Inside Stateroom vs Oceanview Stateroom: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between an inside stateroom and an oceanview cabin is a crucial decision when booking a cruise. Both options have distinct advantages and drawbacks, making it essential to weigh your priorities carefully. As someone who’s experienced both types of cabins with my family, I’ll share personal insights to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive into the world of cruise accommodations and explore which option might be best for you!

Understanding Cruise Ship Stateroom Categories

Inside Stateroom; note the round mirror in place of a porthole | Image © Disney

Before we dive into the specifics of inside and oceanview cabins, it’s important to understand the full spectrum of stateroom options typically available on cruise ships. While terminology may vary slightly between cruise lines, most offer four main categories of cabins, generally in ascending order of price and amenities:

1. Inside Cabins: No windows, located in the ship’s interior
2. Oceanview Cabins: Window or porthole with sea views
3. Balcony Cabins: Private outdoor space with seating (sometimes called Verandah cabins)
4. Suites: Largest cabins with separate living areas and premium amenities

For example, Disney Cruise Line categorizes their staterooms as Inside, Oceanview, Oceanview with Verandah, and Concierge. While the names might differ slightly, they generally align with these four main categories found across the industry.

Some cruise lines may have additional variations, such as spa cabins or family-specific staterooms. For this article, we’ll focus on inside and oceanview cabins, as they’re often the most budget-friendly options for cruisers.

Understanding the Basics: Inside vs Oceanview Cabins

Inside Cabins: Cozy Retreats

An Inside Stateroom on the Disney Wish | Image © Disney

Inside cabins are the most budget-friendly option on any cruise ship. These rooms are located in the interior of the ship and have no windows or portholes.

Key Features:

• No natural light
• Typically smaller than other cabin types
• Usually the most affordable option
• Can be located on any deck of the ship

Oceanview Cabins: A Room with a View

A typical Oceanview Stateroom configuration on Disney Wonder | Image © Disney

Oceanview cabins offer a window or porthole that looks out to sea, providing natural light and scenic views.

Key Features:

• Window or porthole (size varies by ship and cabin category)
• Generally slightly larger than inside cabins
• Mid-range pricing
• Usually located on lower and middle decks

Detailed Comparison: Inside vs Oceanview

Now that we’ve explored the basics, let’s dive into a detailed comparison, using my own family’s cruise experiences to highlight the differences.

Size and Layout

Inside Cabins:

• Average size: 135-185 square feet
• Compact layout, efficient use of space
• May feel cramped for longer cruises or larger families

Oceanview Cabins:

• Average size: 160-272 square feet
• Extra space often allows for a small sitting area
• Feels more spacious due to natural light and window

The giant porthole featured in some oceanview staterooms on the Disney Dream | Image © Disney

Keep in mind that these are standard-size staterooms, and “deluxe” inside or oceanview staterooms usually offer more space. Each cruise line has its own stateroom sizes and categories. For instance, Disney’s Inside Cabins typically range from about 169-204 sq ft, while their Oceanview Cabins range from about 204-241 sq ft. It’s important to note that cabin sizes differ not only by category but also by ship and even within the same category.

Personal Experience: On our family cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy, we found the inside cabin (170 sq ft) perfectly adequate for short 3-4 night cruises. However, for our 7-night Caribbean cruise, the extra space in the oceanview cabin (204 sq ft) made a noticeable difference in comfort, especially with two active kids.

Views and Natural Light

Inside Cabins:

• No exterior views
• Completely dark when lights are off (great for sleeping)
• Some modern ships offer “virtual portholes” or “virtual balconies”

A “virtual porthole” (live video feed with occasional character appearances) on the Disney Dream © Disney

Oceanview Cabins:

• Natural light during the day
• Views of the ocean, ports, and sunrises/sunsets
• Ability to gauge weather and sea conditions

Image © Disney

Tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, being able to see the horizon from an oceanview cabin can help alleviate symptoms.

Price

Inside Cabins:

• Lowest-priced cabins on the ship
• Can save hundreds compared to other cabin types
• Allow budget for other cruise expenses (excursions, specialty dining, etc.)

Oceanview Cabins:

• Mid-range pricing
• Typically $100-300 more than inside cabins per person
• Price difference can be more significant on scenic cruises (Alaska, Norwegian Fjords)

Personal Experience: For our family of four, choosing inside cabins on our first cruise allowed us to splurge on amazing shore excursions in each port. The money saved on the cabin enhanced our overall cruise experience significantly.

Location on Ship

Inside Cabins:

• Available on most decks
• Can choose higher, more central locations for less movement
• Some offer virtual views of public areas (e.g., Royal Caribbean’s Promenade View rooms)

Oceanview Cabins:

• Mainly on lower and middle decks
• Limited availability on upper decks
• Some may have obstructed views (e.g., by lifeboats)

Tip: Mid-ship cabins on lower decks often provide the smoothest ride, which can be beneficial for those prone to motion sickness.

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Who Should Choose Each Cabin Type?

