The Best Rooms For Families On A Cruise Ship
Strategies To Help You Choose The Ideal Stateroom
By Robert Schrader | Published on May 22, 2025
If you’re planning a family trip, you’re probably asking yourself, “What is the best stateroom on a cruise ship?” Finding the right room is all about choosing the perfect size stateroom for your crew, ensuring all family members are comfortable and able to enjoy their cruise experience.
From the size and location of your room to whether multiple rooms connect to keep everyone close together, you’ll want to understand the options before booking.
Here are a few expert tips to consider, including the most desirable locations on a cruise ship, to help you decide what stateroom is best for your crew on your next cruise.
What Is A Stateroom On A Cruise Ship?
A stateroom is simply the cruise industry’s term for a passenger’s private room aboard the ship — essentially your hotel room at sea. Staterooms come in a variety of sizes, layouts and price points, but all provide the essentials.
What Is The Best Stateroom On A Cruise Ship?
While the answer depends on your specific group, mid-ship cabins are often considered the best. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of cruise ship rooms available to you:
- Mid-Ship Cabins
- Aft Cabins
- Suites
These are located near the center of the vessel, providing a more stable ride with less motion — ideal for anyone prone to seasickness.
Located at the back of the ship, these are popular for their often larger balconies and sweeping views of the ship’s wake.
Suites can be found in various areas of the ship, but they’re typically positioned to maximize views, space and privacy. They generally offer the most luxury and space.
Stateroom Vs Cabin
It might seem to be a given that you should select the largest possible room on your cruise, but this isn't necessarily the case. Price differentials notwithstanding, the reality is that you aren't going to spend all — or even most — of your time in your room.
When you’re traveling with children, the size of your room is often secondary to its amenities. Beyond the question of stateroom vs cabin , think about the features that make or break your trip, such as a bathtub or sufficient closet space. Remember to consider whether connecting staterooms might be more beneficial than a single large suite.
One question you might want to ask: How will choosing a particular room change our experience? For some families, it’s about the destinations more than the journey — the ports of call are prioritized over where they sleep en route to them, and they want to use their budget for the longest sailing or the biggest adventures. On the other hand, some travelers consider the best rooms on a cruise ship to be the ones that offer enough space to fully relax.
Of course, this is not an argument against a larger cruise ship stateroom. Here, your kids’ ages and independence might come into play. For example, selecting a junior suite (or larger) ensures your room has a bathtub, which is ideal for families with babies and toddlers. Smaller staterooms will only have showers, which can be less convenient. If you want to have at least two bathrooms, book one of the family suites. Rooms in the suites category are also the only ones that generally come with mid-room privacy curtains.
A larger room is essential for families with infants, since it ensures that there will be adequate space to walk around the complimentary crib provided for babies. These cribs are generally 36 inches long; they’ll technically fit in smaller staterooms, but suites can more easily accommodate them. A larger room also ensures a dedicated area to put your diaper station, plus extra room for any additional items you have on your packing list.
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Best Stateroom Location On A Cruise Ship
Choosing the best stateroom l can be likened to a strategy game. Do you want to be near the action or tucked away in a quiet corner? Do you prefer to be conveniently close to the elevators or strategically far from the crowds? It's worth taking the time to review the deck plan and selecting among the most desirable stateroom locations.
Of course, this is not a one-size-fits-all discussion. There is no standard best side of a ship, as navigational routes shift, and sunrises and sunsets on each side of the ship can alternate daily. Staterooms with ocean views are more coveted than interior cabins for a reason, and there are also many types of suites you can choose from, some of which are like five-star hotel rooms.
If you have children who are adventurous, you might want to choose a room closer to a pool or waterslide for easy access. If it’s quiet you’re after, consider aft cabins with a balcony room, which minimize the chances of your infant or toddler waking up in the middle of the night. If you don’t want an interior stateroom but can’t spring for a balcony cabin, consider taking the middle path with a promenade-view stateroom, which offers excellent people-watching and is a good compromise between budget and comfort.
Regardless of your decision, the more due diligence you can do, the better. You can take a virtual tour of many ship room types — including oceanview cabins and balcony stateroom categories — to get an idea before you book. It’ll make you more confident that you’ve made the right decision and will get you more excited. It’s also a great opportunity to get everyone involved in planning, further building anticipation for the big trip.
Look At Your Family’s Specific Needs
It’s a relief to know that the best rooms for families on a cruise ship come at all price points. The key is aligning the details of your room with what your family needs. Families with small kids (and big budgets) might appreciate the exhilaration of the Ultimate Family Suite, which even has an in-room slide. These opulent suites also include kid-friendly features such as a private game room, just in case one (or more) of your kids needs a break from paradise within their favorite virtual world. When looking at Royal Caribbean staterooms, think about whether a family harbor suite or standard cabin might meet your needs without sacrificing comfort.
You’ll want to consider special perks of different room types, such as the concierge who assists you if you book the Royal Suite Class. This is certainly an indulgence, but one you (and, importantly, your family) won’t soon forget. Some travelers note that the best stateroom location on cruise ship voyages depends on proximity to these concierge lounges, so be sure to examine that on the deck plan, too.
A key piece of advice for how to choose your family-friendly stateroom is to imagine you’re buying a home for a few days or weeks. As is the case in your own home, think about what you can’t live without and what’s not that important to have. Choosing the right room is not so much about having everything under the sun but curating an experience that works for you and the members of your family. In many cases, the best cruise cabin comes down to prioritizing convenience and budget.
Picking Your Home At Sea
The best room on a cruise ship will ultimately depend on your family, your prioritized amenities and what type of experience you’re hoping for. With Royal Caribbean staterooms, there’s no wrong answer! Each option provides unique elements that will make your trip a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — all you have to do is determine which room is the right one for you.
Ready to find your home away from home on your dream vacation? Explore Royal Caribbean cruises that can take you to countless breathtaking destinations with rooms you’ll never want to leave.
Cruise Ship Stateroom FAQs
What is the best floor to sleep on while on a cruise ship?
The best floor (or deck) depends on your priorities. Mid-level decks are often ideal because they minimize motion and are more stable — a great choice for light sleepers, those prone to seasickness or first-time cruisers. Families may also prefer decks closer to key amenities like pools, dining or kids’ clubs for easier access.
Is it better to be in the front or back of a cruise ship?
Both the front (forward) and back (aft) offer unique advantages. Aft cabins are popular for their spacious balconies and quieter atmosphere, making them great for families who prioritize relaxation. The front of the ship may offer more dramatic views, but it can experience more motion. For smoother sailing, a mid-ship cabin is typically the best room on a cruise.
Is a balcony worth it on a cruise?
A balcony can absolutely be worth it if you enjoy private outdoor space, ocean views or watching sunrises and sunsets from your room. However, if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship or ports, an interior or oceanview stateroom may be a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing comfort.
Is an outside cabin better than an inside cabin?
Outside cabins (which include oceanview and balcony rooms) let in natural light and often provide scenic views — features many guests find enhance the cruise experience. Inside cabins are more affordable and perfect for travelers who plan to spend minimal time in their rooms. The better option really depends on your preferences, budget and how much time you’ll spend in the cabin.
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