inside cruise ship room

• CruiseMapper

Cruise cabins and suites

Cruise ship rooms, floor plans, photos.

CruiseMapper's cabin and suites section allows you to explore cruise staterooms by ship. Each page provides extensive information on all passengers accommodations on a particular vessel, including floor plans, room types and categories (grades used upon booking), cabin sizes, deck location. Also provided is an extensive review of all ticket price inclusive en-suite amenities, along with furniture details and additional / bonus perks (if available).  

Here you will find brief descriptions by category of all stateroom types that can be found on cruise ship deck plans . You will find more information and many useful tips on staterooms at our best and worst cabins article. Here you can search for a particular ship (via the above search bar) or you can skip the introduction (explanations) and go down directly to our list of large passenger ships' cabin pages .

Cruise staterooms booking rates are usually based on deck location. Lower-deck accommodations are the cheapest. Midship rooms cost more. Balcony staterooms and Suites located aft or forward are the most expensive. Most cruise companies (especially those with large-sized vessels in the fleets) divide the main cabin types into subcategories. These grades are marked with numbers (like for balcony cabins - B1, B2, B3, B4) and are displayed on the deck layouts with different colors.

Cruise ship suites

Cruise suite accommodations are premium grades cabins. They are usually larger in comparison to balcony staterooms and feature more amenities. As a rule, suites have a full-size bathtub, larger shower, bigger closets and balcony (some have 2 private balconies). Amenities include coffee makers, premium sound systems, large-size TVs, complimentary butler service.

Loft Suites (aka Duplex Suites)

Loft Suites are "duplex suites" (on two levels) and available on the world's largest passenger ships of Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class and Quantum-class. The following layout is of Harmony of the Seas and its largest accommodation - the Royal Loft Suite.

Grand Suite

Twin beds in this type of cabin can be joined in a king bed. Grand Suites have also a double sofa bed and large private balcony, sitting area with 2-armchairs and a coffee table, desk, dressing area with vanity, walk-in closet, safe box, TV, phone, refrigerator, mini-bar, private bath with whirlpool tub and shower, patio chair and table, balcony lounge chair, pillow menu, bathrobes, hairdryer. See below the magnificent Oceania Marina ship's Owner Suite plan.

Captain Suite

Captains Suite accommodations have a huge 220 ft2 (20,5 m2) separate bedroom, while the living area is sized 290 ft2 (27 m2). There are 2 upper beds and a sofa bed, private bathroom with whirlpool hot tub and glass shower, safe, TV and phone, mini-bar, bathrobes, hairdryer.

A table and 3 patio chairs are on the balcony.

Owners Suite

Owner's Suites are some of the most luxurious accommodations at sea. They usually feature two separate bedrooms, private balcony (with luxury lounge furniture, even dining area and hot tub), living room (with sofa bed), luxury bathroom (with whirlpool bathtub and separate shower), second bathroom (WC), dining room, dressing area. Some Owner's Suites (like NCL's) can accommodate up to 10 passengers when connected to an adjacent Suite.

Ocean Suite

OS stands for "Ocean Suite" and category SS is "Spa Suite", recently changed to Junior Suite. These cabins have: twin beds that convert to king, sitting area with armchair and coffee table, sofa, dressing area with vanity, large balcony, wall safe, 2 big closets, mini-bar, refrigerator, private whirlpool bath with tub and shower, television and phone, balcony lounge chair, patio chair and table, pillow menu, bathrobes, hairdryer.

2-Bedroom Mozart Suite (largest stateroom on a riverboat)

World's largest accommodation found on a riverboat is Riverside Mozart 's French Balcony Suite. The vessel has two such accommodations, each sized 885 ft2 / 82 m2. Must be noted, that the stateroom is combined with an adjacent French Balcony cabin.

Penthouse Suite

Penthouse Suites have a twin beds configuration (beds can convert to queen). The other features are a large balcony, dressing area with vanity, sitting area with armchair and coffee table, wall safe, mini bar, private bath with whirlpool tub and shower, television and phone, refrigerator, bathrobes and hairdryer. Some cabins are without whirlpool tub, sofa or coffee table.

Balcony staterooms

Most balcony cruise ship cabins feature floor-ceiling sliding glass doors leading to a private step-out veranda. The balcony also is furnished with a table and pair of chairs/loungers. Standard balconies are separated by dividers. As sizes, balcony cabins on cruise ships vary, with those on Princess and NCl ships being among the smallest compared to other big-ship lines. In our cruise deck plans, we also list room sizes and the size of the balcony. 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. Most verandas are between 30-60 ft2 ( approx 3-6 m2). Below are shown the layouts of the Anthem ship's Deluxe and Accessible balcony cabins.

Premium Balcony

Premium Balcony cabins also have twin beds that convert to King-size, their wraparound balcony enfolds the stateroom. Balcony's windows are often floor-ceiling and wall-to-wall.

Cove Balcony Staterooms

Cove balconies, unlike Balconies, have two patio chairs and a table. The rest of the stuff is identical. First of all-balcony, and again twin beds that convert to king, sofa, private bath with shower, safe, closet, mini bar, television and phone, sitting area with chair and coffee table, bathrobes and hairdryer.

Cove Balcony rooms are CCL-Carnival's specialty, available on some of the "Fun Ships", and are interesting because they are located on lower decks (thus closer to waterline).

Oceanview staterooms

Oceanview cabins: as sizes are similar to Interior staterooms on cruise ships, but each of them has a Porthole or normal window (both types do not open). Their window sizes also vary by line and ship. On some ocean ships and some luxury river ships, such staterooms feature floor-ceiling windows. Oceanview rooms' window sizes are usually 4x3 ft (1,2x0,9 m). As furniture, Oceanview cruise cabins have twin beds that convert to King-size, sofa, TV and phone, sitting area, safe, mini bar, private bath with shower, and also a washroom with sink and a junior tub, bathrobes and a hairdryer and of course a picture window. You should take a look at the cruise ship deck plans again as Cabins of 5A category have two porthole windows. Unlike deluxe, there is no washroom with sink and junior tub. Below are the layouts of Ovation of the Seas Oceanview cabins (categories standard, large, and superior).

Deluxe Oceanview

These cabins have no balconies but still can offer a marvelous view through their picture window as well as twin beds that convert to King-size. However, beds in Category 6N can't be joined (to King) and sleeps max 5 people.

Other amenities include sofabed, TV, phone, seating, safe, mini-bar, a bathroom with shower, a washroom (with junior tub), bathrobes, hairdryer.

Scenic Oceanview

The interior is the same - twin beds convertible to King-size, picture window, sofa, TV, phone, seating, safe, mini-bar, bath with shower, washroom with sink and junior tub, bathrobes, hairdryer.

The difference is that Scenic Oceanviews are larger.

Inside staterooms

Inside cruise ship cabins' best feature is their price - you book them with the line's cheapest rates available. These cruise accommodations don't offer window views. Still, on some of the newest cruise ships of Royal Caribbean and Disney, there are categories Interior staterooms with a "virtual window", which is a large LED screen displaying outside cam views. The screen doesn't have TV functions.

