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Cruise cabins and suites

Cruise ship rooms, floor plans, photos.

CruiseMapper's cabin and suites section allows you to explore cruise staterooms by ship. Each page provides extensive information on all passengers accommodations on a particular vessel, including floor plans, room types and categories (grades used upon booking), cabin sizes, deck location. Also provided is an extensive review of all ticket price inclusive en-suite amenities, along with furniture details and additional / bonus perks (if available).  

Here you will find brief descriptions by category of all stateroom types that can be found on cruise ship deck plans . You will find more information and many useful tips on staterooms at our best and worst cabins article. Here you can search for a particular ship (via the above search bar) or you can skip the introduction (explanations) and go down directly to our list of large passenger ships' cabin pages .

Cruise staterooms booking rates are usually based on deck location. Lower-deck accommodations are the cheapest. Midship rooms cost more. Balcony staterooms and Suites located aft or forward are the most expensive. Most cruise companies (especially those with large-sized vessels in the fleets) divide the main cabin types into subcategories. These grades are marked with numbers (like for balcony cabins - B1, B2, B3, B4) and are displayed on the deck layouts with different colors.

Cruise ship suites

Cruise suite accommodations are premium grades cabins. They are usually larger in comparison to balcony staterooms and feature more amenities. As a rule, suites have a full-size bathtub, larger shower, bigger closets and balcony (some have 2 private balconies). Amenities include coffee makers, premium sound systems, large-size TVs, complimentary butler service.

Loft Suites (aka Duplex Suites)

Loft Suites are "duplex suites" (on two levels) and available on the world's largest passenger ships of Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class and Quantum-class. The following layout is of Harmony of the Seas and its largest accommodation - the Royal Loft Suite.

Grand Suite

Twin beds in this type of cabin can be joined in a king bed. Grand Suites have also a double sofa bed and large private balcony, sitting area with 2-armchairs and a coffee table, desk, dressing area with vanity, walk-in closet, safe box, TV, phone, refrigerator, mini-bar, private bath with whirlpool tub and shower, patio chair and table, balcony lounge chair, pillow menu, bathrobes, hairdryer. See below the magnificent Oceania Marina ship's Owner Suite plan.

Captain Suite

Captains Suite accommodations have a huge 220 ft2 (20,5 m2) separate bedroom, while the living area is sized 290 ft2 (27 m2). There are 2 upper beds and a sofa bed, private bathroom with whirlpool hot tub and glass shower, safe, TV and phone, mini-bar, bathrobes, hairdryer.

A table and 3 patio chairs are on the balcony.

Owners Suite

Owner's Suites are some of the most luxurious accommodations at sea. They usually feature two separate bedrooms, private balcony (with luxury lounge furniture, even dining area and hot tub), living room (with sofa bed), luxury bathroom (with whirlpool bathtub and separate shower), second bathroom (WC), dining room, dressing area. Some Owner's Suites (like NCL's) can accommodate up to 10 passengers when connected to an adjacent Suite.

Ocean Suite

OS stands for "Ocean Suite" and category SS is "Spa Suite", recently changed to Junior Suite. These cabins have: twin beds that convert to king, sitting area with armchair and coffee table, sofa, dressing area with vanity, large balcony, wall safe, 2 big closets, mini-bar, refrigerator, private whirlpool bath with tub and shower, television and phone, balcony lounge chair, patio chair and table, pillow menu, bathrobes, hairdryer.

2-Bedroom Mozart Suite (largest stateroom on a riverboat)

World's largest accommodation found on a riverboat is Riverside Mozart 's French Balcony Suite. The vessel has two such accommodations, each sized 885 ft2 / 82 m2. Must be noted, that the stateroom is combined with an adjacent French Balcony cabin.

Penthouse Suite

Penthouse Suites have a twin beds configuration (beds can convert to queen). The other features are a large balcony, dressing area with vanity, sitting area with armchair and coffee table, wall safe, mini bar, private bath with whirlpool tub and shower, television and phone, refrigerator, bathrobes and hairdryer. Some cabins are without whirlpool tub, sofa or coffee table.

Balcony staterooms

Most balcony cruise ship cabins feature floor-ceiling sliding glass doors leading to a private step-out veranda. The balcony also is furnished with a table and pair of chairs/loungers. Standard balconies are separated by dividers. As sizes, balcony cabins on cruise ships vary, with those on Princess and NCl ships being among the smallest compared to other big-ship lines. In our cruise deck plans, we also list room sizes and the size of the balcony. Balcony – Apart from the balcony they can offer You twin beds that can be converted to King-size bed. Balconies also provide sitting area with chair and coffee table and private bath with shower, as well as closet/wardrobe, electronic safe box, mini bar, television and phone, sofa, bathrobes, hairdryer. Most verandas are between 30-60 ft2 ( approx 3-6 m2). Below are shown the layouts of the Anthem ship's Deluxe and Accessible balcony cabins.

Premium Balcony

Premium Balcony cabins also have twin beds that convert to King-size, their wraparound balcony enfolds the stateroom. Balcony's windows are often floor-ceiling and wall-to-wall.

Cove Balcony Staterooms

Cove balconies, unlike Balconies, have two patio chairs and a table. The rest of the stuff is identical. First of all-balcony, and again twin beds that convert to king, sofa, private bath with shower, safe, closet, mini bar, television and phone, sitting area with chair and coffee table, bathrobes and hairdryer.

Cove Balcony rooms are CCL-Carnival's specialty, available on some of the "Fun Ships", and are interesting because they are located on lower decks (thus closer to waterline).

Oceanview staterooms

Oceanview cabins: as sizes are similar to Interior staterooms on cruise ships, but each of them has a Porthole or normal window (both types do not open). Their window sizes also vary by line and ship. On some ocean ships and some luxury river ships, such staterooms feature floor-ceiling windows. Oceanview rooms' window sizes are usually 4x3 ft (1,2x0,9 m). As furniture, Oceanview cruise cabins have twin beds that convert to King-size, sofa, TV and phone, sitting area, safe, mini bar, private bath with shower, and also a washroom with sink and a junior tub, bathrobes and a hairdryer and of course a picture window. You should take a look at the cruise ship deck plans again as Cabins of 5A category have two porthole windows. Unlike deluxe, there is no washroom with sink and junior tub. Below are the layouts of Ovation of the Seas Oceanview cabins (categories standard, large, and superior).

Deluxe Oceanview

These cabins have no balconies but still can offer a marvelous view through their picture window as well as twin beds that convert to King-size. However, beds in Category 6N can't be joined (to King) and sleeps max 5 people.

Other amenities include sofabed, TV, phone, seating, safe, mini-bar, a bathroom with shower, a washroom (with junior tub), bathrobes, hairdryer.

Scenic Oceanview

The interior is the same - twin beds convertible to King-size, picture window, sofa, TV, phone, seating, safe, mini-bar, bath with shower, washroom with sink and junior tub, bathrobes, hairdryer.

The difference is that Scenic Oceanviews are larger.

Inside staterooms

Inside cruise ship cabins' best feature is their price - you book them with the line's cheapest rates available. These cruise accommodations don't offer window views. Still, on some of the newest cruise ships of Royal Caribbean and Disney, there are categories Interior staterooms with a "virtual window", which is a large LED screen displaying outside cam views. The screen doesn't have TV functions.

On some Carnival ships, there are Inside cabins with a "French Balcony" (with opening glass doors). Also, some "interior staterooms" are actually Oceanview (with a non-opening window), but since their views are obstructed, they are booked as Interior. On Royal Caribbean ships, some Inside cabins have a window looking out to the ship's interior promenade (street)

Inside cruise cabins are fitted with twin beds (convertible to King or Queen), private bathroom (shower), sitting area. Next are shown the layouts of Interior rooms on Harmony OTS .

Small Interior Stateroom (as the name implies) is the least spacious standard cabin category on cruise ships. These cabins have two beds – (upper and lower), private bath (WC/shower), a small sitting area.

Single cabins (Studios)

Single occupancy staterooms could be either Inside or Balcony. Some river cruise lines even offer single suites (booking with single occupancy rates). The most famous liner having plenty of single cabins (designed specifically for solo travelers) is Norwegian Epic .

This huge vessel has a total of 128 "Studios".

Next are shown layouts of Quantum OTS single-occupancy cabins (balcony and interior).

Connecting cabins (for large families)

The next layout shows RCI's "Family Connected Junior Suite" plan ( Quantum OTS ). Ship's main cabin grades (Balcony, Oceanview, Inside) are all combined here into a 10-person "Family Suite". The layout also shows the exact positioning of furniture, 3 baths (1 with hot tub), large seating area, 2 double-sofabeds, 2 connecting balconies.

