Choosing the right cabin for your cruise is a key step to a good vacation.
Over the years, I have seen and heard all sorts of things! However, cruise passengers are generally divided into two main factions: those who choose the inside cabin and those who choose the balcony cabin.
All the other cabins, such as the window ones, the studios, and the suites are only a minority on cruise ships.
The real question then is, do I choose an inside cabin or one with a balcony? The answer is not so simple, even if you think either one is right for you there are probably many things you have not considered!
The real size
In terms of size, we can say that balcony cabins are generally larger than inside cabins. However, the difference is not always as significant as you might expect.
I’ve analyzed the inside cabins of the main cruise lines and their average size is between 150 and 180 square feet (ca. 14-17 m²).
On the contrary, balcony cabins typically range from 180 to 200 square feet (ca. 17-19 m²), with a balcony of about 50 square feet (4.5 m²).
Therefore, the actual interior space of a balcony cabin is only slightly larger than an inside cabin. The real addition is provided by the balcony itself.
In addition, I’ve noticed that if you search deep enough, it’s possible to find inside cabins that are the same size as or even larger than some balcony cabins.
As you probably know, this size variability often depends on the specific ship and cruise line. If you book through websites usually the cabin size is clearly stated, otherwise remember to ask this question to an expert travel agent.
Remember that not all travel agents are experts; to find the best ones, remember to read the article on the 7 Travel Agents You Must Avoid When Booking a Cruise.
Are there substantial differences in amenities?
Apart from size, the other thing that should significantly influence your decision is the provided amenities.
Basic amenities are essentially identical: beds, storage space, a desk/vanity, a safe, a phone, a hairdryer, and a TV. Bathrooms typically include a shower, toilet, sink, and basic toiletries.
Below, I have compared the photos I took of the bathroom of the inside cabin and the balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean.
As you can see, they are exactly the same.
So the main difference is that balcony cabins have a private balcony or veranda, that allows you to enjoy fresh air and sea views from your own space.
Balconies can also have deck chairs and a table and can come with additional furniture, such as a pullout couch or a coffeemaker.
I personally think that these kinds of additional amenities are not enough to tip the scales one way or the other.
The only crucial thing is the balcony itself, which can definitely make a difference, especially during scenic cruises, such as those to Alaska or to the European fjords.
Other special amenities like bathtub, bidet, double sink, etc. can only be found in suites.
Beware of the price
We saw that there’s no huge difference in terms of size and amenities, but the disparity in terms of price can be quite significant.
Let’s start with an important point, inside cabins are the cheapest option available on cruise ships.
If you choose older ships, inside cabins tend to be even cheaper due to their smaller size; obviously, the price can also vary based on the season, with lower prices typically available during off-peak times.
In general, the cost of an inside cabin can range from around $600 to $900 per person for a seven-day cruise. It’s a very rough estimate, as you know, there are many factors that influence the price of a cruise.
On the contrary, balcony cabins can be quite expensive. According to my estimates, their average price ranges from $1,000 to $1,400 per person for a seven-day cruise, and they’re usually 40 to 60 percent more expensive than inside ones.
As I said before, cruises to scenic destinations often see a higher price for balcony cabins because of the value placed on the views.
The time of year also plays a big difference. For obvious reasons related to cold, wind, and rain, during cruises in the winter months balcony cabins tend to be cheaper than in the summer months.
Real-life example
To show you a real-life example, I did two booking simulations.
For the first one, a 7-day Caribbean cruise would have cost around $690 for an inside cabin and $1,070 for a balcony cabin, making the balcony cabin about 55% more expensive.
The second one, an Alaskan cruise, would have cost around $630 for an inside cabin and $1,200 for a balcony cabin, which is about 90% more expensive.
Pros/Cons and final verdict
Finally, let’s go over the pros and cons of both types of cabins. This way, you may better understand which one is best for you.
Inside cabins
As we have just seen, one of the most important pros of inside cabins is the price. They are much cheaper than other types of cabins.
Inside cabins can also offer better sleep quality. As explained in the article on how to sleep like a baby on a cruise, a room without balconies and windows may favor sleep because it is completely dark and less prone to outside noise.
A con, related to the previous point, is the lack of natural light during the day and the absence of fresh air. This could be quite important to consider, especially for claustrophobic people.
Balcony cabins
In contrast, the balcony cabin seems to have more pros on its side.
First of all, there is the presence of the balcony, an outdoor space that allows you to enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and allows you to see the landscape right from your room.
In addition, balcony cabins are usually a bit larger compared to the other ones and can offer some additional amenities (although not as many).
The main cons of these cabins is the price, which is much higher than an inside cabin.
Then there is the possibility of hearing more outside noise, although you could prevent this by choosing the right deck on the cruise ship.
Final verdict
So what is the final verdict? Which cabin is the best?
The reality is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, you have to evaluate it for yourselves!
To make the right choice, I recommend you evaluate your budget, cruise itinerary, and personal preferences.
If your budget is low, I suggest you don’t even consider the balcony cabin, especially if you do so at the expense of other aspects of the trip.
Consider that inside cabins are not always as bad as they are described. I have also found 7 reasons why an inside cabin is the best choice on a cruise.
Similarly, if you have a more substantial budget, and you will be taking a fairly long cruise on an itinerary with beautiful scenery, I would definitely recommend that you consider the balcony cabin.
If you still have trouble choosing, just look at the tips to find the best cabins on a cruise ship.
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