Cruising offers travelers unique options when it comes to accommodations, each suited to different preferences and budgets. For many cruisers, one of the biggest decisions is choosing their cruise cabin as each cabin type provides its own advantages. While inside cabins provide a cozy, budget-friendly option, many travelers wonder if upgrading to an oceanview cabin is worth the extra cost. Here, we’ll break down the pros and cons of inside vs. oceanview cabins to help you decide if upgrading is the right choice for you.

Inside vs. Oceanview Cabins: Is It Worth Upgrading?

What is an Inside Cabin?

Inside cabins, or interior rooms, are located in the interior of the ship and have no windows or natural light. These cabins are often the most budget-friendly option on a cruise and are a popular choice among first-time cruisers and those seeking a great deal.

Pros of Inside Cabins

Cost Savings: The most notable benefit of an inside cabin is its affordability. Inside cabins are typically the least expensive option, which allows travelers to allocate more of their budget toward excursions, specialty dining and drink packages, spa treatments, or other onboard activities.

Ideal for Sleeping: Since inside cabins have no windows, they provide a very dark environment, making them ideal for those who want to sleep in or take midday naps. Light-sensitive travelers often prefer this cabin type for uninterrupted sleep.

Quiet and Cozy Atmosphere: Inside cabins are often tucked away in the interior of the ship, providing a quieter environment away from deck noise, outdoor elements, and public areas. This helps to create a cozy atmosphere.

Cons of Inside Cabins

No Natural Light or Views: For many, one of the biggest drawbacks of an inside cabin is the lack of a window or porthole. Travelers often feel disconnected from the beauty of the ocean or have difficulty knowing what time of day it is.

Feeling Enclosed: If you’re prone to claustrophobia, the enclosed space of an inside cabin might feel a bit too tight. Without a view to look at, some people may find the cabin feels smaller than it actually is.

Less Space: Inside cabins are generally more compact, which can be limiting for travelers who spend a lot of time in their room or those with a lot of luggage.

Motion Sickness: If you are unsure how you will handle being at sea or you are prone to motion sickness, an inside cabin might not be the right fit for you. Without a fixed horizon to focus on, you might feel more disoriented and uncomfortable.

Who Should Book an Inside Cabin

While an inside cabin isn’t for everyone, there are certain travelers who might find it the perfect fit. The types of cruisers who might appreciate an inside cabin include:

• Budget-conscious travelers
• Light sleepers or midday nappers
• Those who don’t spend much time in their cabins
• Families booking an additional room for teens
• Those who prioritize taking multiple cruises a year

What is an Oceanview Cabin?

Oceanview cabins offer all the amenities of an inside cabin, but they also come with a porthole or window that provides a view of the ocean. Although they’re more expensive than inside cabins, oceanview cabins are still typically cheaper than balcony cabins, making them a middle ground between affordability and luxury.

Pros of Oceanview Cabins

Natural Light: One of the top benefits of an oceanview cabin is the natural light it provides, which makes the space feel more open and airy. This allows cruisers to better experience being at sea and feel more oriented to the time of day. It can also help to establish a more consistent daily routine and sleep schedule.

Enjoying the Scenery: Waking up to a view of the ocean is a major draw for many cruisers. An oceanview cabin allows you to enjoy beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and passing landscapes. Moreover, an oceanview cabin can provide stunning views when cruising itineraries like the Norwegian fjords, the Mediterranean, or Alaska. For itineraries with plenty of scenic cruising days, having a window to observe these wonders from the comfort of your room may well be worth the extra investment.

More Space: While inside and oceanview cabins are often similarly sized, the addition of a window can create an illusion of space, making the room feel larger and more open. Natural light contributes to a brighter, airier atmosphere, which can be especially refreshing if you plan on spending time in your cabin relaxing, reading, or working.

Added Comfort for Motion-Sensitive Travelers: Motion sensitivity and seasickness can sometimes be a concern for cruisers, especially on days when the ship hits choppier waters. While motion sickness varies from person to person, many people find that looking out a window helps ease nausea. An oceanview cabin can provide a fixed point to focus on during moments of discomfort, potentially offering relief that an inside cabin cannot provide.

Cons of Oceanview Cabins

Higher Cost: Oceanview cabins tend to be pricier than inside cabins, which can be a drawback for travelers looking for the lowest-cost option.

Partial or Obstructed Views: Given their location, certain oceanview cabins might have partially obstructed views due to lifeboats, metal beams, or other structural elements. Always check with the cruise line, your travel agent, or the deck plans if you want to confirm a clear view.