On some Carnival ships, there are Inside cabins with a "French Balcony" (with opening glass doors). Also, some "interior staterooms" are actually Oceanview (with a non-opening window), but since their views are obstructed, they are booked as Interior. On Royal Caribbean ships, some Inside cabins have a window looking out to the ship's interior promenade (street)

Inside cruise cabins are fitted with twin beds (convertible to King or Queen), private bathroom (shower), sitting area. Next are shown the layouts of Interior rooms on Harmony OTS .

Small Interior Stateroom (as the name implies) is the least spacious standard cabin category on cruise ships. These cabins have two beds – (upper and lower), private bath (WC/shower), a small sitting area.

Single cabins (Studios)

Single occupancy staterooms could be either Inside or Balcony. Some river cruise lines even offer single suites (booking with single occupancy rates). The most famous liner having plenty of single cabins (designed specifically for solo travelers) is Norwegian Epic .

This huge vessel has a total of 128 "Studios".

Next are shown layouts of Quantum OTS single-occupancy cabins (balcony and interior).

Connecting cabins (for large families)

The next layout shows RCI's "Family Connected Junior Suite" plan ( Quantum OTS ). Ship's main cabin grades (Balcony, Oceanview, Inside) are all combined here into a 10-person "Family Suite". The layout also shows the exact positioning of furniture, 3 baths (1 with hot tub), large seating area, 2 double-sofabeds, 2 connecting balconies.

How to choose cabins on cruise ships?

If you are planning a cruise, booking a cabin is certainly as important as picking up the cruise line (brand) or the boat. Before you take that decision, consider some issues related to your own personality and the other people traveling with you.

• The first important thing you have to be honest with your conscious is whether you can get seasick .
• Secondly, what type of person you are and what exactly do you intend to do onboard? Are you a party type or you just would like to spend several calm days at sea, away from the office jungle on land. Would you enjoy the pool with its all opportunities for contacts or you would rather have a rest lying at a balcony?
• No matter the stateroom type, it could still be noisy or make you seasick. The more central and lower position your cabin has, the more stable it is.
• In case you and the rest of the family members / friends are thin or you just don't intend to spend too much time in the cabin, you can pick a small one. Usually, staterooms are able to house no more than 4 people. Two passengers pay full fares and the other receive discounted rates.
• If you need stateroom for 4+ passengers, connecting cabins are the best option, and it will cost you less than a suite. Bathtub-fitted cabins are not so many per vessel. All cruise deck plans show such information (bathtub, sofabed, double bed, bunk beds, etc).

Noise issues - which cabins on the ship to avoid?

If you are a party type and louder sounds are not bothering, everything would be OK. If you organize a family voyage, however, you should look for a cabin away from the noisiest areas in the cruise ship deck plans. The first thing to look for in the cruise ship plan is the engine room location. Along with the noises, there are also vibrations.

Staterooms under discos, sport playgrounds, gym centers are usually very noisy. Cabins under Lido Deck (aka Pool Deck) are also among those to avoid. The buffet restaurant on this deck generates noises from moving tables and chairs and tableware. Staircases are also very noisy.

Take a good look at the cruise ship deck plan - room location is crucial!

Cabin's deck location is of great importance. Lower and more central-positioned accommodations are more stable. However, "cool cabins" are usually on higher decks, which means spending more money won't necessarily save you from seasickness.

Stern cabins (aft) have the largest balconies. Forward suites provide the same view as from the Navigation Bridge (wheelhouse). Some cabins are with limited / obstructed seaview due to lifeboats or other equipment.

Guarantee staterooms - take your chance!

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. The "guarantee stateroom" booking allows you to pick up a category, not a cabin. In case the category is sold out you'll be proposed a higher category lodging. The first cabins to be booked are both the cheapest and the most expensive ones, be aware when you choose to test your luck. However, it could be a bit risky so it's more reasonable to get back to the cruise ship deck plans.

Shipboard facilities

If want to cruise with your children you'd better book a stateroom close to kids entertainment facilities. Cruise ship deck plans can once again help you to choose from the many opportunities created to meet passengers' requirements. Spa cabins are recently available for instance. Passengers get free access to the steam room and other connected facilities. These cabins are of course close to the SPA and you can move between in your bathrobe only.

NCL's The Haven and MSC's Yacht Club accommodations are located within an exclusive complex and offer ''ship within ship'' amenities and services. Passengers (who can afford them) enjoy private sundecks with swimming pools and jacuzzis and exclusive facilities like restaurants, bar lounges, gyms and spas.

Prefabricated cruise ship cabin

On May 24, 2016, a new "Lightweight Composite Cabin" design was unveiled in Southampton, England. The innovation was funded by the UK Government. Involved in the cabin's designing, engineering, manufacturing and furbishing were the companies Carnival UK ( Carnival Corporation 's subsidiary), Gurit Ltd (global composite materials supplier), Lloyd's Register Group Ltd (technical / business services, maritime classification company), PE Composites Ltd (composite designer / manufacturer), Trimline Ltd (marine interior refurbishment specialist) and the University of Southampton.

The new modular cabin prototype is half the weight of a typical cruise room. It also fully complies with the FTP Code's requirements (International Code for the Application of Fire Test Procedures). Reducing the ship's topdecks weight is an important issue for naval architects as the trend for building large-capacity cruise vessels continues. The new (prefabricated) module's halved weight opens up opportunities for adding more passenger rooms to newbuild ships, without adding to the ship's DWT weight.

Note: The following list of cruise lines cabins (per ship) includes only CruiseMapper's largest companies' fleets and only ocean-going vessels. For all other vessels (including small-fleet shipping companies , cruiseferries and riverboats ) use the search box at page top .

List of cruise ships with deck plans

Carnival cruise line.

• Carnival Breeze
• Carnival Celebration
• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Dream
• Carnival Elation
• Carnival Firenze
• Carnival Freedom
• Carnival Glory
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Jubilee
• Carnival Legend
• Carnival Liberty
• Carnival Luminosa
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Miracle
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Paradise
• Carnival Pride
• Carnival Radiance
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Splendor
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Sunshine
• Carnival Valor
• Carnival Venezia
• Carnival Vista

Princess Cruises

• Caribbean Princess
• Coral Princess
• Crown Princess
• Diamond Princess
• Discovery Princess
• Emerald Princess
• Enchanted Princess
• Grand Princess
• Island Princess
• Majestic Princess
• Regal Princess
• Royal Princess
• Ruby Princess
• Sapphire Princess
• Sky Princess
• Star Princess
• Sun Princess

Disney Cruise Line

• Disney Destiny
• Disney Dream
• Disney Fantasy
• Disney Magic
• Disney Treasure
• Disney Wish
• Disney Wonder
• Queen Elizabeth
• Queen Mary 2
• Queen Victoria

AIDA Cruises

Viking cruises.

