Picking the right stateroom for you and your family can be a tough job. Do you save some money and go with an indoor cabin with no view, or do you spend a little more to get a cozy balcony so you can wake up and say hi to a beautiful ocean right in front of your eyes? Cruises are just getting bigger and bigger, and this also means that there are more and more accommodation options inside these sea juggernauts.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a plethora of options when it comes to choosing your cabin. While this can be a good thing, it also has its drawbacks. There are many options available, including studio rooms for solo travelers, but the numerous categories - and subcategories - can make it challenging to understand the differences between staterooms and determine which one is best for you.
The main stateroom categories are:
- Studios
- Inside cabins
- Ocean-view cabins
- Balcony cabins
- Mini-Suites
- Suites
- Haven Suites
Yeah, let’s just say this is a lot. I personally prefer when cruises stick to the main four categories: inside, ocean-view, balcony, and suites. However, I have to tip my hat to Norwegian Cruise Line. They offer everything from very basic rooms for a single passenger to a range of suites, including ‘basic’ suites and those in The Haven, which come with perks like access to a sun deck and even a private butler.
Studios onboard Norwegian Cruise Line
Good for: solo travelers, those that won’t stay a lot of time inside their rooms, if you want to save a lot of money.
Room for: 1 passenger
Price: $
Studios aboard NCL are designed for solo passengers. These compact rooms are just 95 square feet, featuring a single bed and a small bathroom. They’re ideal for those who want to enjoy their vacation alone and make the most of the ship's amenities before retreating to their room for a good night’s sleep. While these rooms are quite popular on Norwegian Cruise Line, be aware that they sell out incredibly fast! In fact, I’ve been researching availability for several cruises from July to November 2025, and most of them are already sold out.
Inside Cabins onboard Norwegian Cruise Line
Good for: small groups, those that won’t stay a lot of time inside their rooms, if you want to save a lot of money.
Room for: 1-4 passengers
Price: $
Starting price per guest for a 7-Night Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel cruise on November 2025 aboard Norwegian Prima: $1100
Inside cabins are among the most popular options on cruise ships, second only to balcony cabins. They are a classic choice for travelers with a small group who want to save some money. These rooms are relatively small, measuring about 160 square feet on the Norwegian Prima. Inside cabins are also a good option for solo travelers, as they offer more space compared to studios, and can comfortably accommodate two guests. However, having three or more guests in a single inside cabin might feel quite crowded.
Ocean-View Cabins onboard Norwegian Cruise Line
Good for: small groups, those that want some natural light coming in.
Room for: 1-4 passengers
Price: $$
Starting price per guest for a 7-Night Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel cruise on November 2025 aboard Norwegian Prima: $1350
Norwegian Cruise Line’s ocean-view cabins are slightly larger than inside cabins and offer more subcategories to choose from. The size of these cabins ranges from 236 square feet to 365 square feet. They feature a window (which cannot be opened) that allows natural light to enter and provides a view of the ocean. Depending on the ship, there are different types of ocean-view cabins, some of which have larger windows that almost span the entire back wall.
Balcony Cabins onboard Norwegian Cruise Line
Good for: those that want a balcony to enjoy a nice breeze, if you want a cozy room, if you are traveling with 3-4 guests.
Room for: 1-4 passengers
Price: $$$
Starting price per guest for a 7-Night Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel cruise on November 2025 aboard Norwegian Prima: $2500
Balcony cabins are the most popular option on cruise ships. In fact, more than 50% of cabins on ships, including the recent Norwegian Viva and Norwegian Prima, are balcony cabins. These cozy rooms are ideal for families, offering more space than inside cabins and featuring a private balcony that’s perfect for relaxing or enjoying breakfast. The cabins are approximately 290 square feet, with the balcony itself measuring 96 square feet.
Mini-suites onboard Norwegian Cruise Line
Good for: those that want something a little bit better than the balcony cabins, if you want a cozy room, if you are traveling with 3-4 guests.
Room for: 1-4 passengers
Price: $$$
Starting price per guest for a 7-Night Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel cruise on November 2025 aboard Norwegian Prima: $2600
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a wide range of suites, potentially more than any other cruise line. Their suites are divided into mini-suites, proper suites, and The Haven Suites, with The Haven Suites being the most luxurious.
Mini-suites are quite similar to balcony cabins, which is reflected in their pricing. The main differences include some subcategories with slightly larger rooms and additional perks. These perks include the ability to book onboard entertainment up to 21 days before your cruise and dining reservations up to 125 days in advance. You also receive a few complimentary snacks in your cabin, a bottle of champagne, and one free bag of laundry service.
Suites onboard Norwegian Cruise Line
Good for: those that want a balcony to enjoy a nice breeze, if you want a large room and a big bathroom, if you are traveling with 3-4 guests, if you want to enjoy some time in your room.
