I’ve been on over 25 cruises and I normally prefer balcony cabins. But guess what? On my next cruise, I’m switching things up and booking an inside cabin instead, here’s why. I’m also sharing my cruise carry-on packing list as a free printable below.
6 Reasons to Book an Inside Cabin on a Cruise
1. Back to Back Port Days
If I’m sailing on a busy itinerary with back-to-back port days and very few sea days, I will book an inside cabin to help keep my budget in check. Why spend more on a cabin with a view if I know I won’t be spending much time in it anyway?
All I need is a comfortable place to sleep, and an inside cabin is perfect for that. Not only will I save money, but I’ll also have more to spend on shore excursions.
So, if you know your next cruise has an itinerary with back-to-back port days, then I suggest booking an inside cabin to save money and use the money you saved on shore excursions instead!
2. No Kids
If I’m cruising without kids and traveling with just my husband, an inside cabin is comfortable for us. I personally think an inside cabin is just right for 2 people.
However, an inside cabin will quickly feel cramped and uncomfortable if I’m cruising with kids. If you are sleeping 3 or 4 people in a cabin, I recommend booking a balcony cabin. The added space and fresh air can make a big difference in your overall experience.
But if you’re traveling solo or as a couple, then an inside cabin is a comfortable option.
3. Sleep Well
As someone who has struggled with insomnia in the past, getting a good night’s sleep is incredibly important to me. That’s why when I’m cruising without kids and have a port intensive itinerary, I almost always choose an inside cabin.
The darkness and quietness of interior cabins allow me to sleep soundly throughout the night. When I’ve stayed in balcony cabins in the past, I’ve found that outside noise can be a major disruption to my sleep, especially when our ship is docked and my cabin is facing the port.
As someone who is sensitive to light, I’ve found that the total darkness of an inside cabin is ideal for helping me get the restful sleep I need.
The only thing is I find the ventilation in inside cabins can be poor. Unlike balcony cabins where I can open the door to increase airflow, inside cabins don’t offer that option. To solve this, I always bring a small fan with me to enhance the airflow inside the cabin. Check out my tips on how to sleep like a baby on a cruise.
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4. Expensive Cruise Ship
If you’re planning to book a cruise on the newest ships, you might be taken aback by the expensive cruise fare.
But there’s a little secret that many seasoned cruisers use to afford the more expensive cruise ships without spending a fortune: skip the balcony cabin and book the inside cabin on a new ship instead.
Believe it or not, the inside cabin price on a new ship is often the same or cheaper than the cost of a balcony cabin on an older cruise ship. By staying in the cheapest cabins, you will be able to afford cruising on expensive and more luxurious cruise ships.
5. It’s Cheaper
The main reason to book an inside cabin is the price. It’s definitely a lot cheaper to book an inside cabin versus a balcony cabin. You could save 50% by choosing an inside cabin over a balcony cabin!
If I want to stretch my dollars, I book an inside cabin. Not only is it incredibly budget-friendly, but it also allows me to go on more cruises in a year. Learn my money saving tips on when to book a cruise to get the best deal.
6. The Threat of Quarantine is Low
An inside cabin is a good option now that the threat of being quarantined in your cruise ship cabin is low. There was a time when I was hesitant to book inside cabins because I didn’t want to be quarantined.
The thought of being quarantined in a windowless cabin for weeks was a nightmare scenario for me. If I were to be quarantined I’d prefer to be in a bigger, balcony cabin where I can get fresh air.
But the good news is- with the pandemic behind us, the likelihood of being quarantined in your cabin is low. So why not take advantage of the cost savings and book an inside cabin?
I sometimes find myself torn between booking an inside cabin versus a balcony cabin. Here is when I splurge on a balcony cabin.
Get Your Free Cruise Carry-On Bag Packing List
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To help you with your cruise packing, I have packing advice and free packing lists for Caribbean Cruises, Alaska Cruises, Mexico Cruises, Mediterranean Cruises and even British Isle Cruises. Also check out my cruise toiletry bag and first aid kit packing list.
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