap money) is not the proper way of doing a multibillion-dollar cruise travel vacation business. However, always try to avoid locations near elevators and public spaces, with at least 1 deck between your cabin and any crowded place - pools, dining and bar venues, children areas, lounges, nightclubs.

Find out more secrets at our  stateroom tips and tricks .

The 7 best cruise ship spas

Editor's Note

The best cruise ship spas are so tranquil and relaxing that they may become not just your personal sanctuary at sea but also the "happy place" you visualize the next time you go to the dentist.

Like most onboard spas, these zen retreats typically feature a thermal suite with a sauna, steam room and maybe a hot tub; a menu of massages and facials; and a salon with hairdressers and manicurists. However, our favorites go above and beyond with spa-inspired shore excursions, calming accommodations, and unique treatments and programs aimed at bolstering your mental and physical wellness.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here are our picks for the best cruise ship spas that are sure to wipe all your stress away.

LivNordic Spa, Viking

The thermal suite on Viking 's adults-only oceangoing ships is notable for its gorgeous design and unique hot and cold treatments; it's also notable because it is complimentary for every passenger on the ship. You don't need to book a spa treatment or buy a daypass to relax in the calming space, with its gray stone finishes and beautiful faux fireplace.

Viking's coed spas are distinctly Scandinavian and include a resistance pool, sauna, lounge chairs lined in heated tiles, steam room, bucket-style ice shower and a snow grotto. The snow grotto is just what it sounds like: a snow-filled, neon-lit space designed to cool you off. It thereby mimics the Scandinavian tradition of rolling around in the fluffy white stuff after your time in the sauna.

Related: Mistakes cruisers make on sea days

If you're willing to open your wallet for additional pampering, you'll find an impressive menu of spa treatments. Options include a Scandinavian spa night option and an array of hard-to-find Norwegian spa products that use regional ingredients, such as cloudberries.

The line's two expedition ships have the added benefit of floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can watch whales breaching while you relax in the pool.

Cost to access the thermal suite: $0.

The Spa at Seabourn

Seabourn 's spa stands out from the crowd thanks to the line's signature Mindful Living program, which was put together with famed integrative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil.

The program includes yoga, guided meditation, "earth grounding" massages, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine consultations and even crystal sound baths. Other lines also offer Eastern-inspired wellness lifestyle options, but the Dr. Weil branding on Seabourn's ships provides an air of authenticity.

Related: 7 extra-charge items on cruise ships that are worth the cost (and 7 that aren't)

The rest of the spa is also impressive. Seabourn's newest ships offer spacious spa areas with fitness centers and salons, as well as thermal suites with steam rooms, monsoon showers and heated tiled chairs.

Even the line's expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, have 3,700-square-foot Adam Tihany-designed spas. Each features an airy sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Cost of Mindful Living program: Some activities — such as seminars, meditation and yoga — are included in the cost of your cruise. Others — such as a 50-minute acupuncture session ($199) and 50-minute earth-grounding massage ($199) — require a surcharge.

AquaSpa, Celebrity Cruises

On Celebrity Cruises ' fabulous Edge Class ships — Celebrity Edge, Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent — you'll find everything you would imagine in a major city's top spa and fitness center. Picture a stunning spa with cutting-edge treatments, such as an antigravity massage and a thermal suite featuring an infrared sauna and a room designed for swinging meditation.

The salon area includes a teeth-whitening program and the first hair salon at sea branded by the Parisian Kerastase line. The 24-hour fitness center is also impressive; it offers Peloton bikes as well as barre, high-intensity interval training and bungee-based classes.

Book an AquaClass category cabin, and you get amenities that take the experience to another level.

Expect complimentary fitness class and Sea Thermal Suite passes, access to a spa concierge, healthy room service options and a yoga mat to use on board. You'll also find wellness offerings curated by Goop — a lifestyle brand by Gwyneth Paltrow (who serves as a wellness adviser for the line). These offerings include a signature smoothie and in-room fitness menus.

Finally, AquaClass gives guests exclusive access to Blu — a restaurant focused on healthy "clean cuisine" options and vegan choices. Don't miss the muesli prepared tableside, which was the best muesli I've ever had.

Cost of Sea Thermal Suite passes and fitness class passes: A one-week Sea Thermal Suite pass is $219; fitness class passes range in price depending on the types of classes included.

Serene Spa, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The Serene Spas on Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' newest ships are especially striking. Picture marble flooring, a curved wooden desk and Swarovski crystal sculptures. You might never want to leave the stunning infinity-edge pool set on a teak deck at the back of the ship.

The spacious spas have all the usual offerings — yoga classes, sauna and steam rooms, a full menu of facials and massages, and nail and hair salons. The dual thermal suites are single-sex and bathing-suit-optional, with saunas, steam rooms, showers and a cold room.

Related: I'm just back from one of the world's most expensive cruise ships — here's a sneak peek

You could easily spend the entire day at the spa, but you can also get pampered off the ship. Regent offers over-the-top Serene Spa & Wellness Tours featuring relaxing experiences in the destinations its ships visit. Enjoy a visit to the Thermal Baths of the Popes in Viterbo, Italy — just outside of Rome — or a meditation class on the Mediterranean island of Palma de Mallorca.

Cost of wellness tours: Some tours are included in the cost of your cruise (such as sunset yoga in Tenerife and meditation in Mallorca). Others incur a surcharge, such as $139 for the thermal bath experience in Italy.

Senses Spa, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

The spa on Scenic's oceangoing expedition vessels, Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II, is a gorgeous place to retreat after a day of exploring on land — whether you're in the Northwest Passage or Antarctica.

Hang your expedition attire up in the mudroom (a place to take off muddy boots after a day of hiking in the tundra) and make your way to the thermal suite. It offers a gorgeous sauna, an indoor Scandinavian plunge pool and an outdoor pool, too.

Each stunning slate-lined thermal suite is available to all passengers on board, free of charge, regardless of cabin category or whether they have booked treatments. The spa and salon menu includes facials, salt scrubs, manicures, blowouts and hot stone massages — which would be especially welcome after trudging through the snow to see penguins in Antarctica.

Related: These 5 luxury ships are like nothing you have ever seen before

Like the impressive onboard amenities — which include a submarine and a helicopter — the spa also goes above and beyond with its spa suites. The exquisite spa suites on decks 8 and 9 of both Scenic Eclipse ships have Philippe Starck-designed bathrooms with mist showers. They incorporate a range of color selections, giant Jacuzzi tubs that look out onto the sea through a private veranda and glass partitions to the main room that become opaque at the touch of a button. They, of course, offer special access to the spa.

