How to Choose Your Cruise Cabin

Booking a cruise is incredibly exciting, but it's essential to ensure you select the correct cabin. Choosing the right cabin can make the difference between a good and great cruise. It can enhance your comfort, save you money, and ultimately impact your overall cruise experience.

In this guide, we offer tips and advice, letting you know how to choose a cabin that’s right for you. We’ll look at various factors, including your travel style, available cabin types, and your cruise destination.

Read on to learn more or get in touch for personal assistance with booking your cruise holiday.

READ MORE: What is a cruise ship cabin like?

If you’re looking to understand the difference between our key cabin types, read on for a simple comparison of cabin features, food and drink amenities and lifestyle add-ons.

Interior Cabin – Our most budget-friendly option is the Interior Cabin. Featuring all the amenities and comforts you need, this is an excellent option for those who don’t mind not having a porthole or window.

Ocean View – With either a porthole or picture window, an Ocean View Cabin will allow you to see the world as it drifts by from your cabin, with a range of amenities and comforts to make your trip enjoyable.

We spoke to Ken and Lindsey, who share their travels at Ken Goes Cruising. They told us about the Ocean View cabins: “We recently stayed in an Ocean View cabin on Borealis, which we found to be spacious, comfortable and with ample storage. The cabin was clean, well-kept, and serviced twice a day. The bathroom was a reasonable size, featuring a large and powerful shower. Other facilities included a large sofa, a television with a wide range of programmes and films, tea and coffee facilities, and a small fridge. There was a good selection of electrical sockets and USB points.”

Terrace Cabin – A unique cabin type, the Terrace Cabin offers direct access to our Promenade, complete with your own reserved sunbeds, alongside a range of amenities and comforts such as a food and drinks cooler and turndown service.

Balcony Suite – Perfect for some privacy, our Balcony Suites open up to the outside, providing an intimate spot to sit. Open the French doors to your private balcony and breathe in the fresh air outside. Enjoy breakfast on your private balcony and take in your unique perspective as you sail away.

Jamie, from Travel Blog Jamie, has sailed with us multiple times and stayed in a range of cabins on our ships. He shared his thoughts on a Balcony Suite: “A balcony suite is perfect if you’re looking for more space, a jacuzzi-style bathtub, uninterrupted sea views and daily luxuries like canapés. The epitome of classic, elegant cruise travel with a few extras to help you luxuriate.”

Premier Suite – Spacious and stylish, you’ll enjoy all the amenities needed for a relaxing and comfortable holiday and a few exciting extras in our Premier Suites, such as binoculars, canapés, separate dressing rooms, and more.

We spoke to Josh and Alfie from Young At Sea, who stayed in a Premier Suite onboard Bolette on a Christmas Cruise. They told us: “We could not believe the amount of storage space. We loved the jacuzzi bath, and it was one of the biggest balconies we’ve ever had at sea!"

Olsen Suite – Looking for a suite with a difference? Our finest accommodation is the Olsen Suite (Owner’s Suite on Balmoral). Spacious and featuring every amenity you might need, there is no better way to enjoy life at sea. There are a limited number of these on each ship, so if you want one, be sure to book early.

All of our cabins feature a range of amenities, including an HD Smart TV, climate control, a hairdryer, turndown service, tea & coffee-making facilities, a safe, a telephone, and more.

Many of our suites offer a superior experience, giving you automatic access to our Suite Dreams package. Enjoy daily canapés, a sparkling bottle of wine on arrival, binoculars, country guides, umbrellas for shore use, bathrobes and slippers, luxury towels, unlimited fruit, priority check-in, free pressing service and more!

It’s not just what’s inside the cabin; it's just as important to think about where the cabin is located on the ship. Cabin position can have a significant impact on your cruise experience.

Different decks and locations can affect factors such as noise levels and stability. Different cabin locations can also better suit each individual traveller. For example, midship cabins offer more stability. Or, you might prefer to be in a cabin that’s close to the ship’s entertainment areas.

Consider what is important to you and your priorities – perhaps you want to be closer to the restaurants or prefer a cabin that won’t have a lot of foot traffic outside. Then, make a balanced decision.

