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Wondering whether to book an inside cabin or splurge on that balcony for your next sailing? You’re not alone! This decision can make a huge difference in both your cruise experience and your wallet.

I’ve sailed in both cabin types many times, and each has genuine pros and cons. Let’s break down everything you need about inside and balcony cabins to help you make the best choice for your next cruise adventure!

What Is an Inside Cabin?

Inside cabins are located in the ship’s interior with no windows or natural light. These cozy rooms are the most budget-friendly option on any cruise ship. The layout is compact but efficient, typically 120-170 square feet.

These cabins come with all the basics: a comfortable bed (often convertible between twins or queen), private bathroom with shower, TV, storage space, safe, hair dryer, and basic toiletries. While they’re smaller than other cabin categories, cruise lines have perfected the art of maximizing every inch of space.

Some cruise lines have added creative features to inside cabins. Royal Caribbean offers “virtual balconies” on some ships – large screens that display real-time ocean views. Disney Cruise Line features “magical portholes” that show live camera feeds with occasional Disney character cameos!

What Is a Balcony Cabin?

Balcony cabins (sometimes called veranda cabins) feature a private outdoor space with seating where you can enjoy fresh air and ocean views. These cabins are generally larger than inside cabins, typically 170-220 square feet, plus the additional outdoor space.

The main attraction is the balcony itself – your own private slice of the outdoors where you can sip coffee as the sun rises, enjoy a quiet drink as you sail into port, or simply watch the waves roll by. The floor-to-ceiling windows and the door to the balcony also flood the room with natural light.

Balcony cabins usually include all the standard amenities you would get with an inside cabin or an ocean view cabin (also known as a cabin with a window). You may get extra amenities if you get a mini suite. So don’t forget to pack those cruise essentials!

Inside Cabin Pros

1. Budget-Friendly

The most significant advantage of inside cabins is the price. They’re typically 50-100% cheaper than balcony cabins on the same sailing. This means more money for shore excursions, specialty dining, or even another cruise!

“I save thousands by booking inside cabins, which means I can cruise more often,” many experienced cruisers will tell you. An inside cabin makes perfect sense if you’re more focused on the destinations than your room.

2. Great for Active Cruisers

If you’re planning to be out and about most of the time – exploring ports, joining activities, or hanging by the pool – you might only use your cabin for sleeping and changing. Why pay for a view you’ll rarely see?

3. Better for Light Sleepers

The complete darkness of an inside cabin can be a huge plus for getting quality sleep. No sunrise streaming through curtains or lights from ports disturbing your rest. For this reason, many cruisers prefer inside cabins, saying they get the best sleep of their lives in that perfect pitch-black environment.

4. Location Options

Inside cabins are available throughout the ship, so you can often choose a location that minimizes walking, like midship cabins near elevators or stairways. This strategic placement can save you tons of steps each day.

Inside Cabin Cons

1. No Natural Light

The lack of windows means no natural light, which can disorient some cruisers. You might wake up without an idea whether it’s 6 AM or noon! “Don’t forget to pack an alarm clock for inside cabins,” seasoned cruisers recommend. “Without natural light, you’ll have no clue what time it is when you wake up in that pitch-black room.”

2. Space Limitations

Inside cabins are the smallest option on the ship. While they’re designed efficiently, the limited square footage can feel cramped, especially for longer cruises or sharing with more than one person.

3. Potential for Claustrophobia

Some cruisers find that inside cabins make them feel claustrophobic, especially during longer voyages. If you’re prone to feeling confined in small spaces, this is something to seriously consider.

4. No Private Outdoor Space

You’ll need to head to public areas whenever you want fresh air or ocean views. Finding a quiet spot with a good view on a busy ship during peak times can be challenging.

Balcony Cabin Pros

1. Private Outdoor Space

Your own slice of paradise! Having a private balcony means you can enjoy the sea breeze, watch sailaways, and take in scenic views without fighting crowds on the public decks. This extra space extends your living area considerably.

2. Natural Light and Fresh Air

The large glass doors flood your cabin with natural light, making it feel larger and more inviting. You can also control the temperature and airflow by opening your balcony door (a huge plus for fresh air lovers).

3. Perfect for Scenic Cruising

For itineraries with spectacular scenery, a balcony is absolutely worth it. I’ve found balcony cabins particularly valuable during Alaska cruises and Norwegian fjord sailings. Watching glaciers calve or sailing through narrow fjords from your private veranda is an unforgettable experience.

