I tried the best inside cruise ship cabin hacks to see how well they worked

Table Of Content

• Floatels can accommodate workers in remote destinations where hotels might not be an option.
• What are the best balcony cabins?
• Consider The Location
• Outside vs. Inside Cruise Cabins
• Good idea if you are worried about getting sea sick
• Inside vs. outside cabin: Which affordable cruise room is best for you?

If you're trying to decide which accommodations to choose, here's what you need to know to make the choice between a windowless inside room and a more spacious yet expensive balcony cabin. As mentioned above, special consideration should be paid on itineraries where more than the ocean or sea is on display. On a roundtrip Caribbean cruise or a transatlantic crossing, for example, the side of the ship you are on doesn't really matter. However, one-way sailings such as a southbound Alaska cruise or a trip from Barcelona to Rome means that scenery is, in fact, one of the biggest reasons to sail. Plan ahead before booking your cabin to see on which side of the ship you'll want your balcony room.

Floatels can accommodate workers in remote destinations where hotels might not be an option.

Some rooms will also have a small sofa that may be a pullout bed to accommodate additional guests. Family rooms are often suites that feature a separate kids' room (or sectioned-off area) plus an area for a parent of parents. The spaces for kids can range from a small alcove with bunk beds to an entire adjoining cabin.

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What are the best balcony cabins?

These tend to be a little more expensive than the basic cabin in the same class but come with perks that can enhance your vacation. That’s not the case in modern cruising, even if you stay in a much less-expensive interior room. Even though you pay less, you still get full access to the ship and the same level of service as someone in a pricier room.

Consider The Location

And like many hotels, cruise lines sell a dizzying array of cruise cabin types, often without little to distinguish them from one another without an untrained eye. Some cruise lines offer 20 or more room types per ship, which can complicate your decision even more. On some ships, you'll find the square footage of exterior cabins to be slightly larger than inside cabins, with cozy seating areas.

Close the door, turn out the lights and it’s just as dark at noon as it is at midnight. It’s a smart idea to bring a small nightlight with you just in case to help you see for those middle-of-the-night trips to the bathroom. You may also find interior rooms with virtual balconies -- floor-to-ceiling LED screens that display live footage from outside the ship, creating the sensation that you're looking out a window.

And you won't have access to fresh air as you would in a balcony cabin. Sometimes a cruise line will reach out to booked passengers and offer them a low-cost upgrade or the option to bid on a cabin upgrade. While not free, these offers could get you a nicer room at a discount. Cruise cabin upgrades are rarely guaranteed, but you have a few ways to chase one. Beyond the aforementioned guarantee booking, you can look for booking promotions or loyalty program perks that allow you to pay for one category of cabin and get upgraded to the next.

If you prefer easy access to sea breezes and a private outdoor sitting space, you'll need to pay more for a cabin with a balcony. If you have more flexibility in your budget, consider what’s important to you in accommodation. If you plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin, you might value a balcony or a spacious room more. Families might look for cabins with connecting doors or extra bed options.

In addition to the typical two chairs and a small table for drinks, you'll also find a red hammock where you can sit and swing the afternoon away. Deluxe Ocean View staterooms sleep up to five and come with an extra half-bath. A guarantee cabin is a room with a low rate that is a specific cabin type (inside, outside, etc.). If you luck out, you could get assigned to a higher-category cabin, like scoring a balcony for a standard outside cabin price. Sunworshippers might prefer an upper-deck location close to the pools and sun decks, while partiers might want easy access to midship entertainment hubs.

He wouldn’t disclose the cost to rent one of Bridgemans’ floatels.

Family suites might include additional bedrooms with bunk beds for kids; Royal Caribbean's Ultimate Family Suite is a wonderland of slides, climbing walls, video games and comfy kid seating. It's also a duplex with bedrooms upstairs and living areas downstairs. What Cruise Ship Butlers Will Do for YouSplurging on your next cruise? 10 Best Cruise Ship SuitesComplimentary Champagne and canapes, please. Live the high life in one of our 10 favorite cruise ship suites. Tips on Booking a Cruise Room for the Whole FamilyFour people in one cabin?

