By The Voyager 
An important step in booking your next Caribbean cruise is selecting the right cabin for you. For most bookings, you may consider cabin options like Interior, Ocean View, or Balcony. Each cabin type has distinct features suited to varying preferences and budgets. This guide aims to help you make an informed decision for a comfortable and enjoyable cruise.
This article will focus on the three basic cabin types: Interior, Ocean View, and Balcony, and will not cover various suites. If you are interested in booking a suite, please refer to our other article for detailed information on the different suite options available.
We will introduce the following room types:
- Interior Staterooms
- Interior
- Interior with Virtual Balcony
- Studio Interior
- Connecting Interior
- Ocean View Staterooms
- Ocean View
- Spacious Ocean View
- Balcony Staterooms
- Obstructed Ocean View Balcony
- Ocean View Balcony
- Studio Ocean View Balcony
- Connecting Ocean View Balcony
Interior Staterooms
An Interior Stateroom is usually the most affordable option among all cabin types, making it an ideal choice for first-time travelers of all ages. These staterooms are typically located in the center of the ship, away from the edges, and do not feature windows or balconies. However, they offer a similar setup to other cabin types, allowing you to enjoy the same onboard amenities and atmosphere.
Depending on the cruise model, Royal Caribbean may offer several types of Interior Staterooms:
- Interior: The standard option
- Interior with Virtual Balcony: Features a high-definition screen that provides real-time views of the ocean, creating the illusion of a balcony experience
- Studio Interior: Designed for solo travelers, offering a compact yet comfortable space at a lower cost
- Connecting Interior: Perfect for families or groups, these rooms feature a connecting door to an adjacent stateroom, providing more flexibility and space
Some travelers may be concerned that an Interior Stateroom might lack proper ventilation or feel confined. However, these rooms are well-ventilated and air-conditioned around the clock, offering a comfortable experience similar to other cabin types. After enjoying the onboard amenities, you can return to a comfortable and private space to rest.
Interior with Virtual Balcony
Some Interior Staterooms are equipped with a large 80-inch high-definition screen that spans nearly from floor to ceiling, allowing you to enjoy real-time views of the ocean and destinations from the comfort of your room. The Virtual Balcony staterooms aim to provide a realistic balcony experience. There may be times, however, when the view displayed on the screen includes obstructions, such as buildings, similar to what you might see from an actual balcony. There is an individual switch to control the Virtual Balcony screen, allowing you to turn it off when you want to rest.
Studio Interior
If you’re traveling solo, Royal Caribbean offers a limited number of Studio Interior staterooms on select cruises. These rooms do not require a single supplement fee, making them an ideal choice for solo travelers seeking affordability and comfort. For those with a larger budget, there is also a Studio Ocean View Stateroom with Balcony, which will be introduced in another section below.
The Studio Interior is designed for one person and cannot accommodate additional guests. It typically features a full-size bed and covers approximately 101 square feet (equivalent to around 9-10 square meters). Similar to the Virtual Balcony Stateroom, it is equipped with a high-resolution screen that displays real-time views from outside the ship, which you can use to enjoy a real-time outside view.
Due to the ship’s deck layout, Studio Interior staterooms are only available in limited numbers. For example, on the Spectrum of the Seas, there are only 2 Studio Interior rooms per deck, with a total of just 16 available on the entire ship.
Connecting Interior
Connecting Interior Staterooms are ideal for families or groups traveling together who want more space and flexibility. These rooms feature a connecting door to an adjacent stateroom, allowing guests to easily move between rooms without needing to use the hallway. This setup provides both privacy and convenience, making it a great option for those who want to stay close to family or friends while still having their own separate space.
Ocean View Staterooms
An Ocean View Stateroom offers a comfortable balance between cost and features, making it a popular choice for travelers who want natural light without the expense of a balcony. These staterooms come with a window that provides views of the ocean, enhancing your experience with scenic visuals throughout the journey.
Royal Caribbean offer these types of Interior Staterooms among all cruises:
- Ocean View: A standard Ocean View Stateroom comes with a window that lets in natural light and provides views of the ocean.
- Spacious Ocean View: Similar to the standard Ocean View Stateroom, but offers additional square footage, making it a great option for guests who prefer a bit more room to relax.
Ocean View
Ocean View Staterooms are mostly located on the lower decks of the cruise ship. These rooms have a standard size and layout, offering a balance between cost and features, with a price range between that of Interior and Balcony cabins. Although the windows cannot be opened, they provide beautiful sea views.
The key advantage of Ocean View Staterooms is their location on the lower decks, which significantly reduces the feeling of motion, making them ideal for those prone to seasickness. Additionally, the proximity to the main dining areas and theater provides extra convenience. Guests can also disembark without needing to use elevators or wait in line, making this cabin type especially suitable for elderly travelers and those who get seasick easily.