How to choose cabins on cruise ships?

If you are planning a cruise, booking a cabin is certainly as important as picking up the cruise line (brand) or the boat. Before you take that decision, consider some issues related to your own personality and the other people traveling with you.

• The first important thing you have to be honest with your conscious is whether you can get seasick .
• Secondly, what type of person you are and what exactly do you intend to do onboard? Are you a party type or you just would like to spend several calm days at sea, away from the office jungle on land. Would you enjoy the pool with its all opportunities for contacts or you would rather have a rest lying at a balcony?
• No matter the stateroom type, it could still be noisy or make you seasick. The more central and lower position your cabin has, the more stable it is.
• In case you and the rest of the family members / friends are thin or you just don't intend to spend too much time in the cabin, you can pick a small one. Usually, staterooms are able to house no more than 4 people. Two passengers pay full fares and the other receive discounted rates.
• If you need stateroom for 4+ passengers, connecting cabins are the best option, and it will cost you less than a suite. Bathtub-fitted cabins are not so many per vessel. All cruise deck plans show such information (bathtub, sofabed, double bed, bunk beds, etc).

Noise issues - which cabins on the ship to avoid?

If you are a party type and louder sounds are not bothering, everything would be OK. If you organize a family voyage, however, you should look for a cabin away from the noisiest areas in the cruise ship deck plans. The first thing to look for in the cruise ship plan is the engine room location. Along with the noises, there are also vibrations.

Staterooms under discos, sport playgrounds, gym centers are usually very noisy. Cabins under Lido Deck (aka Pool Deck) are also among those to avoid. The buffet restaurant on this deck generates noises from moving tables and chairs and tableware. Staircases are also very noisy.

Take a good look at the cruise ship deck plan - room location is crucial!

Cabin's deck location is of great importance. Lower and more central-positioned accommodations are more stable. However, "cool cabins" are usually on higher decks, which means spending more money won't necessarily save you from seasickness.

Stern cabins (aft) have the largest balconies. Forward suites provide the same view as from the Navigation Bridge (wheelhouse). Some cabins are with limited / obstructed seaview due to lifeboats or other equipment.

Guarantee staterooms - take your chance!

If you are not set on selecting something particular and location is not a priority, you should not investigate the cruise ship deck plan so cautiously. The so-called ''guarantee'' cabin grades can turn to be among the best booking options. The "guarantee stateroom" booking allows you to pick up a category, not a cabin. In case the category is sold out you'll be proposed a higher category lodging. The first cabins to be booked are both the cheapest and the most expensive ones, be aware when you choose to test your luck. However, it could be a bit risky so it's more reasonable to get back to the cruise ship deck plans.

Shipboard facilities

If want to cruise with your children you'd better book a stateroom close to kids entertainment facilities. Cruise ship deck plans can once again help you to choose from the many opportunities created to meet passengers' requirements. Spa cabins are recently available for instance. Passengers get free access to the steam room and other connected facilities. These cabins are of course close to the SPA and you can move between in your bathrobe only.

NCL's The Haven and MSC's Yacht Club accommodations are located within an exclusive complex and offer ''ship within ship'' amenities and services. Passengers (who can afford them) enjoy private sundecks with swimming pools and jacuzzis and exclusive facilities like restaurants, bar lounges, gyms and spas.

Prefabricated cruise ship cabin

On May 24, 2016, a new "Lightweight Composite Cabin" design was unveiled in Southampton, England. The innovation was funded by the UK Government. Involved in the cabin's designing, engineering, manufacturing and furbishing were the companies Carnival UK ( Carnival Corporation 's subsidiary), Gurit Ltd (global composite materials supplier), Lloyd's Register Group Ltd (technical / business services, maritime classification company), PE Composites Ltd (composite designer / manufacturer), Trimline Ltd (marine interior refurbishment specialist) and the University of Southampton.

The new modular cabin prototype is half the weight of a typical cruise room. It also fully complies with the FTP Code's requirements (International Code for the Application of Fire Test Procedures). Reducing the ship's topdecks weight is an important issue for naval architects as the trend for building large-capacity cruise vessels continues. The new (prefabricated) module's halved weight opens up opportunities for adding more passenger rooms to newbuild ships, without adding to the ship's DWT weight.

Note: The following list of cruise lines cabins (per ship) includes only CruiseMapper's largest companies' fleets and only ocean-going vessels. For all other vessels (including small-fleet shipping companies , cruiseferries and riverboats ) use the search box at page top .

List of cruise ships with deck plans

Carnival cruise line.

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Firenze
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista

Princess Cruises

• Caribbean Princess
• Coral Princess
• Crown Princess
• Diamond Princess
• Discovery Princess
• Emerald Princess
• Enchanted Princess
• Grand Princess
• Island Princess
• Majestic Princess
• Regal Princess
• Royal Princess
• Ruby Princess
• Sapphire Princess
• Sky Princess
• Star Princess
• Sun Princess

Disney Cruise Line

• Disney Destiny
• Disney Dream
• Disney Fantasy
• Disney Magic
• Disney Treasure
• Disney Wish
• Disney Wonder
• Queen Elizabeth
• Queen Mary 2
• Queen Victoria

AIDA Cruises

Viking cruises.

• Viking Jupiter
• Viking Mars
• Viking Neptune
• Viking Octantis
• Viking Orion
• Viking Polaris
• Viking Saturn
• Viking Star
• Viking Vela
• Viking Venus
• Viking Vesta
• Zhao Shang Yi Dun-Viking Sun

Royal Caribbean

• Adventure Of The Seas
• Allure Of The Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Brilliance Of The Seas
• Enchantment Of The Seas
• Explorer Of The Seas
• Freedom Of The Seas
• Grandeur Of The Seas
• Harmony Of The Seas
• Icon Of The Seas
• Independence Of The Seas
• Jewel Of The Seas
• Liberty Of The Seas
• Mariner Of The Seas
• Navigator Of The Seas
• Oasis Of The Seas
• Odyssey Of The Seas
• Ovation Of The Seas
• Quantum Of The Seas
• Radiance Of The Seas
• Rhapsody Of The Seas
• Serenade Of The Seas
• Spectrum Of The Seas
• Star Of The Seas
• Symphony Of The Seas
• Utopia Of The Seas
• Vision Of The Seas
• Voyager Of The Seas
• Wonder Of The Seas

Holland America

• ms Koningsdam
• ms Nieuw Amsterdam
• ms Nieuw Statendam
• ms Oosterdam
• ms Rotterdam
• ms Volendam
• ms Westerdam
• ms Zuiderdam

P&O Cruises

• Pacific Adventure
• Pacific Encounter
• Pacific Explorer

Costa Cruises

• Costa Deliziosa
• Costa Diadema
• Costa Fascinosa
• Costa Favolosa
• Costa Fortuna
• Costa Pacifica
• Costa Serena
• Costa Smeralda
• Costa Toscana

Azamara Cruises

• Azamara Journey
• Azamara Onward
• Azamara Pursuit
• Azamara Quest

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

• Seven Seas Explorer
• Seven Seas Grandeur
• Seven Seas Mariner
• Seven Seas Navigator
• Seven Seas Splendor
• Seven Seas Voyager

Norwegian Cruise Line

• Norwegian Aqua
• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Breakaway
• Norwegian Dawn
• Norwegian Encore
• Norwegian Epic
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Gem
• Norwegian Getaway
• Norwegian Jade
• Norwegian Jewel
• Norwegian Joy
• Norwegian Pearl
• Norwegian Prima
• Norwegian Sky
• Norwegian Spirit
• Norwegian Star
• Norwegian Sun
• Norwegian Viva
• Pride of America

Celebrity Cruises

• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Ascent
• Celebrity Beyond
• Celebrity Constellation
• Celebrity Eclipse
• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Equinox
• Celebrity Flora
• Celebrity Infinity
• Celebrity Millennium
• Celebrity Reflection
• Celebrity Silhouette
• Celebrity Solstice
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Xcel
• Celebrity Xpedition
• Celebrity Xploration

Marella Cruises

• Marella Discovery
• Marella Discovery 2
• Marella Explorer
• Marella Explorer 2
• Marella Voyager

MSC Cruises

• MSC Armonia
• MSC Bellissima
• MSC Euribia
• MSC Fantasia
• MSC Grandiosa
• MSC Magnifica
• MSC Meraviglia
• MSC Orchestra
• MSC Preziosa
• MSC Seascape
• MSC Seashore
• MSC Seaside
• MSC Seaview
• MSC Sinfonia
• MSC Splendida
• MSC Virtuosa
• MSC World America
• MSC World Asia
• MSC World Europa

Oceania Cruises

• Oceania Allura
• Oceania Insignia
• Oceania Marina
• Oceania Nautica
• Oceania Regatta
• Oceania Riviera
• Oceania Sirena
• Oceania Vista

Silversea Cruises

• Silver Cloud
• Silver Dawn
• Silver Endeavour
• Silver Galapagos
• Silver Moon
• Silver Muse
• Silver Nova
• Silver Origin
• Silver Shadow
• Silver Spirit
• Silver Whisper
• Silver Wind

Seabourn Cruises

• Seabourn Encore
• Seabourn Odyssey
• Seabourn Ovation
• Seabourn Pursuit
• Seabourn Quest
• Seabourn Sojourn
• Seabourn Venture

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• Cruises for Families

10 Best Cruise Ship Family Cabins

Feb 26, 2020

See recent posts by Jeff Bogle

Taking a cruise with kids ensures a memorable family vacation, whether you book an interior cabin to save money or decide to throw down roots in a standard balcony stateroom. But some cruise ship family cabins elevate the vacation at sea to something far more grandiose, photogenic, and jaw-dropping.

