Is Saving Money The Priority
Norwegian’s studio cabins are budget-friendly, especially for solo travelers. – Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line
Inside cabins have no views and are therefore cheaper than outside cabins, which have portholes, windows, or balconies. There are times when saving money with an inside cabin makes sense. They can be good for quick vacations two- or three-day sailings when you wont be in your cabin much, says Dave Change, a vice president at Carnival Cruise Line.
If youre never in your cabin, then natural light and views might not be so important. And families often book them, with the parents in the outside cabin and their kids in the cabin across the hall, Change says. There are also inside spa staterooms that include amenities and features that a guest wouldnt have access to in a lower-deck, ocean view cabin.
Two Bedroom Aqua Theater Suite
If you want to combine an epic suite with equally impressive views, then the 2 bedroom AquaTheater Suite is the right choice for you.
The AquaTheater suite features a balcony that is almost as large as the suite itself, wrapping around the back of the ship to offer unparalleled views of the ocean, and AquaTheater shows below.
There are two bedrooms inside the suite, along with a spacious living area that features a dining room, marble entry and an entertainment center.
Just like the other Royal Suite Class cabins, this includes the top tier of Royal Caribbean’s perks, including a Royal Genie.
Do Cruise Ships Have Family Rooms Or Suites
Yes, most major cruise lines have family suites or staterooms, and depending on the cruise line, the configuration of the family suites or staterooms will be slightly different.
Keep in mind when booking a family stateroom, the price is still PER PERSON.
When booking a hotel room suite its possible to book one room and pay one price, regardless of whether 2 people or 6 people are staying in the suite.
With cruise ship family staterooms, passengers pay a per-person price which includes the room, most food options, as well as a majority of the recreation and entertainment options onboard the ship.
If price is a factor, the most economical way to cruise and still stay together would be to book connecting rooms, which have an interior doorway that can be opened to allow movement back and forth.
The following are family staterooms on the most popular major cruise lines:
Royal Caribbean
On the low end of price, Royal Caribbeans inside staterooms often offer sleeping for 4 people, where the 3rd and 4th beds lower down from the ceiling.
At the higher end, Symphony of the Seas has the Ultimate Family Suite which has an in-room slide, from the upstairs bedrooms to the living area, and air hockey and ping pong tables out on the private balcony, as well as the 4-bedroom Villa Suite.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival offers family-friendly staterooms fleet-wide, which can accommodate up to 5 people, and have a second washroom, including Deluxe Ocean View staterooms, as well as Suites.
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And For Royal Princess Cabin Sizes Check Out The Cabin Tours At The End Of Claires Royal Princess Vlog Tour
If you want to check out a selection of cabins on the Royal Princess, Claires vlog not only gives a great ship tour of the Royal Princess but also a sneaky peek at inside and outside cabins and suites.
There is a right cabin for everybody its all about finding what suits yours and you families needs. Happy cruising!
On Oasis Of The Seas Allure Of The Seas Harmony Of The Seas And Symphony Of The Seas
Aurora Cruises and Travel is a leading cruise agency that specializes in selling Two Bedroom Grand Suites with a Balcony on the Oasis class ships: Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, and Oasis of the Seas.
Giving your business to us you pay directly to Royal Caribbean International. We serve your reservation as a partner to this cruise line.
Dont be confused with word Grand: there are two types of Grand Suites with a Balcony on Oasis class ships:
- Grand Suite category GS one-bedroom suite with a balcony.
- Two-bedroom Grand Suite category GT two-bedroom suite with a balcony.
This page is dedicated to Two-Bedroom Grand Suite with a Balcony on Oasis, Allure, Harmony, and Symphony of the Seas.
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Oceania Cruises’ Marina And Riviera
Best Cruise Suite: Owner’s Suite
Why? There are three Owner’s Suites onboard Oceania Cruises’ and Riviera, and the accommodations are among the most superb at sea. Size counts, for sure, and these measure 2,000 square feet apiece.
Ralph Lauren Home furnishings are featured throughout the large living and dining room as well as the bedroom, which comes with king-sized bed. You’ll also find his-and-her walk-in closets, a grand entryway with an ebony grand piano, and even a media nook with a professional entertainment system. There’s one whirlpool tub in the bathroom, outfitted with Bulgari bath products, and another on the veranda, which also has an outdoor flat-screen television.
What else do we love about Oceania’s Owner’s Suites? Their location. Each suite spans the width of the ship, facing aft, looking over the wake. Perks for Owner’s Suite residents include access to the private Executive Lounge — staffed by a dedicated concierge and featuring complimentary soft drinks, coffees and snacks throughout the day — plus 24-hour butler service and course-by-course, in-suite meal delivery from any onboard restaurant.
