Inside cabin or balcony cabin for your cruise

When you book a cruise, choosing between an inside cabin and a balcony cabin is one of the most important decisions, shaping both your budget and your experience. An inside cabin is affordable and practical if you don’t spend much time on board. A balcony cabin offers more luxury, but it is also considerably more expensive. Especially for beginners, the price difference can rise to more than double. Want to know which option suits you best? Read on for a clear comparison and practical tips.

Choosing your cabin is about more than just budget. Your itinerary, how much time you spend in the cabin and what you find comfortable all play a role. For many cruisers, the cabin is simply a place to sleep. Others use it as a private spot to relax and enjoy the view. Your first cruise can quickly become an unforgettable experience if you pick the right cabin that matches your travel style.

What is an inside cabin and when does it suit you

An inside cabin is the most compact and cheapest option on board. These cabins are often located centrally in the ship, without windows or natural light. Ventilation and fresh air come via air conditioning. The average size is between 15 and 17 square metres, including private bathroom. That may sound small, but inside cabins offer enough space to sleep and store your belongings.

The central location has its advantages. You experience less movement in rough seas. The ship’s motion is more limited in the middle, making it a quieter place to sleep. In addition, you have just as many facilities as in the more expensive options within the same category. The lack of natural light is the biggest drawback. Some travellers find that disorientating. You don’t know what time it is without checking your phone and you miss the morning light.

An inside cabin is ideal if you spend a lot of time outside the cabin. Think of cruises where the ship docks every day and you are away all day on excursions or sightseeing. The money you save can then be spent on experiences ashore. You are mainly looking for somewhere to sleep and don’t attach much value to a view. In that case this is a sensible choice.

What does a balcony cabin offer and when is it worth it

A balcony cabin offers more space and above all a private outdoor terrace. The average floor area is between 19 and 22 square metres, excluding the balcony. Through sliding doors you have direct access to a private space with sea view. Modern ships sometimes offer infinity verandas. In that case the balcony is completely open without a railing for maximum views.

The biggest advantage is the combination of comfort and privacy. In the morning you can enjoy the sunrise with a cup of coffee or in the evening quietly gaze at the starry sky. For many cruisers this feels like a luxury experience that completes the trip. Balcony cabins are often located on higher decks, which also gives a more spacious feel. On warm itineraries such as the Mediterranean a balcony is particularly attractive.

But there are also drawbacks. The price is often 50 to 100 percent higher than an inside cabin, depending on the itinerary and the cruise line. The partition walls between balconies are also often thin, so you can hear noise from neighbours. Some itineraries are cold or windy – think Norway or Alaska – and you will use your balcony less there. It often remains unused while you are still paying the surcharge. Some cabins have obstacles such as lifeboats in front of the balcony. These are cheaper, but the view is limited.

The price difference and what you get for it

An inside cabin for a short cruise costs a few hundred euros per person. A balcony cabin quickly costs double that or more, depending on the cruise line and itinerary. For a seven-day cruise, the difference can rise to 500 to 1,000 euros per person. That is a substantial amount, especially if you are travelling with several people.

What do you get for that money? Besides the extra space and the balcony, you are paying for the location on the ship. Balcony cabins are generally higher up and further away from the engine room, which makes them quieter. A location in the middle of the ship is more expensive than at the front or back, as there is less movement there. Higher decks also cost more, but you will usually have less noise from public areas.

For budget-conscious travellers the difference is often decisive. If you would rather spend the money on excursions, speciality restaurants on board or a longer trip, an inside cabin is a logical choice. If you choose a balcony cabin, it is wise to book early. Last-minute deals can be attractive, but the best balcony cabins are often already gone by then.

The location of your cabin also makes a difference

The position of your cabin on the ship affects your comfort just as much as the type of cabin. Cabins in the middle of the ship are more stable and experience less movement. That is pleasant if you are prone to seasickness. Cabins at the front or back move more, but sometimes offer a more spectacular view, especially at the stern.

Avoid cabins directly under public areas such as the pool deck or a theatre. Cabins next to lifts or stairwells can also be noisy. On the cruise line’s deck plans you can see where these facilities are located. Take the time to check this before you book.

For balcony cabins the same applies: check for obstacles. Some cabins have lifeboats or structures in front of the balcony that block the view. These are cheaper, but miss out on the benefits of an unobstructed view. If you are choosing specifically for the view, it is important to watch out for this.

Choose based on your travel style

The right choice depends on your travel habits and preferences. Are you someone who wakes up early and wants to be active all day? Then an inside cabin is enough. You only use the cabin to sleep and get ready for the day. The money you save can be invested in excursions or dining on board.

If you enjoy relaxing on board, reading on your own terrace or simply taking in the view, then a balcony cabin is worth the investment. Especially on routes with spectacular scenery, such as fjords or tropical islands, you get far more out of your cruise with a balcony. You don’t have to wait for a free spot on deck to enjoy the view.

For short cruises of three to five days an inside cabin is usually sufficient. For longer trips of a week or more, a balcony cabin can be more pleasant, because you spend more time on board. The climate also plays a role. On warm itineraries a balcony is much more attractive than in colder regions where you are unlikely to use it.

Tips for your first cruise

If you are booking a cruise for the first time, it is sensible not to go straight for the most expensive option. An inside cabin gives you a good idea of how a cruise works, without you having to spend a lot of money. After your first experience you will know better what you find important, and you can make a more informed choice on your next trip.

Always check the ship’s deck plan before you book. Many cruise lines offer virtual tours or 360-degree views of cabins, so you get a realistic idea of the space and layout. Also check which facilities are nearby. A cabin close to the restaurant or pool can be convenient, but also busier.

Consider an oceanview cabin as a compromise. These cabins have a window or porthole, which provides natural light without the high price of a balcony. For those who see the lack of daylight as a drawback but don’t need a balcony, this is a good middle ground.

Compare different cruise lines and offers. Prices can vary considerably, even for similar itineraries. If you book early, you have more choice and often better rates. Last-minute deals can sometimes be attractive, but you then have less influence over the location of your cabin.

Discover more about cruises

The choice between an inside cabin and a balcony cabin is a personal balance between budget and experience. Both options have their advantages, depending on what you are looking for in your cruise. On the Traveler Tips website you will find much more information about cruises, from what you need to arrange before departure to tips for on board and the most beautiful itineraries. Discover what is possible and plan your next trip with confidence.