When it comes to noise, the best bet is to select a cabin that is both above and below other cabins instead of public spaces. Check out the deck plans of your cruise to see where service areas are located; bar, theater, and nightclub locations; and self-service launderettes (all can be noisy at various times throughout the day). Staying in an inside cabin on a cruise ship means you're probably saving lots of money compared to a balcony cabin (or suite), but it also means a lot less living space than usual. If budget matters above all else, an interior cabin is a wise choice.

Another item to remember for any cabin is a non surge protected power bar with extra outlets and USBs. I’ve yet to try this, however cruise passengers report that they love them. If you think you might miss those glorious ocean sounds, bring a small white noise machine that mimics the sounds of the sea. Bring a pop up mesh hamper or to store dirty laundry and keep inside cabins organized and clutter free. Small magnetic clips can be perfect  to keep important papers organized. Things like excursion tickets, invitations to ship events, daily planners and more can all be kept in their place with these small magnet clips.

On shorter cruises, I find the interior cabin to be a great option as it gets you on the ship for less money. And with those trips, the smaller size and lack of windows is no big deal. Absolutely, but for a few days — when so much time is spent outside the room — I’d much rather save the money. Complaints vary but largely hone in on the cabins' small size (128 square feet), awkward layout (including poor TV positioning) and in-cabin noise from the bathroom. Another reviewer griped that, despite being billed as family-friendly, the cabin wasn't large enough to fit in a cot for a baby on a recent sailing.

The Disney cabins are particularly fun, as Disney characters sometimes make cameo appearances in the magical portholes. Royal Caribbean, Cunard and Holland America are among other lines that have been adding solo cabins to some ships — many of them inside cabins. By offering you little more than a small, dark place to rest your head at night, inside cabins can be just the impetus you need to make the most of your cruise vacation. Here are six reasons you might want to seriously consider the least expensive inside cabins on any cruise ship.

But that doesn't mean there aren't at least a few tricks for maximizing the space. Regular power strips aren’t allowed on cruise ships, and can be confiscated. As soon as you get into your cabin on boarding day, simply as your cabin attendant to bring you additional hangers. Here are some favorite cruise cabin hacks that are especially useful for those cruising in inside cabins. One of the best ways to make an inside cabin work for you and feel more spacious, is to keep your cabin organized.

Everything to Know About Interior Cruise Cabins Read Before Booking

Table Of Content

• THE ULTIMATE FAMILY SUITES
• Prefabricated cruise ship cabin
• Is There a Refrigerator in the Cruise Cabin?
• Bedroom Mozart Suite (largest stateroom on a riverboat)
• Wondering if you should pick a stateroom that’s forward or aft? We’ve got you covered.
• The Rooms Are Great for Late Sleepers
• What are the cheapest cruise ship cabins?

The best benefit of cruising in one of Norwegian's studios is access to the ship's Studio Lounge, where you'll find a nice opportunity to mingle with other single travelers. If you’re planning a getaway for you and a special someone, we’ve got a range of cruise suites to serve as a romantic backdrop. A private balcony, luxurious bedding and in-suite dining are just a few of the upgraded amenities you’ll enjoy. And if it’s extra pampering you seek, be sure to save time for a relaxing service at Vitality Spa℠.

THE ULTIMATE FAMILY SUITES

If you want something out of the ordinary for a low price (these cabins are favored by solo travelers, too), these inside cabins might be a good choice for you. And even if a true solo cabin sans single supplement isn't available, booking a standard interior room will save you money because the solo supplement is a percentage of the cruise fare. If you're on vacation and having a great time — and not spending much time in your cabin — it may not matter where you rest your head at night.

Prefabricated cruise ship cabin

Ultimately, the decision between inside versus outside cruise cabins comes down to whether you want a window. If you absolutely must have natural light or a way to see your external surroundings from your room, an outside cabin is for you. Otherwise, save yourself some cash, and book an inside cabin -- especially if you don't plan on spending much time in your cabin during the day.

Is There a Refrigerator in the Cruise Cabin?

