Is an inside cabin OK or should you pay the extra money for a
window or balcony?
The answer depends on how much time you plan to spend in your
room, if you have claustrophobic tendencies and if you really need to
save those dollars.
Often, people book a balcony but hardly use it – it’s just nice to
know it’s there.
Personally, I think a balcony is an intrinsic part of the cruising
experience: to have your own open-air space overlooking the ocean,
feeling the breeze, enjoying an alfresco breakfast or a sunset drink, in
privacy.
A balcony is also wonderful when you want to watch the arrival into
a new port in the morning, because you don’t have to get dressed at
dawn and/or find a good vantage point on deck.
But these things are luxuries, not necessities, and you can achieve
close to the same experiences on a public outdoor deck.
The in-between option is an outside (or ocean view) cabin, which
means you don’t get a balcony but there is a window.
So, could you survive in a small room without a window?
Probably – if you’re only using your cabin to sleep and shower, and
you’re not fussed about creature comforts.
A good idea is to look for those labelled ‘large’ or ‘deluxe’ insides,
some of which are actually bigger than neighbouring balcony cabins.
Remember, there is always the risk that choosing an inside cabin
may ruin your holiday if you don’t like it, and you will kick yourself for
not upgrading,
Styles and sizes of inside cabins differ between ships, so you should
always look at the deck plans on the cruise line’s website or read
passengers’ reviews.
Some insides even have “secret” windows or portholes with an
obstructed view.
Others live up to a joke I heard by comedian Tom Drake on Oceania
Marina: “a tomb with a toilet”.
Best insides in Australia
Oosterdam: The most spacious (up to 233 square feet), plus you get
a free shoeshine service, Elemis toiletries, bath robes, massage
showerheads, fresh fruit and ice delivery.
Celebrity Solstice: 183 – 200 sq ft.
Carnival Spirit: 185 sq ft.
Best insides overseas
Allure/Oasis of the Seas: Interior-facing ‘Promenade’ staterooms
(194 sq ft) have bay windows overlooking the ship’s strip of shops
and cafés, so you can people-watch and enjoy the fun atmosphere.
Family insides are a generous 260 sq ft (no window) and
accommodate up to six people.
Norwegian Breakaway: NCL’s newest ship has family insides (129-
194 sq ft) near the kids’ area, with a convertible queen-size bed and
two pull-down beds.
Norwegian Epic: For solo travellers only, these ‘studios’ are less than
100 sq ft but have access to a communal living room for mingling with
other singles.
Disney Fantasy/Dream: These deluxe insides pioneered the ‘virtual
porthole’, which is an LCD screen showing a live video of the view
outside the ship, with the added touch of Disney characters floating
around the image. Other highlights include 1.5 bathrooms and iPod
docks.
