Oceanview vs Verandah Comparison: Navigating Your Perfect Cruise Stateroom

Choosing between an oceanview vs. verandah stateroom can be one of the most exciting – and sometimes daunting – decisions when planning your first time going on a Disney cruise or your tenth. As a seasoned cruiser who’s sailed with my wife and two kids on various lines, I’ve experienced the pros and cons of both room types. Let’s dive into the world of cruise accommodations and explore which option might be best for your next nautical adventure!

Understanding Cruise Ship Stateroom Categories

Before we compare oceanview and verandah staterooms, it’s essential to understand the main categories available on most cruise ships. These categories cater to different preferences and budgets:

• Inside Cabins: No windows and located within the ship’s interior. These are the most budget-friendly, offering a cozy, no-frills experience.
• Oceanview Cabins: Feature a window or porthole that allows natural light and a view of the sea. They’re priced higher than inside cabins, offering a comfortable middle ground for those wanting to experience the ocean without stepping outside.
• Balcony (Verandah) Cabins: Come with a private outdoor space equipped with seating. These are more expensive than oceanview cabins, ideal for those who enjoy spending time outdoors in privacy.
• Suites: The most luxurious option, suites are the largest cabins available, often featuring premium amenities and exclusive perks. These are often referred to as the “Concierge” level on Disney Cruise Line because they offer a higher level of service and convenience.

These four categories are standard across most major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and Disney Cruise Line, though specific names, features, and pricing may vary slightly.

Many consider oceanview and verandah staterooms among the best staterooms on a Disney cruise due to their perfect balance of comfort, views, and value. Let’s explore these options further!

Oceanview Staterooms: A Room with a View

A typical Oceanview Stateroom configuration on Disney Wonder | Image © Disney

Key Features:

• Window or porthole (non-opening)
• Natural light and sea views
• Generally less expensive than verandah rooms
• Typically located on lower and middle decks

Oceanview staterooms offer a glimpse of the outside world through a window or porthole. On Disney Cruise Line ships, these windows are often quite large, especially in the Deluxe Family Oceanview category. Some even feature a padded seating area in the window – perfect for curling up with a book while watching the waves.

Size and Layout

Oceanview rooms are typically similar in size to inside staterooms, though some lines offer larger “deluxe” or “family” oceanview options. Here’s a breakdown of oceanview stateroom sizes on Disney Cruise Line ships:

• Disney Magic/Wonder: 214 sq ft
• Disney Dream/Fantasy: 204 sq ft
• Disney Wish/Destiny/Treasure: 218 sq ft

These rooms usually feature a queen-size bed, a sitting area with a couch (often convertible for additional sleeping space), and a split bathroom design unique to Disney ships.

Best For:

• Budget-conscious cruisers who want natural light
• Families who need more space than an inside room
• Cruisers prone to seasickness (seeing the horizon helps!)
• Those who don’t plan to spend much time in their room

Potential Drawbacks:

• No private outdoor space
• Limited fresh air (windows don’t open)
• Some may have obstructed views (always check before booking)

Verandah Staterooms: Your Private Outdoor Oasis

A typical stateroom verandah on a Disney cruise ship | Image © Disney

Key Features:

• Private balcony with seating
• Floor-to-ceiling glass doors
• Fresh air and ocean breezes
• More spacious feel
• Usually located on higher decks

Verandah staterooms (also called balcony cabins) are a step up from oceanview rooms, offering your own private outdoor space. This can be a game-changer, especially on scenic cruises or warm-weather itineraries.

Size and Layout

A Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah onboard the Disney Wish

Verandah rooms are often slightly larger than oceanview staterooms, with the added bonus of outdoor space. On Disney ships, verandah staterooms range from about 246 to 299 square feet, including the balcony. The interior layout is similar to oceanview rooms, but with the addition of the balcony access.

Best For:

• Cruisers who value private outdoor space
• Couples looking for romantic moments
• Families who want extra room to spread out
• Anyone cruising to scenic destinations (like Alaska or the Norwegian Fjords)
• Those who enjoy dining or relaxing on their balcony

Potential Drawbacks:

• More expensive than oceanview rooms
• Balcony noise can sometimes be an issue
• Privacy concerns (though most cruise lines have measures to ensure privacy between balconies)

Stress-Free Cruise Planning With The Vacationeer

One-on-One Service

One dedicated agent handles everything from start to finish. No impersonal call centers and no waiting on hold.

Free Onboard Credit

Get up to $1,000 in credits toward dining, excursions, spa treatments, merchandise, tips, and more.

The Best Price

They’ll find the best possible rate for your cruise, and keep searching for new discounts to add as they’re announced.

The Vacationeer never charges planning fees. Get your free, no-obligation quote today!