In these cruise ship family cabins, you’ll enjoy extra space in which to spread out, amazing amenities, stellar views, and in some cases, exclusive access to luxuriously private areas of the ship. 

1. Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas – Ultimate Family Suite

This vibrantly colorful family cabin is an epic two-level suite that overdelivers on Royal Caribbean ’s trademarked thrills and chills at sea promise. Inside this cruise ship cabin for families is an in-suite slide; massive LEGO construction wall; a private cinema room with the latest gaming consoles , life-sized Connect Four and other old-school gaming tables (who’s up for air hockey and Ping-Pong ?); a full-size whirlpool on the balcony, and the best combo views of the ship and sea found anywhere on the Symphony of the Seas.

As if the room itself isn’t enough, guests staying in the Ultimate Family Suite also receive a red carpet arrival and a complimentary personal Royal Genie. That’s a crew member who will coordinate surprises for everyone in your own crew, from front-row seats to theatrical performances to out-of-this-world excursions .

2. Carnival Vista-Class Ships – Family Harbor Staterooms

Nearly one million kids cruise Carnival every year, enjoying Hasbro The Game Show, rated-PG comedians in the Punchliner Comedy Club, epic waterslides and so much more. When those lucky kids get to stay in nautical-themed Family Harbor Staterooms on Vista-class ships (Vista, Horizon, Panorama and coming soon, Mardi Gras), their vacation at sea is even more fun. The Family Harbor cabins sleep up to five guests, have two bathrooms, and crucially, offer exclusive access to the Family Habor Lounge, a private area stocked with big HD TVs , video games , breakfast, and snacks throughout the day.

3. Norwegian Encore – Family Oceanview with Large Picture Window

Bigger than most New York City apartments, this expansive, forward-facing cabin on the glimmering new Norwegian Encore fits families comfortably for a cruise of any length. After a day of go-kart racing, laser tag and water sliding over the ocean blue, kids can stretch their growing legs while chilling out on the large picture window seat, kick back and watch a movie on the massive flat-screen TV, relax on the sofa, or play hide and seek in the enormous closets and storage (possibly the biggest at sea!) while mom soaks in the tub (that’s right, a bathtub!) in the oversized bathroom. Best of all, this cabin is not considered a suite, so budget-conscious families can afford to get the space they crave at sea!

4. Princess Cruises – Family Suites

By cruise ship standards, and even when compared to most hotels on dry land , the two-bedroom family suites found on Princess cruise ships are downright massive. Accommodating up to a whopping eight family members, the cabins have a queen and a pair of twin beds, two bathrooms (one with a walk-in shower, the other with a tub/shower combination), and an oversized living room. Three TVs in total are in the family suite, along with a large closet, a desk, plenty of drawers, a couple of sofas (each doubling as additional beds), and an expansive private balcony with seating for six. While staying in a family suite, you and your kids will be living, and sailing, like royalty on Princess.

5. Disney Fantasy and Dream Suite

Catering to the family cruise market is what Disney does best, and its cabin options reflect this commitment—see the bath and a half inside most all staterooms. Additionally, more than 70 percent of staterooms on both the Dream and Fantasy feature outdoor verandahs and of those that don’t, nearly all offer ocean views, some using the Magical Porthole. This piece of Disney innovation gives little kids and their favorite mouse-eared grown-ups a glimpse at the outside world with the appearance of a porthole in which you’ll see animated characters popping up to say hello!

With 500 connecting doors and connected verandah cabins, families can choose multiple rooms and still be together, or opt for one of the 21 suites on decks 11 and 12. These well-appointed upscale family cabins each have two bathrooms, one of which has a whirlpool bathtub and a TV built into the mirror for mom and dad to properly unwind after a blissfully exhausting day of doing everything or absolutely nothing. Kids may not appreciate the marble finishing, thread counts, or the finer touches of a Disney suite, but we guarantee they’ll find the walk-in closets a fun play area and enjoy the 42-inch HD flat screen TV and Blu-ray player , as well as the Wave Phones to communicate with each other inside and out of the cabin. These suites are truly the most magical cabins at sea.

Related: 5 Ways to Stay Connected on a Cruise Ship

6. Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas – Ultimate Panoramic Suite

The $16-million amplification of Oasis yielded many family-friendly results—the AquaTheater and Ultimate Abyss dry slide chiefly among them, as well as the Ultimate Panoramic Suite . This dreamy cabin features the same 200-degree views that the Captain enjoys from the bridge, with windows that are wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling. Those epic pano sight lines are even available from the bubble bath oasis of your bathroom tub! This suite gives families over 900 square feet of space to spread out during their Royal Caribbean cruise vacation. The Ultimate deck 14 suites accommodate up to four, have a bathroom that itself is bigger than most cruise cabins, are stocked with upgraded amenities like L’Occitane toiletries, and have premium bedding, complimentary VOOM Wi-Fi, complimentary specialty dining, and exclusive private access to specific areas of the ship and private islands. Speaking of the AquaTheater, there are suites bearing that name with a pair of bedrooms, a massive living room, and two bathrooms.

7. Norwegian – The Haven Family Villa

Available on nine Norwegian ships, these two-bedroom family villas with a balcony are located in The Haven , the ship within a ship area that’s reserved exclusively for Haven guests. The villas offer roughly 600 square feet of space spread out over an oceanview master bedroom featuring a king-size bed and private bathroom that has both a tub and separate shower, and a second bedroom with a sofa bed for two and its own bathroom. There’s also a living room and dining area with an additional single sofa bed. For families of four, five, or six that are cruising Norwegian, the Haven Family Villa, with its refined decor and ample space, plus the 24-hour butlers, private dining, and courtyard with pool, is impossible to beat. 

8. Celebrity Solstice-Class Ships – Family Veranda Stateroom

Families cruising with Celebrity are going into the experience expecting a certain level of sophistication and class. The Solstice-class ships deliver that plus an incredible amount of space in the Family Veranda Staterooms . Measuring 575 square feet, this family cabin can easily be the happy home at sea for up to six thanks to two bedrooms, a living room with at least one pullout sofa, and that private veranda advertised in its name. The only knock on these fine digs is the lone bathroom with just a shower. That seems lacking, but on the plus side, the ability to connect to adjacent ocean view cabins is a neat twist that can add to the max capacity for larger families cruising together.

9. MSC Meraviglia – Super Family Plus Balcony and Deluxe Suite

As a family-owned company, MSC takes special care to tailor the onboard experience for families, making accommodations that suit the individual needs of families regardless of size and age of children. On Meraviglia, a combination of connected staterooms are used—under titles like Super Family Plus Balcony and Family Ocean View —to provide groups with the beds, bathrooms, sight lines and space required to ensure every member of every family enjoys their cruise vacation. Fitting up to nine guests, the Super Family Plus Balcony uses a pair of balcony cabins plus an interior stateroom, all connected with adjoining doors to be as close or apart as you wish! Meanwhile, the ship’s Duplex Suite gives families of five or fewer total members a memorable two-deck-high cabin experience. On the main level there’s an open living and dining room with a sofa that converts to a double bed, while upstairs is the master bedroom’s king-size bed. 

