Believe it or not, a surprising number of people choose to book an inside cabin on Princess cruise ships. And I’m not just talking about budget-conscious travelers. Many cruisers love interior cabins because they offer experiences that ocean view and balcony cabins struggle to match—comfort, uninterrupted sleep, and a surprising sense of coziness.
Of course, many cruisers swear by balcony cabins and would never consider stepping on board without an ocean view. But based on my own experience and reading countless comments on cruise forums, inside cabins are the go-to choice for many passengers. For them, inside cabins aren’t a downgrade—they’re the smartest choice on the ship.
Skeptical? These reasons might just change your mind about staying in an inside cruise ship cabin, you may change your mind about your cabin choice when booking your next cruise. Here’s why savvy cruisers are skipping the balcony.
Save on the Cabin, Indulge in the Experience
Skip the balcony cabin, and suddenly, your cruise budget will stretch further than you can imagine. With hundreds of dollars more in your pocket, you can stretch to the all-inclusive Princess Premium Package, indulge in spa treatments, or book immersive shore excursions. You’re not sacrificing the cruise—you’re maximizing it.
Plenty of cruisers say they’d rather splurge on cruise experiences rather than square footage. Many Princess regulars share that choosing inside cabins lets them enjoy fine dining and extra excursions. Others say saving on the cabin lets them cruise Princess instead of settling for a cheaper cruise line like Carnival or Royal Caribbean.
Why pay for a view when you can feast on filet, sip handcrafted cocktails, and dive into epic shore days instead?
Discover more things I got right on my Princess cruise and what I’d do differently in the future.
Total Darkness = Total Bliss (The Sleep Is Unreal)
Are you a light sleeper? Pure blackout bliss in an inside cabin means no early sunlight sneaking through the curtains. As soon as the lights are off, you enjoy pitch blackness and the perfect sleep sanctuary—any time of day. Of course, not everyone enjoys the blackout, but for some, it’s a game-changer.
Many cruisers rave about windowless inside cabins on cruise forums. Travelers comment that “it’s the best sleep I’ve had in years.” Others are surprised at how easy it is to adjust, and packing a sunrise alarm clock avoids any morning confusion in the darkness.
If you value rest over a railing, this is the quiet luxury no one talks about.
Inside Cabins Make Perfect Sense On Port-Intensive Itineraries
Why pay for a balcony and never sit on it? Even sitting there for a couple of hours on a cruise doesn’t justify hundreds of dollars extra. If you’re off exploring ports of call, enjoying the ship’s amenities, or sipping cocktails until late, the cabin becomes a place just to shower and sleep.
Many Princess cruises in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Alaska have few sea days and are packed with excursions. Cruisers often comment on forums that they’re away all day, and the balcony is pointless. Also, they don’t miss out on views, as there are plenty of places onboard to enjoy beautiful scenery.
Who needs a balcony when the best views are from the top deck with a cocktail in hand or the Wake View Bar at golden hour?
What are some of the booking mistakes that could ruin your cruise on a Princess ship? Read my article to discover how to avoid rookie mistakes on Princess.
Enjoy Princess’s Signature Service—No Matter Your Cabin Type
Windowless cabin or suite—it doesn’t matter because you get the same Princess premium experience throughout the ship. Staff are just as attentive to cruisers in the cheapest staterooms as they are in the mini-suites. You’ll enjoy MedallionClass perks, OceanNow, and attention to detail. All-inclusive drink and dining packages with free WiFi are available for everyone.
Here’s what I’ve found: Princess service is never dependent on square footage. One cruiser shared that their cabin steward was “more attentive in an inside than we’ve had in a mini-suite on other cruise lines.”
For many savvy cruisers, they didn’t cheap out—they outsmarted the balcony crowd.
The Views You Crave Are Everywhere—Not Just Your Balcony
Love panoramic ocean views or glacier watching? You won’t miss a thing without a balcony. Princess ships have wraparound decks, glass-walled lounges, and SeaWalks with unbeatable views that a cramped balcony cannot offer. Why stare at the same patch of ocean when you can enjoy cocktails at the Wake View Bar or lounge in the Sanctuary?
Some cruisers shared online that the poor weather on their Alaska cruises meant it was too cold and damp to sit outside. One traveler shared how they spent little time on their balcony and more time at the Wake View bar, in awe of every sunset.
Remember, the best views aren’t outside your door—they’re all over the ship.
