Inside or Outside Cabin Choice for Your Cruise

One of the decisions you make when you book a cruise is whether to have an inside or outside cabin. Of course, the outside cabins are generally preferred because they have a window to the outside world. Inside cabins typically have no windows and are more confining, but in contrast they also tend to cost less.

The decision to have an outside or inside cabin is a matter of cost and personal choice. If money is an issue, then an inside cabin is one way to save on your vacation dollar. And, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing.

Whether or not you have an inside or outside cabin, you will be receiving the same services offered all over the ship. Your room steward will still service your room, make up the beds and keep it clean. You will still be able to get room service. You will still have your own private bathroom facilities.

The differences in having an inside cabin are as follows:

• Inside cabins can sometimes be a bit smaller than outside ones, but not always. It is wise to study the deck plans and layout of the ship you are sailing on before choosing a cabin placement.
• Inside cabins tend to be located on the lower decks, but not always. Again, study the ship’s deck plans before making a cabin commitment.
• Inside cabins typically have no windows, portholes or balconies, but not always. New ships are being designed now that feature inside cabins overlooking an interior courtyard-some even have balconies overlooking the courtyard. The ship’s deck plans will tell you which ships have this new feature.

The one downside to having an interior cabin placement is the really the lack of a window. It can make your experience more pleasurable to be able to view the ocean waters through your cabin window as you cruise. And, having a window does not seem to be as confining. (If you suffer from claustrophobia, having a window in your cabin could be crucial.)

But when all is said and done, how much time are you going to spend in your cabin anyways? A cruise is not about sitting in your cabin all day, but in having fun by experiencing the activities, the various ports visited, the fantastic dining, and all the other exciting things a cruise ship has to offer.

The choice is up to you on whether or not an inside or outside cabin is that important. But if cost or even availability is a factor, you may want to choose an inside cabin before choosing not to cruise at all.