10. MSC Seaside – Grand Suite

The Grand Suite on the MSC Seaside is as advertised: grand, indeed! This two-bedroom family cabin has a king bed in the master bedroom and pair of twin beds that can convert to a queen, plus a single pullman bed, in the second bedroom. There are two bathrooms allowing your kids to have their own shower, while you enjoy the choice of a relaxing hot shower or a long warm soak in the tub. There’s plenty of space for your stuff as well as for your family in this oversized cruise ship cabin. The walk-in closet is impressive as is the family room with sofa and seating for five. But the real star is the balcony with stellar ocean views and enough seating for everyone to truly relax and get away from the crowds on the public decks. 

Jeff Bogle lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his two teen daughters, two cats, one dog and six (yes, six) guinea pigs. He is an award-winning photographer and respected travel journalist with bylines on Reader’s Digest, Good Housekeeping, PBS, Esquire and more. Jeff (probably) spends too much time in England watching football and far too many hours plotting his family’s future travel adventures. Find Jeff on his own site, Out With the Kids . 

What to Pack for Your Next Trip

Teen girl’s cool cruise outfit for summer, shop the look.

Colwyn Shirt

Bleach Joni Shorts

Canvas Tote Bag

Moment Espadrille

Teen boy’s cool cruise outfit for summer.

Pink Lemonade Shirt

Stone Utility Shorts

Polarized Sunglasses

Women’s/Mom’s Cool Overwater Bungalow Swimsuit for Summer

Summer Standard™ Sun Hat

Havana Bikini

Waterproof Apple Watch

Seafolly Tassel-Trimmed Caftan

Dad’s/Men’s Outfit for a Family Vacation in Vegas in Summer/Spring

Cotton Pocket Tee

Beach Sweat Shorts

57mm Phantos Aviator Polarized Sunglasses

Travel Laptop Backpack

Nike Roshe Run

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• Family Cruises

Rooms for 6 people?

By jenn- , January 18, 2012 in Family Cruises

Recommended Posts

Do any of the cruise lines have rooms that accommodate 6 people? The most I see on Carnival is 5.

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Some of the larger suites will accomodate more than 5.....but it's almost always less expensive to book 2 rooms...connecting cabins are available, if you book early enough...those cabins go quickly! That way, you get 2 bathrooms, and the kids (if that's what your group has!!!) get their own space, and you get a bit of privacy, yet you are right there...closer than you would be at home to the kid's bedroom! Coonsidering that ships cabins are no where NEAR as large as most hotel rooms, I'd go the 2 cabin route!

The only rooms I know of would be family suites. I agree that connecting rooms is the way to go. I can't think that I would want 6 people in one room. We cruise with 2 adults and 2 small kids, and that is plenty to fill up a room. As they get older, we will have to do connecting rooms.

Nebr.cruiser

Royal Caribbean has family OV rooms that hold six very comfortably. We had one on the Navigator last year when we took 7 grandkids on a cruise. It had two twin (or one queen) beds, a large sofa sleeper and bunks in a small alcove.

It was also quite large, but only one bathroom. The kids loved the bunkroom--sometimes all four girls slept in the two bunks!

Of course, there are also suites on various lines, especially NCL, that hold six, but they are very pricey.

I agree with the previous poster about the family OV's on Royal Caribbean. I much prefer them to connecting cabins. On the larger ships, they have family cabins with balconies, also interior family cabins and promenade family cabins. We've got a family cabin with a balcony for a cruise next year on Allure. I'm so excited!

allesonwonderland

I was just pricing out family oceanviews on the Mariner today! So, yes, there are staterooms for 6. You'll just have to call whichever cruiseline you want to inquire about them, since you can't seem to access those rates online. I thought the rate I was quotes was excellent, til the rep realized he told me the price for 4 people instead of 5. LOL

Thanks for the info. I guess I will look at booking connecting cabins. Do most of the ships have them now?

Most ships have them, but they don't have an abundance. You need to book early to secure them.

Dear Jenn - I've never sailed RCL so I didn't know about the cabins for 6. Six people and one bathroom sounds tight to me, but hey, I'd do it if that was the way to get to cruise.

NCL 2 bedroom family suites hold 6 and have 2 bathrooms.

Dear Jenn - I've never sailed RCL so I didn't know about the cabins for 6. Six people and one bathroom sounds tight to me, but hey, I'd do it if that was the way to get to cruise.   Nancy

The one bathroom sure isn't ideal--we had four girls and sometimes one boy and me (grandma) and we made it work.

The oldest girls were 11, though, and not into (or allowed to be into) make-up and hair fussing though, so it was just into and out of the shower as fast as I could hurry them along.

The room itself was great though, and the price was very reasonable.

• 1 month later...

EviesCruisin

NCL Family Suites (SJ) also hold up to 6. They have a queen bed (or two twins), a pull-out sofa and a Murphy bed. They are about 400 sq. ft. The ones without a balcony are actually quite reasonable - if the add'l passenger rate is pretty low. For example, on our cruise it was $209, I believe, for additional passengers after the first 2. Just check because some of the rooms only hold 4 (no murphy bed).

The NCL Family Suites hold 6 and these are available on the NCL Star and NCL Dawn, cat SJ. The NCL Dawn also has the Family Suite with Balcony that holds 6. I think it is a cat. SD.

The more pricy suites SC will also hold 6. These are on most NCL ships. The Haven family suites also hold 6. The Epic and the new NCL Breakaway will also have suites for families of 6.

Finally, you can book a Garden Villa on the NCL ships. These have 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, your own deck, hot tub, elevator, and comes with a nice price-tag too!

carolinesmom

We are a family of 6 and just booked two connecting rooms on Liberty of the Seas for this summer. They also had family rooms which would sleep six. Those appeared to have about the same square footage as two connecting room, but only one bathroom. These were a little less expensive than the 2 connecting rooms, but the one bathroom worried me. We took a cruise two years ago over spring break and did the two connecting rooms and it worked out very well.

We have 6 in our group as well and found it is much more affordable to book two rooms. We usually pick one verandah room & an inside room directly across from it.

The Royal Family Suite on RCI has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a living room plus balcony. I have no idea what it costs (never used one), but I would guess it would be pricier than doing two connecting rooms.

We are a family of 6. Here is another idea other than connecting rooms. Get rooms right across the hall from each other!

We currently have a balcony room booked with an inside room right across the hall. Then our friend's family of four is two doors down in the inside quad room (they wanted inside). I really wanted a balcony room but two balcony rooms connecting is more expensive than 1 balcony and 1 inside room.

Originally I wanted a balcony quad for me, hubby, and the two little kids (and an inside double for the older boys) but the quad balcony were book. So our TA found a double balcony room with a quad inside directly across the hall. This works out well for us and is cheaper than my original plan. My daugher and I will get the balcony (the girls room), and the boys (DH, 10 year old son, 18 year old son and almost 20 year old) get the inside quad. :p

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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THIS IS THE NEW

Sound of whoa, award-winning & awe inspiring accommodations.

Welcome to the perfect spot to rest your head after a day spent discovering record-breaking thrills, spectacular shows and palette-pleasing flavors onboard the largest cruise ship in the world, Symphony of the Seas®. Serving up spectacular views and deluxe amenities, our staterooms are an alluring escape from the non-stop action our ships are known for — and the perfect place to recharge in between adventures. 

THE ALL NEW ULTIMATE FAMILY SUITE

The Ultimate Family Suite is two stories of awesome thrills on every level. Like your very own in-suite slide where there’s never a line, an air hockey table, and table tennis on your balcony.

HOT TUB HANGOUT

Unwind on your balcony in your very own private jacuzzi or take part in a game of table tennis — all while enjoying ocean views.

ADVENTURE ON DEMAND

From planning the perfect date night at sea, to arranging exclusive one-of-a-kind experiences designed around you, your Royal Genie will make sure every aspect of your adventure is taken care of.

GAME TIME ANYTIME

Amp up your stay with a little friendly competition in your own private game room complete with video game systems, life-size Connect-Four and more. You can even transform the space into a karaoke spot where you can bond while belting out your favorite hits.  

THE LUXURIOUS ROYAL SUITE CLASS

Real luxury is so much more than design and amenities. It’s about unforgettable experiences — moments that inspire, service that exceeds expectations, and one-of-a-kind adventures that give you stories to bring home. You’ll discover all that and more when you sail in  Royal Suite Class.

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES

Elevate every aspect of your travel adventure with exclusive access and unique experiences you’ll treasure for years to come, crafted just for you by a Royal Genie or dedicated Concierge.

INCLUSIVE AMENITIES

Sometimes, the smallest details make the biggest difference. Our Sea, Sky and Star Class Suites offer complimentary services and amenities that make every moment unforgettable.

UNPARALLELED ACCOMMODATIONS

In between awe-inspiring vacation experiences, retreat to the most spacious luxury cruise suites. When you sail in Royal Suite Class, you’ll find every detail has been carefully considered with you in mind.  

