Thinking about your dream cruise but wondering if an inside cabin could help you stay within budget? With so many activities onboard and onshore, extra cash can turn a good cruise into an unforgettable adventure. Here’s where the inside cabin comes in—it can give you extra money for excursions and onboard activities.
At a lower cost of a balcony cabin or ocean view room, inside cabins offer a ton of savings. But you might be wondering: What about natural light? Won’t I miss the views? All common concerns for first-time cruisers. But inside cabins have surprising perks of their own, from pitch-black sleep to clever options that let you enjoy the journey without splurging on a view.
Ready to see why the humble inside cabin could be your ultimate ticket to cruising in style while keeping your budget intact?
What is an Inside Cabin on a Cruise Ship?
An inside cabin sits within the ship, typically without windows or ocean views. You get all the essentials—a bathroom, closet, desk, and storage space—without the scenery. But the lack of balconies or views makes them a lesser choice; thus, cruise lines sell them at reduced prices.
10 Reasons to Book an Inside Cabin on a Cruise
So, you’re excited about booking a cruise. But you keep returning to the question: should you go for an inside cabin because it’s the cheapest option? After all, there can be a whopping $300 to $400 difference in the cruise ticket price. But still, no windows, no ocean views—will it feel too closed in, or will you even notice? It’s a tough call.
Are inside cabins the worst rooms on a cruise ship? I’ve compiled ten reasons why an inside cabin can be an excellent choice for cruising. In fact, some seasoned cruisers only choose interior cabins for their unique benefits.
Maximize your budget for more adventures and onboard experiences
Booking an inside cabin frees up a chunk of your budget for exciting cruise adventures. Think immersive shore excursions, fine dining, or even a pampering spa day. Those 300 bucks can go a long way to upgrading the cruise experience.
For many cruisers, an interior cabin is the perfect way to balance savings with memorable experiences. “I always book the cheapest cabin on board and use the extra money for excursions. It makes every trip unforgettable,” one traveler shared.
For solo travelers, an inside cabin is a smart way to manage the solo supplement, making it more affordable to cruise alone. Some cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line, have inside solo cabins without paying a hefty supplement.
Here’s the deal: instead of paying for a view, you’ve got cash to enjoy the best moments on a cruise—whether that’s a snorkeling trip, a gourmet meal, or a show on deck. The money saved on your cabin stretches far, giving you more ways to enjoy your time at sea. Would you rather have a view or have it all?
Sleep like a baby in absolute darkness
You’ll discover an unexpected luxury in an inside cabin—total, blissful darkness. With no windows, these rooms create a cocoon-like sleep environment that blocks out all light, letting you sleep deeply, day or night. One traveler remarked, “The absolute darkness is amazing. I sleep so well without light creeping in.”
Imagine not waking up to early sunrays or city lights from port windows. You control your rest completely, enjoying a refreshing sleep at any hour. One cruiser said, “Inside cruise cabins make it easy to sleep whenever I want. It’s like my own personal sleep sanctuary. Even snoozing during the day is a breeze.”
For a cozy touch, pack a motion-sensor night light or LED candles to add a soft glow without disrupting the darkness. These quick, warm lighting options help orient you without breaking the cabin’s serene vibe—perfect for midnight trips to the bathroom.
If quality rest is on your agenda, the inside cabin’s pitch-black serenity might be just what you need.
Stay centered and seasick-free
Midship-inside cabins are ideal if you’re prone to seasickness. Think of a huge cruise ship like a lever with the pivot point in the center. Cruisers comment that they don’t experience rolling sensations like in other parts of the vessel. One cruiser told me, “I get seasick easily, so I always book an inside cabin. I barely feel the ship moving there.”
Think of the cabin as your stable hideaway amid the ocean’s sways. Without a view of the moving horizon, you’re less likely to feel those unsettling waves, giving you more confidence to enjoy your days at sea. Another traveler agreed, “A midship inside cabin is my safe zone. I never have to worry about feeling off.”
For added comfort, consider bringing motion sickness bands or ginger candies. These simple tricks, paired with the naturally balanced inside cabin, help keep queasiness at bay so you can fully enjoy the journey.
