Cabin Upgrades: Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better

When you see the word upgrade, it’s easy to imagine something straight out of a glossy brochure; more space, better views, fancier perks. But on a cruise, a bigger cabin doesn’t always mean a better experience.

On our recent P&O Arvia sailing, I turned down the chance to upgrade to a Family Suite for less than £100 a head. Here’s why, and what you should check before accepting your own “bargain” upgrade offer.

🪄 The Myth of the Perfect Upgrade

Cruise lines know the word “suite” sells. It feels luxurious, like you’ll be sipping champagne in a robe while watching dolphins from your balcony.

But here’s the catch: upgrades are offered from whatever’s available at the time, not necessarily the best cabins in that category. In fact, think about it logically; the majority of the time, the best cabins in that category will have been booked in advance; so you’re left with the best of the rest.

You might move from a standard balcony to a suite… but end up in a location that makes you wish you’d stayed put.

📍 Cabin Location: The Dealbreaker

When I say location matters, I mean it. Kirsty and Phil know what they’re on about: Location, Location, Location.

Here are a few of my cruise cabin location tips:

🔊 What’s Above and Below You?

Deck plans are your friend. Cabins directly under the pool deck might hear 6am sunbed shuffling. Under the buffet? Hope you like the sound of chairs scraping.

We once spent the first week of a cruise repeatedly hearing the theatre drum rehearsals at 2pm (which is every young adult’s nap time) – yet another place to avoid.

🚪 What’s Next Door?

Adjoining cabins can be great for families, but thin connecting doors can mean less privacy. Crew service areas can also mean early morning noise.

🌊 What’s Outside Your Balcony?

On P&O’s Arvia, Deck 8 “balconies” in conservatory mini suites face directly onto the promenade - where joggers and hot tubbers pass by at all hours. Romantic sunset drink? More like waving at strangers while you sip. On a positive note, at least you can just throw a towel onto a sunbed in the morning without having to leave your cabin.

🛗 Where Are the Lifts?

Too close = noise. Especially if it’s also the lifts which might go to the gangways, as you’ll hear the troops gather early.

Too far = a trek with tired legs or toddlers. Aim for the Goldilocks zone: not too noisy, not too far, and just right for sneaking back when you’ve forgotten your suncream.

📏 Bigger Isn’t Always Better

On our cruise, the Family Suite we were offered was technically much bigger than our Deck 9 mini suite. But…

• 🌬️ It was right at the front of the ship (more movement in rough seas)
• 👀 The huge windows looked directly onto the promenade deck
• 🚶 It was a long walk from everything

Yes, we’d have had more square footage. But the things that actually make a cabin work for us - privacy, location, layout - would have been worse.

✅ When an Upgrade Is Worth It

• 📍 Same Deck, Better Layout: Moving from midship to aft or forward on the same deck can be worth it for a better view or more space.
• 🗺️ Long Itinerary Comfort: If you’ll be spending more sea days in your cabin (world cruise, transatlantic), the extra space might justify the trade-offs.
• 💷 Genuine Price Drop: If the cost difference is tiny and the location works, it can be a steal.

💡 Tip: Always ask exactly which cabin you’d be moving to before saying yes.

🧭 How to Avoid Upgrade Regret

• 📚 Learn to read deck plans like a pro.
• 📺 Watch YouTube cabin walk-throughs of your ship - you’ll spot quirks the brochure won’t tell you.
• 🎯 Remember: cruise lines want to fill higher categories, but they’re not checking if it’s the “best” version of that category.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Upgrades can be amazing, but only if the location, layout, and features suit your travel style. Bigger rooms are tempting, but space doesn’t make up for 24/7 foot traffic past your balcony or early-morning chair scraping above your head.

If you’re not sure, stick with the cabin you chose. There’s a reason you booked it in the first place.

Would you take the bigger cabin, or stick with the one you know? Tell me in the comments - I’m nosey!

📹 Watch next

My full P&O Arvia Cabins Review video, where I walk you through the mini suite we stayed in, my mum’s tiny single cabin, and the travel cot Tetris challenge we didn’t see coming: watch the video

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