A cruise allows you to travel between multiple destinations in one trip, and even when crossing oceans, you’re sure to be swept up in the incredible views throughout your voyage.

A balcony cabin can offer flawless, personal vistas for those who want to experience these sea views. See waterfalls through floor-to-ceiling windows in the Norwegian Fjords, dolphins playing in the waves as you travel and feel the fresh air of your destination around you as you enjoy intimate sunset drinks.

An ocean-view cabin can a

A cruise allows you to travel between multiple destinations in one trip, and even when crossing oceans, you’re sure to be swept up in the incredible views throughout your voyage.

A balcony cabin can offer flawless, personal vistas for those who want to experience these sea views. See waterfalls through floor-to-ceiling windows in the Norwegian Fjords, dolphins playing in the waves as you travel and feel the fresh air of your destination around you as you enjoy intimate sunset drinks.

An ocean-view cabin can allow natural light to pour into your room, whether with a picture window or porthole. Unlike interior suites, which are well-lit and have climate control, you can enjoy the sensation of the sun on your face as you awaken and take in a glimpse of the surroundings while getting ready for bed.

llow natural light to pour into your room, whether with a picture window or porthole. Unlike interior suites, which are well-lit and have climate control, you can enjoy the sensation of the sun on your face as you awaken and take in a glimpse of the surroundings while getting ready for bed.

We understand that solo travellers have their own requirements when it comes to choosing a cabin on a cruise ship.

You may be wondering, what are the best cabins for solo travellers? Our number one tip is to look for a cabin designed for singles to avoid paying a single supplement, which is an extra charge when booking a twin cabin for solo use.

READ MORE: The Best Solo Travel Destinations

We know that guests travelling solo don’t want to have to pay a single supplement, and that’s why Fred. Olsen offers cabins tailored to those on singles cruises. There is a range of excellent options available on all of our ships. There are over 40 solo cabins on Bolette and Borealis, and over 60 on Balmoral.

And you won’t need to sacrifice your preferred cabin type to enjoy a single cabin. Single suites on all ships include balcony suites, ocean-view cabins and interior cabins. This allows you to find a cabin that suits your personal preferences.

Alternatively (or if the single cabins are sold out), solo guests can occupy twin accommodation.

Travelling to the Arctic Circle is incredibly popular, with many people returning time and again to explore this stunning region of the world. With towering mountains, sweeping glaciers and silent blue waters, there is never a moment between captivating views. Because of this, balcony cabins are often the most popular choice.

You should consider the time you’re sailing north when thinking about the cabin you choose. For example, if you’re on a Northern Lights cruise, having direct access to your own balcony can mean that even in the middle of the night, you’re only a few steps away from seeing the stunning Aurora.

READ MORE: Discovering the Aurora Borealis: Facts About the Northern Lights

Alternatively, light sleepers travelling to the Arctic Circle in the summer may opt for an inside cabin to avoid the night-long sunlight of the Midnight Sun.

A British Isles cruise is a fantastic way to experience the home nations, with all their rugged, island beauty. If you have ever wanted to see more of Great Britain, a cruise offers a unique perspective, along with the utmost style and comfort.

There are numerous factors at play when choosing a cruise cabin for a British Isles voyage. For example, you might want to consider the weather conditions, particularly if you are travelling in the winter months. This might make choosing an interior cabin more desirable.

A balcony cabin, on the other hand, is perfect for capitalising on the stunning coastal views, which are a huge draw of a British Isles cruise. An ocean-view cabin is a good option for those on a stricter budget, while also allowing you to take in Britain’s cliffs, beaches, and ports.

Unlike the British Isles, a Mediterranean cruise can promise warm evenings, sunshine and dry days. For those who want to soak up the rays, opting for a cabin with deck or balcony access is often a top choice. You can open the door and soak up every minute of sunshine as you drift between historic and stunning destinations.

Don’t worry about being too warm, as all our cabins have climate control built in, allowing you to set the temperature to suit you. Because of this, our inside cabins can be great for those who want a haven to escape the heat and the sunshine, which you’re still welcome to enjoy at your leisure on our decks.