• Viking Jupiter
• Viking Mars
• Viking Neptune
• Viking Octantis
• Viking Orion
• Viking Polaris
• Viking Saturn
• Viking Star
• Viking Vela
• Viking Venus
• Viking Vesta
• Zhao Shang Yi Dun-Viking Sun

Royal Caribbean

• Adventure Of The Seas
• Allure Of The Seas
• Anthem of the Seas
• Brilliance Of The Seas
• Enchantment Of The Seas
• Explorer Of The Seas
• Freedom Of The Seas
• Grandeur Of The Seas
• Harmony Of The Seas
• Icon Of The Seas
• Independence Of The Seas
• Jewel Of The Seas
• Liberty Of The Seas
• Mariner Of The Seas
• Navigator Of The Seas
• Oasis Of The Seas
• Odyssey Of The Seas
• Ovation Of The Seas
• Quantum Of The Seas
• Radiance Of The Seas
• Rhapsody Of The Seas
• Serenade Of The Seas
• Spectrum Of The Seas
• Star Of The Seas
• Symphony Of The Seas
• Utopia Of The Seas
• Vision Of The Seas
• Voyager Of The Seas
• Wonder Of The Seas

Holland America

• ms Koningsdam
• ms Nieuw Amsterdam
• ms Nieuw Statendam
• ms Oosterdam
• ms Rotterdam
• ms Volendam
• ms Westerdam
• ms Zuiderdam

P&O Cruises

• Pacific Adventure
• Pacific Encounter
• Pacific Explorer

Costa Cruises

• Costa Deliziosa
• Costa Diadema
• Costa Fascinosa
• Costa Favolosa
• Costa Fortuna
• Costa Pacifica
• Costa Serena
• Costa Smeralda
• Costa Toscana

Azamara Cruises

• Azamara Journey
• Azamara Onward
• Azamara Pursuit
• Azamara Quest

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

• Seven Seas Explorer
• Seven Seas Grandeur
• Seven Seas Mariner
• Seven Seas Navigator
• Seven Seas Splendor
• Seven Seas Voyager

Norwegian Cruise Line

• Norwegian Aqua
• Norwegian Bliss
• Norwegian Breakaway
• Norwegian Dawn
• Norwegian Encore
• Norwegian Epic
• Norwegian Escape
• Norwegian Gem
• Norwegian Getaway
• Norwegian Jade
• Norwegian Jewel
• Norwegian Joy
• Norwegian Pearl
• Norwegian Prima
• Norwegian Sky
• Norwegian Spirit
• Norwegian Star
• Norwegian Sun
• Norwegian Viva
• Pride of America

Celebrity Cruises

• Celebrity Apex
• Celebrity Ascent
• Celebrity Beyond
• Celebrity Constellation
• Celebrity Eclipse
• Celebrity Edge
• Celebrity Equinox
• Celebrity Flora
• Celebrity Infinity
• Celebrity Millennium
• Celebrity Reflection
• Celebrity Silhouette
• Celebrity Solstice
• Celebrity Summit
• Celebrity Xcel
• Celebrity Xpedition
• Celebrity Xploration

Marella Cruises

• Marella Discovery
• Marella Discovery 2
• Marella Explorer
• Marella Explorer 2
• Marella Voyager

MSC Cruises

• MSC Armonia
• MSC Bellissima
• MSC Euribia
• MSC Fantasia
• MSC Grandiosa
• MSC Magnifica
• MSC Meraviglia
• MSC Orchestra
• MSC Preziosa
• MSC Seascape
• MSC Seashore
• MSC Seaside
• MSC Seaview
• MSC Sinfonia
• MSC Splendida
• MSC Virtuosa
• MSC World America
• MSC World Asia
• MSC World Europa

Oceania Cruises

• Oceania Allura
• Oceania Insignia
• Oceania Marina
• Oceania Nautica
• Oceania Regatta
• Oceania Riviera
• Oceania Sirena
• Oceania Vista

Silversea Cruises

• Silver Cloud
• Silver Dawn
• Silver Endeavour
• Silver Galapagos
• Silver Moon
• Silver Muse
• Silver Nova
• Silver Origin
• Silver Shadow
• Silver Spirit
• Silver Whisper
• Silver Wind

Seabourn Cruises

• Seabourn Encore
• Seabourn Odyssey
• Seabourn Ovation
• Seabourn Pursuit
• Seabourn Quest
• Seabourn Sojourn
• Seabourn Venture

15 Best Inside Cruise Cabin Hacks & Tips

Sharing is caring!

If you’re cruising in an inside cabin, these tips will help you make the most of your cruise cabin space.

You’ll often hear that if you’re not cruising in a balcony, you may as well not cruise at all. As someone who has cruised in inside cabins, oceanview cabins and balcony cabins, I don’t believe that to be true.

As a matter of fact, there are many people who choose to cruise in an inside cabin , most of the time, for a variety of reasons.

Of course, this isn’t to say that having a balcony or veranda cabin isn’t wonderful. However, the reality is that a balcony cabin can cost significantly more than an inside cabin. In some cases this might mean that by booking inside cabins, you can cruise more often.

Is that worth it? I think so.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click and buy that I may make a commission, at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Inside Cabin Hacks & Tips

What do cruisers love about inside cabins.

While balconies and oceanview cabins have their advantages, many cruise passengers just love their interior cabins!

Here are some reasons:

Sleep: Cruisers in inside cabins report getting an amazing night’s sleep. It’s nice and dark when you want it to be.

Cabin location: Cruise ships often have a pretty large selection of inside cabins, so there’s a good choice of cabins that are mid-ship or aft, reducing the chances of being affected by seasickness .

Value and price: Inside staterooms are almost always less expensive than balcony and ocean view cabins, providing the best value on board!

Outdoor space: All cruisers have access to the top decks and promenade decks, so if you do cruise in an inside cabin, you’ll have many opportunities to experience those gorgeous sea views!

Inside Cruise Cabin Hacks

If you’re cruising in an inside cabin, these tips will help with cruise cabin organization, space saving and more.

Organizing an Inside Cabin

One of the best ways to make an inside cabin work for you and feel more spacious, is to keep your cabin organized. If you are more than 2 people, like a family of 3 or 4, it’s especially important (to keep your sanity).

Here are some favorite cruise cabin hacks that are especially useful for those cruising in inside cabins.

1. Store your empty luggage under the bed

After you’re done unpacking, put one piece of luggage into the other and slide them under the bed, or ask your cabin attendant for help.

2. Request extra hangers from your room steward

Hanging up most clothing items is often a space saver. I also find that clothes are less likely to be wrinkled .

To save space, don’t bring extra hangers from home. As soon as you get into your cabin on boarding day , simply as your cabin attendant to bring you additional hangers.

3. Use packing cubes

One way to make unpacking easier and faster is to use packing cubes . I tend to overpack, but using packing cubes has really helped me to stay organized when packing for a cruise.

Recommended: Packing cubes set (check price & amazon reviews here)

4. Bring a hanging over the door shoe organizer

Bringing an over the door shoe organizer to store toiletries , sunscreen and other personal items can add additional storage to your cabin.

A cruise tip I learned from a friend and Mom of two kids, is to pack your organizer at home so it’s ready to hang and saves time unpacking on a cruise.

Putting items from hair brushes to   first-aid kit items in a hanging over the door organizer is the best way to keep things organized and out of the way.

