Connecting staterooms (also known as adjoining rooms) are popular for large families and others traveling together on cruise vacations because they allow you to create a bigger space. You can keep the connecting door open or close and lock it for privacy. The people in your party can move between the rooms without going outside into the hallway. If you're traveling with kids, they can have their own sleeping area and restroom. Select these rooms in advance when you make your cruise booking because they often sell out quickly. Most cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival Cruise line, MSC, and Disney Cruise Line have an option to select connecting staterooms when searching for rooms.

Step One

Choose several different categories of cruise cabins. Some cruise lines only offer connecting staterooms in certain categories or on certain decks, and connectors often sell out quickly, so you increase your chance of getting them if you are flexible. For example, you may want interior connecting rooms, but those may be sold out, or the cruise line might only have connecting rooms with portholes and verandas, or balcony cabins.

Step Two

Call the cruise line and tell the agent you want connecting staterooms. State your category preference and other room types you will consider if your first choice is unavailable.

Step Three

Ask the agent to put a courtesy hold on a set of adjoining staterooms if you get a quote that sounds like it meets your needs. Cruise lines often let you hold rooms for several days without putting down a deposit. That locks in your price and room choice until you make a final decision.

Step Four

Visit the cruise ship's website, find the ship deck plan for the ship on which you are traveling and check the location of the connecting staterooms you placed on hold. Make sure there are no potential noise sources, like theaters or night clubs, above or below the rooms. Call back and ask the agent if connecting staterooms are available elsewhere on the ship if you spot possible problems. Check those alternatives and make a final decision.

Tips

If you are not traveling with another party, but have a large family, connecting cabin cabins might be cheaper than booking one large, high-capacity room. Ask the travel agent to compare large rooms and connectors in various categories when planning your trip.

Connecting cabins are often more convenient and private than a large family suite because you get two full bathrooms and two separate sleeping areas.