Redemption Spa, Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages has worked hard to add playful experiences to its adults-only ships, including the spa. In addition to spa treatments and a healthy juice and smoothie bar, the line's "well-being" program touts the ship's coolest, most-talked-about feature: the Squid Ink tattoo parlor. We all know that self-expression is another way to promote wellness.

Related: I just got a tattoo on a cruise ship — here's why you should, too

If the thought of needles makes you break out in a sweat, you can turn up the heat with Virgin's free fitness classes and alfresco yoga instead. Or, opt to feel the temperatures rise in Virgin's thermal suite; it beckons with heated lounge chairs, an indoor hydrotherapy pool, a hot tub, an unusually large sauna and a steam room.

Then cool off in two cold plunge pools, a mud room (as in a place to smear therapeutic mud all over your body) and a salt room. A three-hour pass to the spa is $49 per person on port days and $69 on sea days.

Another fun feature is a mini salon for men called Stubble & Groom, which features hot-lather shaves and pedicures. You'll definitely want some manscaping to complement your new tattoo.

Cost of tattoos at Squid Ink: $150 (and up).

Otium, Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises ' Otium (pronounced aught-zium) spa concept extends wellness and lavish living from the spa to your suite. The best part is that most of the experiences beyond the actual spa treatments are included in your fare.

The signature Otium Experiences are 100 minutes of heavenly indulgence; they combine aromatherapy, massage and body treatments inspired by the gods. Your bliss doesn't end with the conclusion of your massage. You will be escorted to a relaxation room with indoor and outdoor lounge chairs, access to a steam room and sauna, and decadent nibbles consisting of sparkling wine, cocktails, and housemade truffles and marshmallows.

Upon returning to your suite, you can keep the hedonistic vibe going by requesting an aromatherapy bath with your choice of scents. You can then swaddle yourself in a cashmere blanket, sit on your balcony, and ring for lobster and caviar in brioche with lemony mayonnaise or potato fries with truffle oil and Parmesan — all from the Otium Comfort Food Dining menu.

Related: This cruise line is betting big on caviar, Egyptian cotton and other spa-like indulgences

When you are ready to turn in for the night, you'll find the spa's reach has extended to your bed. The Otium Soft Touch mattress — by luxury Italian designer Rivolta Carmignani — features a 400-pocket spring system infused with essential oils and 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets. It will soothe your tired limbs and whisk away any residual stress you could possibly be feeling on vacation.

The Otium Spa is on Silversea's Silver Dawn, Silver Nova and soon-to-debut Silver Ray.

Cost of Otium in-suite spa amenities: $0.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money on vacation
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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19 Shocking Cruise Ship Secrets And Tips I Learned After Going On Seven Cruises

Booking a cruise is just like buying a car, meaning you can negotiate the price and get bonus perks, so ~never~ pay the price you see online.

BuzzFeed Staff

Hey! I'm Spencer , and I just got back from my seventh cruise. I've seen and learned a lot of really cool behind-the-scenes secrets while traveling the world on these ships, so I wanted to share some of the most interesting ones with you here, including some tips that may be helpful for your own future adventures. Enjoy!

For context, I've traveled on four different cruise lines: Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America, and now Carnival. My most recent trip was a seven-day sail aboard Carnival Firenze, which traveled throughout Mexico. This was my first time on Carnival, and I somehow managed to get a private tour to areas of the ship that even the most elite VIP passengers will never, ever see. Here are some things I learned along the way.

1. First of all, yes, most cruise ships have both a jail and a morgue on board. These were the only areas of the ship where I wasn't allowed to visit (trust me, I asked multiple times) because they're strictly off limits unless you find them the old-fashioned way...by getting arrested or dying. I didn't want to take those chances, but I did find out that shorter cruises tend to see a LOT more action in the jails (aka "the brig"). Guests typically treat shorter sailings as more of a party by taking advantage of unlimited drink packages, and more alcohol = more fights on board, so needing a jail totally makes sense.

In terms of the morgues, those are usually located on one of the ship's lowest decks. Think of these as giant refrigerators that, depending on the ship's size, can house anywhere from a couple to nearly a dozen bodies. The majority of these deaths are obviously of natural causes – for reference, as of 2018, fewer than  25%  of global passengers were under the age of 30 – but the average age of a cruise ship passenger is getting younger and younger every year now.

2. The higher you are on a ship, the more movement you'll feel, so if you're someone who tends to get motion sickness then you should definitely book your room on the lowest floor possible (just not in the morgue). I've personally never had an issue with motion sickness on a cruise, but I'll occasionally see passengers with at-sea patches behind their ears for help. Contrary to what you might think, though, you'll probably get the best night's sleep of your life on a cruise. Yes, there's a ~very~ slight rocking, but it'll feel sort of like you're a baby again who's being lulled to sleep in a cradle. Just trust me on this one.

This is a photo of what my cabin looked like. I also included a picture of my bathroom, which was a little bigger than I thought it'd be. The shower itself was a pretty decent size and left me with room to spare (if you want a point of reference, I'm 5'11" [a real 5'11", not a Tinder 5'11"]).

I was in a balcony room on Deck 6, and, again, I had no issues with motion sickness. I've also sailed on higher deck levels before (up to Deck 9) and didn't have any issues then either. In terms of where on each deck you should book your cabin (i.e. midship, aft, or forward), that doesn’t actually matter because you won’t really feel the motion differently in other spots on the same deck.

3. But I promise that you probably won't even have to worry about getting seasick. I got a private tour of the ship's control room, and I learned that they do a lottttt to combat any movement from the waves. For example, ships try to hit waves at a 45-degree angle because that's apparently the most effective way to help break them up and cut down on the extra motion. Ships also have stabilizers that can extend outwardly (picture, like, wings on an airplane), which help to keep things super, super stable.

Think of these stabilizers like fins on a fish, so they help each ship glide along the water. I spoke with the captain and some of the engineers in the control room, and they explained that the stabilizers require extra fuel and also decrease the speed of the ship, so they tend to not use them unless the water is pretty rocky.

4. Before you book a cruise, you should know that they're sort of like buying a car: you can negotiate! Basically, the price you see online should almost never be the price you pay (though they often offer great discounts that you should absolutely check out!). Instead, it's best to call and book your trip with an actual person (i.e. someone who works for the cruise line, a travel agent, etc.). For example, travel agents are usually free, and they can get you a ton of bonus perks and huge discounts on rooms for a fraction of the original price.

