Why it pays to upgrade your cruise ship cabin

Cruise ship cabins have improved since the days when you bumped into walls on your way to your bathroom. However, there is still a difference between staying in a small, windowless interior space versus a room with its own balcony or even a lavish suite. For many people, it makes sense to upgrade to the best cabin they can afford.

Consider a cruise cabin your hotel room for the week, and start with a deep think about how much time you will actually be in your room (or rooms). If you plan to do every shipboard activity, party until the wee hours and use your cabin only to sleep and shower, a lower-priced cabin with or without a window or porthole might better suit your needs — especially if you're on a tight budget.

If, on the other hand, you want your own private place to escape from the crowds and the frenetic pace of cruise activities without missing any ocean or coastal views, you're likely better off upgrading to a balcony cabin or suite with a balcony — even if it adds hundreds or thousands of dollars to your cruise vacation budget. You'll have more private space to lounge around reading a book, watching movies or ordering room service.

Here are several reasons why it pays to upgrade your cruise ship cabin.

Access to suite perks

At the top end of cruise accommodations are suites. Be aware that "suite" is a flexible term on cruise ships. It could mean only a 250-square-foot room, with or without a curtain separating a bed and sofa area. With a bigger budget, you might be able to book a multiroom, multibathroom apartment — or even a spectacular suite that's a house-size oasis.

Space is reason enough to upgrade to a suite, but other perks come with the experience. On some big ships, suites are located in a separate complex with a private restaurant, a sundeck, a swimming pool and a lounge open only to guests in the fancy accommodations.

Related: Reasons you should splurge for a suite on your next cruise

If you want upgraded bedding and, perhaps, a pillow menu, you're most likely to find them in suites. Bathtubs and whirlpool tubs, also cruise rarities (most cabins just come with showers), are other typical suite perks.

Suites tend to come with larger balconies than you'll find in standard balcony cabins. In top suites, these spaces are huge, complete with outdoor living rooms, dining areas and hot tubs.

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Depending on your ship, additional perks might include everything from cushy robes and designer soaps to free drinks and specialty dining. Your suite accommodations will likely come with the services of a dedicated concierge desk to help you book shore excursions, spa treatments and dining reservations. You might even have a butler at your beck and call.

If you are thinking of upgrading to a suite, carefully read how much space you'll actually get and evaluate whether the perks are things you will actually use.

Spa amenities in your cabin

Spa cabins have decor designed to inspire Zen and even romantic moments. These extra-fee cabins are usually located near the spa and fitness facilities — no need to traipse through the whole ship in your bathrobe or gym shorts. Spa cabins typically are balcony cabins or suites with more space than standard cabins.

Each cabin's amenities might include a bathtub (instead of a shower, which is standard in most cabins) and special soothing bath products, upgraded bathrobes, designer or fruit-infused water and even beautiful scents. You will have complimentary access to the spa's thermal suite, where you will find an array of amenities, such as a sauna, a steam room, a hydrotherapy pool and aromatherapy showers.

You'll enjoy priority access in terms of booking massages, and discounted spa treatments might also be included. The same goes for fitness classes; you'll be able to sign up fee-free before the classes are open to others on the ship. You might also have small fitness items like yoga mats available to you for in-cabin use.

If you are a big spa fan or gym rat, these suites are worth the upgrade.

Related: The best cruise ship spas

Fresh air

Balcony cabins — standard cabins with a step-out open-air space for sitting — are among the most popular accommodations on cruise ships, both for views and because you can open your door to let in the sea breezes and hear the waves. Balcony cabins featuring large windows that open and close with the push of a button — similar to how car windows go up and down — rather than doors leading to actual outdoor space are a recent innovation in this cabin category.

If you have a standard step-out balcony, it will be furnished with chairs and a small table for drinks. Some larger balconies have loungers and an actual dining table where you can enjoy a private meal.

Related: Reasons you'll want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

Some cruisers consider a balcony an unnecessary upgrade. They are just as content to book a cheaper cabin and don't mind jockeying for a lounge chair on the open decks. However, others relish having the option of being able to head outdoors directly from their cabins, even in their bathrobes, to enjoy the sea.

On itineraries where stunning coastal scenery — such as the glaciers in Alaska and fjords in Iceland and Norway — is a particular focus, a balcony is worth the upgrade.

Be aware when considering an upgrade to a balcony that not all these accommodations are spacious. They might even be the same size as standard windowed cabins, and the balconies they offer aren't always all that big. On the smallest ships, your knees could be up against the railing when you sit. Some balconies come with restricted views that might be impeded by lifeboats or part of the ship's structure.

On the other hand, aft cabins with views of the wake and, often, larger balconies, are some of the most sought-after cabins on the ship.

More space when traveling with kids

With space a commodity on cruise ships, a mistake some families make is cramming everyone into the tight quarters of standard accommodations — the kids on bunks that drop down from the ceiling or on sofa beds, with parents (or grandparents) sleeping on the regular bed. Such closeness might not be conducive to family harmony, particularly when you are sharing one bathroom and limited closet and drawer space.

A better choice, if your ship has them, are family cabins that are designed to sleep five or six and provide more room to spread out. On some ships, these accommodations have the bonus of a half bathroom in addition to a full bathroom. These cabins are sometimes located near children's facilities, so you can send the kids right down the hall to participate in camplike activities.

Related: Best kid-friendly cruises: The best cruise ships for kids

Families might also consider booking two adjoining cabins, which give older kids and adults some privacy and two full baths. If you need the space, check the price of family suites, which might be only a few hundred dollars more than basic family cabins and include perks reserved for suite guests.

Bottom line

An upgraded cabin is almost always better than the most basic room on board. The only thing stopping you from splurging on a larger space, a private balcony and extra perks is your budget.

If you change your mind once you've booked, you'll find several ways to upgrade your cabin to a higher-category room. However, there are times when you should just say no to that cabin upgrade offer, especially if what the cruise line thinks is a nicer room is not what you'd consider better accommodation.

If you think you'd be happier in an upper-category cabin, it's always a good idea to book it right away so you have control over which type of room you'll have and the exact ship location you will most enjoy on your vacation.

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