We've seen inside cabins priced from $39 per person, per night. While deals that low are reserved for special sales, you can often find interior rooms from $80 or less per person, per night. That fare includes not only your room but also food in select restaurants (including the main dining room and buffet), entertainment onboard and use of pools and water slides. If you're short on cash, but need a getaway, an inside cabin gets you access to most of the awesome amenities found on mega-ships. If you're a light sleeper who needs a quiet, dark space to get a good night's sleep, book an inside cabin.

The exterior wall will be a floor-to-ceiling window with a door leading to a private balcony, usually with two upright chairs and a small table for drinks or alfresco meals. The Best Balcony Cabins for Your Next CruiseWant some personal deck space? If you're looking for the best balcony cabin you can book -- without having to upgrade to a mini-suite or suite -- here are our five favorites across mainstream lines. I’d hesitate to say that I wouldn’t take a 7-day cruise in an interior room, but I certainly avoid it when possible. On these longer cruises, I find there is much more downtime where I might just relax in the room.

Outside vs. Inside Cruise Cabins

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Space is used efficiently, and it’s plenty of space for two adults for a week. Still, it can feel a bit small if you don’t keep the room organized or are in the room for an extended period of time. An inside stateroom is usually the cheapest option available when booking, and it offers a "home away from home" to enjoy during your cruise. In fact, a lot of people end up booking an inside room for a variety of reasons. Virgin Voyages' sea-view cabins are among the best-in-class porthole cabins. The rooms have a modern yet comfortable feel and offer a plush ledge for gazing out the porthole window.

Wondering if you should pick a stateroom that’s forward or aft? We’ve got you covered.

Instead of high thresholds between the bathroom and cabin balcony, there are gentle inclines. Rooms feature more space to maneuver a wheelchair (including a larger balcony), and things like grab bars and shower seats to help passengers with these needs sail comfortably. In fact, private balconies have become so popular that new ships are being built with fewer window rooms. The ship designers add balconies to every outside cabin they can. If you want to sail on a new ship and save by booking an outside room instead of a balcony, you may have trouble finding available cabins unless you book early.

You'll want to choose a midship cabin on a lower deck to experience less ship movement and rocking. A balcony cabin that gives quick access to fresh air and a view of the horizon is also key. Do you book a vacation to spend maximum time at the cruise ship's spa? From Celebrity Cruises' AquaClass to MSC Cruises' Aurea cabins, spa cabins can come in multiple layouts (from inside to suite) and usually feature a Zen-inspired decor.

What are the cheapest cruise ship cabins?

Take your pick from Interior or Ocean View rooms, Balcony staterooms, or spacious Suites. You can even connect rooms allowing you to stay together with extended family or friends. The options are endless, and the comfort is always guaranteed. On a few innovative cruise ships, there are windowless inside cabins that offer a view of the outside world, thanks to the magic of technology.

On port days, you're able to watch as the ship docks and get a lay of the land firsthand. The main distinguishing factor of an inside cabin is that it's not going to have a view of the sea through a porthole or window. A few ships have gotten creative with virtual windows (LED screens, designed to look like an actual window, that project a view from outside the ship into your room). Because most cruisers prefer a balcony, or at least a window, inside cabins are considered the least desirable cabin option.

Balcony – Apart from the balcony they can offer You twin beds that can be converted to King-size bed. Balconies also provide sitting area with chair and coffee table and private bath with shower, as well as closet/wardrobe, electronic safe box, mini bar, television and phone, sofa, bathrobes, hairdryer. Below are shown the layouts of the Anthem ship's Deluxe and Accessible balcony cabins. In this age of mega-ships, cruise ship cabins now come in all shapes and sizes -- and are priced to match. In addition to the typical inside and oceanview cabins -- which are compact and are either windowless or have views to sea -- you can find minisuites, expansive suites, duplexes and lofts aboard many ships. Balcony cabins are a nice midway point when it comes to your vacation budget, but balconies range from those that barely hold two chairs to huge wraparound decks with hot tubs.

