How to Choose the Best Stateroom on a Cruise

Choose a Stateroom Category

First, let’s look at stateroom types and who they’re best for. Whether you’re on a family cruise, a romantic couple’s getaway, or cruising solo, we have a stateroom that’s perfect for you.

Read: How to Plan a Cruise

Inside Staterooms

Inside staterooms are located on the interior of the ship and don’t have any windows. These are the best rooms on a cruise ship if you’re looking for a lower-cost option or plan to spend the majority of your time on adventurous excursions, relaxing by the pool, or dining in our world-class restaurants at a leisurely pace.

Oceanview Staterooms

Oceanview staterooms are ideal if you want to enjoy savings while being able to soak in beautiful ocean views from your room.

Though the windows aren’t as large as staterooms with verandas, these staterooms can still sleep the same number of guests thanks to the spacious bed arrangement (which fits two adults) and the pull-out couch for an additional adult guest.

Veranda Staterooms

A common sentiment among cruisers is that once you sail in a stateroom with a balcony, it’s hard to ever go back to staying in a stateroom without one.

With a veranda stateroom, you’ll have your own private outdoor space, a quiet haven where you can soak up every precious moment of vacation. Sit out on your veranda and enjoy the sea breeze and port views as you sip your coffee in the morning, or enjoy a glass of wine and sunset views in the evening.

Certain veranda staterooms can be connected, which is a great solution for friends or multi-generational families traveling together who want to have easy access to each other but still have the option of privacy.

On Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, there’s a unique veranda stateroom category: the Infinite Veranda, which blurs the line between indoor and outdoor space by providing a veranda that completely opens to the rest of the room with a touch of a button. It’s especially perfect for guests on a solo cruise.

Concierge-Class Staterooms

Looking for an elevated level of service during your cruise? A Concierge Class stateroom provides you with personalized concierge service during your cruise, afternoon snack deliveries to your stateroom, seating time preferences, and other benefits.

AquaClass® Staterooms

For the ultimate rejuvenating vacation experience, book an AquaClass® stateroom. These staterooms are located close to the spa and include spa amenities inside the stateroom.

You’ll also get unlimited access to the Persian Garden and the exclusive onboard specialty restaurant, Blu, which serves spa-inspired cuisine featuring fresh, healthy ingredients. Crisp and bold flavors collide at the hands of our world-class chefs. Choose from its robust selection of sustainable, biodynamic wines.

Take wellness classes like yoga and meditation, and get unlimited access to the exclusive SEA Thermal Suite on Celebrity Edge.

AquaClass® comes with other benefits too, like 10% off any pre-booked salon or spa service and priority spa booking an entire month ahead of other guests. Treat yourself to a massage, a mani/pedi with your best friend or your mom, or a rejuvenating facial for the ultimate in pampering.

Read: What Is Included on a Cruise?

The Retreat®

The Retreat® features exclusive spaces, accommodations, venues, and services to elevate your vacation.

With access to a private restaurant, Luminae, a pool, and lounge just for The Retreat guests, Personal Retreat Host service, and $300 per suite in onboard spending credit, The Retreat® is all-inclusive and all-immersive.

If you’re looking for extra space, a suite is one of the best rooms on a cruise ship to book. In suites, you’ll find that the sleeping and living spaces are separated. Some suites even have multiple bedrooms, making them ideal for families or groups of friends.

When it comes to cruise suites, there are a variety of layouts to choose from, like two-level loft suites and Penthouse Suites with grand pianos and hot tubs. Celebrity Edge’s Iconic Suites span a massive 1,291 square feet with an additional 398 square feet of outdoor space.

Staterooms on Celebrity Flora

Celebrity Flora sails to the remote and wildlife-packed Galapagos Islands. With total ship occupancy capped at just 100 guests, the Celebrity Flora suite and stateroom experience is nothing short of all inclusive.

Every need is taken care of for you thanks to 24-hour room service, laundry service twice during your sailing, and full in-suite dinner service. Adjust your room’s lighting or temperature with the touch of a button or your Celebrity mobile app. Allow your Personal Suite Attendant to help you navigate the ship or unpack your luggage.

There are six suite options to consider when you sail on Flora:

Sky Suite with Veranda

The Sky Suite is a 330-square-foot suite that includes a private, spacious, 84-square-foot veranda. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer incredible sea views. With a king-sized bed you can sink right into and even a menu for pillow options, you won’t have to count sheep to fall into a restful sleep. Plus, the double faucet vanity means no one has to wait to freshen up their makeup or get ready in a hurry.

Sky Suite with Infinite Veranda

With an outward-facing design and an infinite veranda, this suite will make you feel even more connected to the Galapagos Islands with each day at sea. With the touch of a button, you can transform your sky suite into an open-air room.

Premium Sky Suite with Infinite Veranda

The Premium Sky Suite provides luxurious amenities and experiences. You’ll have open-air access to the sea, where you can even dine in your suite al fresco. At 337 square feet and featuring a spa tub and shower, the Premium Sky Suite is a good option for couples on a romantic getaway.

Ultimate Sky Suite with Infinite Veranda

The biggest Sky Suite at 365 square feet is aptly named: the Ultimate. With an outward-facing tub and shower, you can be close to the ocean’s edge with the touch of a button in your fully automated suite. With more space than the other Sky Suites, this is an excellent option for those who crave comfort.

Royal Suite

The Royal Suite does indeed offer special treatment. From the floor-to-ceiling window in the shower, where you can feel one with the ocean, to the in-suite espresso machine, you’ll have every need taken care of. There are 559 total square feet in the Royal Suite, which includes a separate living area, bedroom, and private veranda.

