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Cruise Cabin Reviews

Cruise cabin advice you won’t always hear from the cruise lines. I’ve stayed in inside cabins, outside cabins, balconies and suites and my honest opinion might surprise you. Here’s what actually matters when you’re choosing a cabin, and what really doesn’t.

Uniworld river ship cabin

I Stayed in 8 Of The Most Controversial Cruise Ship Cabins

27/05/2026

I’ve stayed in some of the best and some of the worst cabins on cruise ships, many with features I never expected to find at sea. I was surprised to realise that the worst weren’t the cheapest and the best … Read more

Tags cabins, Conservatory suite, controversial, infinite veranda, inside cabin, quirky, unusual
costa smeralda inside cabin bed

Why Booking The Cheapest Cabin Might Mean A Smoother Cruise

07/05/2026

Lots of people will tell you that upgrading to a balcony or suite will mean your cruise will be better in every way. When it comes to movement, cheaper cabins can actually be located in the most stable places on … Read more

Tags balcony, cabin, cheap cabin, inside, location, Seasickness, suite
Emma cruises balcony

Is It Worth Upgrading From An Inside Cabin On A Cruise?

07/05/2026

People seem to think that inside cabins are very basic, and everyone’s goal in life is to have a balcony cabin. Upgrading can be lovely, but it’s not as essential as many people think. Whether I book a balcony cabin … Read more

Tags balcony cabin, inside cabin, money saving cruise tips, Oceanview cabin

Why You’re (Probably) Not Getting A Free Cabin Upgrade

07/05/2026

Lots of people believe that if they are loyal to a cruiseline, very lucky, or extra polite, they might get a free cabin upgrade. Unfortunately, more and more upgrades aren’t random acts of kindness, they’re business decisions. Understanding this can … Read more

Tags balcony cabin, bid to upgrade, cabin category, cruise info, inside cabin, oceanview, upgrade

Azamara Cruises. Real Cabin Reviews and Cabins To Avoid (With Photos)

19/03/202619/03/2026

If you are taking a cruise with Azamara, you may be wondering which cabin type would suit you best. All of their ships are virtually identical in size, decor, and style, so whichever ship you are looking at booking, this … Read more

Tags Azamara, Azamara Journey, Azamara Onward, Azamara Pursuit, balcony cabin, cabin review, inside cabin, Oceanview cabin, Veranda Plus cabin
Emma cruise Marella balcony

Which Cabin Type Should You Book on a Marella Cruise? (Inside, Outside and Balcony Review)

19/03/202617/03/2026

Marella offers Inside, Outside (sometimes called Oceanview), Balcony, and suite cabins. Choosing the right cabin can significantly affect the cruise experience and price. In this article, we look at the Inside, Outside and different types of Balcony cabins I have … Read more

Tags balcony cabin, cabin, cabin comparison, marella cruises, suite
MSC Virtuosa inside cabin

Booking the Cheapest Cruise Cabin: 7 Things Many People Don’t Realise Until They’re Onboard

22/01/2026

I book budget cruises and cheap cabins regularly. They can be brilliant – a great way to see the world at an affordable price. Unpleasant surprises can come with cheap cabins though, and that is often to do with the … Read more

Tags guaranteed cabins, inside cabins, money saving cruise tips, obstructed view
Ocean view cabin

Porthole vs Picture Window: The Big Difference Between Two “Oceanview” Cabins

08/12/2025

I have grown to love oceanview cabins over the years, and seem to be booking them more and more often. They can provide a good upgrade from an inside cabin for a comparatively small cost. Often, the price of an … Read more

Tags cabin location, money saving cruise tips, Oceanview cabin, Porthole

Seven Sea Days in an Inside Cabin – Fun, But Never Again!

16/11/2025

I’ve always wanted to take a transatlantic crossing, experience a classic Ocean Liner route, and take that Iconic sailing from New York to Southampton. I booked the trip knowing the Atlantic in January is often rough, but I hoped the … Read more

Tags Cunard, queen mary 2, Seasickness, Transatlantic crossing
MSC Preziosa inside cabin

5 Checks to Do Before You Leave Your Cruise Cabin for the Last Time

15/10/2025

Disembarkation morning often feels rushed, and it’s surprisingly easy to leave things behind in your cabin. Before you shut the door for the last time, take a minute to run through these quick checks. It could save you a lot … Read more

Tags cabins, cruise tips, disembarkation, passports
Emma cruises uniworld cabin

I Booked The Cheapest Cabin on a LUXURY River Cruise Ship

11/09/202510/09/2025

I’ve recently disembarked a cruise where I stayed in a cabin that was almost entirely under water. The cruise line described the cabin as “elegant and nostalgic,” and I stayed there for a week with my Dad. I’m not sure … Read more

Tags cabin review, luxury, river cruise, uniworld, Venice
Emma cruises Uniworld inside cabin mirror picture

Inside the Cheapest Cabins on a River Cruise Ship: What Are “Underwater” Cabins Really Like?

