The most affordable accommodation type available on most cruise lines is usually the inside cabin. However, it may be not the right choice for everyone and times are certainly changing.
The inside room is a wise choice, here's why:
You’ll save money!
The most obvious benefit of an inside cabin is that it will save you money as they are the cheapest cabin option.
If your cruise is packed with activities or includes many port stops, an inside cabin is ideal as you only need it as a room, why pay extra!
Way more space
But the inside cabins on the newer ships certainly aren’t like they used to be, many have much bigger rooms. In addition, the standard indoor staterooms share the same amenities as the standard outside cabins.
The indoor rooms are also a good choice for passengers who suffer from seasickness as they won’t be able to see the sea!
All the major cruise lines have inside cabins of course, but bear in mind that they do differ from ship to ship. However, they are no longer the bottom-of-the-barrel of cabin choice as they once were.
🛳️ Pro Tip: Magnetic Hooks
I always bring magnetic hooks for my inside cabin. Since most cruise cabin walls are metal, these hooks are perfect for hanging hats, bags, and clothes. They really help keep the small space organised and clutter-free.
Top 12 larger cruise ships with the best inside cabins
1. Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
- Average Inside Cabin Size: 94 sq ft / 18 m² to 199 sq ft / 18.5 m²
- Bed Size: Royal King-size bed (convertible to two twin beds)
- Why a Good Choice: These unique cabins have windows facing the Royal Promenade or Central Park, providing a view of the ship’s lively indoor area. Plus their virtual balcony staterooms use cutting-edge technology so you get a view of the ocean in your room with real-time floor-to-ceiling displays.
2. Celebrity Silhouette (Celebrity Cruises)
- Average Inside Cabin Size: 183 sq ft / 17 m²
- Bed Size: Queen-size bed (convertible to two twin beds)
- Why a Good Choice: These stylish cabins have luxurious bedding and spacious bathrooms. There is an interactive flat-screen TVs and a big sitting area. The single inside stateroom is 103 sq ft with plenty of room for one.
3. Britannia (P&O Cruises)
- Average Inside Cabin Size: 170 sq ft / 15.8 m²
- Bed Size: King-size bed (convertible to two twin beds)
- Why a Good Choice: Britannia’s inside cabins are modern and practical, with tea and coffee making facilities, flat-screen TVs, and USB charging points. They’re great for families with a pullman bunk bed and travel cot to fit a family of 4.
4. Iona (P&O Cruises)
- Average Inside Cabin Size: 170 sq ft / 15.8 m²
- Bed Size: King-size bed (convertible to two twin beds)
- Why a Good Choice: Iona’s inside cabins are modern with plenty of storage and USB ports. There is a desk and chair too.
5. Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream (Disney Cruise Line)
- Average Inside Cabin Size: 169 sq ft / 15.7 m²
- Bed Size: Queen-size bed
- Why a Good Choice: Disney’s inside cabins are perfect for families, featuring a convertible sofa and a bath-and-a-half setup. The standard inside stateroom has a “Peer through the Magical Porthole”, which is a camera with a live video feed to an LCD disguised as a porthole!
6. Anthem of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
- Average Inside Cabin Size: 166 sq ft / 15.4 m²
- Bed Size: Royal King-size bed (convertible to two twin beds)
- Why a Good Choice: Anthem of the Seas offers innovative “Virtual Balcony” cabins with real-time views, making you feel connected to the sea even from the inside.
7. Ventura (P&O Cruises)
- Average Inside Cabin Size: 160 sq ft / 14.9 m²
- Bed Size: King-size bed (convertible to two twin beds)
- Why a Good Choice: Ventura’s inside cabins are family-friendly, with multiple power outlets and good storage. They also offer a very spacious single inside cabin at approx 130 sq ft.
8. Azura (P&O Cruises)
- Average Inside Cabin Size: 160 sq ft / 14.9 m²
- Bed Size: King-size bed (convertible to two twin beds)
- Why a Good Choice: Azura’s inside cabins are cozy and functional, with flat-screen TVs and tea/coffee facilities.
9. Queen Mary 2 (Cunard Line)
- Average Inside Cabin Size: 157 sq ft / 14.6 m²
- Bed Size: King-size bed (convertible to two twin beds)
- Why a Good Choice: You have the option to face into the Grand Lobby with a window. There is a desk and seating area.
10. Marella Explorer (Marella Cruises)
- Average Inside Cabin Size: 156 sq ft / 14.5 m²
- Bed Size: Queen-size bed (convertible to two twin beds)
- Why a Good Choice: These cabins are comfy with well-planned layouts and modern amenities. There is tea and coffee making facilities.
11. Queen Elizabeth (Cunard Line)
- Average Inside Cabin Size: 152 sq ft / 14.1 m²
- Bed Size: King-size bed (convertible to two twin beds)
- Why a Good Choice: These elegant cabins feature high-quality bedding and thoughtful touches like bathrobes and slippers.
12. Norwegian Star (Norwegian Cruise Line)
- Average Inside Cabin Size: 142 sq ft / 13.2 m²
- Bed Size: Queen-size bed (convertible to two twin beds)
- Why a Good Choice: Norwegian Star’s inside cabins balance comfort and affordability, featuring high-quality bedding and interactive TVs. They also have great solo inside cabins too.
Best inside cabins on smaller Ships and Yachts
Star Legend (Windstar Cruises)
- Average Size: 277 sq ft / 25.7 m²
- Bed Size: Queen-size bed (convertible to two twin beds)
- Why a Good Choice: Star Legend’s inside cabins are quite spacious and offer high-end amenities. While the ship’s suites may feature walk-in closets and marble bathrooms, the inside cabins typically provide ample storage and elegant, well-designed bathrooms.
Azamara Journey (Azamara Club Cruises)
- Average Size: 158 sq ft / 14.7 m²
- Bed Size: Queen-size bed (convertible to two twin beds)
- Why a Good Choice: Azamara Journey’s inside cabins are comfortable and well-appointed, with good storage and flat-screen TVs. You’ll get a bathrobe and slippers too!
🛳️ Pro Tip: Motion Sensor
Inside cabins can be pitch dark, making it tough to get around at night. I bring small, battery-operated motion sensor lights and place them around the cabin. They give off a soft glow when I get up at night, so I don’t disturb my cabin mates or stub my toe in the dark!
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7 responses
We always have an inside cabin as it is cheaper. My wife would love an outside cabin but we save money with the inside option.
In the last three years I’ve taken about ten cruises and apart from two have had an inside cabin.
Being a solo traveller I use my cabin for sleeping, showering etc., I prefer to be in the beautiful public areas at all other times.
I love the darkness so I don’t wake at the crack of dawn!
I normally travel with either Cunard or P&O and choose to have an inside cabin as it is less expensive. Even so I still have to pay mostly 100%.
Which I think is well over the top, just because my husband passed away.
Many thanks for the info on Inside Cabins. Very interesting and helpful.
Mostly book an inside cabin because of the dreaded single supplement. It’s the only way I can afford to cruise as I usually go alone.
I am also a single traveller but enjoy being able to go out in the fresh air of a balcony, being able to relax and watch tv (I do like my own company).
Yes I know it’s an arm and a leg but no way could I travel inside, makes me claustrophobic to even think about it.
On all my cruise holidays bar one on Princess to the Caribbean for my 60th birthday when my family got me a balcony cabin.
It was lovely but prefer an inside mid ship as it is quiet and the movement on bad sea days is not as bad.
That is just my opinion and i am sticking to it.
So roll on spring when I can pick my next adventure!