Booking an inside cabin on a cruise – everything you should know about the most affordable rooms

If you’re keen to try out a cruise but also want to cut back on costs, opting for an inside cabin might just be the solution. Located in the ship’s interior, inside cabins are rooms without windows or balconies. Apart from the view, they usually have all the facilities of other cabins including TVs and ensuite bathrooms. However, they do tend to be a bit more compact; around 150-180 square feet in size. 

Some modern cruise ships, like Royal Caribbean’s fleet, now feature ‘virtual balconies’ in the form of floor-to-ceiling screens that show real-time outside views. So if you’ve always wondered ‘Are inside cruise cabins worth it?’, we’ve got the answers. It really comes down to personal preference, with factors such as whether you’re likely to be out of your room most of the time, budget, and the lack of natural light all being points to consider. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of booking an inside cabin.

Inside cabins are small staterooms located in the centre of cruise ships and for this reason do not have any windows, balconies or natural light. 

Most cruise lines offer inside cabins, but exceptions are found with ultra-luxury brands such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises or Scenic Cruises, which have exclusively all-balcony ships. Some river cruise vessels also forgo inside cabins, instead providing all outside-facing accommodation due to their smaller size. 

For the most part, however, inside cabins are a standard feature across major cruise lines including P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.

Inside cabins give incredible value for holidaymakers who view their room first and foremost as a place to sleep. They’re ideal if you’re planning to spend time out exploring ports, enjoying the facilities and activities around the ship, or socialising in public areas like bars and cafes.

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They are significantly less expensive
Inside cabins guarantee huge savings, often costing between 30-50 percent less than ocean-view rooms. The money you save can be used on activities elsewhere on the ship like spa treatments, drinks or exciting excursions.

It’s also a great way of trying out a luxury cruise line like Cunard – which offers inside staterooms for £240 pp, while ocean-view rooms are from £800 pp, for example.

You probably won’t spend much time in your cabin anyway!
Chances are, your hands will be full getting stuck into all that lies beyond your cabin, and you’ll hardly spend any time in it at all.

You might get upgraded to a balcony room for free if the cruise is undersold
This is a major perk for cruisers in the know and happens more than you think.

Inside cabins are often the most stable if there are rough seas
If you’re somebody who suffers with seasickness, or are just nervous about feeling movement, inside cabins offer the most stability due to their central position.

Added benefits are sometimes available
It’s always worth checking if you’ll get any added bonuses thrown in when you’re booking. Staying in an inside cabin with Disney Cruise Line, for example, gives you “magic” portholes, where surprise Disney character visits are displayed on a porthole-shaped screen.

Total darkness when you sleep
Inside Cabins ensure excellent sleep quality, as the lack of natural night ensures complete darkness! The added stability helps with sleep, too…

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No natural light can feel claustrophobic
The main reason people are put off. The absence of natural light (and fresh air) can be challenging for many guests, particularly those prone to claustrophobia.

Have to walk some distance to access fresh air
No windows or balconies also mean going without direct access to fresh air. This can contribute to feelings of being hemmed in, particularly if you are on a deck that does not have outdoor access. Additionally, if you suffer from nausea, proximity to fresh air can be comforting, as is being able to see the horizon.

Smaller size
Though not always the case, inside cabins tend to be smaller than other room categories. The limited space can feel cramped during longer voyages.

Miss out on the views
For many, one of the great joys of cruise holidays is waking up to a new view each day and the thrill of looking out while sailing into new ports. Inside cabins mean you’ll have to head out onto public decks to see the view.

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So, are inside cruise cabins worth it?

Weighing up whether to go for an inside cabin is a sort of balancing act. Can you sacrifice having natural light if it means getting a superb deal? While for many it’s a non-negotiable, for others it’s no biggie.

Inside cabins undoubtedly provide great savings. If you’re planning to be out and about each day and won’t be in your cabin much, then it’s a great option to consider. Plus, you can spend what you save on other activities. 

An inside cabin is best suited for…

Inside cabins work really well for solo travellers and budget-conscious couples and families. First-time cruisers often choose these rooms to find out what a cruise holiday is like without breaking the bank – especially on shorter itineraries. They’re also perfect for port-intensive cruises where you’ll be spending minimal time in cabins, and instead be hopping from place to place.

Book your next cruise here. 

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