DESIGNED TO MATCH YOUR TRAVEL STYLE

Relax, unwind and make yourself at home after a full day of adventure. From thread-count comfort and deluxe amenities to breathtaking views, you'll find all the creature comforts you'd expect during your vacation – and some you probably haven't even thought of — in a range of rooms to suit your travel style.

INTERIOR STATEROOMS

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Designed to match your comfort needs.

24-hour room service for fueling up between thrills. A daily stateroom attendant dedicated to making sure your stay is spectacular. Nightly turn down service so you can rest easy before the next day’s adventures. Whether you’re traveling with kids, a group of fellow explorers, or require any kind of specialized services, we’ve thought of all the creature comforts you’d expect during your vacation — plus a few more.

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Vacationing with a baby? Let us know and we’ll provide a crib and supplies to make your little one comfy.

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Keep the whole squad together on your next getaway. Select staterooms can connect to accommodate more guests.

COUPLES RETREAT

Our staterooms offer spa-like comfort so you can disconnect from reality and reconnect with your partner-in-adventure.

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EVERY DETAIL ACCOUNTED FOR SERVICES & AMENITIES JUST FOR YOU

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Princess Cruises ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Is a balcony cabin a must for you when you cruise? Princess Cruises could be your line.

The California-based brand was a pioneer in adding a large number of balcony cabins to ships, and even its oldest vessels are loaded with balcony cabins — something that can't be said for many of its rivals.

On the flip side, Princess offers relatively few suites on its ships compared to some of the big-ship lines with which it most directly competes, including Celebrity Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. Just 46 of the 1,830 rooms on the line's recently unveiled Discovery Princess are suites, for instance. Believe it or not, that's an improvement from earlier vessels in the same series, some of which have as few as 36 suites.

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

Princess also isn't known for enormous and amenity-filled suites.

What this means is there aren't a lot of ways to live large on a Princess ship or pack a lot of people into a single accommodation. Until the debut of Sky Princess in 2019, the line didn't have a single cabin that could accommodate more than four people.

That said, on Princess ships, you can often create larger living spaces by booking two connecting cabins.

A Princess Cruises cabin primer

As is typical for many cruise ships, Princess vessels offer cabins in four broad categories: Windowless "inside" cabins, ocean-view cabins, balcony cabins and suites.

As noted above, a significant portion of cabins on all Princess ships are balcony cabins — the category of cabin that everyone wants these days. About 80% of the 1,834 cabins on Princess's six-month-old Enchanted Princess are balcony cabins or suites with balconies, for instance. Compare that to the 72% of cabins on Royal Caribbean's four-year-old Symphony of the Seas that are balcony cabins or suites with balconies.

Notably, every single cabin facing the sea on three of the newest Princess ships — Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Majestic Princess — has a balcony. These three vessels are completely devoid of ocean-view cabins (cabins facing the sea that only have a window). That's relatively unusual in the world of big mass-market ships — the niche of cruising in which Princess plays. It's more common with luxury cruise vessels.

Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises ships

At the same time, as noted above, Princess vessels have fewer suites than you'll find on the ships operated by such big-ship brands as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

Here's a breakdown of the broad cabin categories on Royal Princess, which is typical of the line's newer ships (it's the prototype vessel for the line's new, six-ship Royal Class series):

Inside cabins: 342 (19%) Ocean-view cabins: 0 (0%) Balcony cabins (including mini-suites): 1,402 (79%) Suites: 36 (2%)

On older Princess ships (and, in general, all older cruise ships), there are fewer balcony cabins. However, the ratio of balcony cabins to non-balcony cabins is much higher on older Princess ships than it is on older vessels at many other big-ship lines. An impressive 72% of the 1,000 cabins on Princess's 2003-built Coral Princess, for instance, are balcony cabins.

On Coral Princess, inside cabins and ocean-view cabins only make up 26% of all rooms. A breakdown of the cabin categories on that ship:

Inside cabins: 108 (11%) Ocean-view cabins: 157 (16%) Balcony cabins (including mini-suites): 719 (72%) Suites: 16 (2%)

The takeaway here is that you'll have an easier time locking down a balcony cabin on a Princess ship — even an older Princess ship — than you will when booking many of the ships operated by competing big-ship lines.

Just note that you'll want to book early if you're aiming for a suite on a Princess ship since there are so few of them. Note, also, that suites tend to sell out early on cruise ships in general. An old saying in the cruise industry is that "ships sell from the top and the bottom." That is, the first cabins on any vessel to sell out are the most expensive cabins, which are the suites, and then the least expensive cabins, which typically are the inside cabins. The mid-priced "middle" cabins sell last.

Design-wise, Princess's cabins and suites are fairly basic and comfortable, if not super stylish.

When it comes to rooms, Princess is sort of the Marriott of the big-ship cruise world. Its rooms are comfortable and functional, but a bit bland. Avant-garde style is not a Princess thing.

Inside cabins on Princess Cruises ships

These are the cabins you stay in when you're on a tight budget. On any Princess ship, they are almost always the least-expensive option when you're booking a cabin. You often can save considerable money by booking an inside cabin versus an ocean-view or higher-level cabin.

What you'll give up, of course, is that ocean view. Your room will have four walls and no windows offering a glimpse of the outside world.

You'll also be in a relatively small room. The typical inside cabin on the new Discovery Princess measures 166 square feet, with some as big as 175 square feet. By comparison, the typical balcony cabin on Discovery Princess measures 181 square feet, not including a 41-square-foot balcony (for a total of 222 square feet).

Still, the inside cabins on Princess ships are bigger than the inside cabins on ships operated by some of the line's main competitors.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Princess ship

Inside cabins on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas, for instance, measure just 149 square feet — quite a bit less than the inside cabins on Discovery Princess.

Note that older Princess ships sometimes have smaller inside cabins than newer Princess ships. On the line's 2003-built Coral Princess, inside cabins measure just 156 to 166 square feet. On the line's 1998-built Grand Princess, most inside cabins are 160 square feet (some wheelchair-accessible inside cabins on Grand Princess measure 182 square feet).

Many inside cabins on Princess ships have pull-down bunks that will allow for up to four people to stay in the rooms.

Ocean-view cabins on Princess Cruises ships

With an ocean-view cabin, you get a window looking out to the sea, but not an attached balcony where you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.

As noted above, three of Princess's newest vessels — Royal Princess, Regal Princess and Majestic Princess — don't have a single ocean-view cabin. Every outward-facing cabin has a balcony. However, you'll find ocean-view cabins on the line's older vessels and also on the line's three newest ships, Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess.

In general, ocean-view cabins on the Princess ships that have them are a tad bigger than the inside cabins found on the same vessels. On the line's Emerald Princess, for instance, the typical ocean-view cabin measures 178 square feet. The typical inside cabin on Emerald Princess measures 163 square feet.

On many Princess ships that have ocean-view cabins, the rooms are mostly found just above the promenade deck, where the lifeboats hang, and have obstructed views. You'll also sometimes find a few ocean-view cabins at the back of Princess vessels, facing the wake.

Related: The 3 classes of Princess ships, explained

On the line's two Coral Class ships — Coral Princess and Island Princess — there are a few "premium" ocean-view cabins that measure a more spacious 212 square feet. If you're the kind of traveler who needs a lot of space, these rooms can be a good choice.

There also are a handful of "premium" ocean-view cabins on the new Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess that measure 172 square feet and have unusual slanting windows.

Balcony cabins on Princess Cruises ships

Balcony cabins are what everyone wants these days, and Princess is delivering with huge numbers of balcony cabins on all its newest ships. On the line's new Royal Class series of ships, which began debuting in 2013, nearly 80% of rooms are balcony cabins.

On these newer vessels — Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess — the typical balcony cabin has an interior space of 181 square feet plus a balcony that measures 41 square feet (for a total of 222 square feet). However, there also are bigger "premium deluxe balcony" cabins that can measure as much as 233 square feet on the inside (not including the balcony). Some of these have larger-than-normal balconies that can stretch the total square footage to 312 square feet.

In addition, the Royal Class vessels have even larger balcony cabins that Princess calls mini-suites. Including their balcony space, these cabins measure anywhere from 299 to 329 square feet. While these mini-suite cabins have the word "suite" in their name, we are including them in the balcony cabin category as they generally resemble very large balcony cabins vs. true suites.

