Planning any cruise holiday involves many decisions and one of the most difficult is choosing your stateroom type and location due to the overwhelming variety of choice, at times over 20 different categories on a ship! Selecting a cabin type is as personal as deciding where to cruise and which cruise line and ship to book. Price needs to be considered and there can be significant differences between categories dependent on size, layout, demand and location.

Staterooms on large mainstream cruise ships are often advertised as standard inside, ocean view, balconies, or suites. Generally the smallest cabins on luxury lines are much larger than those on mainstream lines and are either ocean view or balconied, making the quality of accommodations one of the biggest differences between how a cruise line is rated.

Inside or interior Cabins don't have a porthole or window, are t he least expensive, and on a mainstream cruise ship run from about 120 square feet to 180 square feet. The bathrooms are usually tiny and most only have a shower. Since most cruise ships are relatively new or have been refurbished, the cabins usually are tastefully decorated with twin beds that can be pushed together to make a queen-sized bed for couples. They have wall-to-wall carpeting, individually controlled air conditioning/heating, dresser or storage space, a wardrobe, telephone, and satellite television. The cabins also usually have a night table, reading lamps, a chair and most come with a hairdryer. Some standard staterooms feature personal safes, table, desk with chair, mini-refrigerator, and even Internet access, although it is often much more costly than in the common Internet lounge. The cruise line brochure or website will specify what amenities are in each cabin.

Generally ocean view and inside standard cabins are almost identical in size and layout and the only difference is the window. Most modern ships have large picture windows rather than portholes, but as they cannot be opened, if you want fresh air you'll need to get a balcony.

Balcony staterooms have sliding glass doors are usually larger than the standard cabins. Some qualify as mini-suites so have a small sitting area with a loveseat or convertible sofa. Balconies are usually narrow, just wide enough for two chairs and a small table. If you want a larger balcony, look for a cabin at the rear of the ship and as the balconies on some ships offer no privacy it is worth clarifying before you book.

Suites either feature a small sitting area, a curtain to separate the bed from the sitting area, or a separate bedroom so check cabin layouts before booking to verify the room you book suits your requirements. Suites always have balconies and have bigger bathrooms with tubs. Suites feature all the amenities found in the other cabin categories, and some include butler service.

The location of the stateroom is also a major factor when choosing which to book. When reviewing deck plans be sure to check out what is above, below, or next to your cabin as some locations can be noisy. Lower deck cabins , especially if they are interior are usually the least expensive and although they will give you a smoother ride in rough seas, they are also the furthest from the common areas such as the pool and lounges. The same applies for standard ocean view cabins, but you might want to inquire about the size of the window, since the lower deck ocean views might only have portholes or a smaller window. Two problems that you might experience with cabins on the lower decks are engine noise and anchor noise.

Cabins on the upper decks usually cost more than those on the lower decks. Since these cabins are nearer the pool and sun decks, they are more desirable for those on warm weather cruises who plan to use these amenities. However, you will get more rocking motion up high, so on smaller ships those who are prone to seasickness might want to avoid a higher deck cabin. Mid ship standard cabins are a popular choice due to their central location and as less motion will be felt, they are excellent for those who have mobility problems or who are seasick prone. However, a mid ship cabin can have more traffic outside in the hallways and some cruise lines charge slightly higher prices for mid ship cabins. Most cruise lines will tell you if a cabin has a blocked or limited view, but it is wise to check for yourself.

With so much diversity among staterooms, it's worth considering your personal requirements and consulting an experienced cruise specialist to ensure you are not disappointed. Think about what is important to you and consider the cost differential, as you might want to spend a little extra for a better cabin to guarantee a great cruise holiday.