The biggest downside of a cruise in an Oceania Owner’s Suite is that you’ll feel so pampered and cosseted indoors, you might well be tempted to miss ports of call and stay onboard.
Plan to Pay: Fares start at $1,700 per person, per night.
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 usedunder titles like Super Family Plus Balcony and Family Ocean Viewto 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 ships Duplex Suite gives families of five or fewer total members a memorable two-deck-high cabin experience. On the main level theres an open living and dining room with a sofa that converts to a double bed, while upstairs is the master bedrooms king-size bed.
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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 thats 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. Theres 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.
Do Any Cabin Categories Offer Additional Amenities
A cabin category on a luxury line like Crystal will come with more amenities than a similar category on a mainstream line. – Photo by Crystal Cruises
There are also some hidden gems, as Carnivals Change calls them, on various ships, pointing to the 6N category on Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic, and Carnival Breeze. They are like most ocean view rooms except for one bonus: a second bathroom. One bathroom has a sink and a toilet, and the other has a sink and tub-shower combo. For a family traveling together, the fact that two people can get ready before dinner at the same time can be a valuable perk.
In addition, Carnivals Spirit-class ships have obstructed inside staterooms that are actually obstructed ocean view rooms with French doors that open. The price point on those is generally very good, and the midship location is nice as well, says Cruise Planners Devine. Carnival and Royal Caribbean ships also have some staterooms with unusually large balconies that I always look for.
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Symphony Of The Seas: Inside $85000 Ultimate Family Suite
Anne Kalosh | Apr 09, 2018
Inside, the first thing that catches the eye is a bright orange slide fed by a spiral staircase. The suite is done up in tangerine and yellow, with splashes of aqua, blue, pink and red. There are whimsical lamps, fluffy cushions, a swing chair and loads other fun details.
Royal Caribbean International president and CEO Michael Bayley calls it ‘a crazy space. It’s just fun.’
Welcome to Symphony of the Seas‘ Ultimate Family Suite.
Two Loft Suites were combined to make this 1,346-square-foot hideaway that’s a sophisticated fun house with incredible views.
A cinema, LEGO wall, Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch, PS4 Pro
One corner has a playroom/lounge that can be closed off with the pull of a curtain to formvoila!a cinema with 85-inch HD TV for streaming movies , a popcorn maker and a countertop Coke machine. An air hockey table converts for dining.
Younger children will love the board games, floor-to-ceiling LEGO wall and giant chalkboard. Twenty-seven games are available for Xbox One X, Nintendo Switch and PS4 Pro.
There are hidden nooks to chill and recharge, a ‘magic door’ crawl space between the kids’ room and the master suite, and seven televisions. Each bunk in the kids’ room has its own TV, and one is in a bathroom mirror.
The most coveted experience for different age groups
Once those were selected, groups of kids were brought together to validate the choices.
Family bonding
$85,000 for the weeklong Christmas cruise
Do I Get Seasick Easily
Some of Royal Caribbean’s inside cabins have been equipped with “virtual balconies.”– Photo by Royal Caribbean
If someone in your group is prone to seasickness, look for a midship cabin. If a ship hits rough seas, these cabins tend to experience the least motion. Also, if youre booking an inside cabin, consider one with a virtual porthole or balcony. It has been said that because the view is in sync with the ships movement, you wont feel sick, says Cruise Planners Devine.
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Am I Willing To Splurge On A Suite
A suite on Silver Spirit. – Photo by Silversea
Suites are larger than staterooms, sometimes but not always with a separate sleeping area, and come with additional amenities, such as an in-cabin whirlpool tub or access to private areas.
Spa suites, too, are increasingly common, generally with Asian-influenced décor that has a sleeker, more contemporary look. These suites often include discounts on spa services or special access to the spa area. Cruises by Lindas Allen often steers couples that are on sailings popular with families to spa suites, where the additional privacy is appreciated.
And then there are the top-tier suites, which can take a mass-market ship and up the price and the experience toward the luxury level. Norwegians Haven suites, for example, have their own separate pool and lounge. So how much is this upgrade? Prices vary greatly depending on inventory, so if this is a splurge youre considering, compare a variety of dates before booking.
Incredible Cruise Ship Cabins For Families
Ever since Disney Cruise Line first introduced family staterooms in the 90s, other cruise lines have been looking for ways to entice families with spacious, comfortable accommodation.
As a result, newer cruise ships boast a choice of cleverly designed family suites and connecting rooms that could comfortably house the Brady Bunch. So after a fun-packed day at the waterpark, kids club, or exploring on shore, there’s plenty of space for everyone to kick back and recharge.
Here are seven cruise lines getting the thumbs up from families however, some of these staterooms can be booked through the cruise line only and are not available through cruise agencies.