Oceanview and Verandah Stateroom Locations by Ship

Category 7 enclosed Navigator’s Verandah | Image © Disney

Oceanview Staterooms

Disney Wish/Destiny/Treasure:

• Deluxe Oceanview (Category 9): Decks 2, 6-8
• Deluxe Family Oceanview (Category 8): Decks 6-9

Disney Magic/Wonder:

• Deluxe Oceanview (Category 9): Decks 1, 2, 5-7
• Note: Deck 1 rooms have two small portholes instead of one large window

Disney Dream/Fantasy:

• Deluxe Oceanview (Category 9): Decks 2, 5-8
• Deluxe Family Oceanview (Category 8): Decks 5-9
• Note: Some rooms on higher decks may have obstructed views

The giant porthole featured in some oceanview staterooms on the Disney Dream and Fantasy | Image © Disney

Verandah Staterooms

Disney Wish:

• Deluxe Oceanview with Verandah (Categories 4-7): Decks 6-11
• Family Oceanview with Verandah (Category 4): Decks 6-11

Disney Magic/Wonder:

• Navigator’s Verandah (Category 7, limited views): Decks 5-8
• Deluxe Oceanview with Verandah (Categories 5-6): Decks 5-7
• Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah (Category 4): Deck 8

Disney Dream/Fantasy:

• Navigator’s Verandah (Category 7, limited views): Decks 5-9
• Deluxe Oceanview with Verandah (Categories 5-6): Decks 5-10
• Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah (Category 4): Decks 5-10

Category 7A Enclosed Navigator’s Verandah with Open-Air Cutout on Disney Magic and Wonder | Image © Disney

Comparing Across Cruise Lines

While Disney Cruise Line offers great options, it’s worth considering how they compare to other major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, and others for your family.

Royal Caribbean

• Offers “Virtual Balconies” in some inside rooms with floor-to-ceiling HD screens displaying live outside views
• Unique interior-facing balcony rooms overlooking Central Park or the Promenade on Oasis-class ships
• “Infinite Verandah” on some newer ships, featuring a floor-to-ceiling window that opens halfway down
• See our Disney Cruise Line vs. Royal Caribbean page for a comparison

Norwegian Cruise Line

• “Studio” oceanview rooms designed for solo travelers on some ships
• “The Haven” – a ship-within-a-ship concept with premium oceanview and balcony suites
• Some ships feature “The Waterfront,” a promenade that brings the indoors out with oceanfront dining and bars
• Review our Disney Cruise Line vs. Norwegian article to compare

Carnival Cruise Line

• Some oceanview rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows
• Select ships offer “Havana” staterooms with special pool access
• “Cloud 9 Spa” staterooms (both oceanview and balcony) with special spa perks
• Read our Disney Cruise Line vs. Carnival Cruise Line comparison for more

MSC Cruises

• “Yacht Club” suites with exclusive lounge and pool access
• Some ships feature “Infinite Ocean View” cabins with a panoramic window that slides down to create a balcony-like experience

Factors to Consider When Choosing

When deciding between an oceanview and verandah stateroom, consider the following:

1. Budget: Verandah rooms typically cost more. Is the extra expense worth it for your trip?
2. Itinerary: Will you be cruising somewhere with stunning scenery? A verandah might be more valuable in Alaska than in the Caribbean.
3. Length of cruise: For longer sailings, having private outdoor space can be a nice perk.
4. Time in the room: If you plan to be out and about most of the time, a less expensive oceanview might suffice.
5. Season and weather: A verandah is more enjoyable in warm climates.
6. Ship activities: If the ship has a lot of outdoor spaces and activities, you might not need a private balcony.
7. Personal preferences: Do you value privacy and quiet time? A verandah might be worth the splurge.

For a detailed analysis of the different cabin categories, please refer to our articles on Inside Stateroom vs. Oceanview Stateroom and Deluxe Stateroom vs. Deluxe Family Stateroom.

Our Family’s Experience

Our family has experienced both oceanview and verandah staterooms on various cruises. On our first three-night Disney cruise to the Bahamas, we opted for an oceanview stateroom to save money on shore excursions and other onboard experiences. The large porthole was perfect for our kids to watch sail away and provided plenty of natural light.

For our 7-night Alaska cruise, however, we splurged on a verandah room. It was absolutely worth it to step outside and take in the breathtaking glaciers and wildlife from the privacy of our own balcony. Plus, the extra space was a lifesaver with two energetic kids! That said, the verandah can be surprisingly windy, which isn’t ideal on a “glacier day” when it’s extra cold.

From our experience, when deciding between oceanview vs. verandah staterooms, we’ve found it helpful to consider factors like the itinerary, the length of the cruise, and how much time we plan to spend in our room.

On shorter trips where we’re busy with ship activities, an oceanview stateroom has been more than enough. But for longer voyages or scenic destinations, we’ve found that splurging on a verandah is well worth it for the extra space and private outdoor views.

For example, during themed Disney Cruises like “Halloween on the High Seas,” which our kids absolutely loved, there was so much to do that we barely spent time in our room!

The Bottom Line: Oceanview vs. Verandah

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between an oceanview and verandah stateroom. Both options have their merits, and the best choice depends on your budget, itinerary, and personal preferences.

If you’re still unsure, consider these final thoughts:

• Oceanview rooms are a great “middle ground” between inside and verandah staterooms.
• Verandah rooms offer more flexibility and can enhance your overall cruise experience.
• Remember to factor in any cruise line promotions—sometimes, you can snag a verandah for close to an oceanview price!
• Consider splitting the difference on longer cruises by booking a few nights in an oceanview and a few in a verandah.
• For more helpful hints, see our Best Disney Cruise Ship for Kids, How to Save on Disney Cruises, and the Best Time to Take Disney Cruises.

Remember, no matter which stateroom type you choose, you’re in for a magical experience. From enjoying the delicious Food on Disney Cruises to participating in exciting onboard activities, your cruise vacation will be filled with lasting memories.