A lot of cruise lines occasionally offer "buy one, get one" discounts, as well as a ton of other sales around specific holidays. There are also a bunch of sites where you can book discounted sailings to fill the leftover rooms that haven't sold, so just do a little research. Also, places like BJ's and Sam's Club offer trip discounts if you have a membership card to their stores, so take advantage! I booked a previous cruise through one of them a few years back and got a massive discount for my room, onboard credit, and free gratuities. It pays to save!

5. And if you ever want a "free" cruise then you should definitely hit up the casinos on board. It's super common to get extra perks on future sailings (like free Wi-Fi, drink packages, or even entire trips altogether) if you're someone who gambles a lot. Basically, each bet is tied to your personal cruise card (i.e. your room key) every time you play the slots or put money down at a table game. Your total winnings are tracked on that card, and you'll earn points based on the amount you spend. The more you gamble, the more likely you are to get offered those extra perks.

I'm always mesmerized by cruise casinos because they literally created their own mini Las Vegas on board. Like, there are pit bosses and thousands of tiny security cameras and everything else that a real casino would have. The only downside is that these casinos are obviously much smaller than what you'd find in Vegas, so they probably won't have every table game you're looking for. Yes, they have roulette (my favorite) and craps and half a dozen variations of poker, but I still haven't found a pai gow table on board. Maybe next time!

6. The cool thing about cruises – especially for people who are ages 18 through 20 – is that they can sort of make their own laws while at sea. This is known as Maritime Law. For example, gambling at the casino is only allowed once the ship is at least 12 miles from land, but that also means they can lower the age limit from 21 to 18 while in international waters. The legal drinking age on most cruise ships is also 18, not 21.

There were actually two separate casinos on my recent Carnival ship. The larger area allowed smoking and had hundreds of slot machines, a ton of table games, and "adult" claw machines that replaced stuffed animals for huge wads of cash. The other casino, though, was the designated non-smoking area, and even though it was much smaller it still got the job done.

I'm still surprised that people are allowed to smoke in the main casino (there was also a cigar room on board but on a different deck), but, hey, I guess that's Vegas, baby.

7. There are themed cruises for pretty much anything you could ever imagine – for example, Royal Caribbean offers an immersive Star Trek cruise , and Norwegian is even offering a 2,300-person nude cruise next year – but on "regular" cruises there are certain SFW guidelines that guests (and staff!) need to adhere to. For instance, it's forbidden for staff to hook up with guests on board. Doing so would result in a pretty quick termination of their employment contract. Also, there are thousandsssss of security cameras on board, so, like, good luck trying to get away with it.

Years ago I befriended one of the gym trainers on a cruise, and he revealed that he actually managed to hook up with a guest on board. Because there are so many security cameras, it would have been impossible for either of them to visit the other person's cabin without getting caught, so he told me they hooked up in a random towel closet. I guess this is why a lot of cruise ship employees end up dating each other instead of the guests, because it's way less risky and a lot more convenient.

8. Speaking of hooking up on board, there was so much "swinging" happening between couples that a lot of cruise lines had to create training programs for the staff. Basically, decorating cabin doors is a pretty common thing for elite cruisers (as pictured below), and the secret symbol for swingers is an upside-down pineapple. As a result, a lot of couples would decorate their doors with upside-down pineapples to let other guests know that they're open for fun. According to the high-up staff member I talked to, employees on their previous ship were instructed to report any pineapple decorations found on board.

That staff member also told me that this whole issue started because some couples would leave their cabin doors ajar as an invitation for other swingers. However, the housekeeping staff (who are truly, truly incredible!) unknowingly entered while the couples were ~doing the deed~. Employees on cruises typically come from all over the world (on my Carnival ship, they had staff from over 100 different nations), which means they also have certain religious backgrounds. Spotting and removing these pineapple decorations was done in an effort to protect the staff and their religious beliefs.

9. You have to remember that these ships are basically floating cities, so they have everything you could ever want. Like, I've been on ships with a freaking ice skating rink before, and my recent Carnival sailing had an 18-hole mini golf course on the top deck. Also, itineraries are left outside each guest's stateroom every morning, and they list alllll the activities you can do (or not do!) that day. Want to try your luck at bingo? Have at it. Always wanted to go to an art auction? They've got those too. Want to prove your sports, movie, history, Harry Potter , Friends , or just general knowledge at dozens of trivia events? Be their guest! I promise that you'll never be bored on a cruise.

Cruises even have LGBTQ+ mixers, silent disco parties, wine tastings, and cooking classes. There are also discreet meetings for those who are sober or in recovery. For example, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are labeled as "Friends of Bill" events on each ship's itinerary (this is a nod to Bill Wilson, who co-founded AA).

10. Keep in mind that items on cruise ships are definitely more expensive than what you'd normally pay on land. The spa and salon on my last sailing, for example, charged $175 for a 75-minute Swedish massage and $99 for a "red carpet blowout." If that's somehow in your budget then have at it, but if you want heavily discounted prices then you should book those treatments on days when the ship is at port – this is when most passengers will be off the vessel, so a lot of cruise lines offer discounted treatments to help fill up those time slots and prevent people from hitting up the spas on land. Again, though, you can typically negotiate for certain spa perks when booking!

Every cruise I've been on has had a full-fledged shopping mall on board. There are dozens of stores that sell everything from designer goods to any type of candy or snack you could want. Again, these prices are pretty steep, so if you forget to bring sunscreen then it's probably best to just wait until you get to the next port. Even so, there are definitely ways to save money while cruising! 

11. The more you cruise with a specific line, the more perks you'll get (like free room upgrades, priority access, unlimited internet, and on-board casino credit). These loyalty programs are based on the number of days you sail with each line, so, for example, everyone on their first Carnival cruise is in the Blue tier, then they reach Red status on their second sailing, and once they hit 25 days on board they'll reach the Gold tier. Platinum is achieved after 75 total days of sailing, and Diamond status is for people who've sailed for at least 200 days. I met so many Diamond members that my jaw kind of dropped – like, these people LOVE cruises and go on several a year. It isn't just a vacation for them; it's a full-on hobby.

While doing some research, I also found out that Royal Caribbean even has a "Pinnacle Club" for people who've sailed for over 700 days on their ships, which, holy crap??? So if you're prepared to spend the equivalent of two years on a ship (which kind of sounds like a dream to me, to be honest), then get ready for the ultimate form of perks and luxury.