Related: Everything to know about the Princess Captain's Club loyalty program

The typical Princess balcony cabin has twin beds that can be converted into a queen bed, a built-in desk with a chair and a built-in miniature refrigerator. In addition to beds, a desk and a miniature fridge, premium balcony cabins have a seating area with a sofa bed that can be used for a third passenger in the room. Some also have a pull-down bunk that can accommodate a fourth person.

Suites on Princess Cruises ships

As mentioned above, Princess ships generally have fewer suites than the ships operated by some of its biggest competitors. The line also isn't known for particularly giant suites.

Princess's three newest ships — Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess — have the line's first truly large standalone suites, dubbed Sky Suites. There are two of them on each of the vessels, and they measure a generous 1,792 square feet (though more than half of that space is taken up by a huge wraparound balcony). With two bedrooms plus a living room with a pullout sofa, the Sky Suites are the first Princess accommodations designed for up to five people.

Still, even the Sky Suites on Discovery Princess, Enchanted Princess and Sky Princess aren't the sort of truly epic suites with huge interior living spaces that you'll find on the latest ships from such competitors as Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. The latest Celebrity vessels, for instance, offer so-called Iconic Suites that have twice as much interior space as the Sky Suites.

If you're the kind of cruiser who is only happy in a cabin of truly giant proportions (and are willing to pay up for it), Princess probably isn't your line.

Still, you'll find at least a few suites of a decent size on every Princess ship. The line's seven Grand Class vessels each offer two "family suites" at their fronts that can be created by connecting a mini-suite with an adjacent inside cabin to create a six- to eight-person complex.

Each of the line's Royal Class ships (the line's six newest ships) has at least 36 suites.

Related: 7 reasons you should splurge for a suite on a cruise

Bottom line

Princess offers a relatively wide range of cabins on its ships, including lots of the sort of cabins that everyone wants — balcony cabins. If you're a fan of balcony cabins, you'll find plenty of options on Princess ships, including standard size balcony cabins and bigger "premium" balcony cabins. You'll also find a lot of larger "mini-suite" balcony cabins on Princess ships. However, you won't find a lot of truly large suites with multiple rooms.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
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Large Family Cruises

[fa icon="calendar"] Dec 28, 2012 11:48:00 AM / by Sally Black

(Updated Jan. 2019)   Yes...there are plenty of cruise cabins that will fit a large family of five, a family of six...even a family of eight! Large families actually have several different options when it comes to selecting a cruise ship cabin . Often the type of cabins larger families need will not show up on the big online, book-it-yourself cruise websites. These websites certainly do not explain all of your cabin choices or double check different pricing options to be sure you're getting the best deal. This is why it's very important to work with a Vacationkids family cruise expert. We understand all of your options available for family of five cruise cabins and beyond. Our staff can easily make your reservations saving you time, money and frustration. In addition, we offer perks and exclusive deals in addition to our great service. Generally your cabin selections are going to be based on the following criteria...

• Your preferred destination - Caribbean, Alaska, Europe
• The lifestyle needs of your family - Luxury cruise, infant care, mobility needs...etc
• Sailing dates and availability
• Your family cruise vacation budget.

Generally smaller groups of 5-8 passengers cruising together have three different sailing options open to them. It is important to note that not all of these options are available for every ship, sailing date or cruise line. This is why flexibility if important. We have done our best to give you the good news and the bad news associated with each of these different options. Hopefully this will aid the grown ups with their grown up cruise planning discussions. We also included some specifics on cruise lines and ships that have more options open for larger families.

1. Family Cabins

The good news Most of the friendliest family cruise lines do offer cabins that will allow 5 or 6 passengers to stay all together. Sharing an inside or outside cabin is certainly MOST ECONOMICAL option for any family wanting space for up to 6 passengers. First and second passengers pay a higher amount, but, third, fourth and fifth passengers sharing the same cabin pay a much lower rate. This is especially true for families of teenagers when you compare it to a land based resort vacation. Hotels generally charge kids over the age of 12 full adult fare and most will not allow them to share the same room with their parents which leads to safety or separation concerns for parents. Cruises do not have age restrictions when it comes to cabin passengers. This makes these cabins a real money saving, worry-free vacation option for families.

This picture is just one example of how the cabins could be configured....there is a king bed for parents, an upper birth or bunk above a fold out sofa that sleeps two. Other rooms sleep 6 may offer a king bed for parents, a fold out sofa for 2 and bunk beds. Please know it may not be safe for young children to sleep in upper births or bunks. Older teens may not fit comfortably so ages and sizes do matter when it comes to comfortable sleeping arrangements.

The bad news This option can be too much togetherness for some families. Sharing one cabin together means all passengers much share one small bathroom. This option can easily become a nightmare if you do have to share one with three teenagers. Bear in mind if a rollaway bed is required for the fifth passenger then your cabin space will be severely compromised...basically there will be zero room to walk about your cabin. These cabins are the best money saving option for families with teens but its physically much easier to share a small cabin with younger, smaller kids.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW!!! - Cabins that allow 5 or 6 passengers to share the same cabin are capacity controlled. This means that just because these cabins are showing up as available for a certain cruise doesn't mean the cruise line will automatically allow you to sail with 5 or 6 passengers. Cruise lines keep a watchful eye on the number of passengers with reservations for a particular sailing date. They do this for the comfort and safety of all passengers. Cruise line can suddenly decide at any time to limit the number of people sharing any specific cabin. This is how the cruise lines control passenger population on all their cruise ships. This is why we say if you want everyone to share the same cabin you MUST plan ahead and book your cruise EARLY to avoid disappointments. This will also help you get the best pricing too!

2. Adjoining or Connecting Cabins 

The good news  This is a great compromise for families sailing with up to 8 passengers. With this scenario, you do get two full cabins AND TWO bathrooms . With this option you can mix and match cabin categories. For example Mom and Dad can elect to stay in an oceanview stateroom and confirm a less expensive inside cabin right across the hall for their teens. For younger families you can confirm connecting cabins which means your two cabins share a door in between.

The bad news - This option is a bit more pricey because you will need to pay the more expensive first and/or second passenger rates for your family's second cabin. Also, because you have two cabins, you will have two separate entry/exit doors. From a security standpoint, it may be a bit more difficult for parents to moniter two cabin exits instead ofjust one. We warn this as much for sailing with toddlers as we do for families sailing with teens. Every cruise ship on the high seas offers adjoining or connecting cabins throughout most stateroom categories. Some ships offer more than others so once again, flexibility and early planning are key. On cruise ships you do have the option to purchase your exact stateroom in advance. Here it's best to work with one of our Vacationkids Family Cruise Experts who are most familiar with ship deckplans and can offer your family the best options for adjoining cabins.

3. Family Suites

The good news - Family Suites are a popular way for families of of five up to families of eight to share the same stateroom accommodations. These are luxury staterooms which come with generous space and walking room. Some cruise lines offer specific services and extra amenities with this category of suite like early embarkation & disembarkation to save your family time waiting in line. These suites usually have at least two bedrooms and most offer 2 bathrooms allowing for more privacy for parents and space for children. Generally suites also offer a living room type seating areas and balconies conducive to family gatherings.

The bad news- The pricetag and availability. These are certainly the best option for a big splurge or celebration vacation. Just know m ost ships only offer a limited amount of family suites per ship. Family suites are in high demand and are usually the first staterooms to sell out, ESPECIALLY for spring break and holiday sailings. Just like the other cabins geared for larger families, once again family suites are capacity controlled. Another reminder...parents you need to book these rooms in advance to avoid disappointment.

This is just a short list of options for our most requested, family friendly cruises for larger families looking to sail together. There are even more choices available. If you have a REALLY big family or want to invite friends to come along and join all your fun, There are even more perks when it comes ot family cruise groups .

Your Vacationkids cruise expert will use all this information to focus on the best cruise options out there for your family. We love working with big families because big families always means big fun, and here at Vacationkids....we love big fun!

Topics: Family Cruises , Family of 5 Vacations

Written by Sally Black

Sally is the Founder of Vacationkids.com Travel Agency and author of the book "Fearless Family Vacations". She is also the Director of Travel Agent Initiatives and Training at The Family Travel Association.

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Carnival Vista Deck 6 deck plan

• 4 Mezzanine
• 5 Promenade
• 11 Panorama
• 15 Serenity
• Click here for ALL
• Small Interior

Interior with Picture Window

• Deluxe Oceanview
• Cove Balcony
• Family Harbor Cove Suite

Premium Balcony

• Havana Cabana
• Havana Cabana Suite
• Ocean Suite
• Grand Suite
• Ship info and tracking
• Cabin Check

Cruisedeckplans provides full interactive deck plans for the Carnival Vista Deck 6 deck. Just move your mouse over any cabin and a pop up will appear with detail information, including a full description and floor layout, and a link to pictures and/or videos. These are the newest deck plans for Carnival Vista Deck 6 deck plan showing public venues and cabin numbers and locations.

