The attractive starting rates advertised on cruise lines usually apply to small,interior cabins or oceanview staterooms (with a small window). However, not all lower-tier staterooms are the same, and some vessels offer downright roomy accommodations and unique amenities that make for comfortable cruising at an affordable price. These ships offer the best budget accommodations and overall value.
Disney's Dream and Fantasy
Leave it to Disney to sprinkle a little magic into the plain (and often stuffy) interior cabins. The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are fitted with digital porthole windows that feature "ocean" views and the occasional Disney character that makes a guest appearance on the screen. Deluxe inside staterooms offer contemporary Art Deco decor, an impressive 204 square feet of space, iPod docking stations, Sealy Posturepedic mattresses with Egyptian cotton linens, flat screen televisions, and full bathrooms.
Carnival's Entire Fleet
The entire Carnival Cruise Line fleet wins honors for the sheer size of its185-square-foot interior staterooms. This number is significantly larger than comparable ships with other companies. Cabin amenities include bathrobes, beach towels, turndown service with chocolates on pillows, and beds designed exclusively for Carnival with 100 percent hypoallergenic down.
Costa's "Premium Perks"
Costa's added amenities aren't just for suites; the "premium category" (available fleet-wide) adds perks to all stateroom levels such as free continental breakfast in cabins, twice-daily maid service (versus once in standard rooms), and complimentary room service (plus a 10 percent discount on a future cruise). Robes and slippers, after-sun cream, body lotion, and an amenity kit round out the added luxuries. Staterooms sizes hover just above the average; for example the Costa Mediterranea's inside cabins have 160 square feet and oceanview have 175.
Royal Caribbean's Anthem and Quantum of the Seas
One exciting new feature on Anthem of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas is the virtual balconies installed in the interior rooms. Using cameras displayed around the ship and high-definition technology, the nearly floor-to-ceiling "balcony" screens simulate the movement and sounds of the ocean as close as it can get to an actual cabin balcony (only without the breeze). The large interior rooms measure a comfortable 178 square feet, and also include a mini fridge, television,and sofa.
Celebrity Solstice Class Ships
On Celebrity's Solstice Class (which consists of five of the cruise line's newest vessels), the sleek, moderninterior staterooms measure 183 square feet and are actually larger than an upgrade to oceanview cabins (with 177 square feet). Perks include twice-daily cabin service, 24-hour room service, mini fridges, bathrobes, custom-designed bedding, and daily ice delivery (it may not seem like big deal, but getting ice can be an issue on other cruise lines).