Room for: 1-4 passengers
Price: $$$$
Starting price per guest for a 7-Night Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel cruise on November 2025 aboard Norwegian Prima: $2900
Suites are quite common aboard Norwegian Cruise Line and come in a variety of subcategories, especially on their newest ships. On the Norwegian Prima, for example, suite sizes range from 387 square feet to 635 square feet. These rooms include all the perks of mini-suites, plus additional benefits such as concierge service and access to a private butler. Guests also enjoy priority seating at restaurants and most shows.
The Haven Suites onboard Norwegian Cruise Line
Good for: those that want nothing but luxury, if you already know the ship well and want to relax in your cabin.
Room for: Varies (from 2-8 guests depending on the subcategory)
Price: $$$$$
Starting price per guest for a 7-Night Great Stirrup Cay & Cozumel cruise on November 2025 aboard Norwegian Prima: $4100
The Haven is an exclusive area found on most Norwegian Cruise Line ships, featuring a private sundeck, restaurants, and activities reserved for a limited number of guests. It receives excellent reviews and caters to those seeking the ultimate in luxury. Norwegian has increasingly invested in The Haven Suites, with more cabins being introduced on their newest ships. For example, the Norwegian Prima offers an impressive eight subcategories of Haven Suites.
Prices for these cabins vary widely, but you can often secure a good rate by booking months in advance. The most affordable option is usually 'The Haven Penthouse with a Balcony,' which costs around $4100 per guest in our example above. The most expensive option is 'The Haven Premier Owner’s Suite,' a spacious 2100-square-foot suite designed for up to eight guests, featuring multiple bedrooms, a jacuzzi, and additional luxury amenities for about 13000 USD per guest.
You also get some awesome perks if you stay in a Haven Suite, like:
- Exclusive Access to The Haven Sundeck (with exclusive restaurants and a pool)
- Priority Embarkation/Disembarkation
- 24-Hour Butler Service
- Concierge Service
- Distinctive Haven Keycard so people know you are Havenlicious
- Personal Escort on and off the ship for activities
- Complimentary In-Suite Movies
- Mobile Phone to talk to your butler and concierge service
- Daily Meals at the exclusive The Haven Restaurant
- Priority Reservations for restaurants and activities
- Exclusive access to a Cocktail Party
- Specialty Dining Delivered to Your Suite
- 24-Hour Suite Room Service Menu
- Nespresso Coffeemaker and Tea Forte Tea Bags in your suite
- Nightly Treats and Fruit Bow refreshed whenever you want
- Luxury Amenities for Owner’s Suites & Garden Villas (champagne, liquor, etc)
- For Owner’s Suites & Garden Villas: Complimentary laundry pressing service
Choosing your ideal Stateroom aboard Norwegian Cruise Line
With so many room options available, choosing the ideal one can be challenging. If you ask me which one I’d choose, my answer depends on whether I’m traveling alone or with others.
If I’m traveling solo or with one other guest, I’d probably opt for an inside cabin. I don’t plan to spend much time in my room since I’ll be busy exploring the ship, enjoying activities, and attending night parties. I’ll likely return to my cabin late at night just to sleep. However, if I’m traveling with my significant other, I’d consider upgrading to a balcony cabin. There’s nothing more romantic than enjoying a delicious breakfast while taking in the ocean breeze.
Suites could also be a good option. Mini-Suites are quite similar to balcony cabins and can be worth considering if the price difference is minimal. Haven Suites might also be a good choice if you can secure a great deal months in advance. However, I’d only opt for a Haven Suite if I’ve previously traveled with Norwegian on that specific ship, as I’d prefer to spend most of my time exploring rather than enjoying the amenities of the room.
With all that said, I’d probably choose an inside cabin if I’m traveling solo, and a balcony cabin or a Mini-Suite if I’m traveling with more people.
Locations
Just as important as choosing your cabin category, choosing the right location can also impact the quality of your cruise. Let’s see some of them
Midship cabins
This is a safe and often considered the best option for many cruisers. Being in the middle of the ship means you're conveniently close to everything, especially the elevators. Another good perk? Cabins in the middle of the ship experience less motion, making them ideal for those prone to seasickness during a cruise.
Aft balcony
These are the rooms located at the aft (back) of the ship. Specifically, these rooms overlook the stern (back) of the ship rather than the sides. Aft rooms often have larger balconies and offer a serene view of the waves generated by your vessel. They are also generally quieter than rooms in the middle of the ship, making them a good choice for those seeking less noise. The main drawback is that they can be a bit farther from the elevators.
The Bow
The bow is also known as the front of the ship. Some cabins are actually cheaper in this location, and the reason is simple: this is the area that shakes the most. If you often feel seasick, avoid cabins located on the front of the ship at all costs. Cruise passengers prone to motion sickness should search for a room in the middle of the ship, and usually on higher levels.
Hump Balconies
These are the rooms located on the outward curves of the ship's outline. They feature larger balconies compared to standard balconies, often at the same price. Another advantage is that these rooms are typically situated in the middle of the ship, offering two good perks for a great deal.
Connecting cabins
Many rooms offer connecting cabins, which are especially common for interior cabins. Connecting cabins provide extra space, effectively doubling the size of the room and accommodating up to eight people in total. And guess what? You get an extra bathroom too!
