On average, a seven-day cruise in a standard cabin can cost anywhere from £500 to £2,000 per person, according to Southampton Cruise Centre. It’s why many passengers make cost-cutting decisions like smaller rooms or forgoing a costly drinks package. The most economical room options on board are usually the interior cabins, nestled in the heart of the ship, sans balcony or window.
Some vessels provide guests with a virtual window to simulate ocean views, and yet many people still avoid these economic spots. Despite not being a crowd favourite, one traveller took to Reddit to praise these snug quarters. A user by the handle ‘Redturtle29’ disclosed: “I’ve had people tell me when purchasing a room on a cruise holiday to get a balcony or something nice with a window, but I actually prefer the cheapest room possible.”
They elaborated: “The room usually is smaller and doesn’t have windows. I love it because I wake up in the morning to total darkness.”
This viewpoint wasn’t entirely solitary among cruise enthusiasts, as another voyager concurred: “We prefer the inside cabins as well. We spend very little time in our cabin on a cruise except for sleeping and using the bathroom.”
Travel expert The Points Guy notes that middle cabins have another advantage; midship cabins on lower decks are ideal for those prone to seasickness due to their stability and central access to amenities.
Yet, some travellers voiced a fondness for greeting the day with sunlight rather than complete obscurity.
One vacationer said: “Although I’ve sailed many times in interior cabins, I prefer being able to see out of the window at times and waking up to the sun naturally without a wake-up call.”
Another cruiser highlighted their preference and said: “My husband is also introverted. It’s nice for him to have the balcony so he can sit outside and read or watch a movie on his laptop by himself when he’s tired of people.”
Balcony cabins provide a private outdoor sanctuary, offering a tranquil retreat from the lively atmosphere of ship life for those who crave it.
Window cabins are ideal for guests looking to enjoy a view without breaking the bank. They offer a great compromise between affordability and features.
Travel experts, including the team at Wendy Perrin, occasionally advocate splashing out on a balcony cabin.
They said: “The bigger the ship, the more crowded the public spaces can be, so it’s nice to have a private slice of the outdoors to relax in from time to time. Breakfast on your veranda is a perfect vacation indulgence (and room service is typically free).”
With the sea stretching out before you, the views from a ship are often unbeatable, and even when docked, ships tend to maintain a distance from one another, ensuring pleasant vistas.
The travel expert added: “Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don’t feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it’s like having an additional room.”