Cruise life New to cruising

How do I choose my cruise cabin?

Sea view or Balcony? Inside cabin or Suite? Close to the atrium or tucked away in a quiet spot? To help you make the right choice, we've put together a list of the main factors to consider...

4 min 22 Feb 2023

Editorial Team

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How to choose the right cabin for your holiday

We understand that having a private space to stay, relax and unwind on holiday is as important as the holiday itself. Whether you’re looking for something simple where you can rest your head at the end of the day or if you prefer something a little more luxurious, it’s important to get it right so you can relax and enjoy the rest of your holiday.

On a P&O Cruises holiday, we have a range of accommodation options on our ships to suit every style and budget. To help make your decision that little bit easier and stress-free, here is our guide to the cabin options you can choose from and what’s included.

Cabin location

Depending on the type of cruise holiday you’ve got planned, you’ll either want to be near to or far away from certain areas of your ship. Are you going to be out every evening making the most of your ship’s entertainment venues? Then perhaps choosing a cabin close to the restaurants and clubs would be ideal for you. Or would you prefer an early night, relaxing in your cabin?

Fancy spending days on your ship soaking up some rays? Then why not pick accommodation close to the pools and the sun decks? Looking forward to melting into a blissful world of me-time with a range of spa and wellness treatments? Then a spot near your ship’s spa facilities might be ideal for you. And if you or anyone you’re travelling with has mobility issues, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re not too far away from the lifts.

Top tip:

When choosing your fare type, take advantage of a Select Price benefit of choosing your cabin location and number.

Arvia

Outdoor space

If you’re a first-time cruiser, you might be wondering whether you should book a cabin with a balcony. Again, this will be a personal preference but if you’ve got the sun on your trip and like to feel the sea breeze as you enjoy an alfresco breakfast or sunbathe with a private view, then nothing beats having a Balcony cabin.

With us, you can also enjoy a Deluxe Balcony cabin on many of our ships, which are larger and come with floor-to-ceiling glass doors – creating even more of an airy feel. And on our Excel class ships, Arvia and Iona, you can let the great outdoors in with an additional lounging area with floor-to-ceiling glass between your cabin area and balcony. If you’re after added luxury, on Azura, Britannia and Ventura you can even book a Superior Deluxe Balcony cabin where you’ll be spoilt with special touches including Champagne and chocolates on arrival.

We always try and pick a cabin towards the back of the ship so we can get straight up to the buffet, pools and the kid's clubs and straight down to the restaurants for dinner, Inside cabins are great value for money and a perfect space to lay your head after a busy day exploring.

The Cooper family, sailed on Ventura and Britannia

Superior Deluxe Balcony, Britannia

Cabin size

Your cabin size won't just depend on who you’re travelling with but also on what you’re planning to do on your holiday. If you’re a family travelling with kids, it makes sense to book a roomy cabin. Even if you’re planning on spending most of your time out on shore experiences or enjoying your ship’s facilities, you’ll still want a place where everyone can kick back and relax without getting in each other’s way. At P&O Cruises, we have Family cabins available across our fleet where everyone can unwind in a comfortable amount of space.

Inside cabins are perfect for guests looking for a comfortable retreat to relax and lay their heads each night. Our cabins offer plenty of home comforts and can be converted to either a twin or king-size configuration to suit your needs. This option is ideal for guests who are looking for a retreat close to all the action, entertainment and on-board experience as well as spending time exploring all the amazing destinations you’ll visit.

If you love natural light and having a view of new landfalls on the horizon, our Sea view cabins ensure you're never too far away from those relaxing views! They’re very similar to our Inside cabins but with a window or porthole. This cabin choice is perfect for guests who love to throw open the curtains and soak up the sun and the views as soon as they wake up. Plus, who knows what you’ll see out the window: wildlife whilst at sea or an iconic landmark as you arrive in port.

Travelling alone? Surprisingly, very few cruise lines have cabins purely for solo cruisers but not us. Offering everything a solo traveller can ask for, our single cabins provide plenty of space and a comfortable bed for the perfect night’s sleep at sea. Plus, they are filled with all the luxuries to make it a home away from home.

If you’re on a budget and just want somewhere to get some shut-eye time in between exploring your destinations and experiencing all your ship has to offer, an Inside cabin will provide the sanctuary you need. Travelling alone? Surprisingly, very few cruise lines have cabins purely for solo cruisers but not us – all of our ships have single cabins with ample space and everything the solo guest could ask for.

A Single sea view cabin on Ventura

The Suite life

Looking for space and luxury? Why not consider a Suite? A Suite is not just a place to rest at night, it’s an experience that will take your holiday to a whole new level. Not only will you get to relax in the largest cabins on your ship, but you can also indulge in a full-size whirlpool bath, VIP room service and optional butler service. Plus, you’ll be treated to a fruit basket, flowers, Champagne and chocolates on arrival. Find out more here.

We treated ourselves to a Suite for our wedding anniversary cruise and it was so worth it, the corner balcony, the extra space and the Epicurean breakfast made the whole experience so special and we cannot wait to book again!

Louise and James, sailed on Arvia

Suite, Arvia

What do you get in your cabin?

No matter which cabin you choose to stay in, you won’t be disappointed. In every cabin, you can rest your head on a comfortable bed, unpack your belongings, store them away with our ample wardrobe space and enjoy your very own en-suite bathroom. Plus, we’re pleased to be able to offer:

Free in-cabin TVs with live channels, films and box sets
Hairdryers
Tea and coffee-making facilities
A daily steward service that offers housekeeping as well as luxury toiletries from The White Company.

In some of our cabins, you can also enjoy a window or balcony, a spacious lounge area, complimentary Champagne and chocolates on arrival, butler service, a bathrobe and slippers, and a whirlpool bath to relax in. All additional features will depend on the cabin you choose and the ship you’re sailing on, with more information to be found here.

Celebrate in style with champagne delivered to your cabin

FAQs about cabins

How big are the cabins?

Our cabins range in size depending on the ship and cabin location but they are approximately as follows:

Inside – 134-205 square feet
Sea view – 150-239 square feet
Balcony cabins – 142-362 square feet
Mini-suite – 350-480 square feet
Suites – 382-937 square feet

Can I choose where my cabin is?

Yes! During the booking process, you can use Select Price to choose the exact location of your cabin, subject to availability – you can find the deck plans for each ship on their overview pages.

Where is best for seasickness?

To reduce seasickness, it’s best to choose a cabin located in the middle of the ship on one of the lower decks as you’re less likely to feel the ship swaying. It’s also best to book a cabin with a window or balcony as being able to breathe in fresh air and look at the horizon will help you feel less sick.

What are the beds like?

All of our beds are extremely comfortable with Sealy Posturepedic mattresses that combine foam layers and pocket springs that support your body from head to toe.