Why Inside Cabins on Cruise Ships Can Be a Great Choice

travel

2 Sept

When people talk about cruise cabins, inside cabins often get dismissed straight away. People usually see it as the “budget” choice – something you settle for rather than want. You might hear things like:

They’re too small
You’ll miss the view
It’ll feel claustrophobic
Why go on a cruise if you don’t have a balcony?

It’s a common reaction, and understandable. A balcony or ocean view sounds much more appealing at first glance. But I think it’s a shame to write off inside cabins so quickly.

Sure, you won’t have a balcony to sip coffee on in the morning, or a window to check the weather. They come with their own advantages that you won’t expect, and that seasoned cruisers actually prefer.

So why should you give an inside cabin a chance? Read on for the reasons why an inside cabin might just be the best value on the ship.

Some of the Reasons to Choose an Inside Cabin

The affordable price. Inside cabins are the most budget-friendly option on board, which means you get the cruise experience without stretching your wallet. The money you save can go toward excursions, specialty dining, or even extending your trip – things that often add more value to your overall experience than having a balcony.

You’re not missing out on essentials. Even at a lower cost, inside cabins still give you the core comforts you actually need: a proper bed, private bathroom, storage, and daily housekeeping. Plus, you have access to the same shipwide facilities as everyone else, so you’re not losing out on the essentials that make a cruise enjoyable.

You’ll likely spend more time outside anyway. Between time in ports, entertainment, meals, and the open decks, most travellers only use their cabin to sleep, shower, and reset. If you’d rather spend your time exploring the ship and destinations, an inside cabin makes perfect sense. You’re not paying extra for space you’ll barely use.

You don’t feel pressured to “use” your cabin to justify the price. With a balcony cabin, there’s often a sense of guilt if you don’t sit outside enough. Inside cabins remove that pressure. You’re free to enjoy the ship however you want.

They feel more private and quiet than you might expect. Inside cabins tucked into the ship’s interior, with doors facing inside the ship rather than overlooking busy walkways, tend to have less foot traffic. That means fewer people passing by, no balcony chatter, and no weather noise. Just a surprising sense of calm once you close the door.

The darkness makes for perfect sleep conditions. No windows means no sunlight sneaking in at dawn, or moonlight or reflections from outside at night. Inside cabins stay dark until you switch on the lights, making them ideal for deep, uninterrupted sleep.

Location flexibility and availability. With more inside cabins available than balcony cabins, you have better chances of securing a spot in your ideal location – mid-ship for stability, near the lifts for convenience, or close to the venues you’ll use most. Since balconies often sell out first, inside cabins also give you more booking flexibility if you’re reserving later.

Best for solo cruisers. Inside cabins are often the most practical choice for solo travellers. Since cruise lines usually charge a single supplement, choosing the most affordable cabin helps keep that extra cost from getting too high. It’s a way to enjoy the full cruise experience without paying balcony-level prices for just yourself.

It’s a low-commitment way to try cruising. If you’re not sure whether cruising is your thing, an inside cabin is the least risky way to test the waters. You still get all the same access to the ship’s dining, entertainment, and ports of call, but with a lower upfront investment. If you love it, you can always upgrade to a balcony next time.

While inside cabins aren’t for everyone, they have a charm and practicality that’s easy to overlook. What might seem like the “budget” option can turn out to be surprisingly comfortable, convenient, and even cosy.

If you’re planning your first cruise and want everything to go smoothly (because nobody wants to be the one scrambling for a missing boarding pass), take a look at my cruise preparation checklist. You might also find my cruise travel essentials guide helpful.

In the end, choosing a cabin comes down to what you value most. And sometimes, less really is enough.