Recommended: Cruise ship over the door hanging organizer (check price & 4.5* Amazon reviews here)

5. Bring foldable storage boxes

These space saving foldable boxes can be used to store everyone’s flip flops or other items that would otherwise be in the way.

While you can find them on Amazon, there are cheaper options at a dollar store (my favorite dollar store cruise hack !).

6. Hanging Travel Shelves

Portable hanging travel shelves are a smart way to keep organized and add extra space to the small cruise cabin closets.

A trick is to fold and pack clothing into the hanging organizer, so that it saves time when unpacking and packing on a cruise.

Recommended: Hanging travel shelves organizer (see different size & color options here)

7. Bring magnet hooks

The best cruise cabin hack for any room is to bring heavy duty magnet hooks to place on their cabin walls. A cruise ship fact that might surprise new cruisers, most cruise ship cabin walls are actually metal.

This means you can bring magnetic hooks and hang sunhats, backpacks and more. A great way to add extra space to a small cruise cabin.

Recommended: Magnet hooks (heavy duty work best)

8. Bring magnetic clips

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.

These are some simple ones that work well – Magnetic hooks multi-pack

9. Pop up laundry hamper

Bring a pop up mesh hamper or to store dirty laundry and keep inside cabins organized and clutter free.

Recommended: Portable pop-up hamper

10. Bring a travel clock

Many cruise passengers suggest having a travel clock to keep in your cabin. This simple to operate digital alarm clock is handy to pack for a cruise.

Recommended: Travel alarm clock (read over 13,000 Amazon reviews here)

11. Bring a small travel fan

Inside cabins on a cruise can get stuffy, especially at night. Bringing a small travel fan can help to make your cabin feel more comfortable.

Recommended: Small travel fan (rechargeable battery operated & USB)

12. Keep your cruise cabin smelling nice

Since interior cabins don’t have a lot of air circulating, it’s a good idea to bring along essential oils or a room freshener. Consider including a bathroom spray to your cruise packing list.

Poo-Pourri is a cruiser favorite!

Recommended: Poo-Pourri (check price & over 30,000 4.5* Amazon review)

13. Add some light 

One of the best things about inside cabins is the fact that it’s dark, and great for sleeping. However, it is a good idea to have a little light, so you don’t stub your toe, or worse, if you get up at night.

We like to keep the light on in the bathroom and leave the door open a crack. Others suggest turning on the TV and getting the bridge view. Small battery operated tea lights are a good idea too.

However the best solution might be these battery operated motion sensor lights ,that won’t disturb you when you’re sleeping.

Recommended: battery operated motion sensor lights

14. Hear the ocean

If you think you might miss those glorious ocean sounds, bring a small white noise machine that mimics the sounds of the sea.

Recommended: white noise machine (check price & amazon reviews here)

15. Make it “almost” a balcony

Some cruise ships have “virtual balcony” interior cabins. In other words, an entire cabin wall has a projection of a balcony view. Pretty cool if you want to get the balcony view for an inside price!

I’ve yet to try this, however cruise passengers report that they love them.

16. Non-surge Protected Power Bar

Another item to remember for any cabin is a non surge protected power bar with extra outlets and USBs.

Regular power strips aren’t allowed on cruise ships, and can be confiscated.

Recommended: Non-surge protected power bar (Amazon link)

Video: Inside Cruise Cabin Hacks & Tips to Transform Your Cabin

Related & Popular Posts

• 10 Reasons to Book an Inside Cabin on a Cruise
• 50+ Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
• How to Save Money on a Cruise: 27 Tips, Tricks & Hacks
• 15 Cruise WiFi Tips, Secrets & Mistakes to Avoid
• 27 Cruise Packing Tips All Cruisers Need to Know
• 17 Rookie Mistakes First Time Cruisers Should Avoid
• How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise

Get The Ultimate Cruise Planner

Regular price: $27 now just $17.

Recap: 15+ Best Inside Cruise Cabin Hacks

I hope that this article was helpful, and has given you some ideas of how you can make the most of cruising in an inside cabin.

Whether you are 2 people cruising in an interior cabin, or a family of 3 or 4, it can be done – and organization definitely helps!

Have you cruised in an inside cabin? What tips do you have to make the most of the small cruise cabin space?

Happy cruising!

If you’ve enjoyed this, please don’t keep it to yourself ;-). Please share on Facebook or save for later on Pinterest (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

My family of 5 booked an interior cabin and an ocean-view room on a Carnival cruise. Here's how they compared.

• I booked two 185-square-foot rooms on the Carnival Legend for my family of five .
• My husband and I shared a windowless accommodation, and my three kids stayed in an ocean-view room.
• Staying in separate cabins gave our family more space and privacy during our seven-day trip.

I was searching for a getaway in November, so I booked a seven-day cruise on Carnival Legend for my family of five.

On past vacations, we've all stayed in the same hotel room . Once, we all crammed into the same tiny cabin on a cruise.

This time, I reserved two 185-square-foot staterooms on the Carnival Legend's Riviera deck for more space and privacy.

My husband and I stayed in a windowless interior cabin that had a king-size bed.

The king was actually just two twin beds pushed together.

We each had a bedside table with a reading lamp.

If one of us wanted to stay up a little later, we turned off the main lights and turned on the lamp.

My three children — 14, 11, and 8 — shared an ocean-view stateroom across the hall.

Connecting rooms weren't available, so my kids stayed in their own room.

The kids' room had two twin beds and a sofa that converted into a third bed.

It was more than enough space for the three of them.

The kids' picture window offered lovely natural light.

Our room had no windows. In the future, I'd also reserve an ocean-view room for the adults.

The bathrooms in both cabins were identical.

The bathrooms had a lot of storage shelves for our toiletries.

Cruise employees cleaned the bathrooms and replenished our towel supplies every day.

Many hotels we've checked into have stopped offering daily cleaning since the coronavirus pandemic began, but we enjoyed a clean bathroom and fresh towels every day on the Carnival Legend.

The showers had shampoo and shower-gel dispensers.

There was also a retractable clothesline in our bathroom for drying wet swimsuits.

Even with three kids sharing one small bathroom, the floor stayed dry thanks to the shower's well-designed drainage system.

I was glad to see that water wasn't covering their bathroom floor.

Both rooms' layouts made excellent use of the 185-square-foot space.

We could easily store a week's worth of items thanks to all the drawers, shelves, and hangers.

Two closets had hanging rods for dresses and coats, with enough room to tuck away our suitcases in the bottom.

My husband and I had no issues neatly stowing our suitcases and clothes.

Like many cruise cabins, our room had one outlet next to the desk.

This was slightly annoying because my husband and I had to take turns charging our devices.

The crew confiscated one of our power strips.

I packed two power strips to avoid having to take turns using the outlet, but only one made it on board. Unfortunately, the crew confiscated the other one.

Carnival's website says power strips without surge protectors are allowed, but ones that the crew deems hazardous will be removed and returned to the owner on the last day of the cruise before disembarkation.

However, the kids had no issues bringing their power strip into their cabin.