You are viewing deck: 6 Upper plan

Click on another deck below to view more deck plans.   Click here for LIVE SHIP TRACKING

Useful Links

• DRAG DECK FEATURE
• PDF of all the decks
• PDF (choose your own decks)

Cabin Check Tool

Looking for deck 6 (deck) actual cabin pics and videos, sub categories on deck 6, click links below to view category info including cabin pics and videos for that category on the carnival vista..

Public Spaces on Deck 6

You can click on any image for larger size of the space on Carnival Vista.

Carnival Multiplex

Warehouse Video Arcade

This tool will help you see what is on the deck above and the deck below your stateroom. Don't be surprised by loud chair scraping noise above you.

Accessible cabins on Deck 6

These cabins are on the Carnival Vista

Cabin 6207 8A Category Balcony

Cabin 6208 8A Category Balcony

Cabin 6328 4E Category Interior

Cabin 6330 4E Category Interior

Cabin 6332 4E Category Interior

Cabin 6334 4E Category Interior

Cabin 6336 4E Category Interior

Cabin 6338 4E Category Interior

Cabin 6340 4E Category Interior

Cabin 6342 4E Category Interior

Carnival Vista 6 Upper (deck) Cabin Guru

The cruise line separates the different categories (Inside, Oceanview, Balcony) into subcategories. The only difference in the subcategories is usually location on the ship. The detail above shows subcategory color, category name, and subcategory name. For detailed information, mouse over a cabin on the deck plans and a pop up window will appear. You will find diagrams, pictures and information about that cabin category including square footage and features. Carnival uses a two digit code for its stateroom categories. The first letter represents the type of cabin. 1=Small Interior, 4=Interior, 6=Oceanview, 7=Cove Balcony, 8=Balcony, 9=Premium Balcony. The second letter represents the desired location with A being the least desirable. As an example a 4J (Interior cabin) is in a more desirable location than a 4A (Interior cabin).

CRUISEDECKPLANS.COM Use the input buttons above to go to the main page for a Cruise Ship or Cruise Line.

Standard Layout

Type: Balcony

Cabin is 185 ft 2 , Balcony is 35 ft 2

Some balconies extend to 60 square feet or more. Category HI is Havana Extended Balcony and each guest must be age 12 or older.

*Actual cabin size and layout may differ from size and diagram shown.

CDP Code: Balcony

- Twin beds that convert to king - balcony - private bath with shower - closet - safe - mini bar - phone - television - sitting area with chair and coffee table - sofa - hair dryer - bathrobes - Havana Cabins including category HI, will have exclusive and access to the Havana pool and Havana Lounge.

Havana Aft Balcony

Similar to 7456 Havana

Similar to cabin 1208

Type: Interior

Cabin is 185 ft 2

CDP Code: Interior

- Twin beds that convert to king - television - private bath with shower - safe - mini bar - phone - television - sitting area with chair - hair dryer - bathrobes - Havana Cabins including category HA, will have exclusive and access to the Havana pool and Havana Lounge.

Similar to cabin 10202

Type: Interior with Picture Window

Cabin is 170 ft 2

CDP Code: Picture

Similar to cabin 7446

Type: Premium Balcony

Cabin is 185 ft 2 , Balcony is 75 ft 2

Category HM is Havana Vista Suite and category HL is Havana Premium Balcony and each guest must be age 12 or older.

CDP Code: Premium

- Twin beds that convert to king - wrap around balcony - private bath with shower - mini bar - safe - phone - television - sitting area with chair and coffee table - sofa - hair dryer - bathrobes - Havana Cabins including category HM and HL, will have exclusive and access to the Havana pool and Havana Lounge.

Havana Premium Balcony

Similar to 6464 Havana

Havana Vista Premium Balcony

Similar to 7450 Havana

More From Forbes

7 things to do as soon as you board a cruise ship.

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Making the most of embarkation day can set you up for an enjoyable cruise vacation.

If you’ve never cruised before, embarking a modern vessel for the first time can be truly overwhelming. You don’t know what you don’t know, but by not doing certain things within the first hours, you risk spoiling your dream vacation.

The embarkation day process for a cruise is like a streamlined airport experience. Cruise lines provide a time window, usually from late morning to mid-afternoon, for arrival at the port.

Upon arrival, keep your boarding documents and ID ready. Once you’ve dropped off your luggage, cruise staff guide you to check-in where you'll present your ID, complete a health form, and receive your cruise card or wristband.

This card acts as a boarding pass, room key, and payment card onboard. Some lines offer keyless embarkation, allowing direct access to rooms and cards collected at the cabin. Before boarding, you'll go through a security line, albeit less rigorous than at an airport.

Once onboard, make sure to do these seven things as soon as you can. From checking your accommodations to enjoying the iconic sailaway, these steps ensure you maximize your onboard experience right from the start.

Open AI Gets Better Memory, New Lawsuits, And Sora’s First Music Video

Madden 25 hall of famer will discontinue his relationship with ea, netflix, jessica alba team up for her first movie in five years, check your accommodation thoroughly.

As soon as you enter your cabin, inspect everything to ensure it meets your expectations and everything is in working order. Check that all facilities, such as the shower, toilet flush, lights, and electrical outlets, function properly.

If there is anything amiss, this is the time to contact guest services. You should expect a long queue on embarkation day, but the sooner you identify an issue, the higher the chance of a quick resolution, especially if an alternative cabin may be required.

You should check your cruise ship cabin and meet your room steward as soon as you can on embarkation ... [+] day.

This time also gives you an opportunity to stow your valuables in the cabin safe, and freshen up if desired.

Meet Your Cabin Steward

Introduce yourself to your cabin steward . They are key to ensuring your stay is comfortable, and will most likely call on you as soon as they realize you have arrived.

Discuss any specific preferences or needs you might have, such as extra pillows or allergies, or mention if you are late sleepers, for example. If you have any queries about room service or laundry options, now is the time to ask.

Cabin stewards are always professional, but getting to know yours early can enhance your onboard experience significantly.

Book Everything

Modern cruise ships are home to a dazzling range of entertainment and dining options. Early booking is crucial for popular onboard activities, dining reservations, and shore excursions.

In some cases, popular activities may have sold out prior to the cruise. For those that need to be booked on board, visit the relevant information desk or use the onboard app to make all your bookings as soon as possible.

You should also check your allocated dining time, if you are on a ship that operates a fixed dining concept. If you’re unhappy with the allocation, visit the maitre’d to request a change.

Attend Muster

The only absolute must-do on the first day is the muster drill. Prior to the pandemic, many cruise lines still required physical attendance in the theater or other large venue to go through the cruise safety procedures .

Nowadays, almost all cruise lines offer a virtual muster experience. Typically, a safety video is available on the cabin TV (which must be watched before accessing other functions) or even on the cruise line app.

You may still need to attend your designated lifeboat station to have your name taken, but this is straightforward and takes mere minutes.

Take Advantage Of Ship Tours

When you arrive in your cabin, check your daily planner to see if there are any introductory tours or sessions offered by the cruise line.

Embarkation day can be hectic and overwhelming. Join a guided tour to get your bearings.

Ship tours are ideal for first-time cruisers unfamiliar with the ship’s layout and generally how things work on board.

Keep an eye out for embarkation day tours or introductory sessions at the spa, fitness center, or casino. These often include special promotions or offers to kickstart your cruise experience.

Airplane Mode

To avoid hefty roaming charges, switch your phone to airplane mode. While at sea, your device could inadvertently connect to a cellular maritime network , which incurs high costs or data.

Even if you don't actively use your phone, you might accrue a significant bill from background data usage by your apps before you even receive an SMS notification—if you receive one at all.

Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi packages, so consider purchasing one if you need to stay connected. Remember, cruise line apps typically require connection to the ship’s Wi-Fi network, but you can use them without buying an internet package.

Alternatively, use this time to disconnect and enjoy the break from constant connectivity. If so, use the time before sailaway to send some farewell messages.

Enjoy Sailaway

The sailaway party is a cruise tradition not to be missed. On many lines, the top decks will host live music and festivities as the ship departs.

It’s the perfect time to grab a drink, meet other travelers, and take in the stunning views as you set sail on your adventure. If you want to toast the sailaway, be sure to get a drink in good time, as the bars will all be busy.

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7 Ways to Get a Cabin Upgrade on a Cruise for Free (or Cheap)

W ant to know how to get a free or cheap cabin upgrade on your next cruise? While upgrades are not very common, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances. Here are some tips on how to get a cruise cabin upgrade. Why not give it a try on your next cruise? 