12. Another way to save money is by booking your shore excursions through third-party vendors. Booking through the ship is definitely the most expensive route, but it's also the safest because you'll never have to worry about the ship leaving without you. Ships have strict docking schedules to follow on port days, so they ~will~ leave without you if you aren't back in time. Otherwise, you're in charge of making it to the next port of call on your own, so good luck. If you have a short port day and are only docked for a few hours then I'd suggest booking through the ship so you don't risk getting left behind.

Cruise lines display all excursion reviews from past passengers on their site, so this can be such a helpful resource to prevent you from booking something that sounds good on paper but is underwhelming in reality (been there, done that). I typically book excursions through vendors who are waiting outside as soon as everyone gets off the ship, but I do a lot of research ahead of time and will often find things to do that aren't even offered by the cruise.

You obviously don't have to go on any excursions at all either. There have been plenty of times when I've simply explored on my own by walking around, grabbing a bite from a local spot, or relaxing at the beach. You also don't even have to leave the ship if you don't want to. In fact, port days are incredible for peak relaxation on board because it's way more quiet, and you'll never struggle to find an open lounger by the pool. Free is my favorite number, so remember that there will always be plenty to do no matter your budget.

13. You should know that there are some banned items you simply can't bring on a cruise. Before boarding, you'll quickly go through security, sort of like a relaxed version of TSA at the airport. The whole process typically only takes a few minutes. Depending on the cruise line, you're usually allowed to bring up to 12 cans of non-alcoholic beverages (my friend brought a six-pack of ginger ale in case she felt seasick, and those made it through just fine. I also saw a bunch of Diet Coke-obsessed people with whole cases, and those made it through too). Candles, hot plates, and the obvious knives, guns, fireworks, etc. are all banned as well.

Bottled water isn't typically allowed through security when checking in, but you can absolutely buy it on board. More importantly, though, there will be plenty of free fill-up stations for your water bottle throughout the ship, so that's an easy fix. I can't stress enough how necessary having a water bottle is, so make sure you bring one (both for your regular onboard living but also for when you leave the ship on port days).

14. Also, don't even try to sneak alcohol on board because you'll definitely get caught. Each ship is different, but for the most part you're only allowed one unopened bottle of wine or champagne in your carry-on. If you buy spirits while at port then you'll have to check them when you get back on the ship, and they'll be returned when you disembark. After all, most cruises only become profitable after adding up their total alcohol sales and casino winnings (I guess it helps that Carnival's 27 ships, for example, sell over 14,000 margaritas each day). For reference, a standard cocktail on my last trip was about $13, and the unlimited drink packages were about $60 a day.

Depending on the cruise line, these unlimited drink packages can range from $55 to over $100 each day. These include specialty coffees, soda, beer, wine, cocktails, and the works. Remember, some people treat cruises like parties (my last sailing had FIVE different types of espresso martinis at the bars, so, like, I sort of don't blame them), and they certainly try to get the most bang for their buck. I've done the math, and you need to have at least five specialty drinks per day to make the unlimited package "worth it."

Non-alcoholic drink packages also exist, like a $9.50-a-day pass that'll get you unlimited sodas. But there are free drinks on board, whether you're at the buffet or sit-down dining, like tap water, brewed coffee, hot teas, hot chocolate, lemonade, iced tea, fruit juices (fresh-pressed ones will cost extra), and milk.

15. Cruise ships obviously make tons (and I mean that literally, not figuratively) of food every single sailing. After all, the average ship holds about 3,000 guests and 1,000 crew members. An employee who I spoke with said Carnival serves about 30,000 burgers every single day, and they'll make over 1.3 million pounds of French fries each year. There are free sit-down restaurants and buffets on board, but there are also specialty dining options that guests can pay for, like hibachi and steak houses. My family always sticks with the free dining options, and I think non-cruisers will be shocked by how good the food actually is, but the best part is that you can order several appetizers, entrées, and desserts per person, so, like, you'll never leave hungry.

All of that food used to mean there's a lot of food waste, but that's not really the case anymore. In fact, a lot of ships are working on how to become more and more sustainable and environmentally friendly. For example, rather than dumping food waste in the water, I saw on my private tour that Carnival has a "food digester" room. Basically, it's a massive machine filled with bacteria that'll break down all the food scraps, just like how your own body breaks down food. Yes, it smelled just as bad as you probably think it would.

Similarly, some ships are even using artificial intelligence to make their sailings more environmentally friendly. While in the control room, one of the engineers told me about how their ship is using new AI that basically studies each sailing so it can recommend new ways to make future voyages as efficient as possible, like by creating energy-saving routes and so on.

16. If you're worried about potentially having bad weather on your cruise then, well, think again. Yes, there's obviously a lot to do inside, but a lot of ships also have retractable roofs on their top decks. So, if it's ever too cold, rainy, or windy then they can usually cover the entire lido deck (i.e. where most of the pools, jacuzzis, and lounge chairs are), which means you can relax "outside" even in the terrible weather. A lot of ships also offer indoor pools and adults-only sections, so, like, you'll totally be set no matter what.

My recent cruise had a regular pool and jacuzzi setup on the lido deck, but there was also another section at the back of the ship with one more pool and two more jacuzzis. There was even a "Serenity" section at the top deck, which served as an "adults-only retreat," meaning passengers younger than 18 weren't allowed. That area unfortunately filled up super fast on sailing days, so if you ever go on a ship with one I'd definitely recommend getting there early.

A lot of ships also offer private areas and decks that are exclusive to only those who book certain rooms. This secluded area was much quieter, super luxurious, and actually felt like I was on a totally different ship. If you're booking a cruise and see that there's an exclusive area, you should absolutely ask about how to get access ahead of time.

17. It's tradition for every ship to have a celebrity godmother or godfather who christens the boat before the inaugural launch, and those celebs are typically rewarded with free cruises for life (!) on that specific vessel. For example, Oprah Winfrey is the godmother of a Holland America ship, and even Audrey Hepburn was the godmother of a Princess ship. Carnival only has two godfathers, and they're fittingly both for their Italian-themed cruises: Jay Leno and now Jonathan Bennett. Christening the ship used to entail smashing a bottle of champagne against its hull, but the night before my cruise I got to watch Jonathan Bennett pour a bottle of champagne over the ship's bell to toast its safe travels instead.

Judi Dench is also the godmother of a ship, and it famously took her three different attempts to break the bottle of champagne against its hull, which then sprayed all over her. That was in 2002, so I think switching to this new christening method with the ship's bell is definitely less messy.