Inside Cabins: Perfect For…

1. Budget-conscious travelers
2. Those who plan to spend minimal time in the cabin
3. Night owls and late sleepers who prefer total darkness
4. Cruisers who prioritize ship activities and port experiences over cabin amenities
5. Solo travelers or couples on shorter cruises

Avoid If:

• You’re claustrophobic
• You need natural light to maintain your sleep schedule
• You enjoy spending time relaxing in your cabin
• You’re on a scenic cruise where views are a crucial part of the experience

Oceanview Cabins: Ideal For…

1. Cruisers who value natural light and sea views
2. Families who need a bit more space
3. Those on longer cruises where cabin comfort is more important
4. Travelers on scenic itineraries (Alaska, Norwegian Fjords, etc.)
5. Light sleepers who need to see outside to orient themselves

Avoid If:

• You’re on a tight budget and would rather spend money on activities or excursions
• You prefer total darkness for sleeping
• You’re very sensitive to motion (higher deck oceanview cabins may feel more movement)

Cruise Line-Specific Features

Different cruise lines offer unique features in their inside and oceanview cabins. Here’s a quick overview:

Disney Cruise Line:

Inside cabins on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy feature “Magical Portholes,” which provide virtual ocean views with occasional Disney character appearances. This is a great way to make an inside cabin feel more connected to the sea. However, it’s important to note that not all Disney ships offer this feature; for instance, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder do not have Magical Portholes.

Royal Caribbean:

Royal Caribbean offers “Virtual Balcony” rooms in inside cabins on several ships, particularly within the Quantum and Voyager classes. These rooms feature floor-to-ceiling HD screens displaying live outside views. Additionally, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships offer unique interior cabins with “Promenade View” and “Central Park View” windows overlooking the ship’s internal areas. Keep in mind that these specialized cabin types are not available on all Royal Caribbean ships.

Carnival Cruise Line:

Carnival’s Cloud 9 Spa inside and oceanview cabins offer spa-related perks, available on select ships. While many of Carnival’s oceanview cabins provide clear views, not all have obstructed views, which is often specific to certain ships. It’s wise to verify the cabin details when booking to ensure you get the view you desire.

Personal Experience:

On our short Disney cruise aboard the Disney Dream, the kids were absolutely thrilled with the Magical Porthole in our inside cabin. It made the lack of a real window much more fun and bearable, especially with the surprise Disney characters popping in throughout the day. We do, however, prefer having real windows and more space during the longer Disney cruises.

Tips for Choosing Between Inside and Oceanview

1. Consider your itinerary: Scenic cruises benefit more from oceanview cabins.
2. Think about cruise length: Longer cruises might justify the extra cost of an oceanview for added comfort.
3. Assess your schedule: If you’re an early riser, natural light from an oceanview can be beneficial.
4. Evaluate motion sensitivity: Lower deck oceanview cabins can offer a more stable ride.
5. Check for promotions: Sometimes, cruise lines offer free upgrades from inside to oceanview.
6. Look at deck plans: Ensure your cabin location suits your needs (proximity to elevators, distance from noisy areas, etc.).
7. Consider the season: In colder climates, oceanview cabins can feel warmer and brighter.

Maximizing Your Cabin Experience

Regardless of which cabin type you choose, here are some tips to enhance your cruise room experience:

• Bring a nightlight for inside cabins to avoid total darkness.
• Pack magnetic hooks for additional storage in both cabin types.
• Consider a white noise machine or app to mask ship sounds.
• Bring binoculars for oceanview cabins to enhance sea viewing.
• Use packing cubes to maximize limited storage space in both cabin types.

Family-Friendly Cabin Options

For families cruising together, consider these options:

• Family Inside Cabins: Offered on some cruise lines, sleep 4-5 guests
• Family Oceanview Cabins: Larger rooms with extra beds or bunks for kids
• Connecting Rooms: Book adjoining inside or oceanview cabins for more space and privacy
• Category Upgrade: If you need more space (and are willing to spend a bit more cash), check out our articles on Oceanview vs. Verandah and Deluxe Stateroom vs. Deluxe Family Stateroom

Personal Experience: On our multi-generational cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, we opted for connecting inside cabins. This gave our family more space and privacy than a single oceanview cabin, at a similar price point.

The Value Proposition: Is an Oceanview Worth It?

The decision to upgrade from an inside to an oceanview cabin ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. How much extra are you willing to pay for a window?
2. Will you spend enough time in the cabin to justify the upgrade?
3. Is natural light important for your comfort and well-being?
4. Are the views an essential part of your cruise experience?
5. Could the money for an upgrade be better spent on cruise activities or excursions?

Personal Insight: For our family, we found that on Caribbean cruises, inside cabins were perfectly fine as we spent most of our time on deck or in ports. However, for our Alaska cruise, the oceanview cabin significantly enhanced our experience, allowing us to enjoy the stunning scenery even from our room.

The Bottom Line

There’s no universally “best” choice between an inside and oceanview cabin. The right option depends on your priorities, budget, and cruise style. Inside cabins offer the lowest prices and are ideal for travelers who spend minimal time in the room. Oceanview cabins provide natural light and scenery but at a higher cost.

Remember, regardless of your cabin choice, the most important aspect of your cruise is the overall experience – the destinations, activities, dining, and memories you’ll make with your travel companions.