4. Enhanced Relaxation

There’s something magical about starting your day with coffee on your balcony or unwinding with a drink while watching the sunset. These quiet moments often become favorite memories from a cruise.

5. Motion Sickness Management

A balcony cabin can be a lifesaver if you’re prone to motion sickness. Having access to fresh air and being able to see the horizon (a key remedy for seasickness) from the comfort of your own cabin can make rough seas much more manageable.

Balcony Cabin Cons

1. Higher Cost

The biggest drawback is price – balcony cabins typically cost 50-100% more than inside cabins. This significant price difference could mean choosing between a balcony cabin, taking a longer cruise, or adding more ports.

2. Potentially Under-Utilized

If you’re planning to be very active onboard or in port, you might not spend enough time in your cabin to justify the extra cost. Many first-time balcony bookers are surprised by how little they actually use their veranda.

3. External Factors

The weather can limit balcony usage. Your beautiful balcony might go unused on chilly Alaskan cruises or during rainy days in the Caribbean. Noise can also be an issue, particularly if you have chatty neighbors or are located under a public deck.

4. Reduced Privacy in Port

When docked alongside other ships or in certain ports, your “private” balcony might suddenly feel very public, with other guests potentially looking right into your space.

Special Cabin Types to Consider

Infinite Verandas on Celebrity Edge Class Ships

Celebrity’s Edge-class ships feature innovative “Infinite Veranda” cabins – a hybrid between traditional balconies and interior space. Instead of a conventional separated balcony, these rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows where the top portion can be lowered at the touch of a button, instantly transforming part of your room into an open-air space.

When closed, you gain about 20% more interior space compared to traditional balcony cabins. These unique rooms offer the best of both worlds – fresh air when you want it and extra living space when you don’t.

Royal Caribbean’s Innovative Cabin Options

Royal Caribbean has been leading the way with creative cabin designs:

• Virtual Balcony Rooms: These interior cabins feature an 80-inch LED screen that displays real-time HD views from outside the ship. While not quite the same as a real balcony, they’re a fantastic upgrade from standard inside cabins.
• Interior Plus Rooms: Found on Icon of the Seas, these spacious inside cabins offer 157 square feet with significantly more storage space than traditional interiors.
• Neighborhood View Balconies: These balcony cabins face inward toward the ship’s Boardwalk, Central Park, or Surfside neighborhoods rather than the ocean. They provide the balcony experience at a lower price point and offer fantastic people-watching opportunities.
• “Hump” Balconies: Located where the ship begins to curve outward, these special cabins often feature extra-large balconies to accommodate the ship’s architecture. Check the deck plans to find these hidden gems!

Which Cabin Type Is Best For You?

Choose an Inside Cabin If:

• You’re on a tight budget and prefer to spend money on experiences rather than your room
• You plan to spend minimal time in your cabin – you’ll be exploring the ship or in port
• You’re a solid sleeper who values darkness for quality rest
• You’re taking a shorter cruise (2-5 days) where cabin time is limited
• You’re cruising mostly in urban ports where scenery from the ship isn’t the main attraction
• You want to cruise more frequently with the money you save
• You’re traveling solo and want to minimize the single supplement fee

“We always book inside cabins for our family cruises. The money we save pays for cool shore excursions that create amazing memories,” many savvy cruisers report.

Choose a Balcony Cabin If:

• You value private outdoor space and natural light
• You’re cruising scenic destinations like Alaska, Norwegian Fjords, or the Mediterranean
• You enjoy spending quiet time in your cabin reading, relaxing, or enjoying room service
• You’re prone to feeling claustrophobic or experiencing motion sickness
• You’re on a special occasion cruise, like a honeymoon or anniversary
• You’re taking a longer cruise (7+ days) where you’ll appreciate the extra space
• You’re traveling with family or more than two people in the cabin
• You want extra room to spread out and not feel cramped

I’ve never regretted splurging on a balcony for my Alaska cruises. Watching wildlife and glaciers from my own private viewing spot while sipping coffee made those sailings truly magical!

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Final Thoughts

There’s no universally “better” choice between inside and balcony cabins – it all depends on your priorities, budget, and travel style. Many experienced cruisers book different cabin types for different itineraries, splurging on balconies for scenic routes and saving with inside cabins for port-intensive trips.

The good news? No matter which cabin type you choose, you’ll have access to all the amazing amenities, dining options, and entertainment that make cruising a fantastic vacation choice!

What’s your preference – inside or balcony? Do you have a favorite cabin you’ve stayed in? Share your experiences in the comments below!