Steph, the UK cruise blogger behind Cruise with Amber, has enjoyed Mediterranean cruises in the past and shared with us the following cabin advice:

“Personally, I love a balcony as I value natural light and a private outdoor space. A balcony is a great space on board to take in the best of the Mediterranean; watching a fantastic sunrise with a coffee as soon as you get out of bed, or a picturesque sail-in for ports such as Kotor, Dubrovnik, and the Greek Islands.

“It’s also a wonderful place to unwind with a cool drink after a full and fabulous day in port, or a quiet cocktail watching the sunset before a delicious dinner.  I particularly love Borealis and Bolette’s unique Terrace Cabins with direct access to the Promenade Deck too.”

A world cruise entails a longer voyage, bringing with it a range of factors to consider when choosing a cruise cabin.

As world cruises keep you at sea for many weeks, your cabin becomes your new home. Therefore, comfort and functionality are of paramount importance. You will want plenty of storage space for your belongings and a comfortable space to relax in.

READ MORE: Packing for Your First Cruise Holiday

Many cruisers will opt for a suite when booking a world cruise, as they tend to provide more space, separate living areas, and extra amenities. Balcony cabins are another excellent option, offering private outdoor space to relax and enjoy the changing scenery.

Regardless of the type of cabin you choose, many cruisers prefer a midship location as this area experiences the least amount of motion, which can provide extra comfort on extended sea days.

Gary from the cruise travel blog Tips for Travelling has offered the following cabin advice when speaking to us about world cruises: “When cruising on extended voyages, like a Grand or World Voyage, you need to carefully balance the appeal of the lower budget of inside and ocean-view cabin views with the added space, direct light and access to private outdoor space a balcony cabin gives on more than any short week to two week trips.

“While an inside cabin or ocean-view may work on shorter cruises where you are likely to be out and about around the ship a lot, on long voyages, I have found that you will not only have more luggage and want more storage, but also more space to relax and unwind in.

“You likely are going to enjoy and want to spend more time in your cabin for private time, and with many sea days on these trips, often as many as four to six at a time, this can be even more pressing. The ability to escape and sit on your own balcony away from everyone may be a treat worth the cost.

“Personally, if budget allows, I would encourage going with a balcony cabin as, at worst, you may look back and say you possibly could have done without it, but if you find an inside or ocean-view becoming small and oppressive after weeks at sea, there is usually little you can do to change that.”

Yes, you can take a 360˚ virtual tour of two of our three ships to get a feel for the cabins. In addition to cabins, you’ll have the opportunity to explore our public spaces, which include decks, dining areas, shops, and services. Click below to view the tour for Bolette or Borealis.

Yes, our Reservations Team can assist you in upgrading your cabin before you sail, provided you’ve booked directly with us. Please get in touch with them by calling 0800 0355 144 (option 1) or emailing guest.services@fredolsen.co.uk. If you booked through a travel agent, please contact them to discuss an upgrade.

Alternatively, ask our Guest Services team when you’re on board, and they can discuss potential upgrades and costs.

All our cabins come with a range of excellent facilities included in the price, such as smart HD TVs, climate control, a telephone, hairdryer, safe, food & drinks cooler, tea & coffee facilities, and a turndown service.

If you’re looking for something special, you’ll be pleased to know that all our suites benefit from the indulgent Suite Dreams package. After your priority check-in, you’ll be greeted by a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, fresh flowers or a plant in your suite and a fruit basket (which we’ll top up throughout your cruise).

Your cabin will come equipped with a bathrobe and slippers, luxury towels, compact umbrellas, a world atlas and binoculars to make the most of every destination you visit. You can also enjoy a complimentary pressing service for formal attire and a discounted laundry service. Each day, we’ll refill your in-suite carafe and bring you an assortment of afternoon canapés to enjoy.

• Compare the different types of cruise cabins available
• Understand how cabin position impacts your cruise
• Prioritise natural light and great views
• Save money with a single cabin if travelling solo
• Match your cabin to your destination

We hope this advice has been helpful and you now feel confident in knowing how to choose a cruise cabin. If you would like personal assistance choosing a cabin on a cruise ship, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

We offer a wide range of comfortable cabins with great cruise itineraries waiting for you. So, please browse our current cruise deals and book a cabin today with Fred. Olsen.