Spacious Ocean View
The Spacious Ocean View Stateroom is similar to the standard Ocean View Stateroom but provides more space, making it an excellent choice for guests seeking additional comfort. These staterooms are located at the front or rear of the ship and are significantly larger, around 210 sq ft (approximately 19.5 sqm). The extra square footage allows for more room to move and relax, giving a more open and comfortable environment compared to the standard Ocean View. Although slightly more expensive than a standard Ocean View Stateroom, the Spacious Ocean View offers excellent value for those who need more room to relax.
Balcony Staterooms
Balcony Staterooms provide a private outdoor space where you can relax and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze with your friends or family. These staterooms offer expansive views of the sea, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the cruising experience. While Balcony Staterooms are generally more expensive than Interior and Ocean View cabins, they are well worth the cost for those who have the budget and desire to enjoy the luxury of private outdoor space. The added comfort of a spacious balcony allows you to unwind and appreciate the stunning views in a more personal setting, making it a perfect choice for travelers seeking an enhanced cruise experience.
Obstructed Ocean View Balcony
The Obstructed Ocean View Balcony Stateroom is one of the most popular balcony cabin options due to its affordability compared to a standard balcony stateroom. This type of room provides a private outdoor space, allowing you to enjoy the ocean breeze and fresh air at a lower cost. However, the balcony view may be partially blocked by obstructions such as lifeboats, railings, or other structural elements of the ship, which may limit the otherwise expansive view. Despite the obstruction, guests still benefit from having their own balcony to relax and enjoy the sounds of the sea, making it a practical option for those looking to balance cost and the balcony experience.
It is worth noting that although some staterooms are labeled as ‘Obstructed,’ they may not actually have any significant obstruction. However, we still recommend that if the price difference between an Obstructed Ocean View Balcony and an Ocean View Balcony is minimal, it is better to choose the Ocean View Balcony for an unobstructed and more enjoyable view.
Ocean View Balcony
The Ocean View Balcony Stateroom offers the quintessential balcony experience, providing guests with a private outdoor space and unobstructed views of the ocean. It is an excellent choice for travelers looking to enjoy the scenic beauty of the sea from the comfort of their own room. This stateroom type combines the luxury of fresh air and panoramic ocean views with the convenience and comfort of a well-appointed cabin, making it ideal for those who want to elevate their cruise experience.
All staterooms offer the convenience of next-day breakfast delivery service, but it’s especially suited for guests staying in Ocean View Balcony rooms. You can enjoy a delightful continental or American breakfast on your private balcony, all while taking in the breathtaking ocean views. This makes for a truly memorable and relaxing start to your day.
Studio Ocean View Balcony
If you’re traveling solo but still wish to enjoy a balcony experience, Royal Caribbean offers a limited number of Studio Ocean View Balcony staterooms on select cruises. These staterooms are designed specifically for solo travelers and do not require a single supplement fee, making them an affordable way to enjoy the luxury of a private balcony. Another type of room without a single supplement fee is the Studio Interior we have mentioned above.
The Studio Ocean View Balcony typically features a full-size bed and has similar amenities to the standard Ocean View Balcony, but with a more compact layout to accommodate a single guest. The room size is approximately 119 sq ft (approximately 11 sqm), with a balcony of around 55 sq ft (approximately 5 sqm).
Connecting Ocean View Balcony
Connecting Ocean View Balcony Staterooms are designed for families or groups traveling together who want the added convenience of being able to move freely between two staterooms. These rooms are equipped with a connecting door, providing privacy when needed, while also allowing for easy access between rooms. This setup is ideal for families with older children or friends who want to share their cruise experience while maintaining some personal space.
Each Connecting Ocean View Balcony Stateroom features a private balcony with unobstructed views, providing the perfect space to relax and take in the stunning ocean views. The room size is similar to the standard Ocean View Balcony, with added flexibility to accommodate larger groups.
Featured Image: created and edited by editor, image origin from website, based on Fair Use Policy; Interior Rooms: Interior with Virtual Balcony from xiaohongshu user 1008839107. Studio Interior from ly travel agency.; Ocean View Rooms: Featured Image 1 from xiaohongshu user 533231226. Image 2 from ly travel agency; Balcony Rooms: Image 1 from xiaohongshu user 946060047. Image 2 from xiaohongshu user 106557421. Image 3 from xiaohongshu user 423124834. Obstructured Image 1 provided from Hepingguolv Travel Agent .Studio Balcony Room Image from xiaohongshu user 6991525179.