You’ve probably scrolled right past them on the deck plan when booking a Royal Caribbean cruise—inside cabins. What could be tempting about four walls, a bed, a bathroom, a door, and complete darkness when the lights are off? Here’s the twist: booking an inside cabin on your next cruise could be one of your smartest cruise moves yet.
Without a doubt—Royal Caribbean cruise ships are floating playgrounds. You’ll enjoy full-scale Broadway shows, zip lines, rock climbing, surf simulators, and partying until the “wee hours.”
But after reading countless cruise forum comments and Reddit debates, a common theme keeps popping up—cruisers who booked a balcony cabin and barely sat outside.
So, what’s the deal? Is it worth splurging on a balcony cabin? Or would booking an inside cabin ruin the cruise experience? The answer might surprise you because one thing I’ve found out: interior doesn’t always mean inferior.
More Thrills, Less Frills in an Inside Cabin
Think you’re missing out on an immersive cruise experience by skipping the balcony? Not on Royal Caribbean ships. There are so many activities going on, you’ll have no trouble filling your sea days with fun. Whether it’s zip lining over the Boardwalk, catching an AquaTheater show, or learning surfing skills on FlowRider, you’ll never miss a balcony.
The beauty of booking an inside cabin is that you can shift your cruise budget to maximize the onboard experience. It’s a wise move the savviest cruisers make.
Countless comments on cruise forums say that a balcony is useless if you’re planning on enjoying a Royal Caribbean ship to its full potential. If you’re not here to lounge in silence, book like you mean it.
Eat the Upgrade: Put That Balcony Money Toward Specialty Dining
Are you really looking to upgrade your Royal Caribbean experience? For many cruisers, swapping a cramped balcony for specialty dining is the smartest choice. Instead of splurging $500 on a balcony upgrade, why not dine at Chops Grille, enjoy hibachi at Izumi, or attend an exclusive event at Chef’s Table with wine pairings?
Inside cabins free up room in your budget for cruise memories you’ll taste and never forget. And seasoned cruisers say that you’ll not regret it one little bit—or should that be bite? So, rather than prioritize square footage, many prefer to splurge on one of Royal Caribbean’s fabulous dining packages.
Royal Caribbean’s Experience Over Square Footage
Many cruisers book a Royal Caribbean ship for the fantastic onboard experience. With robot bartenders, ice shows, jazz lounges, and rooftop pools, Royal Caribbean ships are destinations in their own right. I agree with the sentiment of many cruisers, “The real luxury isn’t inside your stateroom—it’s everything just outside your door.”
If you’re booking a Royal Caribbean cruise for the onboard amenities, an inside cabin gives you all you need—a bed, shower, and private bathroom. Looking for square footage? You’ve got 18 decks of “Wow!” to choose from.
How Long Are You In the Cabin Anyway on Port-Intensive Itineraries?
Planning on exploring a port every day on your cruise? You may never have time to sit on the balcony! Island-hopping, early excursions, and beach days—by the time you stumble back to your cabin, it’s dark out, and you’re ready to crash. Cruisers on Southern or Eastern Caribbean itineraries say they barely see their cabin in daylight.
Sitting for a total of an hour or two on the balcony on a five to seven-night hardly seems worth the price hike. Instead, let your balcony budget fund a once-in-a-lifetime cruise adventure. After all, you can take in stunning ocean views from other places on the ship.
Further reading: The Best and Worst Ports of Call on Royal Caribbean Cruises (Ranked by Cruisers).
Smart Cruising Means More Vacations, Not Bigger Cabins
It’s smart math—booking an interior cabin lets you cruise more often. The cheapest staterooms on Royal Caribbean inside cabins can be $500 to $800 cheaper than a balcony cabin. It’s simply a no-brainer if you want to enjoy cruises more frequently. And let’s be honest—how often do you remember the room?
One couple shared, “We go on cruises three or four times a year by booking inside cabins. Otherwise, we’d be limited to just one.” Unless you’ve got the cash to splurge on a Royal Caribbean suite with concierge perks, bigger cabins don’t translate to better memories.
