Cabins

Interior staterooms on a cruise are the most affordable, but I prefer staying in balcony cabins. Not only are they typically more spacious, but nothing beats stepping outside onto your private veranda. This luxury comes at a price, though. 

On my recent voyage to Norway, my partner and I splurged on a balcony stateroom, which allowed us to take in the stunning views of the fjords from the comfort of our cabin. 

Between being in a different environment and external stimuli like creaking walls and a rocking ship, it can be tough to unwind in a cruise cabin. 

If you're like me, you might struggle with getting a good night's rest on vacation. Even after 30 cruises, I find it challenging to sleep as well on a cruise as I do at home.

Thankfully, there are a few ways to improve your sleep on a ship. One simple trick I've recently become a fan of is removing the hangers from my closet. 

Having been on over 30 cruises, I've gotten my embarkation day routine down pat. While I always leave room for a little spontaneity, there are a few things I always do as soon as I get to my cruise ship cabin that help set the tone for a great voyage. 

I like to snag an early arrival appointment for most cruises, so I can't get to my cabin for a few hours after boarding. Typically, this is when I'll grab lunch or explore the ship, becoming acquainted with my new floating hotel. 

Last year, I finally set sail on an epic journey to The Last Frontier, having wanted to cross Alaska off my bucket list for years. I loved the experience so much that I booked another Alaskan cruise months later. 

Although nothing compares to the warm sand and turquoise waters of the Bahamas and Caribbean, Alaska left a lasting impression with its snow-capped mountains, wildlife sightings, and towering glaciers. 

Though vacation is about relaxing and taking a break from your everyday life, it's important to remember that you're sharing the cruise ship with thousands of other guests. As such, there are specific rules cruise passengers must follow to help maintain a safe and positive environment. 

Breaking the rules can have serious consequences, ranging from hefty fines to a permanent ban from the cruise line. 

One Reddit user invited cruisers to share their unpopular opinions, starting with how they thought balcony cabins are a waste of money. 

Many guests can't imagine cruising in a tiny windowless interior cabin, while others argue that balconies are overpriced. 

The truth is, other cruisers can't tell you how to spend your money. What you consider "worth it" might not even cross someone else's mind. 

Would you spend a week in a tiny room with no windows? At first, I thought I'd hate interior cruise cabins. The idea of being in a small space with no natural light sounded claustrophobic and depressing, especially when on a moving hotel with great ocean views. 

However, after over 10 sailings in inside staterooms, I've realized they have some surprising perks. While they certainly aren't for everyone, they're perfect for the right traveler. 

Many cruisers dream of scoring an upgrade on their upcoming voyage. Who wouldn't want a better cabin for less?

Unfortunately, there's no way to guarantee an upgrade. For example, you could be on a fully booked sailing, which would squash your chance of receiving an upgrade to an ocean-view balcony stateroom. 

However, some strategies may increase your chances of scoring that coveted cabin upgrade.

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.