Sideways Inside Cabins Feel Roomier
The layout of cabins that run parallel to corridors gives you the feeling of more square footage. Cruisers describe them as having a more open design, better walking space, and a less “boxy” feel. Because typical inside cabins are compact, the extra legroom improves the cruise experience.
It’s important to note that the door opens into the main cabin area. Cruisers say that the extra room is great, but the sideways layout may not be ideal for three or four people sharing. But for a solo traveler or couple, they are perfect.
Cabins may be the same size on paper—but in person, it feels like a sneaky upgrade.
For Slow Travel and Mindful Cruising, Inside Is a Smart Choice
Inside cabins are popular with cruise ship passengers who prioritize reflection, mindful luxury, and minimalist space. After shutting the cabin door, you are free from distractions in a calm, serene environment that you can set up with soft lighting to enjoy meaningful moments. Or maybe you want an afternoon snooze in complete darkness to recharge.
One cruiser shared, “For me, an inside cabin is the perfect retreat to reflect and wind down without any distractions and noise from the next-door neighbor’s balcony.”
Ideal for New Itineraries, Grand Voyages, and First-Time Princess Guests
I read on some cruise forums that cruisers choose inside cabins as a low-commitment option when exploring new regions. It’s a way to “dip your toes” without diving into balcony prices. Some say they save money when cruising South America, Asia, or Scandinavia, and splurge on a mini-suite on an Alaska sailing where for some cruisers balconies are important.
One Princess guest shared online that they booked an inside cabin in Asia and saved for a suite to enjoy Glacier Bay on their following cruise.
I definitely rank Alaska cruises as one of the things Princess does best.
A Strategic Choice for Frequent Cruisers and Long Voyages
Frequent cruisers or those who enjoy longer voyages say an inside cabin makes perfect sense. They can do more, see more, and stay longer. For example, it can make it possible to extend a cruise and book a land stay in Alaska or Asia for a week or two before flying home.
One regular cruiser shared, “I’d rather take three or four cruises a year with an inside cabin than one with a balcony.” Another cruiser said that they could never have afforded the 31-day Alaska and North Pacific Crossing on Coral Princess if they’d had a balcony. The difference in price was around $4,000 per person.
Spend less on the room and more on the journey—now, that’s what I call a smart cruiser move.
A Quiet, Affordable Retreat for Solo Travelers
Let’s be real: cruising solo is amazing—but it ain’t always cheap. On Princess (and most other lines), sailing alone usually means paying the dreaded solo supplement—aka, almost double the fare just because you’re not sharing a room.
That’s why smart solo cruisers go for an inside cabin. You still get the signature Princess comfort, privacy, and peace and quiet—but without overpaying for a balcony you’ll barely use on a port-heavy itinerary.
As one guest put it: “The inside cabin gave me everything I needed—and saved me enough to book another cruise.” For solo travelers, it’s the ultimate no-frills, no-regrets move.
Two Inside Cabins Often Beat One Balcony for Families or Friends
Traveling with teens, adult kids, or close friends? Booking two inside cabins with a connecting door can be cheaper—and way more comfortable—than squeezing into one balcony room. Everyone gets their own bed, bathroom, and a bit of breathing room. Plus, no one has to climb over the pullout just to use the restroom at night.
One parent shared, “We booked two inside cabins for less than one balcony—and it saved our sanity.” Others say the extra privacy makes a big difference, especially on longer sailings.
More space, more sleep, and fewer arguments make it a win-win in any cabin category.
Save on the Cabin, Treat Yourself to Princess Plus or Premier
Why blow your budget on a balcony when you can upgrade your entire cruise experience instead? Booking an inside cabin leaves room for Princess Plus or Premier—enjoy unlimited drinks, casual and specialty dining, WiFi, fitness, and gratuities—all covered without stretching your wallet.
One cruiser shared, “We booked an inside cabin to add Princess Premier and didn’t worry about a thing the whole trip. We loved that we could skip the buffet chaos every day and indulge in specialty dining.” Others say the perks make every moment feel more indulgent, even if the cabin is modest.
Small room, big experience—that’s the Princess sweet spot.
However, it should be noted that Princess Plus or Premier packages are not suitable for everyone or for certain cruise types, and you can read more about it here.
You’ll Spend More Time Exploring The Ship Than in Your Room
Without the temptation of lounging on the balcony, there’s plenty of reason to explore the ship to the full. Inside cabins naturally push you to enjoy everything else—sunrise on the top deck, coffee at the Piazza, wine tastings, enrichment lectures, or just soaking in every port.