You'll also find massive suites like the Royal Loft on Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships. Single travelers often get short-changed when booking a cruise cabin. If they choose a regular cabin, priced for two people, they have to pay a single supplement — a solo cruiser tax, if you will, that can be akin to paying double the per-person fare. Some cruise lines have solved this problem by offering solo cabins designed and priced for one traveler. If you are not set on selecting something particular and location is not a priority, you should not investigate the cruise ship deck plan so cautiously. The so-called ''guarantee'' cabin grades can turn to be among the best booking options.

It worked as intended and gave me just enough light once the lights were out if I got out of bed. I positioned it near the bathroom so it wouldn't pick me up moving around in bed. The night light not only offers lighting, but it will only come on when someone moves around.

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I stayed in the cheapest virtual balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas. Look inside my $137 a night ....

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Partially obstructed or fully obstructed outside cabins will often get you a lower rate than rooms with better views. Forget anything you saw in "Titanic"; inside cabin occupants are not considered a lower class of passengers. All non-suite guests are of equal importance on a cruise, regardless of your cabin's location. Some ships offer cabins with direct access to the promenade deck, while the largest ships, including MSC World Europa, offer balconies overlooking an internal courtyard or promenade. If you’re motion sensitive, you’ll want to choose a stateroom that’s lower to the water line and closer to the center of the ship. Layout and location varies by ship, so be sure to check your specific sailing and itinerary.

In Royal Suite Class — available on Oasis Class and select Quantum Class ships —every detail is thought of, so you won’t have to lift a finger. Sea, Sky and Star tiers include perks that range from exclusive spaces and venues to a Royal Genie or Concierge who will craft VIP experiences just for you — and more. But I've stayed in these cabins, and the illusion is surprisingly real. The addition of the screens really changes the feel of the rooms.

The 5 best cruise lines for solo travelers

Table Of Content

• No. 9: Cunard
• What Are The Best Cruises For Solo Travelers?
• Free Vacation Planning Services
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania
• Best cruises for singles over 30

However, growing trends are recognizing the needs for solo travelers, and cruise lines are beginning to listen with hardware and cost specials to match. The ability to explore, take chances, meet new people and do what you want when you want. To trade stories, and cocktails, with like-minded travelers from around the world. Now when you cruise solo with Norwegian, you’ll enjoy more freedom and choice than ever. We’ve doubled the number of Solo Staterooms across our fleet by adding Solo Balcony and Oceanview rooms, in addition to Inside rooms and Studios.

No. 9: Cunard

These cabins are more affordable than paying single supplement fees, and the exclusive lounge areas give you a private space to mingle with other solo travelers. MSC Cruises offers a variety of social opportunities and activities tailored to solo travelers. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to meet new people and engage in fun activities. Royal Caribbean’s solo cabins eliminate the single supplement fee, making your stay comfortable and cost-effective. If you want to go really small, Cruise Croatia operates a fleet of yachts that is increasingly attracting solo travelers, particularly women age 45 and up, according to the cruise line. And there are not many places more beautiful to sail than along the coast of Croatia.

What Are The Best Cruises For Solo Travelers?

Among these options include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises. Single retirees with the freedom to enjoy longer and often more expensive cruises have loads of options for meeting people. The list starts with premium lines like Holland America, Oceania and Cunard, but also Viking and Princess Cruises. Sailings focus on country music, popular TV shows, wine tasting, crafting and other hobbies and interests. Not only will you likely find plenty of singles ready to mingle, but it might also be easier to strike up a conversation, knowing you have at least one thing in common. Cruise ships offer a unique way to meet new and often fascinating people, whether you're looking for romance or simply want to enjoy the company of other people vacationing the same way you do.

Free Vacation Planning Services

Cunard Line offers group workshops, sports competitions, seminars, and activities to meet other solo passengers. As a solo cruise traveler, you may benefit more from doing a traditional assigned seating time instead of dining at different times. These single staterooms start at 131 square feet, giving you plenty of space to move around. Not only are single staterooms spacious, but they’re also outfitted with the same modern, sleek design and luxurious amenities as all staterooms on Celebrity’s ships. Norwegian Cruise Line was the first cruise line to build staterooms and common areas specifically for the single cruiser.

