Cruise cabin that's got everyone talking—and it's not for the reason you'd think

Gian T · 2025-10-09T19:30:07+1100

A video showing a family cabin on Royal Caribbean's newest ship has sparked a heated online debate that's got thousands of people weighing in. The cabin in question? A budget-friendly interior room on Utopia of the Seas that sleeps six people—with the kids' bunk beds positioned directly above the parents' bed.

Travel agent Julie's social media video showcasing this Family Interior cabin has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times, with viewers split right down the middle.

Some are calling it their 'personal hell,' while others defend it as a practical, money-saving solution for family holidays.

For many Australian families, especially those travelling with grandchildren, this debate hits close to home. Multi-generational cruise holidays are increasingly popular, but finding accommodation that works for everyone—and the budget—can be tricky.

What exactly are we looking at here?

The Family Interior cabin (category 4C) on Utopia of the Seas measures 260 square feet and features two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, plus two Pullman beds (upper and lower bunks) in a separate sleeping area, along with a double sofa bed.

Recent pricing shows these cabins cost around $1,539 for a four-night cruise, including prepaid gratuities.

Interior vs Balcony cabin costs

According to industry data, a balcony cabin with Royal Caribbean costs an average of $372.78 more than an interior cabin—that's 58 per cent more expensive.

For a family of six, this price difference can add up to significant savings, potentially covering shore excursions or specialty dining.

The layout means parents sleep in the main bed while children are tucked into bunks positioned directly above them. There's no window, no balcony, and definitely no personal space—but there's also no premium price tag.

Utopia of the Seas debuted in July 2024 and is the sixth Oasis Class ship, sailing exclusively on 3-night and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida.

It's designed specifically for short getaways, making it popular with families wanting a quick escape without the commitment of a full week at sea.

The case against: 'It's claustrophobic chaos'

Critics of this cabin arrangement aren't holding back. Beyond the cheeky comments about 'fart air,' many genuinely worry about the practicalities.

Parents are concerned about children climbing down from top bunks in the middle of the night, especially if they're feeling unwell from too much shipboard food and sun.

Interior cabins lack natural light and ocean views—features many guests find enhance the cruise experience, though they are more affordable and perfect for travellers who plan to spend minimal time in their rooms.

The space constraints are real. With more than two people in an inside cabin, the lack of storage can become an issue, whereas balcony staterooms have larger closets for storage.

Imagine trying to organise luggage for six people in a space smaller than many hotel rooms.

For seniors who value their sleep and quiet time, the thought of children literally overhead might seem like a recipe for disaster.

The defence: 'We loved every minute'

But the budget cabin has its passionate defenders, particularly among experienced cruise families who understand the real value proposition.

'Did it. Loved it. We were never in the room. Only to sleep. All we need is a bed,' one commenter shared, capturing the sentiment of many cruise veterans.

The reality is that modern cruise ships like Utopia of the Seas are designed to keep you busy from dawn to midnight. With activities ranging from ice skating to rock climbing, zip-lining, and mini-golf, there's so much to do that many passengers barely use their cabins except for sleeping.

One family revealed they're actually professionals at this setup: 'We're a family of 7 and get two rooms like this with a connecting door. It's the only time my entire family sleeps till 10 o'clock and we love it.'

What the cruise experts say

Interior staterooms may not have the luxury of an ocean view or balcony, but with the variety of activities on Oasis Class ships, they're an affordable way to experience everything these engineering marvels offer without breaking the bank.

Experienced cruise bloggers who've tested these cabins firsthand generally agree: if you're the type of family that treats the cabin purely as a place to sleep, it works brilliantly.

With only two people, there's plenty of storage to unpack comfortably, and the modern amenities like bedside charging ports and good lighting make the space functional.

Making family interior cabins work for you

Pack light and use packing cubes to maximise limited storage

Establish quiet time rules for bunk bed areas

Book connecting cabins if travelling with extended family

Plan to spend most time in public areas of the ship

Consider the savings—potentially hundreds of dollars that can go towards excursions or dining

The luxury alternative exists (if budget allows)

For families who want space to spread out, the Ultimate Family Suite on the same ship offers a massive, multi-level accommodation that includes just about everything kids, their parents, and visiting friends could ever want in a room.

These suites can cost between $6,000-$15,000 per sailing for 3-4 night cruises, compared to around $1,500 for the interior family cabin.

The mid-range options include Family Oceanview staterooms (also called 'ultra spacious ocean view') which accommodate six people, require a minimum of five to book, range from 265 to 328 square feet, and feature a king bed plus additional bunk beds in a separate area with a living area and sofa bed.

The bottom line for Australian families

Whether this cabin works for you depends entirely on your family dynamics, budget priorities, and travel style. If you're grandparents planning a holiday with adult children and grandkids, having everyone in one room might actually strengthen family bonds—or it might test them to breaking point.