The TV screen was so small that my eyes felt strained by the end of the trip.

The too-small TV screen is no big deal if you're not a movie watcher. But our family likes to wind down by watching shows , and by the end of the week the tiny screen was straining my eyes.

Inside a table was a minifridge that was big enough to store two bottles of wine and a few snacks.

The one downside was that it didn't get cold enough to chill drinks.

Our rooms had thermostats, but I don't think they worked well.

The rooms had thermostats with moving dials, but turning them didn't seem to affect the temperature.

Our cabin seemed too cold, and the kids' space seemed too warm.

Though we were on a Thanksgiving cruise, we decorated our stateroom doors for Christmas.

The little copper box was a mailbox where crew members could drop off our excursion tickets and other informational flyers.

On future family trips, I'm going to stick to booking two separate rooms.

Our cabins were small but offered a lot of storage that made them feel more spacious.

Next time we cruise or go on a vacation, I'll consider booking separate rooms for adults and kids so everyone has their own private retreat.

• Main content

Inside vs. outside cabin: Which affordable cruise room is best for you?

Balcony cabins might be the most popular, but travelers looking to save when booking a cruise are likely deciding whether to choose an inside or an outside cabin. These cabin categories offer the most affordable cruise fares. But you'll need to decide if you can handle an interior room with no porthole or need an exterior cabin with a window to the world.

Do you lose anything by not having a window to the outside world on a cruise? The answer depends on your travel style and budget. Here's a guide to shed some light (literally) on the top two value options of cruising that will help keep your spending at bay while your ship's at sea.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The similarities between inside and outside cabins

Inside and outside cabins do not differ much beyond the view. Both types feature a bed (either one queen or two twins), a small desk/vanity area and your own private en suite bathroom.

You'll find the same onboard amenities in both interior and exterior cabins, including basic toiletries (soap and shampoo), linens, towels, minifridge, hair dryer, cabin safe, phone, cabin climate control, in-cabin television and access to the ship's Wi-Fi and room service.

You'll also have free rein of all the ship's public spaces, including bars and lounges, pools and sun decks, spa and gym, and restaurants. Neither inside nor outside cabin occupants have access to private spaces — such as the exclusive lounges, restaurants and sun decks reserved for suite guests — unless you're a high-ranking loyalty program member on a ship with special clubs for frequent cruisers.

Depending on the cruise line, you can save even more by letting the cruise line assign your cabin versus picking the specific cabin and location you want.

Inside cabins are a great value play

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.

Therefore, the cheapest way to cruise is generally in an inside cabin. On all big ships, the base rates you see are for interior rooms. Prices will typically increase for more desirable inside cabins with extra space or in a prime location, and rooms with windows or balconies.

Depending on the ship and the length of your cruise, opting for an interior room can save hundreds of dollars more than a room with a view. For shorter itineraries, like a two-night getaway on Royal Caribbean, you could find an ocean view for $50 more than an inside cabin, while on a seven-night Carnival cruise, you could find savings of $460 when opting for an inside over an outside.

Prices will vary by cruise line, ship, itinerary, the length of your journey and how far in advance you book your cruise, with more savings on the cost per night the longer you sail. While both of these cabin options are among the most affordable options on board, the cheaper inside cabin fares could mean the difference between sailing the high seas or waving bon voyage from the dock.

Top benefits of an interior cabin

Don't be fooled into thinking that inside cabins are awful. For the right cruisers with the right attitude, they can be the perfect option.

Inside rooms offer nearly the same amount of cabin space as ocean-view rooms. Both are much smaller than the hotel rooms you might be used to, but ship designers optimize the space to pack a lot in and make the rooms not feel cramped.

For light sleepers or those who appreciate nodding off without distraction, inside cabins feature the comfort of total darkness. Travelers report getting amazing sleep in these rooms. Just be sure to schedule a wake-up call and set an alarm so you don't miss out on any morning activities or excursions; you won't have any sunlight waking you up naturally.

Consider bringing your own night light, so you can find your way to the bathroom at night. Newer ships often feature "night mode" lighting in cabin bathrooms, offering a soft light on the floor for safely navigating your cabin when the lights are out.

Related: 6 reasons I'm happy booking a windowless 'inside' cabin on a cruise ship

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.

Finally, if you're the type of person who spends their vacation time out and about on the ship and in port, only using the cabin to shower and sleep, the money you'll save booking the cheapest room can be used to pay for indulgent spa treatments or fun activities ashore, further enhancing your vacation. If you're on a super-tight budget, these cheap room types give you access to all the shipboard amenities — pools, multiple dining venues, onboard entertainment — so you can actually get away on an incredible tropical vacation.

What you miss without a view on a cruise

Of course, inside cabins do have drawbacks. With no exterior-facing window, you won't get any natural light in your room. This can be difficult for cruisers with sensitive circadian rhythms or who easily feel claustrophobic.

You'll also have no idea what's happening outside. You'll have to head to a public deck to bask in the sunlight or stargaze. Questions about the weather (Is it raining?) or the ship's location (Are we docked yet?) can at least be answered by the cabin TV.

The best inside cabins

Not all inside rooms are created equal, and there are a few cruise lines of note that have made the interior feel superior.

Royal Caribbean 's industry-leading Virtual Balcony cabin offers a real-time, full-wall LED screen that simulcasts the outside view and sounds. The interior screens can be found on select ships throughout Royal Caribbean's fleet.

Disney Cruise Line offers a similar touch in its inside cabins. The line's Magical Portholes offer a real-time simulcast view of the ship's surroundings via a circular screen tricked out to look like a ship's porthole. Linger long enough, and you'll find playful appearances from animated Disney characters.

Norwegian Cruise Line 's compact 100-square-foot single studios are perfect interior enclaves that are only available for solo travelers and priced accordingly (without the common single-supplement fee). These space-efficient staterooms utilize every inch of the cabin with a full-size bed, ample storage and an en suite bathroom. 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.

Related: Ultimate guide to choosing a cabin on a cruise ship

The best benefits of an outside cabin

There's real romance in whiling the days away at sea, staring out at the endless ocean horizon, basking in the light of the sun or drifting to sleep under the glow of the moon. An outside cabin will offer either a circular porthole or rectangular picture window for your ocean-viewing pleasure.

Most cruisers enjoy the natural sunlight that pours into a small cabin through the window, but the view outside is hard to beat. You might spot dolphins, whales or birds right outside your cabin. If your cruise is traveling through any scenic routes (say Alaska or the Norwegian fjords), you can admire the vistas from bed without having to seek out a public deck. On port days, you're able to watch as the ship docks and get a lay of the land firsthand.

On some ships, you'll find the square footage of exterior cabins to be slightly larger than inside cabins, with cozy seating areas. Some even feature proper sitting spaces in front of the window, such as a built-in plush bench or an alcove in the recessed window.

Related: The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship

The downsides of paying more for a window

Just because you've paid more for a view doesn't necessarily mean that view will be worth it. The location of the cabin will determine just how much you can see. If you're too close to sea level, the waves may perpetually douse the window. If your window is behind a lifeboat, you might not see much of anything at all. Partially obstructed or fully obstructed outside cabins will often get you a lower rate than rooms with better views.

