Here are the 7 best cruise ship cabins to book if your family needs more space

What do families and interior designers have in common? They are both creative geniuses when it comes to optimizing a small space, like a hotel room or cruise cabin. From DIY room dividers to using over-the-door shoe organizers for anything other than shoes, there are tips for keeping your home away from home more comfortable and organized when you’re traveling.

Sometimes, though, families just need bigger digs. Groups of more than four people or those with younger children who need to sleep in their own space (raises hand), for example, may need more spacious accommodation to ensure quality sleep for everyone.

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A number of cruise lines offer designated family cabins with additional square footage and intentional amenities. Others have larger category rooms that can be tailored to your family’s needs, with warmer designs (think separate living areas and bathrooms with bathtubs), multiple bedrooms, variable bed arrangements, and Adjoining room options.

Here are the seven best cruise cabins for families of five or those who simply want more space. Tip: If you are prone to seasickness, note that cabins located on the lower decks and closer to the middle of the ship experience the least movement.

1. MSC Cruises: Grand Suite

Exclusive to MSC Cruises’ six Seaside and World Class ships, the Grand Suite is fantastic value for those looking for more than one room. Booking one of these suites gives you access to many lavish perks, including priority boarding, complimentary 24-hour room service, and the ability to dine anytime (rather than at a set time). The largest layout can accommodate up to five people, with two separate bedrooms and two bathrooms (one with a bathtub) as well as a large terrace. When you compare the price to a standard room at the Yacht Club, you can save a pretty penny.

2. Royal Caribbean: ultra spacious cabin with sea view

Balcony rooms are by far the most sought-after on any cruise, but on Royal Caribbean it’s easy to invest that money in a larger space, with about double the square footage of a stateroom standard with ocean view. The ultra spacious sea view cabin is found on most ships and can accommodate up to six people with two twin beds which can be combined to form a regal king-size bed; two Pullman beds; and a double sofa bed. A seating area opens up the space so it never feels cramped.

BECOME A PRO: Royal Caribbean Cruise Guide: How to Have the Perfect Family Vacation at Sea

3. Princess Cruises: Sky Suite

The sister ships Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess have more in common than being in the same class. These are the only three Princess Cruises ships to feature the Sky Suite. These luxurious accommodations can not only accommodate up to five people, but each member of the family can also enjoy privacy, spread among the generously sized indoor and outdoor spaces. Perched on the upper deck, Sky Suites overlook the main pool, so families can enjoy the much-loved Movies Under the Stars experience from their own personal balcony. The two-bedroom layout with a sofa bed in the living room, which can be protected by a privacy curtain, complements all the priority benefits and perks you get when booking a Sky Suite.

4. Disney Cruise Line: luxury family cabin with sea view

Every Disney Cruise Line stateroom is designed with families in mind, making it one of the best cruise staterooms in the industry for those traveling with children. The Deluxe Ocean View Family Cabin features an expanded square footage and bedroom configuration that accommodates up to five guests with a queen bed, single sofa bed and Murphy bed. A split bath design, the majority of which feature bathtubs, also ensures that no one waits too long to get ready. Standard Disney design elements that families will love include heavy privacy curtains and raised bed frames for under-bed storage, among other hidden storage spaces.

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5. Norwegian Cruise Line: family cabin with sea view and large bay window

You don’t need to splurge for a luxurious room to accommodate your family of five on Norwegian Cruise Line. Most ships have a family stateroom with a sea view and large bay window, which offers about as much space (if not more) as some of the ship’s suites. Features that make this cabin especially appealing to families include a tub-shower combination and a privacy curtain that separates parents or guardians from the living space, configured to comfortably accommodate three children.

6. Carnival Cruise Line: Harbor Family Suite

Carnival Cruise Line is sending a clear message to families with the design of its newest ships, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Jubilee, Mardi Gras, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Vista. Family Harbor’s exclusive cabins, complete with their own lounge dedicated to bites, movies and games, mingle with more action-packed upper decks that invite families to harness their adventurous side. Designed 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 children to eat free from children’s menus at specialty restaurants and gives you one free night of babysitting service.

7. A-Rosa: two-bed family cabin with three additional beds

For families who want to explore Europe at a slower pace, A-Rosa Sena makes it easy with its family cabin that can comfortably accommodate five people. Staterooms designed specifically for families aren’t a “thing” in the world of river cruising, and ships that can accommodate families of five are rare unless connecting rooms are available. The A-Rosa Sena is the only ship in the line’s fleet to offer this particular cabin, and there are 12 up for grabs. A large bathroom with shower and double sink, as well as a separate room with toilet and sink, further makes this one of the best cruise cabins for families.

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