Freephone
9am - 8pm
Our sales team are here to help 7 days a week. For international Callers call 02072064176
Freephone
9am - 8pm
Choosing your cabin is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when booking a Princess Cruises holiday. Do you need a balcony? Is an interior cabin too small? What’s the difference between a mini-suite and a suite? And are the more expensive cabin grades actually worth paying for?
Princess Cruises offers a wide choice of staterooms, from budget-friendly interior cabins to spacious suites, as well as specialist options such as single staterooms, Reserve Collection and Sanctuary Collection accommodation.
This guide explains the different Princess Cruises cabins, what you can expect from each type and how to choose the right stateroom for your cruise.
The main Princess Cruises cabin types are:
There are also more specialist accommodation options on selected ships, including single staterooms, Reserve Collection mini-suites, Sanctuary Collection accommodation and Cabana mini-suites.
The exact cabin categories, layouts and facilities can vary between Princess ships, so it’s always worth checking the specific stateroom available on your sailing before booking.
An interior stateroom is the most budget-friendly cabin option on Princess Cruises. As the name suggests, it doesn't have a window, so there are no outside views from the room.
Princess interior cabins are approximately 136–162 square feet, depending on the ship and stateroom. They are designed with the same essentials you’d expect from a Princess cabin, including a Princess Luxury Bed, private bathroom, TV, storage, hairdryer, safe and climate control.
An interior cabin can be a great choice if you:
If you’re the type of passenger who only returns to the cabin to shower, change and sleep, paying extra for a balcony may not be the best use of your budget.
Princess also offers single staterooms on selected ships, designed specifically for solo travellers.
An oceanview stateroom gives you natural light and a view of the sea through a window, without the additional cost of a private balcony.
Oceanview rooms are generally around 145–212 square feet, although the exact size and layout varies by ship.
For many cruisers, an oceanview cabin offers a useful middle ground. You get the feeling of having an outside cabin and can see the destination and sea from your room, but you don't have to pay as much as you would for a balcony.
An oceanview cabin could be worth considering if having natural light matters to you but you don't think you'll spend much time sitting outside.
If you’re choosing between an interior and oceanview cabin, the main difference is the window and the natural light. If you're choosing between an oceanview and balcony, think about how often you'd realistically use the outdoor space.
A balcony stateroom is one of Princess Cruises’ most popular cabin options. It gives you your own private outdoor space where you can sit and enjoy the sea views.
Princess balcony staterooms are approximately 179–279 square feet including the balcony, depending on the ship and cabin.
A balcony can be particularly appealing on scenic itineraries. Imagine opening the doors in the morning to see the coastline, watching the ship sail into port or having a quiet drink outside while you're at sea.
For many cruisers, a balcony is the cabin upgrade that makes the biggest difference to the experience.
It can be particularly worthwhile if you:
However, a balcony isn't automatically the best choice for everyone. If you’re rarely in your cabin and spend most of your time around the ship, you may prefer to save the money for dining, excursions or other parts of your holiday.
Some Princess balcony cabins have an obstructed view. You still have a balcony, but part of the view may be blocked by something such as a lifeboat or part of the ship's structure.
These cabins can offer a way to get a balcony for a lower price, but always check exactly what the obstruction is before booking.
A Princess mini-suite gives you more space than a standard balcony cabin, with a separate sitting area and balcony.
Princess states that mini-suites are larger than its balcony rooms, with current mini-suite accommodation generally ranging from around 304–389 square feet depending on the specific category and ship.
Mini-suites can be a particularly good option for couples who want more room to relax or families who need additional living space.
A mini-suite can make sense if you want more than just a place to sleep but don't necessarily need the additional space and benefits of a full suite.
The extra sitting area is useful if you like spending time in your cabin, while the additional space can also make a difference on longer cruises.
It's also important to understand that not every mini-suite comes with the same benefits. Some are part of the Reserve Collection or Sanctuary Collection, while a standard mini-suite doesn't automatically include those additional perks.
The Reserve Collection is a premium accommodation category offering selected mini-suites and suites with additional benefits.
Depending on the ship and accommodation, benefits can include a more premium location, exclusive dining and other added touches.
The important thing to remember is that a mini-suite and a Reserve Collection mini-suite aren't necessarily the same thing. Always check the exact cabin description attached to your sailing to see which benefits are included.
The Sanctuary Collection is Princess' premium accommodation experience available on selected ships.
On Sun Princess and Star Princess, Sanctuary Collection accommodation includes benefits such as access to the Sanctuary Club and Sanctuary Restaurant, alongside Princess Premier benefits.
Sanctuary Collection cabins are designed for passengers who want a more exclusive experience rather than simply a larger room.
Availability and benefits depend on the ship and specific accommodation, so check the details for your sailing before booking.
A Princess suite is the most spacious standard accommodation option and is aimed at passengers who want significantly more room and additional benefits.
Suite categories vary between ships. Depending on the vessel, you may find accommodation such as Vista Suites, Grand Suites, Signature Suites, Window Suites and Sky Suites.
Some suites feature large or wraparound balconies, while certain ships offer particularly large Sky Suites with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.
