When planning a cruise, the temptation of a private balcony is easy to understand. Waking up to an ocean breeze. Watching the sail-in from bed, or the sailaway in privacy. It’s an appealing image and one cruise lines are happy to promote.
But for some savvy travelers, there’s a better option hiding in plain sight. The inside cabin.
While often overlooked in favor of oceanview or balcony staterooms, inside cabins offer one of the best value propositions on board a cruise ship. And for a growing number of cruisers, they’re not just a compromise. They’re the smart choice.
Inside Cabins Are Cheaper
Cruise fares are generally based on cabin type and location. That means if you’re willing to sleep without a window, you can usually cruise for hundreds of dollars less than someone staying on the other side of the hall.
That saving stretches your vacation budget. It can be used for shore excursions, speciality dining, spa treatments or a drinks package. Or, if you’re cruising simply to relax, it can be banked for your next sailing.
A quick search of current itineraries shows the price gap clearly. MSC Cruises offer this 7-night Northern Europe itinerary on MSC Euribia for a tempting $1,520 per person in a balcony cabin. But booking an inside cabin saves $400, or $800 if you’re traveling as a couple, enough to cover flights, excursions, or a pre-cruise hotel.
On premium lines, the savings can be even greater, although the most upmarket cruise lines tend to only offer balcony cabins.
The best part of booking an inside cabin? You’re getting the same core cruise experience. Same shows. Same food. Same ship. Same ports.
You Probably Won’t Miss The Window
A common assumption about inside cabins is that they feel claustrophobic. For some people, that’s true. But for others, especially those who don’t spend much time in their room, the absence of a window barely registers.
On port-intensive itineraries, it’s common to spend the entire day exploring ashore and most evenings enjoying shows, bars, or dinner with friends. By the time you return to your cabin, you’re only there to sleep.
The same is true for modern megaships. With so much on offer on board, from water parks and arcades to multi-screen cinemas and enrichment lectures, the cabin becomes little more than a place to shower and recharge. You’ll find yourself drawn to the action elsewhere.
And for those who like to sleep in? Inside cabins can be blissfully dark, creating ideal conditions for uninterrupted rest. That’s especially true on summer itineraries and midnight sun cruises. Light-sensitive travelers, night owls, and shift workers all say the same thing: they sleep better in total darkness.
Modern Touches In Inside Cabins
Cruise lines know that inside cabins aren’t everyone’s first pick. So many of them have added thoughtful features to improve the experience, or at least, try to.
Disney Cruise Line has “magic portholes” in some inside cabins on select ships. They’re essentially digital windows showing real-time ocean views, with a few animated surprises for good measure.
Royal Caribbean has taken the idea even further with virtual balconies. These floor-to-ceiling LED screens project live views from the outside of the ship. Cruise writer Emma Le Teace booked an itinerary just to try out this cabin grade and said that while it had its quirks, she “much preferred this cabin to a regular dark inside.”
Other lines have rethought the layout entirely. Virgin Voyages offers inside “Social Insider” cabins with clever configurations, including bunks that double as lounge seating during the day, perfect for groups of friends cruising together.
It’s a reminder that a room without a view doesn’t have to mean barebones.
Motion Matters
Here’s a practical perk that seasoned cruisers know well: inside cabins, especially those midship and on lower decks, tend to feel less of the ship’s movement. That makes them a great choice for travelers prone to seasickness or for itineraries that include open ocean crossings.
They are also a smart choice for northern lights cruises, which often take place during the winter months when seas can be rougher.
While balcony cabins are a popular option on these itineraries, there is no guarantee you will see the aurora from your own private space. The northern lights can appear in any direction, so your best bet is to head to the open decks for the widest possible view of the sky.
Of course, not all inside cabins are created equal. Cabins located far forward or aft may still feel movement in rough seas. But as a general rule, the more central your cabin, the steadier your ride.
If rough seas do hit, being able to see the horizon can help ease symptoms of motion sickness. That’s why, when booking an inside cabin, it’s wise to avoid those located at the very front or back of the ship, just in case conditions become unsettled.
Is An Inside Cabin Right For You?
If your cruise is more about the destination than the cabin, an inside stateroom could be the best decision you make. Travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship, joining shore excursions, or relaxing on deck will find little reason to pay more for a room they rarely use.
Inside cabins are also a smart option for solo travelers, especially on ships that offer purpose-built rooms without the usual single supplement. Couples cruising on a budget, families booking multiple cabins and repeat cruisers who prefer to cruise more often than more expensively are all well suited to this category.
Even loyal balcony guests might want to think twice. On shoulder-season sailings, chilly or unpredictable weather can limit time outdoors. And on shorter itineraries, you might be so busy with meals, shows, and port visits that your balcony becomes an afterthought.
Just one caveat. Because inside cabins tend to be the most affordable option, they are often the first to sell out. If one fits your travel style, it pays to book early.