Booking a cruise can feel like stepping into a maze of cabin codes, “guaranteed” deals, and mysterious upgrade offers. I’ve learned the hard way (and sometimes the fun way!) that knowing how fares and room choices work can make all the difference.

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Cabin Types: The Basics

Every ship has the classics: Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, and Suites. Easy enough. But not all are created equal. Some cabins have “obstructions” — think lifeboats, railings, or ship gear sitting right outside your window. They’re cheaper, yes, but you may spend your holiday staring at a lifeboat instead of the sea.

Guaranteed vs. Pick Your Room

Here’s where the gamble comes in:

Guaranteed cabins are the cheaper option. You book the type, but the cruise line picks the exact room. Could be midship perfection… or nosebleed forward with a lifeboat view. On one cruise, I booked a guaranteed balcony and crossed my fingers. We ended up with just a 10% obstruction — a little railing I barely noticed. Honestly, I felt like I’d won the lottery.
Pick your room costs more, but you know exactly where you’ll sleep. If location matters — near the elevators, midship for less motion, or far from the nightclub noise — paying extra might be worth it.

Explora Ocean Cruises - Explora I Ocean Terrace Suite

Cabin Categories: Not All Rooms Are Equal

Each cabin type is split into categories based on location. Midship is the “golden zone” — less rocking, higher price. Forward and aft are cheaper, but you’ll feel more movement. Those little codes at the end of the room type (like IA vs IF) show the difference, and yes, it matters. Let’s look at Princess Cruises inside category rooms. Inside (IA) means your room will located in the midship. However inside (IF) means the room is a guaranteed room and will be allocated by the cruise line before the cruise. As the second letter increases in the alphabet, the cabin is further away from the midship. Always check the deck plan so you know what you’re getting.

Obstructed Views

Obstructed views are a mixed bag. Sometimes it’s just a slim railing. Other times it’s a big, orange lifeboat blocking the whole window. Cruise lines like Celebrity are upfront, even listing the percentage of the view blocked. Others are a bit more vague. When I gambled on a guaranteed Concierge cabin once, the paperwork just said “obstruction pending.” Turned out it was nothing more than a slim rail from the window-washing rig. I barely noticed it, but the savings were real.

Deck Levels and Pricing

Another pricing quirk: the higher the deck, the higher the fare. Upper decks have better views and sometimes “deluxe” perks, while lower decks save you money. It’s less about good or bad, more about budget versus bragging rights.

Upgrades: Worth the Risk?

Cruise lines often let you bid for an upgrade. Think of it as an onboard lottery. The upside? You might move into a premium category with specialty dining or spa perks for a fraction of the price. On a cruise to Japan, I bid on an upgrade and got bumped from Concierge to Aqua Class for just $175pp. Same cabin size, but access to Blu restaurant and the spa made it feel like first-class treatment. The risk? You lose your chosen cabin and could end up with an obstructed view — so it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Atlas Ocean Voyages - World Navigator Solo Suite

The Takeaway

Guaranteed = cheaper, but could be a gamble.
Pick your room = guaranteed the room you want, but a little pricier.
Upgrade bids = the cruise world’s casino! Sometimes you hit the jackpot, sometimes you hit bust.

So the big question is: Are you a risk-taker who’ll gamble on a lifeboat view for a bargain? Or do you want the peace of mind of knowing exactly where your cabin is? Personally, I’ll admit — I enjoy a little roll of the dice. After all, sometimes the gamble pays off, and you end up sipping champagne on your balcony wondering how you got so lucky. Go for it.

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