Still Not a Balcony: Although an oceanview cabin has a window, it doesn’t open. So, you still don’t have outdoor access like you would with a balcony. Some travelers may feel it’s worth spending a bit more to upgrade to a balcony, while others find just the window sufficient.

Who Should Book an Oceanview Cabin

Oceanview cabins provide a bit more luxury without the full cost of a balcony. Here are some types of travelers who might benefit most from booking an oceanview cabin:

• First-time cruisers
• Travelers with motion sensitivity
• Clautrobic guests
• Nature lovers
• Those sailing on longer itineraries

Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Ultimately, the choice between an inside cabin and an oceanview cabin comes down to your travel style, preferences, and budget. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler or someone who spends most of their time exploring the ship and shore excursions, an inside cabin offers a cozy, cost-effective option. For many, the combination of natural light, scenic views, and the added comfort of knowing what’s outside enhances their cruise experience enough to justify the extra cost of upgrading. An oceanview cabin provides slightly more luxury without splurging on a balcony.

Choosing a cabin is a personal decision though, and the perfect choice will vary for every traveler. Whichever option you go with, both inside and oceanview cabins allow you to experience all the same great dining, entertainment, and amenities that are waiting for you right outside your cabin door.

So, What About Oceanview vs. Balcony Cabins?

Once you’ve decided that having a window to the ocean is worth the upgrade, the next question often becomes: is it worth going a step further and opting for a balcony cabin? Balcony cabins offer an even more immersive experience, allowing cruisers to step outside and enjoy the fresh sea air. But with added luxury comes a higher price tag.

Pros of Balcony Cabins

Private and Personal Outdoor Space: The key difference between an oceanview and a balcony cabin is, of course, the access to private outdoor space. With a balcony cabin, you can enjoy the outdoors from the privacy of your own room without needing to go to a common deck. This can be particularly appealing if you value quiet mornings or evenings outside without other passengers around.

Enhanced Views and Fresh Air: For many cruisers, a balcony cabin is the ultimate way to enjoy being on a cruise. With a balcony, you can experience the ocean breeze, listen to the waves, and have a more panoramic view of the scenery. It’s a huge perk on scenic routes like Alaska as well where you can enjoy the vistas and scout wildlife without leaving your stateroom to head to an open-air deck.

Space and Comfort: Balcony cabins tend to be larger than oceanview cabins, with additional square footage to accommodate outdoor seating. This added space can make a balcony cabin feel more luxurious and comfortable, especially if you plan to spend a good amount of time in your room.

Cons of Balcony Cabins

The Price: The cost difference between an oceanview cabin and a balcony cabin varies by cruise line, season, and itinerary. Typically though, balcony cabins are priced higher due to their private outdoor space, additional square footage, and premium amenities. If you prefer to spend most of your time enjoying public areas of the ship, the additional cost of a balcony might not be as worthwhile.

Safety for Families: Balcony cabins, while offering beautiful views, may pose safety concerns for families with young children. The presence of a balcony requires constant supervision, as kids might be tempted to explore the open space, putting them in danger.

Limited Use on Certain Itineraries: On colder or less scenic routes, balcony space might not get much use. Travelers on these routes may find that they’re paying for a feature they don’t end up enjoying due to the weather outside.

Who Might Prefer Each Option?

• Oceanview Cabins: Great for cruisers who want a scenic view without paying for a balcony, especially if they’re on a budget or plan to spend minimal time in their cabin. It’s a good choice for first-time cruisers or those content with an ocean view without needing outdoor space.
• Balcony Cabins: Ideal for cruisers who prioritize a private outdoor experience and want to enjoy their time at sea without needing to venture to the public decks. Balcony cabins are particularly attractive for travelers on scenic cruises who want to enjoy the passing landscapes or who simply value a touch of luxury and more space.

So, once again, the decision between booking an oceanview or a balcony cabin comes down to a personal choice. Guests should consider the pros and cons of each cabin category carefully and decide what’s most important to them during their cruise vacation.

Of course, there’s always the option to upgrade even further to a suite!

If you need more help, we have a list of the best rooms on a cruise, some of the cruise cabins you should avoid, and even how to score cruise cabin upgrades.

You should also review your cruise line’s website or speak with your travel agent, as it’s usually not as cut and dry as booking either an inside, oceanview, or balcony cabin. On many cruise lines, these cabin categories often have many sub-categories, like interior rooms with virtual balconies, infinite balconies, and family accommodations, among others, complicating things a bit more.

Comments

When it comes to inside vs. oceanview cabins, which do you prefer? Or, do you usually opt to upgrade to a balcony or a suite? Drop us an anchor below to share your cabin preferences when cruising.