18. One of the most unique parts about cruising is that you'll typically find a cool towel animal waiting for you after returning to your cabin every night. The housekeeping staff are all trained in towel folding, so after dinner you'll have a new animal sitting on your bed or, in my case, hanging from the ceiling. A lot of ships even host towel-folding classes during sailings so guests can learn how to make the animals themselves, and how-to books are also available in the bookstore. I found out that Carnival's housekeeping team makes about 15 million towel animals every single year, which, holy crap.

One morning while on my way to the gym, I walked through the lido deck and saw hundreds of towel animals sitting on every single lounge chair outside. There were monkeys and elephants and dogs, but the most impressive towel animal that I saw was an octopus. I still have no idea how they managed to pull this off, and I'm genuinely so impressed.

19. And finally, the most important thing you should know about cruises is that there are several self-serve ice cream machines on board, and they're all completely free (and unlike McDonald's, these machines are always working!). If you're like me and deserve a sweet treat after dinner – or, let's face it, after or even before breakfast – then you understand how big this is. After all, you're on vacation, so you should be eating as much ice cream and frozen yogurt as you can get your hands on.

I worked at Dairy Queen for a few summers as a teen and genuinely loved it there, so having the ability to serve myself a cone whenever I wanted made me feel at home. And if you're more of a gelato person then I totally understand! Luckily for you, cruises have got you covered. My ship had a freaking gelato spot on board, and they expect to serve about 750,000 scoops this year, but I have a feeling half of them were because of me.

That's it! If you have any other cruise travel tips that have worked for you, please feel free to share them in the comments. Thanks!

Note: BuzzFeed was granted this cruise aboard Carnival Firenze for free, though we were under no obligation to provide a positive review.

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What is a Stateroom on a Cruise Ship and Which is Best?

W hen you start to book a cruise vacation, you’ll have some things to consider. First, you’ll want to choose which cruise line you plan to sail on. Next, you’ll want to look at individual ships, itineraries, and dates. Once you’ve narrowed down the exact sailing, it’s time to choose your stateroom.

What is a stateroom on a cruise ship? A stateroom is like a hotel room, but at sea. While you will hopefully be spending lots of time exploring the ship and out at the various ports of call, you’ll still spend lots of time in your room.

It’s important to not only understand what the different stateroom types are (like balcony, interior, etc ) but also to understand cabin location. Some people find that they have strong performances for the stateroom location, while other people won’t care. Cabin type is important, however.

Here’s the information you’ll need to know about choosing a stateroom, based on your preferences and budget. Keep in mind that every cruise line is a bit different in how it classifies staterooms, so you may need to do a little additional research on your specific cruise line.

Disclosure: We have been on some complimentary cruises and have paid for many of our own. This post contains affiliate links, but a purchase/click-through of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you. All opinions are my own.

🛳️ Check cruise prices and itineraries here 🛳️

What is a Stateroom on a Cruise Ship and Which One is Best

Types of cruise ship staterooms and differences.

Here are some of the most popular types of cabins. Not every cruise line/cruise ship will have every type of room, so you’ll have to look at the booking details and deck plan to see what is available on your sailing. You can choose your cruise ship cabins during the booking process.

Interior Staterooms: These rooms are often a great deal. They don’t offer balconies or windows, unlike outside cabins. I personally find that I need to have a view of the ocean, even for just the natural light. However, you can definitely save money by choosing an interior room, and they can be a good value.

Porthole Stateroom : This type of stateroom isn’t available on all cruise ships. With a porthole view, you’ll have a round, porthole as a window, rather than floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s no exterior access with this type of room.

Oceanview Stateroom: An oceanview cabin will typically have larger windows than a porthole stateroom. There’s a full view of the ocean, but you won’t be able to go outside from your room in an oceanview cabin without a balcony. Within this stateroom category, there are often obstructed view or partial view rooms, although there’s typically a large window.

Balcony Stateroom : This type of stateroom, also called a verandah stateroom (on Disney Cruise Line), offers a private balcony with access to the outside. Like oceanview rooms, sometimes balcony rooms have obstructed views or larger/smaller balconies. I prefer a balcony room because I really enjoy spending time outside, reading a book and drinking my coffee. While you can save money by choosing a room without a balcony, I personally feel it’s worth it.

Cruise Suite: If you are looking for a more luxurious experience at sea, there are also suites to consider. These can vary from a small junior suite to multi-bedroom suites, depending on the ship. Many cruise suites also come with concierge services, including special happy hours, extra service, and dedicated lounges and sun decks.

Locations of Staterooms

Another consideration is the location of your stateroom. In some cases, you’ll get a choice. If you book a GTY (guaranteed) stateroom, or sail on Virgin Voyages , you won’t have a room location option.

Some people care more about stateroom location than others. So you’ll have to think about your preferences before you book. Options will include the deck (level) as well as the location on the ship – forward, aft, or midship.

On smaller ships, the location doesn’t matter as much. But on larger ships, like the Royal Caribbean Oasis Class (including the Wonder and the Allure ), you’ll really want to make sure you get a location you like.

Often the higher decks are preferable. However, you may not want to be under certain areas of a ship. This would include a busy nightclub, a pool deck, or a smokey casino.

Higher decks do sometimes feel more movement but may be closer to the action. You may want to think about what parts of the ship you going to be in the most, and consider a stateroom that will require the least amount of stairs. Lower decks typically have less movement but do not always have the best view.

In addition to the deck, you’ll want to decide what part of the ship to be in – midship, forward, or aft. Midship is usually the best option if possible. You’ll be in the center of the action and won’t have to walk too far in either direction to get to wherever you are going.

To me, the type of stateroom I book is much more important than the location. I’ve stayed all over cruise ships and have always had a great experience. If your sailing has an option for a guaranteed room, you may be able to save money if you don’t care about location. It can be a great way to save some money on your vacation – that you can use on drinks, specialty dining, or excursions!

You’ll also want to look beyond the deck and location. For this, you’ll need to look at the deck plan for your ship. In general, you want to look to see if you are near an elevator or service area, or are in an area where others can see your balcony from the top decks. These aren’t necessarily deal-breakers (unless you are a very light sleeper), but if you have a choice, it’s good to avoid these cruise staterooms.

General Stateroom Amenities

Before you set sail, you’ll want to see what stateroom amenities are offered. That will make sure you are fully prepared before you get on board.

Some things to look for are hairdryers, outlets, type of closet/space, bed configurations, safes, and bathroom setup. Keep in mind that regardless of what type of stateroom you book, it’s likely to be small. Even the most luxurious staterooms are still small. So don’t overpack and try to bring things that are easy to tuck into small spaces.

