Choosing between Croatia cruise cabin types can look more complicated than it really is. Lower deck, main deck or upper deck? Porthole, window or private balcony? And is paying more for a higher deck actually worth it?
Once someone has picked a date and route, cabin choice is usually the next decision. And it's a fair question, because on a ship with only a few dozen guests, where you sleep changes more than the view. It affects how cool your cabin stays on an August night, what you hear as you drift off, how many stairs you need to use and how much you notice the ship's movement when the sea picks up.
First, How Our Ships Are Laid Out
Most of our ships follow the same basic plan. At the bottom is the lower deck. Above it is the main deck, the one you step onto from the pier. Then comes the upper deck, and on top of everything the sun deck, with loungers, shade and, on most ships, a hot tub.
What surprises a lot of people is that the cabins aren't spread across all three levels below the sun deck. Almost every ship has cabins on the lower deck. The rest are either on the main deck or, on the newer ships, up on the upper deck with balconies, in which case the main deck is kept for the restaurant and lounge. So in reality you'll usually be choosing between two cabin types, not three. Each ship's page shows which ones it has.
| Cabin type | Location | View | Main advantage | Main trade-off | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower deck | Lower deck | Sealed porthole | Cooler, quieter, usually lowest price | Stairs and more engine noise underway | Light sleepers, hot summer travel, value |
| Main deck | Boarding level | Window | More daylight, easier access | More passing foot traffic | Guests avoiding stairs |
| Upper deck / balcony | Above main deck | Private balcony | Private outdoor space | Warmer and more movement | Travellers who value a balcony |
Lower Deck: The Cool, Quiet One
Lower deck cabins sit low in the hull, just above the waterline, and you reach them by a flight of stairs from the main deck. Instead of a window there's a porthole. It lets in daylight and gives you a view of the sea (a very close-up one), but it doesn't open.
It's usually the cheapest cabin on board, so people tend to assume it's the “worse” one. We'd disagree. Down here you're out of the direct sun and surrounded by water, which keeps these cabins noticeably cooler in the hottest weeks of summer. The restaurant, the bar and everybody's footsteps are a whole deck above you, so evenings are quiet. If you're a light sleeper, or you're travelling in July or August, this is the cabin we'd put you in.
The downsides are easy to list. There are stairs, and ships this size don't have lifts. You'll also hear the engine more down here while the ship is under way. That said, most of the sailing happens during the day, when you'll probably be up on deck anyway, and at night the ship is usually tied up in port.
Main Deck: No Stairs, a Real Window
On ships that have main deck cabins, you walk on board and you're practically at your door. No stairs to deal with, and instead of a porthole you get a proper window and a lot more daylight. That's why these cabins cost a bit more than the ones below, and why they're the obvious pick if stairs are a problem for you.
Being on the busiest deck has a flip side, though. The cabins run along corridors at the sides of the ship, so you'll hear people passing: crew going about their work, guests on their way back from dinner, and now and then something from the quay. It's footsteps and voices rather than noise through the walls, but if you sleep lightly, it's worth knowing before you book.
Upper Deck: Your Little Piece of Paradise
This is the cabin for anyone who pictures a morning coffee in their pyjamas while a Croatian island slowly slides past, or a glass of wine at sunset with nothing but the Adriatic Sea in front of them. There's something special about having your own little outdoor space, especially when you're sailing along one of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe.
Upper deck cabins bring a little extra luxury to the small-ship cruising experience. With their private balconies, plenty of natural light and beautiful views, they're perfect for guests who enjoy having a quiet corner of the ship all to themselves. Whether you're watching the coastline come to life in the morning, enjoying a peaceful afternoon with a book, or simply taking in the fresh sea air, your balcony quickly becomes one of your favourite places on board.
And the best part? Every day brings a different view. One morning you might wake up overlooking the charming waterfront of Hvar, and the next you're surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of another Croatian island. It's one of those little pleasures that makes a luxury small-ship cruise in Croatia feel so personal.
If a private balcony is high on your wish list, we'd recommend booking early. Upper deck cabins are among the most sought-after accommodations on board, and it's easy to understand why.
Which Cabin Types Are Available on Each Zantium Ship?