Privacy—your peaceful getaway
A unique feature of inside cruise ship cabins is extra privacy. With no balconies or windows, these rooms create a private escape where you can unwind without distractions. Imagine the shock I had once when I came out of the bathroom nude only to realize I’d left the balcony curtains open and another cruise ship was docked in port alongside.
A cruiser commented on a forum about the privacy inside cruise ship cabins offer: “I like having privacy—no neighbors to deal with or noise from the neighboring balconies.” Another traveler shared, “Inside cabins are my peaceful escape. Just me, my thoughts, and no one else around.” If you value solitude, an inside cabin may feel like your personal sanctuary.
An inside cabin can be the perfect setup for a peaceful getaway if you enjoy tranquility. To make it even cozier, attach some pictures in magnetic frames to the walls. Some cruisers suggest a small fan and potpourri to keep the air moving and fresh.
Small comforts go a long way, adding to the sense of homey privacy in your hidden getaway.
Keep cool and comfortable all cruise long
A surprising feature of inside cabins is their steady, comfortable temperature. Most modern cruise ships have excellent ventilation systems to ensure fresh air throughout. Without large windows or balcony doors, your cabin stays cool and cozy, shielded from the sun’s rays or chilly sea winds. I overheard one cruiser saying, “I love inside rooms because they stay cool and comfortable all the time.”
This feature is especially welcome after a warm day at port or an afternoon lounging by the pool. Another traveler said, “I can step into my cabin, and it’s like a cool oasis waiting for me.” There is no need to fiddle with the thermostat—your cabin effortlessly keeps the perfect balance.
For a touch of home on your cruise, consider packing a small fan or portable air purifier. These simple additions help to regulate airflow and make your cabin even more comfortable.
Perfect for port-intensive itineraries
Planning to hit every port with all the energy you’ve got? Not keen on shelling out for a room you’ll barely see? An inside cabin could be just the ticket to a cheaper cruise. A fellow passenger told me, “When we have multiple port stops, I barely use the room except for sleeping—an inside cabin is just right for that.”
Think about it: why pay for views you won’t be around to enjoy? Inside cabins give you the essentials at a price you can afford. And you’ll have even more cash to splash on a drinks package or extra excursions. Another cruiser commented, “On port-heavy itineraries, I’d rather spend the day exploring, lounging at the pool, and return to my room when it’s already dark outside.”
Pack light, kick back, and make your cabin your cozy hideaway between excursions. With an inside cabin, you get just what you need without the heavy price tag, so you’re free to focus on the fun.
Room for the whole family and stay on budget
Traveling with your kids? Inside cabins are a budget-friendly way to keep everyone close without breaking the bank. Cheaper cruise prices may allow you to afford two connecting cabins, so everyone has plenty of space. One parent shared, “With our whole family, two inside rooms were way cheaper than a suite. Perfect for us.”
Parents who splashed out on a balcony cabin with bunk beds because they couldn’t afford a minisuite told me how much they regretted it. They said, “We were so cramped, and the room was tiny. The kids were cranky the whole time, and we wished we’d book two interior cabins.”
So, if you’re traveling on a budget with the family, consider what one cruiser advised on a forum, “Having a separate room for the kids is a game-changer. Everybody gets peace to chill out and enjoy the cruise vacation.”
For many cruisers, inside cabins are the family-friendly option that leaves room in the budget for more memorable moments.
Availability of public spaces with views
Don’t worry about missing spectacular ocean views and sunsets. Remember, cruise ships have plenty of spots to enjoy breathtaking views without requiring a cabin upgrade. A seasoned traveler told me, “I can’t see the point paying of top dollar for a balcony when the ship is full of observation decks and cozy lounges.”
Another passenger commented, “Why be stuck in your room when you can watch the waves from a comfy chair on deck? I spend more time on the pool deck watching the ocean than sitting in my ocean view cabin.”
Soak up the scenery, feel the sea breeze, and snap those postcard-worthy photos all over the ship. With these public spaces, the view is yours whenever you want it—without the added cost.
Virtual view options—a balcony with benefits
Want to enjoy ocean views without splurging on a balcony cabin? If you book with Royal Caribbean Cruises, you can check out their cabins with virtual balconies. The virtual balcony is a floor-to-ceiling screen showing live footage from outside, giving you that open-sea vibe without the price tag.