You’ll also want to see what the bed configuration is. Is there a king-size bed? A sofa bed? Bunk beds? Know in advance, especially when traveling with your whole family.

Choosing the Best Stateroom

If you’ve never sailed on a cruise ship, you may not know what the best staterooms are. Luckily, there are some resources that you can use to get reviews and learn more about rooms on various ships. One option is to do an internet search or Facebook search for your cruise ship. You may find some reviews of cabins.

Another option is the Cruise Deck Plan database . This website offers images and deck plans for a huge variety of popular cruise lines/cruise ships. You can look for one particular ship and see all the details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you choose your stateroom on a cruise ship?

On most lines, you can, unless you book a guaranteed cabin (GYT). Virgin Voyages, however, doesn’t let you book your room.

Do staterooms have a private bathroom?

Yes, staterooms will have a private bathroom, in every type of cabin.

Is it worth it to have a balcony on a stateroom?

I think it’s absolutely worth it because I typically spend lots of time on the balcony. Having your own private balcony can give you some additional space to spread out. While balcony staterooms do cost more money, I think it’s worth it.

Is there a difference between a cabin and a stateroom on a cruise ship?

No, a cabin and a stateroom are synonymous.

Is stateroom location important?

It can be important if you are concerned about shorter walks and noise levels in your cruise experience.

What is the best cruise ship cabin?

That can vary based on your preferences. I personally prefer a balcony cabin in the middle of the ship.

What is your favorite stateroom location on a cruise ship?

Check prices and book your cruise here .

The post What is a Stateroom on a Cruise Ship and Which is Best? appeared first on Family Travel Magazine .

Some of the Best Cruises for Families Aren’t on Mega-Ships

A cruise doesn’t need to be a floating theme park for kids to have fun. from sailing ships to river cruises, luxury yachts to larger ships with an international clientele, these cruises will delight passengers of every age..

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Surprise the kids with something really different, like a sailing ship adventure.

Courtesy of Star Clippers

Don’t get me wrong, I love my children, but family travel can pose some unique challenges. A younger tot might revel in playing in a pool for hours, while older teens might be more interested in culinary exploits. The parents may just want to relax, and if grandparents or other older family members are coming along, they could have different desires as well. A great way to satisfy a wide range of tastes and interests across ages and life stages is on a cruise ship.

The best cruises for families will allow you to travel in a different way from land-based adventures, with the ship itself serving as an essential part of the journey. These sailings will provide high-quality experiences for a variety of interests that highlight the port destinations being visited. These are our top picks for worldwide cruises that combine engaging encounters with luxury services, and that are bound to foster moments of connection and transformation to create lasting memories.

Maple Leaf Adventures’ 12-person tugboat is small enough that some families could book the entire vessel for a reunion.

Courtesy of Maple Leaf Adventures

An Alaskan voyage on a luxury expedition tugboat

Best for: Families with older children and young adults who yearn for some time together in close (but comfortable) quarters with opportunities for abundant wildlife watching To book: 11-night Alaska Voyage from Petersburg to Ketchikan from $12,600 per person.

Recommended for kids old enough to be able to handle themselves around wildlife such as bears, this intimate, magical journey explores Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area , at the center of southeast Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, with the opportunity to see humpback whales and a tidal glacier. The 12-passenger Swell is a converted tugboat with six cozy cabins. The ship has an on-deck hot tub, indoor, outdoor, and protected outdoor lounge/seating areas, and a dining lounge. Future scientists will enjoy the open wheelhouse policy where guests are invited in anytime to be with the navigators. Kayaks are available for passengers, and naturalist tools include a hydrophone for listening to whales, a flat screen with charts for presentations, an aquarium showcasing intertidal life, a microscope with a projector, and a spotting scope.

For older children, an Amazon adventure aboard the Delfin II is sure to be an unforgettable one.

Photo by David Vargas

Exploring the Upper Amazon aboard a custom-built river cruise ship

Best for: Families with children age five and up who are interested in exploring the rich flora and fauna of the Amazon To book: 10-night Upper Amazon Aboard the Delfin II , round-trip from Lima, from $8,865 per person (with discounted rates for children)

Journey with Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic into the remarkable wilderness of Peru’s Upper Amazon River. Enjoy meals enhanced by tropical fruits and vegetables, suites with hardwood floors and palm ceilings, and common spaces featuring handcrafted lanterns. Venture into the jungle on a fleet of kayaks to seek sloths, monkeys, and rare pink dolphins with expert naturalists, who offer a meaningful connections to the ribereño communities visited along the way.

Sailing on Star Clippers’ tall ships in Central America

Best for: Children over eight years old who yearn to be pirates To book: 7-night Central American sailings , round-trip from Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, from $4,680 (with discounted rates for children)

Star Clippers’ small ships allow travelers to visit Isla San Jose in Panama’s Pearl Island and the uninhabited Isla Iguana to take in frigate birds, coral reefs, and iguanas. Thrill-seeking teens can climb the masts (in harnesses) to reach the crow’s nest nearly 65 above the deck.

Your kids will enjoy learning about European castles and history thanks to Disney’s well-trained adventure guides.

Courtesy of Adventures by Disney

Gliding along the Rhine River with Adventures by Disney

Best for: Enjoying European destinations while Disney-trained Adventure Guides entertain the whole family To book: 8-night Rhine river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam, from $6,500 per person (with discounted rates for children)

Adventures by Disney sails Europe’s rivers on AmaWaterways’ luxe ships, which offer kid-friendly amenities like connecting staterooms, heated pools, and complimentary bikes (including kid sizes) and helmets onboard so you can explore port destinations on your own. Or families can take advantage of included excursions like zip lining in the Black Forest (followed by Black Forest cake), canoeing through Strasbourg, and castle tours with magnificent Disney Adventure Guides, who can entertain all ages, a priceless addition for parental serenity.

Ultimate luxury in the Galápagos with Ecoventura

Best for: Feeling as if you are the only visitors to one of the most fascinating places on Earth To book: 7-night Volcanic Wonders itinerary , round-trip from San Cristobal, from $9,750 per person

The Relais & Châteaux brand Ecoventura luxury expedition yacht offers interconnecting suites, some with triple accommodations that includes a Pullman berth bunk bed that can be lowered above one of the twin beds or over a king to accommodate different family sizes. Ecoventura has a local naturalist for every four guests, which means that you are often the only group touring an island at a time, walking so close to blue-footed boobies that you can leave binoculars behind. (Although on a recent sailing when I wanted mine, a staff member zoomed our Zodiac boat back to the yacht to retrieve them from my stateroom in minutes.) The ship boasts a hot tub, library, and a roomy upper deck and lounge with board games and movies for families to enjoy while sailing.