Some cabins have a view of outdoor walkways or observation decks that are open to all guests on board; we've seen those on ships in Carnival's Vista class . Cabins facing public areas are tinted, so you're unable to see in during the day, but at night, passengers are encouraged to close their curtains for privacy.

Keep in mind that windows on cruise ship cabins do not open, so there's no opportunity to get any breeze of the fresh ocean air. 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.

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.

The best outside cabins

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.

Celebrity Cruises ' Edge class features three ocean-view options, starting with the budget-friendly standard ocean-view cabins with a porthole set behind a recessed sitting ledge. Consider a nominal upgrade in price to the line's deluxe ocean-view cabins (on some itineraries you'll pay just $47 more per person), where large floor-to-ceiling windows fill the room with light.

Related: Why it pays to upgrade your cruise cabin

Bottom line: Inside vs. outside cabin

Whether an inside or outside cabin is best for you depends on how you intend to spend your time on the ship. Cruise lines excel at getting you out of your cabin and into the action on the ship or in the port. Schedules are filled with myriad activities in and around the ship to keep you occupied, so it is more than possible to use your cabin simply for sleeping.

When to choose an inside cabin

If you're deciding whether or not you can afford to sail, an inside cabin will give you the opportunity to take a vacation at sea and enjoy all the complimentary activities a cruise ship has to offer. Inside cabins are also best for travelers who love to sleep in total darkness or who spend little time in their rooms on board (and prefer to save their money for other travel expenses like drink packages or shore excursions).

When to choose an outside cabin

If you want a budget option for accessing ocean views and watching the world pass by from the comfort of your bed, an outside cabin is your best bet. Or, if you want natural light in your room but plan on taking in most of the scenic panoramas from the ship's upper decks with 360-degree views instead of your private balcony, an outside cabin will give you what you need without costing extra.

Regardless of which room you choose, you'll have access to all the amenities of your cruise ship — plus comfortable transportation to incredible destinations — for a more affordable price. In that way, you can't really go wrong.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

Carnival Horizon Interior Cabin Review With Photos (Stateroom #7238)

Are you thinking of booking an interior cabin on Carnival Horizon? Then you’ll want to know what to expect before you decide to purchase that room. Or if you’ve already booked, then you’ll want to know what to expect when you board.

Carnival Horizon is Carnival’s newest ship, sailing on six and eight-day journeys from Miami. The ship is large — measuring more than 1,050 feet and carrying about 4,000 guests on a given trip. You can read our review of the entire ship here  or you can see our must-have tips here . Bottom line: If you are thinking about booking a trip on the Horizon, then you should have no worries and be excited about sailing.

That said, picking the right cabin can make a big difference in the enjoyment of your cruise. Even though most people spend a lot of time out and about on the ship and in port, your cabin is your home during your cruise. It’s where you can relax, rest, and regroup after a long day. You definitely want a cabin that will fit your needs and budget.

With that in mind, we recently stayed in stateroom #7238 aboard the Horizon. This interior cabin is classified as “4E”, one of the most common cabins on the ship. Below are our thoughts and impressions from staying in the cabin.

Cabin Overview

Cabin #7238 is an interior stateroom on deck 7 of the Horizon. It is located forward on the ship, six cabins down from the forward elevators and stairs.

According to Carnival’s specifications on their website, the room measures 185 square feet. That number includes both bedroom and bathroom space. This cabin is also a connecting stateroom with a door that can be opened to effectively turn two rooms into one large suite.

In our case, we had two beds separated. You also have the option of pushing them together to form one king-sized bed.

As you enter, you have closet and storage space on your left and the cabin bathroom on your right. Enter further into your room and you’ll see a small desk with mirror and pull-out stool on the left. To the right is a cabinet with refrigerator, with a TV mounted above.

As mentioned, Carnival says the interior cabin measures 185 square feet. What does that mean for you? Simply that the cabin is small. It was fine for two adults who spent most of their time out and about the ship and in port. However, we would not want to fit anymore people in the cabin. Even having a child in the room would be too tight of a squeeze.

While we expect interior cabins to be small, we were still a little surprised at how little room there was. Other interior cabins we’ve sailed in have a small sitting area with a couch. That was not the case in this stateroom.

There was still ample storage to keep suitcases and bag out of the way. Not only was there a closet with some drawers and shelves, but there was also plenty of room underneath the beds to put empty bags.

Features & Amenities

If you’ve sailed on a cruise before, then you know the regular amenities you can expect in the cabin. In this area, the Carnival Horizon didn’t disappoint. In fact, there were a few items that were unexpected and welcomed.

Starting before we even opened the door, the ship features RFID-style door locks. You simply tap your card to the reader and it will open. As you enter, you must put a card into a reader to turn on the lights. This helps to keep you from leaving the lights on when you aren’t in the room. However, it can be easy to walk out of the cabin and forget your keycard in the reader.

There were a number of things you’d expect in the cabin, including a flat-screen TV with remote, in-room safe, a controllable thermostat, a mini-fridge, telephone, and a full-size closet for hanging clothes.

What stood out to us was that our room had two outlets and two spots for charging via USB. Considering many older ships just have one outlet for the entire cabin, this is a nice change given the amount of electronic devices we all travel with today.

One other perk we liked was that pool/beach towels were already in the room for our use. Because of this we didn’t have to bother going to a towel station when we were ready to hit the pool.

The cabin bathroom was a traditional size as other ships we’ve sailed, which is to say it is small but manageable. It features a counter, shelves for toiletries, a commode and standing shower. There was also a makeup mirror that folded in and out to save space.

There is no controllable vent in the bathroom, so if you need to have some white noise while you go, we suggest turning the shower on low. You can also use one of our tips and head to a public bathroom on the ship if you don’t want smells to linger in the cabin.

The shower is a handheld wand shower, which raises and lowers to match anyone’s height. There are also soap and shampoo dispensers in the shower if you don’t bring your own.

One area that surprised us was the bedding in our cabin. Most cruise ship beds feature mattresses that are rather thin and can feel lumpy from so many nights of use. Perhaps it was because the ship was new, but the mattresses felt thick and supportive, giving us a great night’s sleep. Pillows were also soft but firmed up under pressure.

What we liked most, however, were the comforters. Our room was set extremely cold at night but the comforter kept us warm — borderline hot — while we slept. If you’re worried about thin blankets, then you can put those fears aside.

Noise Level

Overall our room was perfectly comfortable, if a little small. The one major complaint we had was the amount of noise in the cabin.

First, we had a connecting stateroom. When guests in the other room were talking they could clearly be heard through the adjoining doors. Thankfully our neighbors weren’t party animals and didn’t spend much time in their room, so the noise wasn’t bad.

What was more disturbing was the late-night music that could be heard in the cabin. Our room sat above the Circle C teen club, which itself sits over the Liquid Lounge theater. During our cruise thumping bass could be clearly heard — as well as felt through the floor.

The good news is that the music ended at midnight, so it didn’t go on all night. The bad news is that if you are a light sleeper, the sound and vibration was more than enough to keep you from getting to sleep.