10/09/2025

Many people dream of river cruising, but it can be expensive and out of reach for many. The “bargain” prices you see advertised are usually the lowest category of cabin, often called “water level” or “underwater” cabins. Don’t worry, you … Read more

Tags budget cabin, river cruise, TUI River Cruise, uniworld, waterline

I Saved $700 By Spending a Week in a Cabin Most Don’t Consider

10/09/2025

I’ve recently been on a cruise and I stayed in a cabin type that is rarely talked about. When cruise lines advertise their cruises, they’ll usually show off the biggest and best balcony cabins. They might quickly say somewhere that … Read more

Tags marella, Marella Voyager, Mediterranean Cruise, Oceanview cabin
Emma cruises with Norwegian Star cruise ship

I Was Upgraded Mid Cruise, What Happened to The Original Guests?!

30/07/2025

ad – This content was created on a press trip (similar to that travel agents/journalists take). All thoughts and opinions are my own. I sailed from Copenhagen to Iceland on board the Norwegian Star. I knew the ship was at … Read more

Tags balcony cabin, Early disembarkation, norwegian, Norwegian Star, upgrade

One Cruise, Two Cabins: My Unexpected Favourite (Balcony vs Suite)

13/08/202521/07/2025

Normally, when cruise lines advertise their cruises, they show you the best cabins on the newest and most exciting ships. I’ve stayed in all kinds of rooms, from inside cabins without any windows to suites with lounges, but almost always … Read more

Tags balcony cabin, cabin review, Family suite, Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Star
obstructed view

3 Reasons Why Ticking the Automatic Upgrade Box on a Cruise May Be a Mistake

23/06/2025

When you book your cruise online, look out for the box to tick to agree to – or decline an upgrade. If you book through a travel agent, make it clear if you don’t want an auto upgrade. While that … Read more

Tags auto upgrade, cabin location, cabin upgrade, inside cabin, Obstructed view cabin, ocean view cabin

Inside Cabin for 4 Adults? Here’s What No One Tells You!

01/04/2025

Booking an inside cabin is often far cheaper than booking a balcony cabin. If you are cruising on a budget, an inside cabin can be a great way to have a fantastic cruise holiday without breaking the bank. After all, … Read more

Tags family cruising, four berth cabin, inside cabin, money saving

Queen Mary 2 – Atrium View Inside Cabin Review

28/01/2025

I’ve recently disembarked a cruise, where I stayed in the smallest cabin on the entire ship. It has a feature that I’ve never seen on a cruise ship before, and although my cabin is inside, it’s definitely not what you … Read more

Tags cabin tour, Cunard, inside cabin, ocean liner, ocean view cabin, Seasickness

Why I Wouldn’t Recommend This Balcony Cabin on Queen Mary 2 (Full Cabin Review)

26/05/202615/01/2025

If you are taking a cruise on the Queen Mary 2, you may be wondering if a balcony cabin is a good option for you. When I took a Transatlantic cruise, my parents had a balcony cabin on deck 11. … Read more

Tags balcony cabin, cabin review, Cunard, Forward cabin, queen mary 2, Seasickness, upgrade

Why This Cruise Cabin “Upgrade” Was Worse (Don’t Let This Happen to You)!

15/01/2025

I often book “Guaranteed” cabins for me or my family when I cruise. This saves money – and that money can be used for things like drinks, speciality meals or excursions instead. I fully appreciate that this approach isn’t for … Read more

Tags balcony, cabin review, guaranteed cabins, msc status match, Seasickness
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Hey hey hey, I'm Emma and I LOVE cruising! I took my first cruise when I was 11 and I've been hooked ever since. I create cruise content across YouTube, this website and my social accounts, all with the aim of helping you to find, and take your perfect cruise. 48,000 people receive my best cruise tips, insights and guides every week. You can join them for free by clicking here.

I co-founded The Cruise Globe, the cruise tracker app, where you can track, share and relive cruises like never before (for free!). 🌍🚢

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