Celebrity Cruises
When it comes to catering for families, Celebritys family ocean view staterooms are spot on. The main room features two beds that can convert to queen-size, plus theres a second bedroom with a twin bed and Pullman berth beds, which pull down easily to form a bed. And for extra space, floor-to-ceiling glass doors lead to a balcony where everyone can sit and enjoy the view. Find out more about Celebrity Cruises.
Holland America Line
P& O Cruises
Princess Cruises
Let the whole family spread out in a Princess family suite. There are two bedrooms, which can be configured with a queen or two twin beds, plus two bathrooms and a sitting area with two sofa beds. Enjoy some quality family time out on the balcony decked with tables and chairs for four and two loungers. Find out more about Princess Cruises.
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Tip: Cabins That Help Ward Off Seasickness
If you or someone in your family is prone to seasickness, forget about almost everything else and focus on booking a cabin on the lowest deck possible that is midship. Youll be at the ships fulcrum and that means youll feel less movement here than if you were far forward or all the way aft. When you are feeling seasick, it helps to look out over the horizon so in addition to a location on a lower deck and midship make sure the stateroom you pick has at least a porthole, if not a larger ocean-view window or balcony.
Disney’s Magic And Wonder
Best Cruise Suite: Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah
Why? If you’re looking to deliver a fairytale vacation to your family, look no further than Disney Cruise Line’s Concierge Royal Suites aboard Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. These two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath accommodations span 1,029 square feet and can sleep up to seven guests, delivering authentic Disney spirit amid plush surroundings.
Parents can claim the bedroom outfitted with a queen bed while the kids opt for the twin beds in the second bedroom or the Murphy bed that pulls down from the wall in the living room. Kids will love the Disney character accents and entertainment options in the media room, while parents appreciate the separate living and dining areas, pantry and wet bar, and whirlpool tubs in the bathrooms. A concierge is also at your beck and call to make sure your Disney cruise exceeds your expectations.
Plan to Pay: Fares start at $710 per person, per night.
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Regent Seven Seas Explorer Seven Seas Splendor
Best Cruise Suite: Regent Suite
Why? There is only one Regent Suite each aboard Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor. It was designed to be the most luxurious suite at sea at 2,917 square feet , its footprint is larger than that of the average American home. But it’s not just the size that impresses: The suite comes complete with a private spa, including treatment area, sauna, ceramic heated relaxation loungers and multijet shower, and residents are entitled to unlimited — and complimentary — in-suite spa treatments. Other perks include sedan transfers to and from the airport a private car with driver and guide in every port and free unlimited laundry and pressing.
The location of the suite on Deck 14 is stunning, with 270-degree views over the bow. Throughout the two-bedroom suite, you’ll find high-end touches in marble and exotic wood. The lounge features beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows and a custom $250,000 Steinway Arabesque piano. The suite offers not one but two 4K ultra-high-definition televisions, and each room is accented with limited-edition art books, Murano glass bowls and other handcrafted elements.
Plan to Pay: Fares start at $6,000 per person, per night. Air is included.
Best Msc Cruises Family Cabins And Suites
For a super family cruise, book into one of MSCs Super Family suites. The accommodations are actually groups of two or three connected cabins that can sleep up to 10. For example, on MSC Meraviglia, the Super Family room can house up to six passengers in two connecting balcony cabins, while the Super Family Plus Balcony suite can sleep five to nine guests in two balcony cabins connected to one inside cabin.
These Super Family options are booked with MSCs Fantastica experience, which includes room service, additional kids activities, and one free professional photo to commemorate your family vacation.
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Other Norwegian Cabins That Sleep 4 Or More
Most, but not all, of Norwegian Cruise Lines suites can sleep four or more, even if theyre not targeted at families. The Three-Bedroom Garden Villa, for example, would make an incredible family retreat with its multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, huge living area, and private sun deck with hot tub, lounge seating, and outdoor dining table.
Select standard cabins can accommodate families of four as well. Connecting rooms across categories allow for a roomier home-away-from-home, and curtail any fights about closet space and control of the limited bathroom shelves.
Access To Exclusive Shipboard Areas
On a growing number of megaships, suite guests have access to sprawling, private ship-within-a-ship luxury areas that offer a level of pampering not found across the rest of the vessels.
On more than half of Norwegian Cruise Lines ships, for instance, many of the top suites are part of an exclusive, keycard-accessed area called The Haven. Aimed at luxury travelers, The Haven complexes are located at the very top of the vessels and often come with private lounges, pools, sunning areas and even restaurants.
A number of MSC Cruises vessels offer a similar ship-within-in-a-ship area for suite guests called the MSC Yacht Club, and the newest Celebrity ships such as Celebrity Edge have an exclusive and swanky indoor and outdoor lounge area for suite passengers called The Retreat.
Some ships also have private concierge lounges that are open only to suite guests .
Related: What it takes to get concierge lounge access on a cruise ship
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