Further reading: Best and Worst Royal Caribbean Cabins (According to Reviews).
Inside Cabins Are the Ultimate Sea Caves (and Sleep Machines)
I get it: the complete darkness of inside cabins is a contentious issue. Many cruisers love the dark, quiet, cool, air-conditioned windowless cabin offers. Perfect for late risers, napping during the day, or deep sleep. In fact, many seasoned cruisers share that they’ve never slept so well as in an inside stateroom.
“The best rest I’ve had in years” is a common thread on cruise forums regarding windowless cabins. Of course, they’re not for everyone, especially if you have claustrophobia.
Smart cruisers suggest bringing a sunrise alarm clock to avoid disorientation in the morning. You can also get LED candles and fairy lights to improve the cabin’s ambiance.
Royal Caribbean’s Virtual Balcony Feels Surprisingly Real
No window? No worries, you can enjoy a virtual reality experience and beautiful ocean views. Virtual balconies on some Royal Caribbean ships turn your inside cabin into a sea-view stateroom—minus the price tag. It’s a floor-to-ceiling HD screen that streams real-time footage from outside the ship, complete with superimposed railings for a surprisingly authentic feel.
Cruisers often say it’s perfect for checking the weather, seeing if you’ve docked, or just feeling more connected to the sea. You can even switch it off when you want complete darkness for sleeping.
Not everyone’s sold—some view it as a novelty. But for many, it’s a clever middle ground between budget and view.
Families and Groups Save Money: Book Two Inside Cabins Instead of One for Plenty of Space
Booking two inside cabins is a win-win compared to a suite when traveling as a family or group. Two inside cabins often cost less than one balcony—plus, you get double the bathrooms and personal space. Perfect for comfort and budget, especially when traveling with teens or another couple.
Seasoned cruisers say it’s a no-brainer when more than two passengers share a space. Many cruisers comment that booking adjoining cabins with connecting doors makes the vacation more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone—without stretching the budget. One family shared on Reddit, “The kids had their space, we had ours. It was a perfect family cruise vacation!”
You Can Still Enjoy Ocean Views—Just Not From Bed
Think you need a balcony to enjoy the best views on a cruise ship? Think again! Staying in an inside cabin doesn’t mean missing out on the spectacular ocean views. In reality, Royal Caribbean ships are packed with public spaces that offer incredible views. From the Solarium to aft-facing lounges and poolside decks—you’ll find panoramic spots that beat any balcony.
Many cruisers say they prefer enjoying the view with a drink in hand or while walking along the open decks. Some even claim the views from the Viking Crown Lounge are better than what you’d see from a cabin. OK, it’s not from a private balcony, but you can still catch every sailaway, sunrise, and stunning horizon.
Going on a Short Cruise? Inside Cabins are Great
If you’re sailing for just two or three nights, there’s little reason to pay extra for a balcony. Port-intensive itineraries, sea day activities, and late-night shows mean you’ll barely be in your room. Most cruisers say short cruises are all about fun—not square footage.
Inside cabins let you save money while still enjoying everything Royal Caribbean offers. On weekend getaways to Nassau or Perfect Day at CocoCay, you’ll likely only use the room to sleep and shower.
It’s a smart pick for fast-paced trips. Skip the splurge and put those dollars toward drinks, dining, or excursions.
Perfect For Solo Cruisers on a Budget
Cruising solo? Inside cabins are the budget-friendly choice that still gives you your own space. On select Royal Caribbean ships, there are even studio inside staterooms specifically designed for solo travelers—no awkward single supplement required.
Many solo cruisers on forums say they’d rather spend on specialty dining, excursions, or WiFi than upgrade to a balcony cabin they’ll barely use. Plus, you’re rarely alone on Royal. You’ll be busy meeting people at trivia, in the lounges, or on a shore excursion.
If you want independence without overspending, an inside cabin is the sweet spot, especially if the limited solo cabins are already snapped up.
