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From a Cabana Suite to a Deluxe Balcony, be sure to pick the right accommodation (and its location on the ship) for your next cruise
August 2024
By Liz Darke
The time of year, the destination, what you’d like to experience when there – there’s lots to think about when initially planning a cruise. And while there’s no wrong choice of accommodation when you book with Princess, it’s also worth thinking about what type of cabin would suit you best.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned guest getting to know a new ship, let our guide to picking the right onboard accommodation help you make the ideal choice.
Splash out: enjoy the modern luxury of our Sanctuary Collection Suites © Princess
If you’re looking for pure luxury…
Offering our most premium accommodation yet, the brand-new Sanctuary Collection comprises 80 Sanctuary Collection Suites, 123 Mini-Suites and 12 Premium Deluxe Balconies. Available on Sun Princess from October 2024 and Star Princess from October 2025, these staterooms offer generous living space, chic and modern décor, best-in-class bathrooms and luxurious touches.
On top of that, all Sanctuary Collection guests will have access to a private restaurant, Reserved, and the adults-only, spa-inspired Sanctuary Club, an elegant deck area with pool, hot tub, luxury lounge furniture, bar and exclusive events programme. In addition, Sanctuary Suite guests can visit the Suite Lounge, a fully staffed lounge area with floor-to-ceiling sea views.
If you need lots of room...
Sailing as a bigger family or group? Our Mini-Suites and larger Suites sleep up to four people, while our Family Suites (available on selected ships) comprise two interconnecting staterooms and can sleep up to eight people. Alternatively, a proportion of all our stateroom options can have 3rd person and 4th person berths added, with sofa beds and beds that fold down from the wall or ceiling to sleep additional guests.
Let the outdoors in: relax in one of our Cabana Mini-Suites © Princess
If you’d like private outside space...
There are plenty of open-air areas onboard all ships in the Princess fleet, but guests can secure their own slice of outside space by booking a Balcony or Deluxe Balcony cabin. Complete with a table and two chairs, our private, outward-facing balconies are the perfect place for a peaceful morning coffee or a lazy afternoon spent reading.
Guests can also experience Ultimate Balcony Dining and settle in for champagne, co*cktails and a four-course meal served by dedicated waitstaff, all on their own balcony.
For even more private alfresco space, plump for one of our Cabana Mini-Suites, which are available on both Sun Princess and Star Princess and have their own indoor-outdoor cabana with seating and a flat-screen TV as well as a balcony. Our Cabana Deck Mini-Suites on Deck 9 have access to an exclusive sun deck, featuring sofas, sun loungers, a hot tub and fabulous sea vistas.
If a clear ocean view is essential...
Is gazing out to sea from the comfort of your stateroom top of your cruise agenda? If so, booking one with an unobstructed ocean view should be a priority. Due to the design of each ship, some cabin windows will look onto parts of the ship’s structure or its lifeboats. While these still offer plenty of light and a partial sea view, if an ocean panorama is a must-have for you, be sure to choose accommodation with a clear view. View options are made easy to explore when booking your holiday on princess.com, but you can call us and speak to one of our Personal Cruise Specialists for information and advice, too.
Cosy comfort: unwind after a busy day in one of our Inside Cabins © Princess
If your stateroom will simply be a place to sleep…
Along with incredible destinations to explore when in port, there’s an abundance of things to do onboard, too – from pickleball sessions and salsa classes to wine tasting and relaxing spa treatments. If that enticing combination means you’ll spend minimal time in your stateroom, then our more compact Inside and Ocean View cabins could be for you. Our most affordable cabins, they’re fitted with all the amenities you’ll need for your cruise holiday and are a great option if you're looking to spend less on your accommodation and more on our all-inclusive packages, shore excursions and onboard extras instead.
If you want to be near your favourite venues…
If it’s the buzzing Piazza, home of live music, dancing and numerous ship events, the theatre or the cosy indoor bars in which you’re planning to spend most of your time, then it’s smart to pick a cabin on the lower decks, as you’ll have less of a walk to get to and from them each day.
However, if the swimming pool, sun loungers and outdoor hot tubs will pretty much be home for the duration of your cruise, opt for a nearby cabin on the upper decks.
If it takes a few days for you to acquire your sea legs, or if you’re sensitive to the motion of the ship, select a stateroom on the lower decks near the middle of the ship. This is the area least affected by the ship’s movement.
Excited to book your next cruise?
Discover more about life onboard
- Six onboard experiences that will make your cruise extra specialFrom mouth-watering global gastronomy to sumptuous spa treatments, these optional extras will ensure an unforgettable holiday
- Four ways to make the most of your balconyUse your private outdoor area to its full potential and create more everlasting memories on your cruise holiday
- Why Sun Princess is a food-lover’s paradiseEnjoy an array of delectable dining experiences, including some exclusives, on our newest ship
About the Author
Liz Darke
Liz is the editor of Journey. She's a seasoned journalist, who specialises in travel, food and lifestyle. Always on the hunt for a hit of sunshine and fantastic regional cuisine, she's heading to Barcelona, Puglia in southern Italy and Mexico next. Oh, and bring on the local wine, too!