How to Get a Cabin Upgrade on a Cruise

1. loyalty perks.

If you’re looking for a way to score a free cabin upgrade on a cruise, having a loyalty status can be a surefire way to make it happen. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Latitude rewards program offers Diamond members a one-time free cabin upgrade. However, reaching Diamond status is not easy – it requires 350 points, which is equivalent to roughly 350 nights on a cruise!

2. Bid for a Cabin Upgrade

Another way to get a cabin upgrade is to bid for it. Once you’ve booked your cruise, some cruise lines will send you an email offering you the chance to bid on a cabin upgrade. The email gives you different stateroom options to choose from. 

Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Celebrity are the cruise lines that offer this upgrade option. They typically send you the email to upgrade 30 to 60 days before departure. 

For example, during my recent MSC cruise, I was given the chance to upgrade to an MSC Yacht Club Deluxe Suite, starting at $1520 per person, or a Suite Aurea with Terrace and Whirlpool, starting at $620 per person. You can adjust the price slider to increase or decrease the bid, but there is a minimum bid requirement. 

It’s a silent auction so you don’t know what others are bidding. I suggest bidding at a low price because you might not even have competition! You won’t be charged unless your bid wins.  

The downside is that you won’t have control over the location of your cabin if you decide to bid for an upgrade. If you’re picky about your cabin location, this might not be the best option for you. 

For me, I decided not to bid on a cabin upgrade since I had already chosen a balcony cabin that was mid-ship and near the cabins of family members. If I were to win a cabin upgrade, I wouldn’t be located near them, and there’s no guarantee that I’d get a mid-ship location. Plus, since I’m prone to seasickness, an upgrade to a poorly located cabin is not an upgrade for me. I’d rather be in a lower cabin category as long as I’m located mid-ship!

3. Guaranteed Cabin

One way to get a free cabin upgrade is to book the “Guaranteed cabin” rate. This basically means you do not choose your cabin location but leave it up to the cruise line to choose for you. While you’ll be guaranteed a room in your cabin category, there’s a chance you could be upgraded.   

This strategy can work if you’re not too particular about where your cabin is located and are content with letting the cruise line make the decision for you. Keep in mind that if you do get upgraded, you likely won’t be given the very best room in the upgraded cabin category. 

That’s because other cruisers have already handpicked and reserved the best rooms, leaving you with the leftover cabins in undesirable locations. For example, you might luck out and get upgraded to a balcony cabin, but it has an obstructed view facing the life boat!

4. Special Occasion

One way to get a free cabin upgrade is to celebrate a special occasion. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, like a honeymoon, an anniversary, or a milestone birthday, you should let your travel agent or the cruise line know when you book your cruise. 

Your travel agent might be able to pull some strings for you. Or at the very least, you will get a free bottle of champagne. 

But don’t get your hopes up, cabin upgrades are not very common. But, if you’re traveling during the slower, off-peak season when the cruise ship isn’t at full capacity, there’s a chance that you might get lucky and get an upgrade. So, it’s always worth a shot!

5. Call the Cruise Line or Travel Agent Directly

Even if you are not celebrating a special occasion, you should still call the cruise line directly or your travel agent. Find out if there is a way for you to get a free cabin upgrade. If a free upgrade is unavailable, ask them how much it would cost you to get a cabin upgrade. 

If you’re traveling during the slower, off-peak season, you might be able to get a good deal on an upgrade. It never hurts to ask, and you never know what you might get!

6. Guest Services

If you’ve already boarded the ship and haven’t received an upgrade, don’t lose hope just yet. As a last resort, stop by the guest services desk and ask about the possibility of getting an upgrade. Most likely, the answer will be no. 

But it’s worth a shot. Maybe they might offer you an upgrade for a fee. It’s always worth exploring since you never know until you ask.

7. Complaining

One way to get a cabin upgrade, although not ideal, is to complain. If you legitimately have an issue with your cabin, you should definitely speak up and let guest services know. 

It can be stressful, and you may have to escalate the issue to a supervisor, sometimes, being persistent might pay off.   

I once cruised on Princess and we experienced a major leak. We had booked 2 cabins, and because of the leak, they upgraded both cabins. 

One cabin was upgraded from an inside cabin to a balcony cabin, and the other was upgraded from a balcony cabin to a one bedroom suite complete with a private patio and a hot tub. 

So, it’s worth speaking up if you’re not satisfied with your cabin since you never know what kind of upgrade you might get. Check out my article on: 10 Worst Cabins on a Cruise- You’ll Regret Booking

Check out these free cruise printables

Caribbean cruise packing list

Alaska cruise packing list

Mediterranean cruise packing list

Mexico cruise packing list

12 Things to Bring from Home to Save Money on Your Cruise

9 Common Money Mistakes You’ll Regret Making on Your Cruise

8 Easy Ways to Get Free Onboard Credit on a Cruise

The post 7 Ways to Get a Cabin Upgrade on a Cruise for Free (or Cheap) appeared first on Suburbs 101 .

I worked on cruises for 3 years. Here are 6 things I'd never do on board.

• I used to work on cruises. After many days at sea, there are things I'd never do on a cruise .
• I never wear my room key around my neck and try to avoid misnaming the ship.
• I never buy the drink package or pay for meal upgrades in the main dining room.

I've sailed around the world as a cruise-ship employee , and now I enjoy cruising as a passenger.

I love the salty sea air, waking up in a new country, and lazy days by the pool, but a week at sea could get more complicated this year with cruises predicted to be in high demand .

While fighting a little harder to secure a prime seat on the pool deck, you may as well also avoid some rookie mistakes.

Here are six things I'd never do on a cruise after working on them for three years.

Pay for upgrades in the main dining room

Typically, main dining room meals are included in the cost of a cruise. But in recent years, it's become common for cruise lines to charge guests extra if they want to upgrade to "supplementary" items like lobster or certain steaks.

I know $12 may not seem like much for a steak or lobster tail at dinner, but the cost of the cruise is supposed to include your food.

So, even though I enjoy lobster, I stick with the items without the upcharges.

Buy the drink package

I enjoy a piña colada by the pool or a Manhattan while listening to a jazz set after dinner. Even so, it doesn't make sense for me to pay in advance for 12 to 15 cocktails a day.

I've done the math on typical unlimited drink packages , and the cost simply isn't worth it for me.

This is especially true with a port-heavy itinerary. If I've gone ashore to explore all day, that means I'm not sidled up to the bar slurping down alcoholic slushies.

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I prefer to buy as I go and take advantage of happy hour and other drink specials that are available on certain cruise lines. I also check the beverage policy in advance and bring on my own wine, if allowed.

Touch shared contact surfaces with my fingers

Fellow guests will never see me touching the elevator buttons with my fingertips. Knuckles and elbows do the trick.

Some cruise lines are better than others at wiping down commonly touched surfaces, but I don't take any chances. I avoid touching things others frequently touch, and I wash my hands frequently.

This strategy has worked for me, as I have never contracted norovirus, even when it was running rampant on a ship I was on. It's quite contagious and can linger on your fingertips even after using hand sanitizer . I'd definitely rather be safe than sorry.

Wear my room key around my neck

I never walk around the ship with my room key around my neck, and I especially never do this when on land.

There are two reasons for this. First, I see many passengers using the room keys dangling from their necks to flaunt their cruise loyalty status . It just looks pretentious.

The sophisticated cruisers with the highest status, with the most days at sea, never show off their fancy room keys.

That's because they know the more important reason — safety. In port, that room key bouncing off your chest looks like an invitation to be robbed. It screams, "I have money! Come and take it from me."

Misname the ship

English is a funny language that has its quirks. Naming conventions make that even more complicated.

Ships have proper names, and so do not require a definite article. For example, "Tomorrow I am embarking on Discovery Princess," or "I enjoyed scenic cruising on MS Westerdam."

If you want to look like a savvy sailor, learn to drop the "the!"

Plan my port-day itinerary so tight that I may not make it back to the ship on time

Oh, the recurring nightmares I've had about not making it back to the ship on time during a port day.

I've never missed a sail away, but I have cut it too close at times and have had to run down a pier or two. Just recently, as a passenger, my taxi driver got lost returning our group to the port at night.

When I realized how late we were going to be, I forked over $8 per minute to be connected with the ship. I pleaded with them to wait for us. It was a sprint through the port to get back on and we received quite a scolding from the first officer.

That time, we got lucky. In the future, I'll be giving myself more time than I think I need to make it back.

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

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