Should you book an interior stateroom?

When a client contacts me about a cruise, I always ask what type of stateroom they would like, and 99% of first-time cruisers always say ‘Balcony’. Yes, nothing is nicer than waking up and walking out onto your balcony to take in the views, but is it worth it? Read on to find out my top six reasons why booking an inside cabin for your next cruise holiday might be worth considering and under which circumstances they might not.

They offer great value for money.

Inside staterooms are generally located in the centre of the ship and will not have any windows to allow natural light in.  They have good lighting, and mirrors also help give the illusion of space.  Because of this, they are the best-priced stateroom available.

You have more money to spend on extras.

The money you save on booking an interior stateroom means you will have more to spend on extras like drinks, speciality dining restaurants, excursions and Wi-Fi, which can all add up.

You are never in your room.

If you are a person who is never in their room on a land-based holiday, an interior stateroom will be perfect.  Ships have so much to see and do onboard, so you will only spend a little time in your room.  Plus, interior staterooms give you the same access to food, pools and entertainment as everyone else, so you may be more inclined to make the most of them.

Many people who book interior staterooms tell me that it pushes them to participate in activities and explore the different areas of the ship, meaning they get to experience more of what the ship has to offer.

You will sleep like a baby.

One piece of feedback that I get from clients who book interior staterooms is that they have the best night’s sleep.  This is thanks to the cabin being in complete darkness – perfect if you are a light-sensitive sleeper. 

Some people will say this can also be a bad thing as it can be hard to know what time of day it is when you’re sleeping in an inside cabin, but being on holiday is all about losing track of time anyway, right?

You are cruising solo.

Unfortunately, solo travellers must pay a hefty supplement (anywhere from 50% to 100% extra) for their stateroom.  Certain cruise lines, such as P&O, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, have studio cabins on selected ships. Still, they are very limited in number and usually get booked up very early on.

If you are looking at a ship that does not have studio staterooms available, booking an inside stateroom is usually the most economical option for solo cruisers, plus you’ll have the benefit of having the extra room and storage space.

When you should not book an interior stateroom.

So as you can see, there are some real advantages to booking an interior stateroom for your next cruise.  However, there are some times when it’s probably not the best idea to book an inside stateroom for your cruise.

You Suffer From Claustrophobia

Interior staterooms tend to be small (around 150 – 160 square feet), so if you are claustrophobic, you will probably want a bit more space and some natural light if being in a dark room is a trigger point for you.

You Need Natural Light

I mentioned how some people find an interior stateroom great for sleeping in. However, the opposite can be said for others, as they need natural sunlight in the morning to start their day.  If this is you, an interior stateroom might not be your best choice.

There Is More Than Two Travelling

Everyone has their preference when it comes to personal space, so if you are travelling with more than two people, you may want to re-consider an interior stateroom as usually the additional beds will be of the Pullman variety (bunk beds that come out of the wall or ceiling) and will be directly above the main bed.

You Haven’t Found Your Sea Legs

Generally, experts recommend an interior stateroom if you suffer from motion sickness. They usually have reduced movement as they are lower down and away from the ship’s sides.  But a balcony stateroom might be better if you need fresh air to help alleviate your symptoms.

Conclusion

We’ve covered some great reasons why you should book an interior stateroom for your next cruise, but at the end of the day, it comes down to personal preferences and why you are going on the voyage to begin with.

All information is correct at the time this blog was written and is subject to change.

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Jay

Looking for a stress-free way to plan your next cruise holiday? Look no further! As a seasoned Travel Counsellor with almost fifteen years of experience in the travel industry, I have developed a deep passion for cruising and have become an expert in the industry’s ins and outs. Let me take the hassle out of planning your cruise and create a tailor-made holiday that is perfect for you.

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