Inside cabins on cruise ships are often criticized. Many people don’t like them and prefer to choose an outside cabin (ocean view or balcony).
In this article, I want to defend inside cabins by listing 7 reasons why, in some cases, they are the best choice on a cruise.
There are some aspects that I think you should consider carefully and which could change your mind about choosing a cabin for your next cruise!
1. You Can Save a Lot of Money
It is no mystery that inside cabins are the cheapest on cruise ships.
According to the data, the price of inside cabins is generally 60 percent lower than balcony cabins.
With the money you save, you can do so many other fun things.
You can treat yourself to spa massages, private tours in the cities you visit, dinners at special restaurants, and much more!
And I’ll tell you a secret: if you travel in the off-season, there is a good chance that if the ship is not full, they will upgrade you for free. It happened to me more than once with different cruise lines!
2. It Guarantees Better Sleep Quality
Not everyone thinks about it, but interior cabins are the best in terms of sleep quality.
Since they don’t have windows or balconies, there’s no outside noise to disturb you. Plus, without any natural light coming in, they’re perfect for anyone who prefers a pitch-dark room for sleeping.
It certainly won’t be a good thing for those who like natural light, but you still have to balance the pros and cons.
3. They Usually Have Better Locations
If you are not familiar with cruise ships, you should know that inside cabins are located in the middle of the ship.
Therefore, their location has quite a few advantages. First, it means shorter walks to the ship’s amenities like restaurants, theaters, and pools.
Second, being centrally located on the ship usually means less movement, which is ideal for those prone to seasickness.
4. It Encourages Exploration
Cruise ships are made to be explored, to experience all the different areas, and to socialize with other passengers.
An indoor cabin encourages you to get out and spend as much time as possible in all the ship’s public areas.
I must admit that I noticed this personally. The last time I was in a balcony cabin, I spent too much time in the cabin or on the balcony.
I’d often order breakfast in my cabin and spend the whole morning doing absolutely nothing. Then, by the time the cruise was over, I regretted not exploring the ship more. On the last day, I even realized there were areas I hadn’t seen at all.
On the contrary, when I stayed in an inside cabin (though it’s been a while), I spent way more time in the ship’s common areas and ended up meeting and making friends with a lot more people.
5. It’s Perfect for Shorter Cruises
Shorter cruises usually have busy itineraries. For this reason, you’ll likely spend little time in your cabin, and booking an inside one could be a smart choice.
Moreover, on shorter cruises, you will want to make the most of all the activities on the ship, so you will spend less time in the cabin.
I usually always recommend inside cabins for 3 or 4-night cruises.
6. Modern Inside Cabins Have Innovative Technologies
A good thing to consider before choosing an inside cabin is also how modern the ship is.
Modern cruise ships have more comfortable inside cabins thanks to technology.
For example, in the photo below, you can see an inside cabin with a virtual balcony—an awesome feature available on some Royal Caribbean ships.
These screens display a real-time view of the outside, so even though you’re in an inside cabin, it won’t feel like one at all.
7. It allows you to cruise more often
The biggest reason an inside cabin is the best choice? It lets you cruise more often!
If you love cruises as much as I do, you’ll want to go as often as possible.
Picking an inside cabin saves money, which means you can book your next cruise even sooner.
In fact, with the money I save by opting for an inside cabin, I can often take two cruises instead of just one in a balcony cabin.
At the end of the day, the only real difference is the lack of a window or balcony. From other points of view, the cabins are all very similar!
To conclude
I hope I’ve helped you with your choice and shown you that inside cabins aren’t always as bad as people think.
Sometimes, they’re even the best option; it all depends on what you’re looking for.
Of course, if you suffer from claustrophobia or don’t like enclosed spaces, an inside cabin might not be the best choice for you. But again, these are personal preferences that only you can know!
See you next time, and have a fantastic trip!
XO, Leo!
I have tried several of them but these are the most durable and sturdy.
Our very first cruise on Costa Classica in 1993 out of Miami was an inside cabin, and we had a great time. Best part was we travelled without our two girls, leaving them with Granny and Granddaddy. Yhe sleep in pitch black darkness was amazing. We never felt cramped. A great experience.