Not every Zantium ship has the same cabin configuration. Some offer lower- and main-deck cabins, while others add upper-deck VIP or balcony accommodation.
| Ship | Lower Deck | Main Deck | Upper Deck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adriatic Blue | ✓ | ✓ | VIP cabin |
| Alpha | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Antaris | ✓ | — | Balcony cabins |
| Azzurro | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Ban | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Diamond | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Suzana | ✓ | ✓ | VIP cabin |
The important point is that deck names don't always describe exactly the same product from one ship to another.
Antaris, for example, pairs lower-deck cabins with upper-deck balcony cabins and has no main-deck cabin category. Adriatic Blue and Suzana offer accommodation across all three levels, with VIP cabins on the upper deck. Alpha, Azzurro, Ban and Diamond use the more traditional lower- and main-deck arrangement.
So don't choose a cabin category in isolation. Choose the ship and cabin together. If private outdoor space matters to you, that immediately narrows your options. If you're primarily interested in avoiding stairs, a ship with main-deck accommodation may make more sense.
Each ship page shows its available cabin categories, so check the actual vessel for your departure before booking.
So, Which One Should You Book?
If you sleep lightly, run hot at night, or you're going in July or August, book the lower deck. It's the cabin people hesitate over most, but for a good night's sleep it's hard to beat. If you'd rather skip the stairs and wake up to daylight, go for the main deck. And if the balcony is a big part of why you're doing this trip in the first place, book the upper deck and accept that it'll run a little warmer and move a little more.
One last thing. If you're prone to seasickness, stay low. Motion is smallest near the bottom and middle of the ship, so a lower deck cabin, or a main deck one, is the safer bet. Our seasickness guide explains why, and what else helps.
What About the Price Difference?
Cabin type is one of the things that affects the price of a Croatia small-ship cruise. Lower-deck cabins are generally the most affordable option, while main-deck and balcony or VIP cabins command a premium depending on the ship and departure.
But the cabin price isn't the only number worth comparing. The time of year, ship, route and what is included in the fare can all change what you'll actually spend on the trip.
For a full breakdown of current fares, cabin supplements, what's included and the additional costs to budget for, see our Croatia Cruise Cost 2027 guide.
What Doesn't Change, Whichever Deck You Pick
Every cabin has its own shower and toilet, air conditioning, a safe for your passport and valuables, and a TV. Beds are double or twin depending on the cabin, so let us know which you prefer when you book.
And between us, you won't spend much time in there. On a small ship the days belong to the islands and the sun deck. The cabin is where you sleep, shower and change for dinner. Choose it for the way you sleep, not the way it looks in the brochure, and you'll have made the right call.
Have a look at our fleet to see which cabin types each ship has, or browse Croatia cruises to check availability by sailing date.
FAQ: Cabin Types on Our Ships
What's the difference between lower, main and upper deck cabins?
Mostly the view and the location. Lower deck cabins have a porthole that doesn't open and are the coolest and quietest on board. Main deck cabins have a window and no stairs to reach them. Upper deck cabins have a private balcony, but they get warmer in the sun and you feel more of the ship's motion up there.
Does every ship have all three cabin types?
No. Almost every ship has lower deck cabins. The others are on either the main deck or, on newer ships, the upper deck with balconies. Check the ship's page to see what's on offer.
Which cabin is best if I get seasick?
A lower deck cabin, or a main deck one. Motion is smallest low down and near the middle of the ship. Upper deck cabins move more in any swell.
Do lower deck cabins have windows?
They have portholes rather than windows. You get daylight and a view of the water, but the porthole is sealed and can't be opened.
Is a balcony cabin worth the extra money?
If private outdoor space matters to you, for a quiet coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening, yes. If what you want most is the coolest, quietest night's sleep, you'll probably be happier on the lower deck and can spend the difference ashore.
Which cabin is best for guests who have trouble with stairs?
A main deck cabin, if your ship has them. Lower deck cabins are down a flight of stairs, upper deck cabins are up one, and ships this size have no lift.
Do all cabins have air conditioning and a private bathroom?
Yes. Every cabin, on every deck, has air conditioning, its own shower and toilet, a safe and a TV. What changes from deck to deck is the view, the temperature and how much you hear, not the basics.