Adjoining Rooms vs. a Family Suite: Which is Better for Your Group Cruise?

You’ve chosen the perfect cruise for your multi-generational group, and now you’re facing the next big puzzle: where will everyone sleep? For large families, the two best options are booking multiple adjoining cabins or splurging on a large family suite. Each has significant benefits, and the right choice depends entirely on your group's specific needs, budget, and travel style.

The Solution: Breaking Down Your Cabin Options

Let's look at the pros and cons of each setup to help you decide which is the perfect fit for your crew.

Option 1: Booking Multiple Adjoining Cabins

Adjoining cabins are two (or more) separate staterooms with a connecting door between them. When you request the room steward to unlock this door, you create a larger, connected space.

Choose Adjoining Cabins If…

• You Need More Bathrooms: This is the #1 reason families choose this option. Two cabins means two bathrooms, which can be a lifesaver when trying to get a large group ready for dinner.
• Your Group is a Mix of Family Units: This setup is perfect for when grandparents want their own space, while a family of four takes the other room. It allows for separation and privacy.
• You Have Light Sleepers or Different Schedules: If some family members are early birds and others are night owls, separate cabins allow everyone to keep their own schedule without disturbing the rest of the group.
• Budget is a Key Factor: Booking two adjoining balcony cabins is very often more cost-effective than booking a single, large two-bedroom suite.

Option 2: Booking a Large Family Suite

A family suite is a single, large cabin that typically features multiple bedrooms, one or two bathrooms, and a shared central living room area with its own balcony.

Choose a Family Suite If…

• You Want a Central “Hub”: The shared living room is the perfect, dedicated space for the whole family to gather for games, conversations, or morning coffee without crowding into someone's bedroom.
• You Want Access to Suite-Level Perks: Suites often come with exclusive benefits, such as a dedicated concierge (a “Genie” on Royal Caribbean), priority boarding, and access to private restaurants, pools, and sundecks.
• You're Traveling with Many Young Children: It can be easier and more secure to have all the kids in one contained space with a shared living room rather than spread across multiple cabins.
• The “Wow” Factor is a Top Priority: There's no denying the impressive luxury and status of a large suite, which can be the perfect splurge for a major milestone celebration.

Of course, your cabin choice is often the biggest factor in your overall vacation cost. For more tips on this, read our guide on how to manage different budgets within one family cruise.

The Bottom Line

So, what's the verdict? For most large, multi-generational groups, booking two or three adjoining balcony cabins offers the best blend of value, privacy, and convenience (especially with the extra bathrooms!). However, for that truly special, once-in-a-lifetime celebration, the luxury and perks of a family suite are undeniable.

Now that you've decided on your cabins, you're ready for the next step. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Cruise Line for Your Large Family Group to continue your planning.