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

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 upgrade to oceanview from an inside cabin isn’t much, so sometimes I decide to treat myself to a bit of daylight.

Not all oceanview cabins are created equal, though.

Both porthole and picture window cabins technically count as “Oceanview”, but the experience can be totally different.

Some ships still have very old-school style portholes, while oceanviews on larger, newer ships can offer large, almost balcony-sized windows.

What Is a Porthole Cabin?

Traditionally, Ocean Liners and ships had portholes.

We have all seen the photos of Titanic and other Ocean Liners of the 20th century with rows and rows of portholes between the riveted panels.

Porthole windows on classic Ocean Liners like Titanic and Queen Mary did actually open.

This was primarily as a way to get fresh air into cabins, especially lower-deck cabins where larger windows were not possible.

Passengers would open them to get a breeze, with some even leaving them open for the entire voyage.

This has changed on modern cruise ships. You might have a porthole in your cabin, but you won’t be able to open it.

Portholes are sealed to prevent water from flooding the ship if the seas are rough, as this could be catastrophic.

An open porthole would be a serious safety risk, so they are sealed to be completely watertight and weather-tight.

Porthole windows are made of thick, reinforced glass that can withstand strong forces from the ocean.

What Is a Picture Window Cabin Like?

You are more likely to get a picture window in your cabin than a traditional porthole-type window.

This is a large, rectangular window that brings in far more natural light and feels more open.

You get a much better view from a picture window. You can see what is going on around you, but you don’t get the outside space that comes with a balcony.

You are quite often low down to the waterline, which can make you feel that you are speeding along. You also get a closer view of the pilot boats or any other nearby smaller boats sailing by.

Price Differences

If you are sailing on an older ship with portholes, these will be the least expensive oceanview grade.

Picture-window cabins are usually more expensive because they offer a better view.

Picture window cabins will be more in demand than porthole cabins so that the cruise line can charge a higher price for them.

Who Would Each Cabin Type Suit?

• Portholes are great for budget travellers who still want a bit of natural daylight.
• Picture windows suit people who want the space and brightness of a balcony cabin without the added cost.

If you are taking a cruise that is unlikely to be hot – like an off-season cruise to Northern Europe, for example – a picture window cabin can be the perfect cabin to book.

You are unlikely to get out on your balcony anyway, and you will get a much better view of what is going on outside without the balcony doors and railings obscuring your view.

Things To Think About:

Porthole cabins are on the lower decks of the ship, with picture window cabins and balcony cabins higher up.

This location can be great for those who are worried about seasickness. The ship’s movement is felt far less lower down and towards the centre of the ship.

If you can bag yourself a centrally placed Oceanview cabin, you will be in the best place on the ship, seasickness-wise.

They can also be in quieter locations. When my parents had a picture window on deck four of Azamara Quest, they loved the location. It was very quiet but centrally located. It was close to the Reception, only one flight of stairs from the coffee shop, and close to the main dining room.

It felt like a warm, quiet haven away from the rest of the ship.

Older ship layouts and cabin shapes can vary a lot, so check the deck plans and speak to your travel agent to bag the best locations.

My Honest Recommendations

If you can get an oceanview cabin for not much more than an inside cabin, it is a no-brainer – book one.

Older ships, like those in the Marella fleet, were built with lots of oceanview cabins, so the prices tend to be more affordable than balcony cabins.

Balcony cabins are a premium on older ships because they weren’t built with many.

Some older ships have actually undergone refurbishments to add extra balcony cabins as they are more in demand. Find out more about that here:

How This Ship Added 314 Extra Balcony Cabins 11 Years After Her Launch

Norwegian Prima, for example, has 1030 balcony cabins and only 124 Oceanviews.

Newer ships have far more balcony cabins. They are more popular with guests and make more money for the cruiselines.

When I sailed onboard Celebrity Edge I had what they call and “Infinite Veranda”. These cabins aren’t like traditional balcony cabins, they have a large window at one end of the room that slides down at the touch of a button.

That end of the cabin is then transformed into a “balcony”.

I have to say, I wasn’t impressed. The captain could lock all of these windows remotely, so you weren’t really in control of things.

If I sail on an Edge Class ship again, I would definitely book a Panoramic Ocean view instead.

They are cheaper, you get the same views, you just can’t open the window – which you can’t always do with an Infinite Veranda anyway.

Have a look at my Infinite Veranda cabin on Celebrity Edge here:

Before You Go

Have a look at the Oceanview cabin I booked with Marella here:

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

The deck plan is your best friend when it comes to booking your cabin. Find out why here:

11 Cruise Deck Plan Hacks Only Regular Cruisers Know