One fellow cruiser told me about virtual balcony cabins, “I tried an inside room with a virtual balcony, and wow! It felt like I had a real sea view, minus the cost!” I was amazed to hear how they enjoy sunrise, sunset, and everything in between right from their cabin.
Another passenger told me, “The virtual balcony was so realistic, I forgot I was in a windowless cabin. Perfect for a budget-friendly upgrade!”
It’s the best of both worlds: the feel of a balcony without the splurge. So kick back, enjoy the “view,” and keep your wallet happy.
Not all interior cabins lack views
Believe it or not, not all interior rooms are entirely windowless. Some inside cabins on Royal Caribbean ships come with full views overlooking lively indoor promenades or bustling atriums. These special interior rooms provide an added sense of space and connection to the ship’s vibrant atmosphere.
However, reviews about cabins with promenade views are mixed. One cruiser told me, “I loved having an inside room that looked over the ship’s promenade—it felt like a mini city view.” On the other hand, another cruise shared, “Having people in the rooms directly across from me felt a little awkward. I had to keep the curtains closed for privacy.”
Because of these privacy concerns, promenade-view cabins sometimes make lists of cabins to avoid. Be sure to check out my article on the worst cabins to avoid booking—it could save your cruise experience!
Concerns About Booking an Inside Cabin on a Cruise
Inside cabins are popular as an affordable cruising option with many cruisers, but they come with a few trade-offs. Here are the three most common concerns.
Lack of natural light and windows
Without windows, inside cabins can feel dark and enclosed, especially if you’re used to waking with sunlight. A frequent cruiser commented, “It’s a strange feeling not knowing if it’s day or night. I missed the natural light. If I book an interior cabin again, I’ll definitely invest in a sunrise alarm clock.”
For travelers who crave sunshine, this can take some getting used to, especially if you plan to spend an extended time in your cabin.
No ocean or port views
One major downside of inside cabins is missing out on the ocean views many associate with cruising. One guest shared, “It felt odd not seeing the sea—I had to remind myself I was on a ship.”
If watching the horizon is part of your dream cruise, this might be too big of a compromise.
Reduced cruise experience
Some travelers feel that not having a view reduces the overall cruise experience. As one passenger noted, “I loved everything else, but I felt like I was missing something not seeing the ports as we arrived. It would have also been great to lie back and watch the ocean from my bed.” For some cruisers, the views and connection to the outside make the trip more memorable.
Who is an Inside Cabin on a Cruise for?
An inside cabin is perfect for budget-conscious travelers, light sleepers who enjoy complete darkness, and active cruisers who spend most of their time exploring the ship or on shore. It’s also ideal for families needing multiple rooms and solo travelers looking to save on a single supplement.
How to Enhance the Cruise Experience in a Cabin Room
Inside cabins save cash, but with a few clever tweaks, you won’t miss a thing. Here’s how to make your inside cabin experience feel just as rich as any ocean view room.
Make use of public spaces for scenic views
Decks, lounges, and observation points give you all the ocean views you could want. One cruiser said, “Why pay extra for a view? The whole ship has one, and it’s free to enjoy!”
Top cruise tip: Ask your cabin attendant where the quietest observation decks are. You can enjoy ocean views in peace.
Bring small comforts from home
Add cozy touches like LED candles, magnetic picture frames, a travel pillow, or a favorite scent. These small comforts turn your cabin into a homey escape after a day of exploring exotic ports.
Top cruise cabin hack: Bring magnetic hooks to maximize storage and keep your cabin organized, even in tight spaces.
Use the ship’s schedule to your advantage
With so much happening on board, you’ll hardly be in your cabin anyway. Follow the daily itinerary to catch shows, events, classes, and poolside time without ever missing your view. You can fill your day from morning till night without stepping foot in your cabin.
Top cruise tip: Highlight must-see events on your schedule in advance and book shows early so you don’t miss out on key events.
Opt for a virtual balcony (if available)
Thinking of booking a cruise with Royal Caribbean? If so, check out their interior cabins with balconies to satisfy your craving for ocean views.
My Thoughts on Booking an Inside Room
Inside cabins can be a fantastic choice if you know how to make the most of them. With a bit of planning—like using public spaces for views and adding personal touches—they’re comfortable, budget-friendly, and offer more than meets the eye.
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