For families who like the idea of big-ship amenities but with a mix of international kids onboard, book a sailing on the MSC Bellissima , where kids will converge in the Mini Club Lego.

Courtesy of Ivan Sarfatti/MSC Cruises

A thrilling Japanese journey aboard the MSC Belissima

Best for: Families with kids of all ages (including babies and toddlers) who want to mix and mingle with passengers from all over the world with the added bonus of Cirque de Soleil–style entertainment To book: 5-night Tokyo to Okinawa , from $1,970 per person for a Yacht Club suite (with discounted rates for children)

In 2024, Geneva-based MSC Cruises returned to Asia after a four-year hiatus. The Yacht Club offers a small-ship experience with the larger cruise ship, with an exclusive and private dining area, lounge, pool, and butler service. Yet the 4,500-passenger MSC Bellisima also includes the bells and whistles (like kids clubs and huge waterslides) of a larger ship. Offboard, dedicated excursions and concierge disembarkation make the Yacht Club a perfect experience for multigenerational travel.

The entire family will be entranced by the sights and sounds of Iceland.

Photo by Kyle Anthony Photography/Shutterstock

Circumnavigating Iceland with HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions)

Best for: Adventurous families with children age five and up To book: 11-night the Land of Elves, Sagas & Volcanoes , round-trip from Reykjavík, from $6,128 per person (with discounted rates for children)

Traveling with an expedition team allows the itinerary to change depending on conditions as you cross the Arctic Circle and cruise along Eyjafjörður, Iceland’s longest fjord. This flexibility also grants families the chance to request specific expeditions, including hikes tailored to novice or experienced hikers and the ability to have a shorter adventure for family members who might prefer an afternoon nap.

There’s a fancy and kid-friendly way to sail in the Caribbean: It’s called Explora Journeys.

Courtesy of Ivan Sarfatti/Explora Journeys

Design-centric luxury in the Caribbean with Explora Journeys

Best for: Families with kids as young as six months who are cruising for the first time and appreciate art, design, and elevated culinary offerings To book: A Journey to Rum-Soaked Isles and Castaway Bliss , 7 nights from Bridgetown to Miami, from $4,050 per person (with discounted rates for children)

Explora ships, where every guest room is an oceanfront suite, were specifically designed to appeal to travelers who might be more drawn to a yacht or boutique hotel but are intrigued by kids clubs, onboard activities, and not packing and unpacking nightly. Family-friendly amenities include smaller bathrobes for kids, cribs and toys upon request, interconnecting family suites, and a Young Explorers enrichment program of activities designed around protecting the ocean that is offered during school holidays.

A worry-free long weekend in the Caribbean aboard Celebrity

Best for: Families traveling with active, small children who seek a restorative, classy getaway To book: 3-night Bahamas and Perfect Day , round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, from $845 per person for a Retreat Suite (with discounted rates for children)

The private island, Coco Cay, allows very young families and those with special needs, like those who need to be near a medical facility or require special diets, ADA compliances, or medication, to relax without anxiety both on and offboard. Celebrity ships, while smaller than the massive mega-liners, are still packed with activities, a complimentary kids club for ages 0–17, and a variety of dining options. A booking in one of the Retreat area suites includes a private restaurant and exclusive lounge. Multi-room and two-story suites with terraces, whirlpool tubs, and family configurations are also available.

By the end of this Nile sailing, your kids will be experts in ancient Egyptian history.

Courtesy of Getty Images/Unsplash

Cultural immersion on Egypt’s Nile River with Uniworld

Best for: Families with budding Egyptologists To book: Splendors of Egypt and the Nile , 12 nights round-trip from Cairo, from $5,000 per person (with discounted rates for children)

This itinerary on Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ 84-passenger S.S. Sphinx includes two full days and nights in bustling Cairo (with a visit to the Great Pyramids, of course) and a flight to Luxor to continue the once-in-a-lifetime journey. Select sailings boast Uniworld’s Generations Family Program, which features unique, fun-filled adventures for children, including meeting with Egyptian youngsters, plus culturally and historically significant experiences.

Whale watching with National Geographic in Baja California

Best for: Families who love nature and science To book: 7-night Among the Great Whales , round-trip from Loreto, Mexico, from $7,000 per person (with discounted rates for children)

With naturalists alongside, guests will visit Bahía Magdalena to look for California gray whales and their calves. On a ship hydrophone, families can listen to eerily beautiful whale songs. Snorkel among bright blue damselfish and sea lions and experience guided hikes on deserted islands. Children age five and up can participate in the hands-on, interactive National Geographic Global Explorers program , which teaches kids how to develop the attitudes, skills, and knowledge of explorers while enjoying activities like recording wildlife sightings in field notebooks, observing plankton fresh from the oceans, and taking photographs, videos, and creating maps.

I tried Princess Cruise's premier package. At just $80 a day, it's one of the best deals at sea.

• I paid about $80 a day for a premier package on a recent Princess Cruise .
• The fee got me unlimited room service, onboard WiFi, premium desserts, and more. 
• The package was an incredible value and it made my trip feel luxurious. 

I've been on 18 cruises and I absolutely love them.

I wake up in a new place every morning and unpack only once. Most of my meals are planned and paid for in advance, and I feel the ocean breeze every time I step out onto my cabin's balcony .

The only letdown is when the bill that arrives the night before each cruise ends contains more charges than I'd kept track of in my head.

I hate the wallet-wrenching surprise of that final invoice, filled with a few more drinks than I remember ordering, the WiFi I couldn't live without, and the specialty dining restaurants I splurged on.

But all that changed the moment I discovered the Premier Cruises' Premier Princess package on Princess Cruises during a family vacation on the Regal Princess in December.

Although my parents, brother, and brother's girlfriend went à la carte with their onboard purchases, my fiancé and I ordered the premier package.

It gave us a huge leg up throughout the trip. Here's why it may be worth considering if you're planning to sail with Princess Cruises.

For just $80 per person per day, we got tons of perks

The premier package costs $80 per day per guest, which amounts to $560 per person on a seven-day sailing (or $1,120 per couple).

At first glance, that sounds like a significant additional line item — but not when you compare the included items to the cruise's à la carte costs.

