Cabins

I've been cruising for two decades and have sailed on over 20 ships. However, it wasn't until recently that I stayed in a frequently overlooked cruise cabin. 

Most cruisers are die-hard fans of balcony staterooms. While having a private verandah is undoubtedly a huge perk, they aren't the most affordable cabins onboard. 

Similarly, though interior staterooms are often the cheapest option, they lack natural sunlight and are usually the smallest cabins on a cruise ship. 

Within a month, I cruised to Alaska on both Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises. I booked an interior cabin for both sailings, but I liked one cabin more than the other.

Alaska cruises are some of my favorite itineraries in the world. I love waking up to inspiring scenery each day while sailing through the state’s fjords, and the active shore excursions are right up my alley.

What if you book the cheapest cruise cabin, but receive a balcony upgrade for free?

That’s exactly what happened to Cruise.Blog reader Jackie and her husband Joe, who recently took a 4-night cruise on MSC Seashore, one of MSC Cruises’ newest and most modern ships.

One of the easiest ways to save money on your cruise fare is to book a guarantee or GTY stateroom. This means that instead of selecting your cabin, you let the cruise line do it for you at a lower price. Guarantee cabins can be great options for flexible cruisers who want to save money on their cruise cabin. 

Cruise ship cabins are smaller than traditional hotel rooms and accommodate two to four passengers. If you have a large family, you will likely have to book two cabins or splurge on a large family suite. 

Two standard cabins will typically be the best budget-friendly option. However, some families might want to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 

Today's newest ships have an impressive line-up of family suites, ranging from Icon of the Seas' Ultimate Family Townhouse to Carnival Celebration's Excel Presidental Suite. 

Cruises are a time to kick back, relax, and not think about day-to-day responsibilities. Who wants to worry about cooking and cleaning on vacation?

Even so, there are some rules—both explicit and implied—that you should follow while onboard. You should not, for instance, smoke in areas that are not designated for smoking or engage in any unruly or disruptive behavior. You could end up cooling off in cruise ship jail or stuck with a hefty fine! 

I sailed on Celebrity's newest cruise ship twice. The first was a 7-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, and the second was a weeklong cruise around the Greek Isles. Though I preferred the latter's itinerary, the expensive cabin wasn't worth it on a port-intensive itinerary. 

Who wouldn't love to save money on their upcoming vacation? 

Cruises are an affordable way to travel thanks to their relatively inclusive fares. Everything from accommodation to food and entertainment is included in the price. 

While there are opportunities to spend extra on things like shore excursions and drink packages, it is easy to create a budget and stick to it. 

As a frequent cruiser, inside cabins help me get the most bang for my buck. While they're often cramped and lack natural light, their value is undeniable compared to pricey balcony staterooms. 

Last year, I stayed in interior cabins on seven different cruise ships, ranging from Carnival Elation to Quantum of the Seas and Disney Magic.