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However, in recent years cruising has gained popularity for solo cruisers as well. An intimate atmosphere aboard Azamara cruises means solo passengers feel welcomed and well taken care of. Single supplements are often as low as 25%, and the rate includes alcohol, gratuities, and AzAmazing Celebrations on select sailings. Atlas' first solo suites hit the seas this year onboard its debut ship, World Navigator.

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The other way to save is by looking out for reduced single supplement promotions, which may be available on your favorite cruise line. Holland America's solo cabins are larger than Norwegian's, but you'll have to settle for a twin bed. Still, solo cruisers on Holland America’s Koningsdam, Niewuw Statendam, Rotterdam, and Ryndam ships can expect between 127 and 172 square feet of space onboard. Unlike Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, Silversea hasn't created a specific cabin category for solo travelers. But the luxury line is known for catering to them with single supplements of just 10% to 25% on select sailings. Occasionally, during short-term promotions, the line even will waive the single supplement entirely.

Single Staterooms

Cruise ships are built for socialization since that is their biggest draw! Whether it’s a formal event, or simply meeting someone at dinner, there will always be an opportunity to meet new people and make lasting connections. In reality, a solo trip can be more fun and less stressful than you would imagine! For those who are traveling on their own, there is a special kind of freedom that can be found when you book as a single traveler.

Oceania

To have the best chance of nabbing one, book on the Beyond or Ascent, both of which have 32 single staterooms. Tauck is a high-end tour operator that offers river cruises around the world. On a Tauck River cruise, your experience as a solo traveler is given special attention, ensuring you feel secure and supported from arrival to departure. Virgin’s solo cabins are slightly larger compared to other cruise lines, but their location at the front of the vessel isn’t ideal. You can ask questions and also learn about what it’s like to live there. It’s a way to have some socialization throughout your solo cruise day in port while also learning more about the city or town you’re visiting.

The voyages are designed to make traveling alone easy with open seating in the dining room and small exploration groups. On this classic 10-day Galápagos sailing, learn how to capture the best photos of giant turtles, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions from National Geographic photography expert Rich Reid. National Geographic Endeavour II has 52 outside cabins and suites, all with ocean views. European river cruises are the only option that Riviera offers for solo travellers, with seven routes that cover the continent’s main rivers. Prices include all the same features as a standard booking – such as excursions, onboard meals and Wi-Fi – but with spacious single occupancy cabins and welcome dinners to help you meet people. Solo bookings also include the ‘superior’ drinks package, which gives guests an extensive selection of alcoholic drinks available both at lunch and between 6pm and midnight.

Perch at the bar for drinks if you feel awkward sitting alone at a table. Sometimes you don’t want to wait to see a destination until you have a travel partner who can go with you. Maybe you just like the introspective time that a solo vacation can provide. Best of all, on cruises, the only schedule you have to follow is making sure you are back onboard by sailing time, so you can explore the destinations how you want to—alone or on a group excursion. The twelve-day Cities of Light cruise, also from Viking River Cruises, carries passengers between Paris and Prague with several stops in Germany along the way. On board, sip a glass of wine and enjoy the sight of the cities slipping by.

This premium cruise line caters to your needs with a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service. If wine isn’t your thing, you can learn the art of bartending in a Mixology 101 class. Try the Macallan Flight Experience, which lets you taste a trio of whiskies. Or join one of the gaming classes in the casino; once you’re confident to try your luck at the tables, it’s easy to strike up a conversation.

Honored as the “Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers,” AmaWaterways offers an incredible river cruise experience for individuals who want to explore on their own—without paying any additional fees. Whether traveling solo or cruising as part of a larger group, AmaWaterways' single staterooms are the best way to experience the luxury of traveling on the river. However, some cruise lines are tailored to single travelers, and offer discounts for the solo traveler. A few have even built staterooms designed and priced for a single occupants. Most cruise lines offer flexible dining options in the main dining room, allowing you to choose whether you prefer assigned seating time for dinner or wish to dine at your own pace.