Inside Cabins Are the Quietest on the Ship
If you choose wisely, an inside cabin can be one of the most peaceful corners on a cruise ship. You’re away from noisy pool decks, noisy balconies, and high-traffic spaces. As with all choices on cabin location, just ensure it’s away from service areas, entertainment zones, and the buffet.
It seems the best advice for choosing the ideal cabin location is to check what’s above, below, and beside.
But one thing is sure: with an inside cabin, there are no slamming balcony doors or early morning sunlight to wake you. It’s just a dark, quiet space to fully recharge.
Some Interior Cabins Feel Roomier, More Spacious
Not all inside cabins on cruise ships are created equal, and some feel roomier than others. Look for cabins that run parallel to corridors. Many regular Royal Caribbean guests say that the unique design makes them feel roomier with more floor space and better flow.
Several comments mention that the sideways interior cabins are ideal for one or two guests. However, staterooms with up to four-person occupancy can feel more crowded than a typical interior cabin.
However, if you’re traveling as a couple and you value layout over ocean view, this is a great little trick worth remembering.
Suffer From Motion Sickness? An Inside Cabin is Your Answer
If you’re prone to motion sickness, an inside cabin—especially midship on a lower deck—is one of the most stable spots on the ship. You’re closer to the ship’s center of gravity, which means less rocking and swaying. Typically, inside cabins are not located at the very front or back of a cruise ship.
Central Park and Promenade View Inside Cabins Offer Energy Without the Price
Fancy some Royal Caribbean vibes without paying for an oceanview balcony? In that case, you can snag an internal balcony cabin with a view of the Promenade or Central Park. Here, you’ll soak up the Royal Caribbean vibe from the comfort of your stateroom.
From reading countless online forum comments, it seems that interior balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean ships are a bit of a gamble.
Some cruisers love the vibrant atmosphere, being able to people-watch, and enjoying the fresh air. However, others complain about the lack of privacy and that it cannot match a genuine balcony experience. For example, one couple shared, “We had to keep our curtains closed the entire cruise as we could see into the cabin directly opposite us.” It felt like paying a premium to stay in what was essentially still an inside cabin.”
Easy to Upgrade Later—Sometimes Cheaply with RoyalUp
One of the best-kept budget tricks? Book an inside cabin, then watch for a RoyalUp offer. Royal Caribbean’s bid-based upgrade system sometimes unlocks balcony or suite cabins at a fraction of the price. Some cruisers report scoring upgrades for under $200—in total!
It’s an easy way to roll the dice: stay on budget now and possibly sail in style later. Plenty of travelers say they’ve gotten balcony views they wouldn’t have paid for upfront.
That said, it’s not a guarantee. Some upgrades place you in noisy or less desirable spots, and you can’t always pick your exact room. If location matters, the “deal” might not feel so sweet.
Surprisingly Cozy and Private: Top $5 Hacks to Pimp Up Your Cabin
Inside cabins may be small and lack windows, but it doesn’t mean you can’t make them a cozy, homely getaway at sea. A few cheap cruise hacks can make them feel surprisingly comfortable. Here are a few ideas:
- Magnetic hooks to keep floor space clear and organize your cabin space
- LED candles or fairy lights to create a relaxing ambience
- An over-the-door organizer to keep essentials in their place
- Motion sensor lights to avoid bumping into furniture in the dark
- A sunrise alarm clock to help you awaken without getting disoriented
All of these cabin organization hacks are around $5 and can instantly improve your cruise experience without the hiked-up fare sticker price of a balcony cabin.
The best part? No one’s peeking in. It’s quiet, dark, and entirely yours. A little effort goes a long way in these private little hideaways.
Inside Cabins: The Smartest Cruise Hack on Royal Caribbean You’re Probably Overlooking
Seasoned cruisers know a secret many first-timers miss—inside cabins are one of the smartest plays on Royal Caribbean. They’re cheaper, quieter, and offer just enough comfort without distractions or a premium price tag. And with options like virtual balconies or solo studio layouts, they’re not nearly as basic as people assume.
If you’re booking your next cruise, don’t skip past the inside cabins too quickly. They might just be exactly what you need.
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