Which Cruise Stateroom is Right For You?

As someone who has been on a few Caribbean cruises, I have been asked a number of questions on the subject as the level of luxury and rigidness of the itinerary is something most backpackers would not normally go for.  One particular topic that comes up time and time again, for both backpackers and other would-be-cruisers alike, is in regards to the stateroom.  Specifically: How do I choose?
Choosing the right stateroom has two major criteria that should be kept in mind and rings true for most of the travel styles we may face: time and money.  Time you'll actually spend in the room and the amount of money it costs. (Photo "Cruise Ship" by hbrinkman)
Like a resort hotel, the stateroom is only as good as the amount of time you spend inside to enjoy it.  Unlike a resort, however, the amenities offered by the cruise ship are opened to all regardless of if you are in the cheapest stateroom or the most expensive luxury suite.  Sure, the suite may get more perks accompanying the room, but when everything is included on board except alcohol there may not be enough to sway people into a potential upgrade. 
The following are the things I look for when choosing my stateroom and have included extra tips for the first time cruiser who doesn't know their own personal style just yet.
Category Classes - Where to Stay?
Choosing a stateroom is as simple as picking the style of room and location on the ship that you would like to be in.   Room classes range from inside cabin which is nothing more than a bed, night stand, and bathroom, to ocean view, balcony, suite, and so on.  Each increasing category comes with increasing cost but also perks of more space and better views.  To maximize your choice, think about how many days at sea you have and whether or not you'd like to stay in your room for whatever reason: reading a book on a balcony, watching the sea go by in privacy, or even just to sleep.  Your decision will tell you a lot!
Those who are worried about being sea-sick should look for rooms located towards the center of the ship both on a specific deck and level.  Rooms located near the middle of the ship experience less overall rocking and help reduce the onset of seasickness for those without their sea legs.  We personally find being able to see the horizon to help when sea sickness comes on, so opting for an ocean view room may be worth it if you feel you may be sea sick and unable to reach a deck quickly enough.
Sea-Sickness Note:  With ships becoming larger and larger, the rocking felt by guests at any spot on the ship becomes deminished.  So if your next cruise is on one of the giant cruise liners you will have to worry a bit less than if the ship is a few years older. 
Upgrade Without the Price - Obstruced View
One of our favorite tricks we have discovered on our last cruise is the obstructed view rooms that most ships offer.  When thinking of an obstructed view, our first thought goes to rock concerts where you would have a pole located immediately infront of you and blocking the view of the action.
An obstructed view stateroom is kind of like this, although the analogy is a bit poor as the obstruction can vary depending on location in the ship.  Our personal favorite are the obstructed view rooms located at the front of the ship.  These 6-8 rooms per deck span the cross section of the ship and are often right behind a little-known patio on each level.   The rooms typically have a one way window and look out on the patio and horizon in the distance.
We do not stay in this room for the window, but for the quick access to a near private deck that is otherwise quite difficult to get to (in-fact, most people do not know they exist).  As a bonus, most cruise lines only charge interior stateroom prices for the "obstructed view" and we benefit by having a near private balcony as our reward.  The only thing we recommend is keeping your blinds closed at night as the one-way mirrors do not work so well when the stateroom light is on.
Sea-Sickness Note:  As these rooms are at the far front of the ship, you will be more proned to rocking while in the stateroom.  If you are susceptible to sea-sickness be sure to bring some medicine just in case.
Check for Free Upgrades!
The last point about choosing a cruise stateroom could be quite possibly the most important.  Cruise lines like to sail full, and with that their websites and 3rd party partners will offer near weekly promotions in order to ensure that no room goes out empty.  With that, sales and upgrades come all the time and the most common is a free stateroom upgrade!
While this upgrade could be as minimal as a free relocation to an upper level (which tend to cost more due to their location to activities), many offer a category upgrade or even on-board credit to be used on everything from souvenir purchases to alcohol.  As these promotions are given to anyone just for booking at the right time, not using them is like turning down free money and should be investigated by all cruisers regardless of room class you choose!
Past Guest Tip: If you've been on the cruise line before, be sure to check out the past passenger rates which could offer significant discounts that could be applied to upgrades or even more on board credit!
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By following these tips you will not only have the best stateroom for your style but could also save several hundred dollars in the process.  With a combo like that you might start getting addicted to cruising like us and head out to sea time and time again!