The Looks Inside the Cruise Ship

A quick guide to inside cruise ship cabins, including different types of inside cabins, the largest cruise ship in the world, immersive interior experiences, tips for choosing the right cabin, and frequently asked questions.

January 9, 2024

Kyle Stewart

A professional view that looks inside the cruise ship at the navigation bridge, showing a technical console with throttles and control buttons. An officer in uniform stands at the expansive windows, overseeing the ship's path as it sails across the open ocean.

Inside Cruise Ship Cabins

Deciding on the perfect cruise cabin can feel like solving a puzzle. While ocean views and balconies often steal the spotlight, inside cabins offer a fantastic and often overlooked experience. These efficient spaces serve as your cozy home away from home, meticulously designed for comfort and functionality.

|Whether you are a first time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, understanding the ins and outs of an inside cabin is key to ensuring your cruise vacation is exactly what you hoped for. Let’s peel back the layers and see what awaits you on the interior of these magnificent floating cities.

Exploring an Inside Cabin

Step inside a cruise ship cabin, and you will find a cleverly designed space that makes the most of every square foot. Most standard cabins come with a bed that can be configured as two twins or one queen, a private bathroom with a shower, and just enough storage for all your vacation outfits. You will also typically find a television, phone, climate control, and often a safe for your valuables. The decor usually features soothing colors and subtle maritime accents to remind you that you are indeed at sea.

A warm and inviting view that looks inside the cruise ship cabin at night, featuring a comfortable bed with white linens and a wooden headboard. On the nightstand, a bottle of wine and two filled glasses sit under the soft glow of bedside lamps, creating a romantic atmosphere for a luxury voyage.

What is cool about modern inside cabins is how cruise lines have innovated. You might find interior-facing windows that look out onto a vibrant promenade or even virtual balconies that use high definition screens to project real time sea views.

These technological advancements make the cabin feel less enclosed and more connected to the outside world, or at least a simulated version of it. Comparing these offerings across different cruise lines like Carnival, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises can reveal surprising differences in design and included amenities.

The Different Types of Inside Cabins

Inside cabins come in a surprising variety, each designed to cater to specific needs and budgets. They are generally the most affordable option, making luxury cruising more accessible.

Standard Inside Cabin: This is your classic, windowless interior room. It is usually the most compact, but still features all the essentials like a bed, a small sitting area, a bathroom, and storage. Perfect if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship.
Larger Inside Cabin: Some cruise lines offer slightly more spacious inside cabins, giving you a few extra square feet for comfort or to accommodate more guests. These are great if you want the affordability of an inside cabin but need a bit more room to stretch out.
Virtual Balcony Inside Cabins: A popular innovation, these rooms feature a large digital screen that displays a live feed from cameras outside the ship. It simulates a window or balcony view, complete with ocean sounds, making the room feel far less enclosed.
Promenade Inside Cabins: Found on ships with interior public areas like Royal Caribbean’s Royal Promenade, these cabins have windows or even a balcony that overlooks the inside of the ship. They are fantastic for people watching and can make the room feel much larger.
Family Inside Cabins: Designed with families in mind, these rooms are larger and often come with additional bedding like bunk beds, pull out sofas, or even separate areas for kids. They offer practical solutions for multi-person groups.
Accessible Inside Cabins: For passengers with disabilities, these cabins provide more floor space for maneuverability, wheelchair accessible showers, grab bars, and other necessary modifications to ensure a comfortable stay.
Themed Inside Cabins: Some cruise lines occasionally offer rooms with special themes, decorations, and furnishings. These can cater to specific interests, like solo travelers or fans of certain entertainment franchises, adding a unique touch to your voyage.

Amenities across these categories generally include a television, phone, basic bathroom essentials, a safe, and sometimes a mini fridge. Cruise lines often provide different levels of service or additional perks depending on the cabin category booked, so always check the details.

The Icon of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is set to be the largest cruise ship in the world, with a capacity for nearly 10,000 passengers and crew. This impressive vessel is designed with 20 decks, featuring eight distinct “neighborhoods” that offer diverse dining options and activities for guests. Scheduled for its inaugural voyage on January 27, 2024, the Icon of the Seas will provide guests with typical seven-day itineraries, including three at-sea days for them to enjoy the ship’s amenities.

Choosing the Right Cabin for You

Selecting an inside cabin should be a thoughtful process. Factors like cabin size, specific amenities (virtual balcony, anyone?), and its location on the ship are all important. For instance, being near an elevator or far from noisy public areas can make a huge difference.

Inside cabins offer notable advantages like affordability, allowing you to save money for shore excursions or onboard treats. They also provide enhanced relaxation for some, as the complete darkness at night can lead to a truly restful sleep.

However, it is also smart to be mindful of certain cabin options to avoid. Small standard insides on certain ships might feel too cramped for some travelers, and some cabin categories across various cruise lines can be hit or miss in terms of layout or noise. Researching deck plans and reading reviews can help you steer clear of potential disappointments.

The Icon of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest marvel and set to be the largest cruise ship in the world, offers an astounding array of cabin choices, including innovative interior designs. With a capacity for nearly 10,000 passengers and crew and 20 decks featuring eight distinct neighborhoods, even its inside cabins are meticulously designed to maximize comfort and guest experience. Scheduled for its inaugural voyage in early 2024, this ship promises to redefine what is possible in an interior stateroom.

Ultimately, choosing the right cabin is crucial for an enjoyable and memorable cruise experience. By exploring the diverse cabin options available on modern cruise ships, including the surprisingly versatile inside cabins, passengers can find the perfect fit for their preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize budget, a completely dark room for sleeping, or clever design features, there is an inside cabin out there ready to be your perfect home at sea.