Several cruisers have commented that, with no balcony to lounge on, they ended up doing much more on board. Others found they were more social and made friends that they probably wouldn’t have done otherwise.
One cruiser admitted, “I spent too much time on the balcony and realized too late that I’d missed half the ship.”
Less lounging, more living—that’s the unexpected perk of going inside.
A Flexible Base for Upgrades and Last-Minute Adjustments
Booking an inside cabin doesn’t just save money—it gives you flexibility. Princess Cruises runs an official Princess Upgrade program where guests can bid for a better cabin after booking. Think balcony, oceanview, or even a mini-suite—often for way less than the regular price.
One savvy cruiser shared: “We booked an inside cabin to keep costs low, then bid for a mini-suite and got it for a fraction of the full fare. Total win.”
Why does this work? Inside cabins are the cheapest category, so your upgrade bid only needs to cover the gap. Plus, Princess wants to fill unsold higher-tier rooms—so you’re in a great position to score a deal.
But here’s the catch: you don’t get to pick your location. Many cruisers have been “upgraded” to cabins with obstructed views, more motion, or noise. So while bidding can save you big, it’s not always a step up in comfort.
The bottom line? Inside cabins give you a low-risk entry point—and the option to level up later if the right deal comes along.
The Onboard Entertainment and Enrichment Make the Room Less Important
Spending less time in a windowless cabin provides plenty of possibilities to enjoy Princess enrichment and entertainment options. From Discovery at Sea to live music in the Piazza, cooking classes, and Destination Ambassadors—there’s always a solid reason to leave your cabin.
A Princess guest shared on Cruise Critic, “We barely went back to the room except to shower, change for dinner, and sleep.” Another described their inside cabin as “the perfect reset between everything Princess had to offer.”
Your room is for recharging—everything worth doing is just outside the door.
A Great Way to “Cruise for the Cruise”
Cruising isn’t always about the view—it’s mainly about the vibe. Princess is a popular mainstream cruise line offering luxury experiences without the price tag of Seabourn or Silversea. So, why not maximize the onboard experience by enjoying white-glove service, elegant dining, live music, enrichment programs, and serene adults-only spaces?
Book an inside cabin—you’ll still get it all without blowing your budget on the room.
One cruiser put it best: “I cruise for the ship, the food, the atmosphere—not just to sit on a balcony staring at water.” Others say booking inside lets them enjoy luxury touches without compromise.
Remember, you didn’t come all this way to sit alone watching the ocean like it’s cable TV.
Less Chance of Suffering from Motion Sickness
Want to feel the least amount of movement at sea? Inside cabins are one of the smartest choices you can make. Located low and center, they feel the least movement, especially compared to high-deck balconies or forward-facing rooms. It’s the calmest spot on the ship when the waves get unpredictable.
Most cruisers agree that forward cabins on higher decks are prone to the most motion, which isn’t ideal if you get seasick easily. A regular Princess cruiser says that they always choose an inside cabin on Decks 8 to 10 as “it’s the only way I can cruise without popping Dramamine.”
Midship inside cabins stay chill—even when the ocean doesn’t. Why not check out my article on how to avoid the worst cruise ship cabins?
Less Space, Less Mess: Surprisingly Low-Maintenance
Here’s a thing I never realized until reading cruise forums: inside cabins aren’t just smaller—they’re simpler. This means fewer surfaces to clutter, less space to tidy, and no balcony to sweep or dry out. Basically, you spend less time maintaining the space and more time enjoying your cruise. It’s efficient, clean, and strangely calming.
Several cruise passengers echo the sentiment of one Princess guest, “I didn’t realize how little I missed the balcony until I didn’t have to clean up after it.” Others love how easy it is to unpack, settle in, and keep things tidy without much effort.
Of course, staying in a compact room means being super organized. Why not check out my article: The Top 29 Cabin Hacks to Maximize Space and Comfort?
Smaller footprint, smoother sailing—inside cabins keep cruising simple.
Why I Prefer Inside Cabins on Princess Cruise Ships
Over the years, I’ve realized that inside cabins are not a downgrade—they can be a savvy, flexible way to cruise longer, more often, and upgrade the entire experience. I now have more money to spend time on what really matters. And when I do want that balcony—Glacier Bay, the fjords, or a once-in-a-lifetime trip—I’ll have the savings to make it unforgettable.
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