Should you book an inside cruise cabin? While inside cabins typically have a lower price tag, they do have drawbacks. Below, we will weigh the pros and cons of inside staterooms.
Inside Cabin: Pros
Cheaper
Staying in an inside cruise cabin has one main advantage: it’s cheaper. Compared to balcony cabins, inside cabins are much more affordable. You can save 50% by staying in an inside cabin versus a balcony cabin.
It’s an easy way to stretch your vacation dollars, especially for budget travelers. Staying in an inside cabin even allows cruisers to go on more cruises in one year.
Also, choosing an inside cabin makes it possible for budget travelers to sail on the newest, more expensive cruise ships, which would otherwise be out of reach. The cruise fares of newer ships are always more expensive. In fact, the price of an inside cabin on a new ship is often around the same price as a balcony cabin on an older cruise ship. By staying in the inside cabins, budget travelers can afford to cruise on the more expensive, newer cruise ships.
Sleep Better
A lot of people claim that they sleep much better in an inside cabin. This is because the complete darkness at night makes it hard to even tell the time! In an inside cabin, the lack of outside light helps people sleep soundly without any distractions. If you’re sensitive to light, an inside cabin is perfect because it provides total darkness for a great night’s sleep.
Quiet
It’s also more quiet when you stay in an inside cabin. You won’t be awakened in the morning by the noise when your ship docks because you simply won’t hear it. While those in balcony cabins will be awakened by the noise, passengers in inside cabins can sleep soundly, oblivious to the commotion outside at the cruise dock!
More Mid-Ship Cabins
One of the advantages of staying in an inside cabin is that you are most likely in a mid-ship location. Since there are typically more inside cabins mid-ship, you will enjoy the benefits of being in the middle of the ship, such as less rocking since you are in the most stable part of the ship. This central location is great for those who are prone to seasickness.
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Inside Cabins: Cons
Claustrophobic
One thing that is a deal breaker for some people thinking of staying in an inside cabin is that it is too claustrophobic. The lack of natural light makes it feel like a tiny box- too small and cramped compared to balcony and ocean view cabins. If you’re claustrophobic, this could be a big problem. In that case, it’s best to avoid staying in an inside cabin and stay in a balcony or ocean view cabin instead.
Too Dark
Staying in an inside cruise cabin comes with a major drawback – the lack of natural light. For some people, staying in an inside cabin is a problem because it’s too dark. The total darkness disorients them and throws their senses off. It’s common to not even know what time it is! That can be overwhelming for some people.
And, if you are cruising with kids, staying in an inside cabin can be a problem. It can be scary for some kids because it’s way too dark.
However, there are a few things you can do to make it better. Adding a night light can be an easy solution to brighten up your cabin and make it more comfortable for everyone. This is a great nightlight for inside cabins because its motion activated and it has a magnetic base so you can attach it to the walls. Bringing a small clock to help you keep track of time.
Too Crowded
One negative about staying in an inside cabin is that it can feel crowded, especially if you have a 3rd and 4th person in your cabin. Being inside with no windows or balcony just makes the cabin noticeably smaller and cramped. Add in the luggage and having to share one bathroom, it’s going to feel uncomfortably tight.
If you are four people in one cabin, I suggest booking two inside cabins instead. It will be more comfortable for everyone. Sometimes, the incremental cost is not that much more to book 2 cabins versus one. It’s definitely worth it to price it out.
Otherwise, there are simple cruise hacks to organize your cabin to make it feel less crowded. One easy way to do so is to put all your luggage under the bed; there is a large void under the bed that can fit your luggage. You can also stay organized by bringing magnetic hooks for hanging hats, cruise lanyards, goggles, swimsuits, and towels. Some cruisers like to bring over-the-door organizers to hold small items like sunblock, lotion, toys, chargers, and water bottles. By staying organized, you can make your inside cabin feel less crowded and more manageable.
Lack of Airflow
One problem with staying in an inside cabin is that it usually feels a little more stuffy than you want it to be. For some people not sensitive to airflow, this is not a problem. But for those of you who are sensitive to airflow, then the lack of airflow of inside cabins can be a deal breaker.
Personally, I find it difficult to sleep without enough airflow. You can increase the airflow in your cabin. You can do this by adjusting the thermostat. You can also call guest services to see if they crank up the air conditioner in your cabin. And you can also bring a portable fan with you for better air circulation. I like this small portable fan because you don’t need to worry about batteries, it’s USB rechargeable.
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