Accommodations aboard modern cruise ships are efficient but comfortable, and even luxurious, depending on the cruise line and the location of the cabin on the ship. Generally, the higher above the water line, the more expensive a cabin will be. On most ships, this provides a better view and is closer to the public areas.

Typically, cabins amidship are more expensive than those forward or aft, because any roll or pitch is less pronounced. Inside cabins are usually less expensive than outside cabins as outside cabins have windows or portholes. Larger cabins are usually more expensive.