Suites can also come with additional benefits that aren't included with standard cabins. These can vary by ship and suite category, so it's worth looking beyond the extra square footage when comparing prices.
A suite can be worth considering if you value extra space, a more comfortable retreat and the additional benefits that come with premium accommodation.
They may be particularly appealing for:
Princess also offers wedding and honeymoon options, making a suite an appealing choice for couples celebrating a particularly special occasion. If you're planning a honeymoon or celebration cruise, the extra space and enhanced accommodation can help make the experience feel more memorable.
If you're mainly looking for somewhere comfortable to sleep, however, the jump from a balcony cabin to a suite may not offer the best value for your holiday budget.
Regardless of which cabin category you choose, Princess staterooms come with a range of standard amenities.
These include:
Princess also uses MedallionClass technology, which can automatically detect when you're approaching your cabin door.
OceanNow delivery and room service are also available, although fees and inclusions can depend on your booking and package.
There isn't one cabin that's best for everyone. The right choice depends on how you travel and what you want to spend your money on.
If you're happy spending most of your time around the ship, an interior can keep your cruise price down.
You get a window and sea views without paying for a balcony.
A private outdoor space gives you somewhere to enjoy the views and fresh air without needing to leave your cabin.
Ideal if you want a separate sitting area and more room than a standard balcony cabin.
Suites offer significantly more space alongside additional benefits.
Available on selected Princess ships, these are designed specifically for one guest.
Before booking, think about these five things.
1. How much time will you spend in your cabin?
If you're planning to spend most days ashore or around the ship, you may not need to spend more on premium accommodation.
If you enjoy slow mornings, room service and relaxing with a view, upgrading could make more sense.
2. Does the itinerary make a balcony more valuable?
A balcony can be particularly enjoyable on scenic cruises where there is something interesting to see throughout the sailing.
For destinations such as Alaska and the Norwegian Fjords, having your own outdoor space can be a memorable part of the cruise.
3. How important is cabin size?
For a couple on a short cruise, an interior or balcony cabin may provide plenty of space.
For families or longer cruises, the extra room offered by a mini-suite or suite could make a noticeable difference.
4. Where is the cabin located?
Don't just look at the cabin category. The location of your stateroom matters too.
Think about how close you want to be to lifts, restaurants, entertainment venues and the pool deck. If you're a light sleeper, you may prefer to avoid cabins directly beneath busy public areas or close to late-night venues.
It's also worth checking the deck plan for your specific Princess ship before selecting your cabin.
5. Check the exact cabin, not just the category
Two cabins in the same broad category aren't necessarily identical.
Balcony size, views, location, accessibility, connecting-room options and obstructions can all vary.
Princess itself notes that photos, floor plans, furnishings and arrangements can vary by ship and individual stateroom, so always check the specific cabin you're booking.
For most first-time Princess cruisers, a balcony cabin is a strong all-round choice if the price fits your budget. It gives you your own outdoor space without the additional cost of a mini-suite or suite.
However, don't assume that the most expensive cabin will automatically give you the best cruise.
A well-located interior cabin can be excellent value for a passenger who spends little time in their room, while a balcony can be worth the upgrade for someone who loves having a private view.
The best Princess cabin is ultimately the one that matches how you actually plan to spend your cruise.
Q - What is the cheapest cabin on Princess Cruises?
A - Interior staterooms are generally Princess' most budget-friendly cabin category. Prices vary according to the ship, itinerary, sailing date and availability.
Q - Do Princess cabins have balconies?
A - Not all Princess cabins have balconies. Interior and oceanview cabins don't have private balconies, while standard balcony cabins, mini-suites and many suites do. Some suites have windows instead of balconies.
Q - Are Princess mini-suites bigger than balcony cabins?
A - Yes. Princess mini-suites offer more space than balcony staterooms and include a separate sitting area. Exact sizes vary by ship and category.
Q - Do Princess cabins have fridges?
A - Princess staterooms include a refrigerator, alongside other standard cabin amenities. Check the specific cabin information for your sailing if you need to know exactly what is provided.
Q - Can I choose my cabin on a Princess cruise?
A - Where available, you can select a specific stateroom when booking. Cabin availability depends on the sailing and category, so popular locations can sell quickly.
Q - What is the best location for a Princess cabin?
A - The best location depends on your priorities. Midship cabins can be convenient if you want a central position, while cabins away from busy public areas may be preferable if you value peace and quiet. Always check the individual ship's deck plan before choosing.
Q - Are balcony cabins worth paying extra for on Princess Cruises?
A - For many guests, yes. A balcony gives you private outdoor space and can be particularly enjoyable on scenic itineraries. However, if you don't expect to use it often, an interior or oceanview cabin could provide better value.
From affordable interior staterooms to spacious suites and exclusive Sanctuary Collection accommodation, Princess Cruises offers plenty of ways to tailor your accommodation to your budget and travel style.
The key is to look beyond the cabin name and consider space, location, views, balcony access and the benefits included with the specific stateroom.
Once you've found the right cabin, you can concentrate on the part that really matters: enjoying your Princess cruise.