Penthouse Suite

Slip on your complimentary monogrammed robe and slippers and take in the beauty of the Galapagos Islands from your floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows. The Penthouse Suite is the ultimate haven for travelers, and our most spacious suite on Flora is up to 1,288 square feet in size. With spa-like amenities and an additional half bath included, the Penthouse Suite is designed to be immensely luxurious in every way imaginable.

Staterooms on Celebrity Xpedition

48 passengers can call Celebrity Xpedition their home at sea per sailing, making it an exclusive way to see the Galapagos Islands in complete style. Every service and amenity is personalized to provide the experience of a lifetime. Your Personal Suite Attendant will see to your comfort.

Premium Stateroom

With two double beds and an ocean view window, a private veranda, and a convertible sofa bed, the Premium Stateroom has just what you need for an easy, relaxing sailing.

Junior Suite

Two beds can convert into a comfortable queen, plus creative storage solutions mean you can spread out and enjoy the space. This level of accommodation includes an immersive sliding glass door ocean experience.

Xpedition Suite

Featuring two beds and a sitting area with a convertible full-size sofa bed, the Xpedition Suite is perfect for a group of three or four looking to explore the Galapagos Islands. It’s comfortable, spacious, and has a private veranda.

Royal Suite

In your Royal Suite on Xpedition, you’ll find similar amenities to those on the same class of suite on Celebrity Flora, like an in-suite espresso machine for all your specialty coffee needs, a Personal Suite Attendant, complementary services, and premium amenities.

Penthouse Suite

The Galapagos Islands meet you in your Penthouse Suite thanks to incredible floor-to-ceiling windows. The Penthouse comes with a separate bedroom with its own private veranda, a spacious living room, and a sitting area with two sofa beds. Soak in the jacuzzi on your suite’s veranda while you sail between the islands. It’s an excellent option for entire families seeking to experience the Galapagos in the utmost comfort and style.

Read: How to Plan a Cruise for a Large Family

Staterooms on Celebrity Xploration

You’ll find unparalleled intimacy and comfort during your sailing on the 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration. The size of Celebrity Xploration means it’s a cruise experience that’ll quickly have you bonding with fellow passengers, relaxing in the hot tub on the Sun Deck, or attending naturalist briefings in the lounge to discover every detail of the Galapagos.

Every Xploration suite has plentiful storage, complimentary bathrobes, breakfast, lunch or dinner room service, and many more amenities.

Junior Suite

Cozy and comfortable, the Junior Suite is decked out with sophisticated furnishings and thoughtful details, including inventive storage, premium amenities, and lush 300-thread count, 100% Egyptian cotton sheets. Soak in ocean views from the comfort of your private veranda.

Elite Ocean View

The Elite Ocean View stateroom features two convertible beds, a balcony facing the sea, and cozy touches to make it feel like home.

Is upgrading to a balcony room worth it?

Many passengers plan on spending the majority of their cruise outside of their room, whether they’re pumping iron at the gym, relaxing in the spa, or suntanning out on the pool deck. It’s up to you if a balcony feels like an important feature for your stay.

If you enjoy the leisurely routine of sipping your morning coffee on the veranda or want a private space to watch the sunset with your loved one, you might consider upgrading to a stateroom with a veranda.

If you’re cruising to Alaska or another destination that sails through stunning natural landscapes, opting for a veranda stateroom is a great way to witness these sights without having to leave your room.

Choose a Deck

Once you’ve chosen your stateroom category, you can decide what deck you want to stay on. When you book a cruise early, you’ll have a better opportunity to choose what deck of the ship you want to be on.

Some staterooms have larger verandas (typically ones on the bow or aft of the ship) and some have partially blocked views, which may or may not be a big deal to you.

Foodies may want a stateroom closer to the many incredible dining options onboard. Returning cruisers might have a favorite bar or lounge where they become a regular during their vacation.

If you’re traveling with friends or a group, you’ll want to consider how far apart your staterooms are. Will it be harder to meet up if they’re on the opposite side of the ship? Will you want to be a quick elevator ride or walk away from your fellow travelers? These are all questions to consider when you’re choosing what deck is best for you.

Is it better to be on a higher deck?

Each of the twelve ships in the Celebrity fleet is unique in terms of their deck designs and the way the decks are organized. Some cruisers prefer lower levels as you’re less likely to feel any rocking while the ship is in motion, but that varies from person to person.

You can study your ship’s deck plans to understand how everything is organized before making your choice. Remember—prime locations for specific stateroom categories are reserved fast, which is why it’s ideal to book early if the deck your stateroom is on matters to you.

Choose a Location

Don’t forget to use proper ship lingo when you’re choosing the location of your stateroom. Here’s a helpful glossary of words every cruiser should know:

• Forward: The very front of the ship
• Midship: The middle of the ship
• Aft: The back of the ship

Aft staterooms are closer to the ship’s vibrations and engine, so keep that in mind if you want as silent of a stateroom location as possible. Forward and aft staterooms tend to have more sway than midship, which is something to keep in mind as you’re booking your room.

Choose a Room

You’ve done your research. There’s an itinerary that’s caught your eye. You’re ready to book your stateroom, the best room on a cruise you could hope for.

Celebrity Cruises makes it easy for you. You can book your cruise accommodations, flights, and excursions all in one easy-to-use place. Head to celebritycruises.com and get to planning!