The reality is that you aren't going to spend all—or even most—of your time in your room. For families who see the cabin as simply a place to recharge between adventures, the significant cost savings can make the difference between taking the holiday and staying home.

Consider this: the money saved on accommodation could cover shore excursions in the Bahamas, specialty dining experiences, or photos that capture memories lasting far longer than any cabin discomfort.

Did you know?

Did you know?
The Ultimate Family Suite exists on only select ships: Symphony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas. There's also the Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas. These exclusive accommodations often book out on the day bookings open, sometimes years in advance.

The viral debate around this cabin ultimately reflects a broader truth about travel: there's no one-size-fits-all solution. What matters is honest communication with your travel companions about expectations, space needs, and budget priorities.

Have you ever stayed in a compact family cabin while cruising, or are you planning a multi-generational cruise holiday? We'd love to hear about your experiences and whether you think this setup could work for your family.

Primary Source

https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyl...n/news-story/cf03a6866791630ccb9f6aa2256efb07

Utopia Of The Seas cabins and suites | CruiseMapper

Cited text: Category 'Family Interior' cabins have each 2 lower single beds (twins convertible to a double bed/Queen-size), separate bedroom (with 2 Pullman beds/...

Excerpt: The Family Interior cabin (category 4C) on Utopia of the Seas measures 260 square feet and features two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, plus two Pullman beds (upper and lower bunks) in a separate sleeping area, along with a…

https://www.cruisemapper.com/cabins/Utopia-Of-The-Seas-2180

Utopia of the Seas Staterooms and Cabins

Cited text: Stateroom Cabin Features: - Two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed (72.5 by 82 inches) - Two Pullman beds—Considerable closet space—Priva...

Excerpt: The Family Interior cabin (category 4C) on Utopia of the Seas measures 260 square feet and features two twin beds that convert to a queen-sized bed, plus two Pullman beds (upper and lower bunks) in a separate sleeping area, along with a…

https://www.cruisedeckplans.com/ships/cabins.php?ship=Utopia-of-the-Seas

I paid $1,500 for 4 nights in a 140-square-foot room on a giant Royal Caribbean ship, and I actually loved my little cabin | Cruise.Blog

Cited text: The best option within our budget was cabin 9464 on Deck 9, costing us $1,539. This included prepaid gratuities.

Excerpt: Recent pricing shows these cabins cost around $1,539 for a four-night cruise, including prepaid gratuities

https://cruise.blog/2025/03/i-paid-1500-4-nights-140-square-foot-room-utopia-of-the-seas

The True Cost Difference Between a Balcony and Inside Cabin on a Cruise

Cited text: According to the data, a balcony cabin with Royal Caribbean will cost $372.78 more than an interior cabin, which is 58 per cent more.

Excerpt: According to industry data, a balcony cabin with Royal Caribbean costs an average of $372.78 more than an interior cabin—that's 58 per cent more expensive

https://cruisefever.net/cost-difference-between-a-balcony-and-inside-cabin-on-a-cruise/

I paid $1,500 for 4 nights in a 140-square-foot room on a giant Royal Caribbean ship, and I actually loved my little cabin | Cruise.Blog

Cited text: Even better, I loved the opportunity to enjoy a quick escape aboard this brand-new vessel, which debuted in July 2024. Utopia of the Seas is the sixth...

Excerpt: Utopia of the Seas debuted in July 2024 and is the sixth Oasis Class ship, sailing exclusively on 3-night and 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral, Florida

https://cruise.blog/2025/03/i-paid-1500-4-nights-140-square-foot-room-utopia-of-the-seas

The Best Staterooms for Families on a Cruise Ship | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cited text: Inside cabins are more affordable and perfect for travelers who plan to spend minimal time in their rooms.

Excerpt: Interior cabins lack natural light and ocean views—features many guests find enhance the cruise experience, though they are more affordable and perfect for travellers who plan to spend minimal time in their rooms

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/the-best-rooms-for-families-on-a-cruise-ship

The Best Staterooms for Families on a Cruise Ship | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cited text: Outside cabins (which include oceanview and balcony rooms) let in natural light and often provide scenic views — features many guests find enhance the...

Excerpt: Interior cabins lack natural light and ocean views—features many guests find enhance the cruise experience, though they are more affordable and perfect for travellers who plan to spend minimal time in their rooms

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/the-best-rooms-for-families-on-a-cruise-ship

I paid $1,500 for 4 nights in a 140-square-foot room on a giant Royal Caribbean ship, and I actually loved my little cabin | Cruise.Blog

Cited text: With more than two people in an inside cabin, the lack of storage could become an issue. On the other hand, balcony staterooms have larger closets for...