Overall Impression

Overall, the interior cabins on Carnival Horizon are clean and comfortable, albeit small.

If traveling with one other person, booking an interior cabin on Carnival Horizon is a great way to get on the ship for the least amount of money possible. While small, the cabins still offer plenty of space given that most people aren’t in their room most of the day. If you want to put three people in a cabin, upgrade to a larger room.

That said, we highly recommend looking at the deck plans to see what is above and below your cabin. In our specific case, the noise from other areas of the ship was easily heard in the cabin.

Have more questions about cabins on Carnival Horizon? Let us know in the comments below.

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, reviewed: carnival cruise wi-fi service (speed, reliability, cost, and more), carnival cruise live blog (day 4): a final day at sea featuring… whales plus final thoughts, carnival cruise live blog (day 3): blow holes & golden trophies, carnival cruise live blog (day 2): the most beautiful port i’ve visited, carnival cruise live blog (day 1): first impressions sailing radiance from long beach, following incident, carnival says gambling ‘strictly forbidden’ outside of casino, leave a reply cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Complete Guide to Cruising from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach

Catalina on a cruise: what to know, do, and see during your visit, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

An Inside Room With a View

All interior staterooms on quantum of the seas come with virtual balconies — 80-inch screens that feel just like the real thing..

As the ship sails at 22 knots towards your next port of call, you realize you could have listened to the sounds of the water while watching the sunrise from the comfort of your bed. Too bad you didn’t book a suite with a balcony, right?

Turns out, an inside room can be just as good. On Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, all interior rooms now have a “ Virtual Balcony ” — a full high-definition 80-inch screen that is connected to a live camera with audio outside the ship, so you can enjoy the same sights and sounds as someone with a balcony or oceanview room. “Virtual balconies are giving you the experience of having a balcony without actually having a balcony,” said Olen Gibson, IT Ship Work Project Manager at Royal Caribbean International. “The idea is to make it as real as possible.”

Virtual balconies were initially rolled out in 81 rooms on Navigator of the Seas when the ship was renovated, but the inside sea views were originally designed for Quantum of the Seas .  All of Quantum’s 373 interior staterooms will have this feature.

It sounds like a great technology, but these virtual balconies can’t actually feel real, can they? Guests say they do. “We were surprised in early focus groups with guests onboard Navigator of the Seas to learn they valued the experience to such a degree that they would rank a Virtual Balcony stateroom not only above an inside stateroom, but even above a stateroom with a window,” Ronnie Farzad, Manager of Entertainment Technology at Royal Caribbean International.

But bringing these real-time views inside is no easy task. Getting the image captured on camera to the server room and then onto the screen in the stateroom is a complex technological process that requires extensive processing of the signal. “There’s a lot of moving pieces,” said Gibson. “The challenge is getting it all working together and having a cohesive image once you’re done.”

Having crystal clear imagery on the screen is necessary for depicting a lifelike view. So, the team invested in RED Epic cinema cameras – which have been used to shoot Netflix’s House of Cards and Syfy’s Sharknado – to allow for the highest quality live feed. Using an optimal recording speed is also crucial. “The higher the frame rate, the more lifelike the experience feels. The quality of the camera and its ability to correctly translate color are also key, but the frame per second is what drives the difference between TV and reality,” said Farzad.

Virtual balconies must also offer the right sounds to make guests feel the ambience of the open seas. “The live audio is key to creating the ambience. There is something about the ambient sounds of the balcony–waves crashing, seagulls, port sounds–that pull you in,” said Farzad.

And these virtual balconies can even help reduce motion sickness as well. The developers brought in advisors from MIT and Harvard to help them understand some of the underlying causes of seasickness. They studied the mechanisms of the inner ear that contributed to seasickness and also found that it was essential that the virtual balconies match the view that is outside their part of the ship.

Minimizing the gap in time between when the image was shot and when it’s viewed in the stateroom also plays a crucial role in minimizing any chance of seasickness. Keeping the latency, or difference in time between when the camera captures the image and when it appears on the screen, under three seconds was essential. “We realized during testing that movement of the horizon was a key contributing factor in seasickness. So, we have leveraged a wide angle lens to minimize horizon movement,” said Farzad.

The final product is a picture perfect view from an interior room that feels and sounds just like the real thing. Farzad believes the virtual balconies add a special touch for guests.  “The technology creates a feeling that enhances the guests’ vacation experience.”

Related Articles

Things to Do on Allure of the Seas

Think Green: 6 Eco-Friendly Facts About Anthem of the Seas

Wow-Worthy Facts About Wonder of the Seas

Managing a floating garden on the world’s largest cruise ships.

How Big Are Cruise Ship Cabins? 27 Examples, All Cabin Types

If you’re taking a cruise you may be wondering about how big cruise ship cabins actually are. Many first-time cruisers worry about the cabins feeling small and claustrophobic which is something that I’ve never found to be the case. I

‘ve been on multiple cruises and in this article, we will explore the average sizes of inside, oceanview, and balcony cabins.

How Big Are Inside Cruise Cabins?

The average size of an inside cabin is 167 feet squared (15.7 meters squared). This varies not only by cruise line but also by ship. The majority of inside cabins are between 160-180 square feet with some being as small as 120ft2 and some as large as 200ft2.

Below are 9 examples of inside cabin sizes. If the cruise ship in question has multiple different grades of inside cabin an average has been taken.

How Big Are Outside (Oceanview) Cruise Cabins?

The average size of an outside (oceanview) cabin is 180 feet squared (15 meters squared). This varies not only by cruise line but also by ship. The majority of outside (oceanview) cabins are between 170-190 square feet with some being as small as 150 ft2 and some as large as 220 ft2.

Outside cabin sizes are usually pretty similar to inside cabin sizes. If you are wondering whether you should book an inside or outside cabin, check out this post:

Cruise Ship Cabins – Inside or Outside, Which Should You Book?

Below are 9 examples of outside cabin sizes.

Oceanview and inside cabins usually have the same amenities:

In an inside cabin or oceanview you’ll typically find the following:

If you get to your cabin and see that the bed isn’t as you’d like, just ask your cabin steward and they’ll change it for you.

During the day these are tidied away so that you have more space in the cabin. If you’d like them to be kept down just ask your cabin steward.

That said, as long as they are clean and functional I think that’s all that you need. The bathrooms are located furthest into the ship and it would be very strange for you to find a window in a cruise ship bathroom.

There is one exception to the standard layout of the cabin bathroom. Onboard the Norwegian Epic you actually have a shower on one side and the toilet on the other, the sink is in the main room and there’s a curtain to protect your privacy. This is not typical but an interesting example.

• You’ll also find lots of storage space on the majority of cruise ships. I stayed in an inside cabin onboard the Marella explorer which actually had 16 drawers! I was only on board for 3 days so definitely didn’t need the space but appreciated it anyway. You’ll usually find that you’ll have a closet just after the bathroom and usually drawers here too. On most cruise ships you’ll find bedside tables and possibly a desk.

How Big Are Balcony Cabins on a Cruise Ship?