Princess Cruises' Premier Princess package includes:

• WiFi: Up to four devices per guest
• Beverages: Premium drinks (up to $20 each), bottled water, specialty coffee and juice bar
• Crew appreciation: Mandatory prepaid tips
• Professional photos: Unlimited digital photos and three prints
• Specialty multi-course meals: Two per sailing
• Meals at casual-dining restaurants: Unlimited
• Premium desserts: Unlimited treats from specialty venues
• OceanNow: Fee waived for food and drink delivery anywhere on board
• Room service delivery: Unlimited
• Fitness classes: Unlimited classes by Xpotential (Pure Barre, Yoga Six, and Stretch Lab)
• Reserved theatre seating
• Princess Prizes: Win prizes like wine tasting, onboard credit, and more by opening your door during certain hours

I didn't indulge a ton on my trip but I still saved money with the premier package

Right off the bat, passengers must pay $16/day for crew appreciation (read: gratuities). Crew appreciation is included in my package, so that's $112 of the $560 I paid for the package accounted for.

I'm a light drinker, so I only ordered two alcoholic drinks a day: usually a pre-dinner cocktail ($15 to $20 à la carte) and a glass of wine with dinner ($10).

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I sometimes got a soda with lunch ($2.50) or a specialty coffee ($3 to $4) at breakfast. That totals $27.50 to $34 a day, or $192.50 to $238 a week for a week of drinks if they were à la carte.

For the record, though, the premier package includes 15 alcoholic beverages daily, so you can drink far more than I did and order over $2,000 worth of drinks in a week.

I also saved on onboard WiFi, an essential for me because I'm always working and sharing my adventures in real time on Instagram .

Since I use both a phone and a laptop, I'd need to connect at least two devices. That would typically cost $40 a day, but up to four devices are included with the package. So that's a savings of $280.

If you're keeping tabs, I've now accounted for more than the cost of the premier package with just drinks, gratuities, and WiFi.

With our savings already more than accounted for, everything else was a bonus

For instance, I enjoy breaking up the monotony of eating in the main dining room with visits to such specialty restaurants as Sabatini's Italian Trattoria, Crown Grill, or The Catch by Rudi. Cover charges at these eateries range from $35 to $39 per person. I dined at two during my sailing, which would have totaled $74 without the package.

Because this was our first family vacation in about a decade, getting family photos was also a priority. So most nights before dinner, we visited the various portrait stations around the ship.

With the premier package, I was given an unlimited number of digital images, so we didn't have to make difficult decisions about which photos to keep and which to discard.

We ended up with more than a dozen digital photos and six prints. On the other hand, my brother and his girlfriend bought some of their couples-only photos and paid $191.75 for five digital photos.

Plus, my fiancé and I indulged in a few premium desserts ($10 each à la carte), I took a fitness class to help balance them out ($30 à la carte), and we made use of the OceanNow service that delivers food or drinks to you anywhere on board ($15 one-time fee).

Overall, my package basically paid for itself, and then some

Overall, I'd estimate we saved at least $275 per person by choosing this package — and we used the included perks rather conservatively since we just aren't big drinkers.

But even if you only plan to have two drinks a day like we did, this package basically pays for itself.

It's worth noting that you can only order the package before you board or through the second day of your sailing. Both passengers in a stateroom must sign up for it.

If one of you doesn't drink alcohol or doesn't care to be connected to WiFi, it probably won't make financial sense to purchase this package.

But the best part of having this package was that I never felt nickeled and dimed and was able to just enjoy a week with my family in the Caribbean .

I didn't stress about putting any extras "on my tab" because I knew my final bill would be a fixed cost I'd already made peace with. And by doing so, I certainly came out ahead.

Watch: Why it costs $1 million a day to run one of the world's biggest cruise ships

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THE BEST CRUISE RESTAURANTS ONBOARD GRANDEUR OF THE SEAS

Looking for the best cruise food at sea your ship’s come in..

By Amanda Mesa| Published on May 22, 2024

If you’ve read any of my past guides to cruising, you know that I take food very seriously on all my vacations. A getaway without great meals is like a cannoli without any cream inside — it just doesn’t make sense. Of course, something Royal Caribbean always nails is cruise dining. It’s a big reason why their ships are always at the top of my list when I’m planning a vacation at sea — and Grandeur of the Seas is no exception.

This long-sailing cruise ship offers plenty of restaurants to please a diverse range of flavor preferences and cravings. Whether I’m in the mood for fantastic sushi, authentic Italian entrees, a hearty steak or a comforting bowl of soup, I know I’m only ever steps away from something delicious when I sail aboard this ship. When it comes to cruise fine dining, Grandeur also knocks it out of the park. Chops Grille, Izumi and Chef’s Table are wonderful, upscale options for celebratory dinners and dialed-up date nights. And of course, the main dining room serves up a fabulous multi-course feast in an opulent setting every night of your sailing. 

Purchasing cruise drink packages takes every sailing a step further by letting you pair every bite with unlimited ice-cold brews, fine wines and vacation libations throughout your getaway. And buying a specialty dining package unlocks unrivaled discounts at the ship’s specialty restaurants, including Izumi, Chops Grille and Giovanni's℠ Table. Prefer to stick to complimentary cruise dining options? No problem — the complimentary restaurants onboard serve food that’s just as wow-worthy, at no additional cost. Here’s a quick rundown of all the cruise restaurants onboard one of my favorite Vision Class ships.

1. Windjammer

2.Park Café

3. Café Latte-Tudes

4. Chops Grille

6. Giovanni’s Table

7. Main Dining Room

8. Chef’s Table

9. Room Service

There’s nothing basic about wanting to stay in the comfort of your stateroom to enjoy a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner. And onboard Grandeur of the Seas , you can call up all your favorite eats whenever your cravings strike, thanks to 24/7 room service. The continental breakfast items on your room service menu are included in your cruise fare, though you can level up your meal with upgrades that include fried eggs, omelets and more. Have a beverage package? Order up some fizzy mimosas or a Bloody Mary. Lunch and dinner cover a wide range of options, from crispy chicken tenders, hot dogs and cheese toasties to the legendary Royal Burger — 225 grams of tender Wagyu beef topped with aged cheddar and crispy bacon. 

These are all the incredible cruise restaurants onboard Grandeur of the Seas, though because the menu rotates in spots like Windjammer and the main dining room, you can always look forward to something new to try — even if you’ve tasted your way across all the other dining concepts onboard. Next, it’s time to check out all the fun activities, shows and cool things to do  onboard this cruise ship. Or, if you’ve ready enough and are ready to book, find your perfect itinerary .

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