Excerpt: With more than two people in an inside cabin, the lack of storage can become an issue, whereas balcony staterooms have larger closets for storage

https://cruise.blog/2025/03/i-paid-1500-4-nights-140-square-foot-room-utopia-of-the-seas

Royal Caribbean Interior Cabin Review and Comparison; Photos

Cited text: · I'll always prefer a balcony, but I don't usually mind staying in inside cabins on mega-ships, as there's so much to do, from ice skating to rock cl...

Excerpt: With activities ranging from ice skating to rock climbing, zip-lining, and mini-golf, there's so much to do that many passengers barely use their cabins except for sleeping

https://cruise.blog/2025/03/comparison-royal-caribbean-inside-rooms-symphony-wonder-best

Royal Caribbean Interior Cabin Review and Comparison; Photos

Cited text: Interior staterooms may not have the luxury of an ocean view or balcony, but with the variety of activities on Oasis Class ships, they're an affordabl...

Excerpt: Interior staterooms may not have the luxury of an ocean view or balcony, but with the variety of activities on Oasis Class ships, they're an affordable way to experience everything these engineering marvels offer without breaking the bank

https://cruise.blog/2025/03/comparison-royal-caribbean-inside-rooms-symphony-wonder-best

I paid $1,500 for 4 nights in a 140-square-foot room on a giant Royal Caribbean ship, and I actually loved my little cabin | Cruise.Blog

Cited text: With only two people, we had plenty of storage to unpack comfortably.

Excerpt: With only two people, there's plenty of storage to unpack comfortably, and the modern amenities like bedside charging ports and good lighting make the space functional

https://cruise.blog/2025/03/i-paid-1500-4-nights-140-square-foot-room-utopia-of-the-seas

I paid $1,500 for 4 nights in a 140-square-foot room on a giant Royal Caribbean ship, and I actually loved my little cabin | Cruise.Blog

Cited text: ... Because I was traveling with my husband, we configured our room with a king bed. Each side of the bed had a small nightstand with two shelves.

Excerpt: With only two people, there's plenty of storage to unpack comfortably, and the modern amenities like bedside charging ports and good lighting make the space functional

https://cruise.blog/2025/03/i-paid-1500-4-nights-140-square-foot-room-utopia-of-the-seas

A $12,000 Suite on Royal Caribbean's Utopia of the Seas Cruise | Royal Caribbean Blog

Cited text: The Ultimate Family Suite is a one-of-a-kind cabin on Utopia of the Seas that is massive and includes just about everything kids, their parents, and v...

Excerpt: the Ultimate Family Suite on the same ship offers a massive, multi-level accommodation that includes just about everything kids, their parents, and visiting friends could ever want in a room

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/...-on-royal-caribbean-utopia-of-the-seas-cruise

Sailing in the Ultimate Family Suite on Utopia of the Seas—Moms at Sea Blog

Cited text: For non peak time, we have been seen the UFS get booked for 6-15k per sailing.

Excerpt: These suites can cost between $6,000-$15,000 per sailing for 3-4 night cruises

https://momsatsea.com/moms-at-sea-b...-ultimate-family-suite-on-utopia-of-the-seas/

Sailing in the Ultimate Family Suite on Utopia of the Seas—Moms at Sea Blog

Cited text: Symphony sails 7 night sailings usually, so this is more expensive.

Excerpt: These suites can cost between $6,000-$15,000 per sailing for 3-4 night cruises

https://momsatsea.com/moms-at-sea-b...-ultimate-family-suite-on-utopia-of-the-seas/

Royal Caribbean cabins for 5 or more people | Royal Caribbean Blog

Cited text: Read more: Royal Caribbean will add new cruise ship cabin categories, including rear-facing and sunset balcony rooms · For families who want to stay a...

Excerpt: Family Oceanview staterooms (also called 'ultra spacious ocean view') which accommodate six people, require a minimum of five to book, range from 265 to 328 square feet, and feature a king bed plus additional bunk beds in a separate area…

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2024/04/02/royal-caribbean-cabins-5-or-more-people

The Best Staterooms for Families on a Cruise Ship | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cited text: Price differentials notwithstanding, the reality is that you aren't going to spend all — or even most — of your time in your room.

Excerpt: The reality is that you aren't going to spend all—or even most—of your time in your room

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/the-best-rooms-for-families-on-a-cruise-ship

Sailing in the Ultimate Family Suite on Utopia of the Seas—Moms at Sea Blog

Cited text: There is only ONE of these suites onboard, and it’s only on select ships: Symphony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Utopia of th...

Excerpt: The Ultimate Family Suite exists on only select ships: Symphony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas.

https://momsatsea.com/moms-at-sea-b...-ultimate-family-suite-on-utopia-of-the-seas/

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