What do families and interior designers have in common? They’re both creative geniuses when it comes to maximizing a small space, like a hotel room or cruise cabin. From DIY room dividers to using over-the-door shoe organizers for everything other than shoes, there are hacks up the wazoo to keep your home away from home more comfortable and organized while traveling.
Sometimes, though, families just need bigger digs. Groups of more than four or those with younger kids who need to sleep in their own space (raises hand), for example, might require more spacious accommodations to ensure everyone gets quality sleep.
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A number of cruise lines offer designated family cabins with additional square footage and intentional layouts. Others have larger category rooms that can be tailored to your family’s needs, with homier designs (think separate living spaces and bathrooms with tubs), multiple bedrooms, varying bed arrangements, and adjoining room options.
Here are the seven best cruise cabins for families of five or those who simply desire a larger space. Tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, note that cabins on lower decks and closer to midship feel the least amount of motion.
1. MSC Cruises: Grand Suite
Exclusive to the six ships in MSC Cruises’ Seaside and World classes, the Grand Suite is a fantastic value for those who seek more than one bedroom. Booking one of these suites gives you access to a slew of lavish perks including priority boarding, free 24-hour room service, and the ability to dine whenever (rather than during a set time).
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The largest layout sleeps up to five, with two separate bedrooms and two bathrooms—one with a tub—as well as a sweeping terrace. When you compare the cost to a standard room in the Yacht Club, you can save a pretty penny.
2. Royal Caribbean: Ultra Spacious Oceanview Stateroom
Rooms with balconies are easily the most desirable on any cruise, but on Royal Caribbean, it’s easy to put that money toward a larger space instead—with roughly double the square footage of a standard ocean-view cabin. The Ultra Spacious Oceanview Stateroom is found on most ships, and sleeps up to six with two twin beds that can be combined to make a royal king bed; two pullman beds; and a double sofa bed. A sitting area opens up the space, so it never feels cramped.
3. Princess Cruises: Sky Suite
Sister ships Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess, and Discovery Princess have more in common than being a part of the same class. They’re the only three Princess Cruises ships to have the Sky Suite. These luxurious digs not only sleep up to five, but every member of the family also can relish privacy, spread out among the generously sized indoor and outdoor spaces.
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Perched on the top deck, Sky Suites overlook the main pool area, so families can enjoy the much-loved Movies Under the Stars experience from their own personal balconies. The two-bedroom layout with a sleeper sofa in the living room, able to be shielded by a privacy curtain, complements all the priority benefits and perks you get from booking a Sky Suite.
4. Disney Cruise Line: Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom
Every Disney Cruise Line stateroom is designed with families in mind, making them among the best cruise cabins in the industry, for those traveling with kiddos. The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom stands out thanks to its expanded square footage and room configuration that sleeps up to five with a queen bed, single sleeper sofa, and pull-down bed.
A split bath design—the majority of which has tubs—also ensures no one is waiting too long to get ready. Standard Disney design elements families will love include heavy privacy curtains and elevated bed frames for under-bed storage, among other hidden storage spaces.
5. Norwegian Cruise Line: Family Oceanview Stateroom with Large Picture Window
You don’t have to splurge on a fancy room to accommodate your family of five on Norwegian Cruise Line. Most ships have the Family Oceanview Stateroom with Large Picture Window, which provides just about as much room (if not more) as some of the ships’ suites. Features that make this cabin particularly attractive for families include a bathtub-shower combo and privacy curtain that separates the parents or caretakers from the living space, set up to comfortably sleep three kids.
6. Carnival Cruise Line: Family Harbor Suite
Carnival Cruise Line has been sending a clear message to families, with the design of its more recent ships, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Jubilee, Mardi Gras, Carnival Panorama, and Carnival Vista. Exclusive Family Harbor cabins—with their own dedicated lounge for bites, movies, and games—commingle with more action-packed top decks that beckon families to tap into their adventurous sides.
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Made for families of five, Family Harbor Suites feature sleeping and living areas that can be separated by a privacy curtain, two bathrooms, and a spacious balcony. Booking one of these rooms also allows your kids to eat free from the children’s menus at specialty restaurants, and gives you one complimentary night of babysitting service.
7. A-Rosa: Two-Bed Family Cabin with Three Extra Beds
For families who want to experience Europe at a slower pace, A-Rosa Sena makes it easy with its family cabin that can comfortably sleep five. Cabins designed especially for families are not a ‘thing’ in the world of river cruising, and ships that can accommodate families of five are rare—unless adjoining rooms are available.
A-Rosa Sena is the only ship in the line’s fleet that offers this particular cabin, and there are 12 of them up for grabs. A large bathroom with a shower and double vanity, as well as a separate room with a toilet and sink, further make this one of the best cruise cabins for families.