The average size of a balcony cabin is 197 feet squared (18.2 meters squared). This varies not only by cruise line but also by ship. The majority of balcony cabins are between 180-200 square feet with some being as small as 150 ft2 and some as large as 305 ft2.

Below are 9 examples of balcony cabin sizes. These are all standard balconies.

Other types of balcony cabins:

If you do need a balcony cabin with more room a good option is to book what is often called a ‘family’ balcony cabin. These do cost more than standard balcony cabins but are often much larger and can sometimes hold more passengers.

Another option, if needed, is to book an accessible cabin. Accessible cabins are available for all cabin grades and are considerably larger. Please only book one if you need it though. It can be difficult for people that need accessible cabins, such as wheelchair users, to book cruises as accessible rooms sell out quickly.

Balcony Cabin Amenities

You’ll find all of the same things that you’ll find in an inside or oceanview cabin in a balcony room. The decor and style is usually the same it’ll just be on a slightly larger scale.

In a balcony cabin you’ll also find the following:

• A sofa or chairs. Because of the slightly bigger space, you’re usually able to fit in an additional area for sitting. This is great if you want to spend any time in your cabin ordering room service or watching a movie.
• A balcony. The size of the balcony does vary by cruise ship but most usually have room for a couple of chairs and a small table. On some balconies where there is more space, you may find sun loungers or a hammock but this isn’t the norm.
• Additional storage space. In balcony cabins, you’ll usually find that you have more storage space than in inside or oceanview cabins. This may be an extra set of drawers or shelves in the closet.

Are Cruise Cabins Claustrophobic?

The majority of people that cruise does not find cruise cabins to be claustrophobic. If you are prone to claustrophobia it may be a good idea to book a balcony cabin as having some outside space often makes this better. Cruise cabins are usually organized well which makes them feel more spacious. 

If you feel claustrophobic in a cabin may depend on how much space you have at home. Below is a comparison to my home which may explain why I don’t find cabins claustrophobic at all.

How do Cruise Cabin Sizes Compare?

I used to live in a very small apartment, small even by UK standards. The bedroom was 92ft2 and the bathroom was 36ft2. Adding this together gives me square footage of 128ft2! This may explain why I don’t feel claustrophobic in even the smallest inside cabin. If you’re in doubt, consider measuring your bedroom at home.

128ft is smaller than most inside and oceanview cabins. It’s much smaller than your standard balcony and is 32 times smaller than Independence of the Seas Presidential Suite which comes in at a whopping 4891 ft2!

To Conclude:

Inside and ocean view cabins generally hover around 160 – 180 ft2. Oceanview cabins can be a little bigger but they’ll usually not much bigger than inside cabins. Balcony cabins are normally considerably larger and are around 180-200 ft2.

Free Insiders Cruise Line Guide

Ever wondered how the mainstream cruise lines compare? Cruise lines won’t tell you this, but I will.

This FREE guide shows you everything you need to know to find your perfect cruise line.

Enter your email address below:

I've stayed in 3 types of rooms on cruises, and the cheapest was never worth it. Here's what to book instead.

• I'm a frequent cruise traveler who's stayed in a variety of onboard accommodations.
• The least expensive rooms have no view and are usually cramped, especially if shared by a family.
• Splurging on a higher-category cabin on my last cruise was the best decision I made.

Automatically booking the cheapest room on a cruise ship without doing proper research first can ruin a trip. 

As someone who's been going on cruises for over 10 years, I've learned that the price tag for these vacations can vary based on a number of factors — from cruise line to trip duration to room category.

Staying in the most standard-level cabin seems like an obvious way to keep costs down. But after trying out three different room categories, both with and without my kids, I've found that a ship's least expensive option is almost never worth it.

Based on my experience in three different cruise-room categories, here are the ones I recommend skipping and the ones I recommend splurging on.

Interior staterooms are limited in space and privacy

The standard (and least expensive) room on any cruise ship is typically called an inside or interior stateroom.

These cabins often sleep three to four people and are located in the middle of the ship, with no exterior view of the vessel's surroundings. 

I've stayed in interior staterooms on a Carnival Cruise Line ship and a Disney Cruise Line ship . Aside from different decor styles and a few small touches, this room category is fairly standard across the board. 

When I'm on a cruise, I like to wake up and open my curtains to look at the ocean or the port where the ship is docked , which isn't an option in these inward-looking cabins.

Apart from having no view, interior staterooms are very small. The exact square footage varies but, for reference, the Disn ey Fantasy cruise ship's interior stateroom is 169 square feet and a Royal Caribbean ship's version is around the same size at 164 square feet .

To put those numbers into perspective, standard hotel rooms in the US are, on average, around 330 square feet , almost double the size of the entry-level cruise accommodation.

I want to be able to maneuver around without tripping over luggage, accent furniture, or my own family members. And because of the lack of space in interior staterooms, that's a challenge.

This category is definitely the most economical option, making it ideal for travelers on a budget .

However, if families, especially ones traveling with teens, can swing an alternative, they should steer clear of cramming into an interior stateroom and opt for a category with more space and privacy.

Ocean-view staterooms provide slightly more space but can still feel cramped

The next category up is usually an ocean-view stateroom.

With an outward-facing window, ocean-view staterooms are a solid mid-tier option for travelers who want more space than an interior stateroom offers but don't want to spend extra for a balcony room.

Their exact size and capacity range from ship to ship, but Disney Fantasy's ocean-view staterooms are 204 square feet , and Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas' version is 179 square feet .

Many of these accommodations fit up to five people. If you have more than four family members (yes, infants who are six months and older are part of the headcount), making the jump from an interior stateroom to an ocean-view stateroom is absolutely worth the extra money.

Some cruise lines sell ocean-view rooms as the entry-level category for families of five or more travelers , simply because many interior staterooms can only accommodate a maximum of four guests.

My top pick is balcony staterooms, which offer privacy and plenty of space 

Balcony staterooms, also known as veranda staterooms, are usually the largest accommodation option you can get without concierge service or extras.

I recommend this category to all travelers setting sail in the future for one reason: the private balcony.

You can open your curtains and enjoy the sights outside, similar to the experience of staying in an ocean-view stateroom. But in this room type, you can step out onto a balcony and take in the sounds and smells, too. 

The rooms' sizes and capacities depend on the ship, but balcony staterooms are usually larger than ocean-view staterooms and tend to sleep up to five guests . Even if the rooms' living spaces aren't substantially bigger, they have the added space of the veranda. 

Including the terrace, balcony staterooms on the Disney Fantasy are 246 square feet and are between 214 square feet to 279 square feet on Princess Cruises' fleet.

When my family stayed in a balcony stateroom on a seven-night cruise, we made great use of the outdoor space. On a shorter cruise, where the balcony itself might not get as much use, I would still book this category for my family.

The upgrade was completely worth the price increase, especially because we were traveling with two sets of grandparents .

To make the most of the balcony staterooms, we even turned our individual verandas into one large terrace by having our steward remove the partitions between rooms. 

This story was originally published on May 25, 2022, and most recently updated on February 5, 2024.