Big difference between oceanview and inside rooms on cruises?

Question

I am planning on cruising the caribbean in january on the norwegian cruise line ship Spirit. I was just wondering if there really is a big difference between the oceanview and inside rooms on a cruise ship. does is really matter to have that tiny window? do u get clustrophobic without it? any opinions on this are helpful!

Answer 1

No one-size-fits-all answer for this one! It's a personal choice

These days most oceanview windows are a decent size. You're probably thinking of portholes, which still exist, but are noted as such.

Simply put: one cabin has a view outside, the inside cabin doesn't.

Financially, you could probably take two cruises in an inside cabin for the price of one balcony cabin.

I choose to cruise more. One option you may want to try is an obstructed oceanview (you still get natural light and a view of the weather). There's a lifeboat outside your window (you can study the deck plan and choose one in between lifeboats). they're cheaper than oceanview, but at least you can see outside.

If you choose inside, all you need to do is step outside your cabin and go to an outside deck!
HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME!

Answer 2

As you know, an ocean view cabin has a window that you can look out of any see the ocean. It also allows sunlight into the cabin.

An inside cabin has no windows. Once you turn off the lights it gets very dark (no moon light, no street lights ...). Some people don't understand how dark it gets. To get an idea, turn off all the lights in your house, then go into an inside bathroom and turn out the lights. Then imagine sleeping there. If you are comfortable with it, fine. If not, get an ocean view cabins.

Also, without the window you have no idea if is day or night. I remember the story one person told of taking a nap, waking up at 5:45 and rushing to dinner, only to realize it was 5:45am, not 5:45pm.

Will you get claustrophobic? Only you can answer that question. Try my bathroom experiment and see how you feel. My sister got claustrophobic and ended up leaving a light on, which my brother-in-law did not like.

There are two basic theories on cabins. One, get the least expensive cabin because all you do in the cabin is sleep, shower and change clothing. The other theory is you are on vacation, get the best cabin you can afford so that you will enjoy your experience all that much more. Both are correct.

Some people only book inside cabins, and use the savings for a better shore excursion. Some people will only book a balcony or better because they enjoy the balcony. Some only book a suite because they want/need the extra room.

Personally (I have been on seven cruises and have four more booked) I look at it slightly differently. I have been in two suites, one ocean view, one inside and three balconies. I have booked a balcony, an ocean view, an inside with a window (looks out on the central promenade) and a suite.

I booked the inside with a window because I have never been in a promenade view cabin before. I booked the balcony because that is my favorite. I booked the ocean view because I don't feel like paying extra for a balcony when the ship only spends one day at sea and I booked the suite because it is the only way I could get a forward facing cabin with a balcony for the Panama Canal cruise I am going on.

So I have booked one of each. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Only you can decide which one is better for you.

Answer 3

Inside cabins are smaller then Oceanview cabins. An oceanview cabin can either have a very large picture window, or a small porthole window.
If you can - splurge and get a balcony cabin. People who say you never spend time in your room are the ones who do not have the nice rooms!! We always get a suite, and we spend lots of time in our room, and on our balcony. We eat breakfast on the balcony every morning. Saves you from having to get dressed and head up to the buffet or the dining room. It's great!! Watching the sunset from your balcony is truly worth the money.

Answer 4

If you're claustrophobic then you won't like the inside rooms. They are a little cheaper. But personally I would rather get the ocean view room even though they're a little more expensive. I just went on a cruise a few months ago and we got a room with a balcony. I really liked that because I could walk out on the balcony and get some fresh air and it also made the room seem a little bit larger.

Answer 5

It really depends on the length of the cruise. If it is 5 nights or less and you are not spending much time in the room, an inside cabin will be okay. More than 5 nights and you will start to feel trapped in an inside cabin.

Personally I perfer a balcony. It is nice to leave the door open so you can sleep with sound of the ocean. Also in the mornings it is nice to sit on the balcony and not have to fight with the crowds on the lido deck.

Cruise #12 is only 25 days away!

Answer 6

I don't think it matter because the window is so small and you can't open it. All you see is water moving by fast. I think if you look at it, you might get sea sick.
I was on the NCL Dawn last week. I upgraded to a balcony suite. I think it was worth the money. We got to enjoy the sunrise and sunset. Also it does not feel as clustrophobic.
It was our first time on a cruise and I don't think I will go back.
The only time we can get a swim is either early in the morning or late at night. The ship does not stay in one island very long for you to enjoy the place. They dock the ship in the morning and you have to be on board by 5pm.
Buffet is okay, however you have to reserve a day in advance to eat in the restaurants. Take advantage of the restaurant because you will get tired of eating at the buffet.
There is very little things to do in the ship without paying for it. The only thing that's free and good is the nightly show.
You don't have to tip the staff, unless you want to. They charge you $10 per person per night for services (tips).
My trip cost me $2400 room, $140 tips, and $200 excursions.
I rather fly directly to Bahamas or Bermuda. I think they are all about the same. I like Bermuda more than Bahamas.
Next time I will just fly to one island and stay there for a few days. It'll be cheaper and more relaxing.

Answer 7

Go and spend the money on a room with a Balcony to enjoy the sunsets while you snack on fruit and wine. One reason to go on a SHIP in the OCEAN is to enjoy it....which is hard to do if you're locked in an inside cabin.

Buffet's you can get in Vegas....and cheaper. Shore excursions are part of the deal with cruises but you can simply do airfare/hotel/rent-a-car and save money that way and avoid the ship.

Spending money for a cruise is a waste if don't get to enjoy the the sunsets or moonlight twinkling off the waves.

Answer 8

Have you ever lived in a place that has a balcony? It seemed like a good idea at the time but you never used the balcony after you moved in. It is the same way with an oceanview room. Spend the money where you will enjoy it perhaps on an excursion on shore.

Answer 9

PLEASE CANCEL YOUR CRUISE!!! The Spirit is horrible! We had a balcony room 11662 and it vibrated terribly and our balcony was FILTHY! The plexiglass had this scum on it the whole cruise (it was evident they hadn't cleaned it for a while, if ever) and when you sat on the balcony, you couldn't really enjoy the ocean because it was all blurry. The room itself was okay (if you like bedbugs). And not sure if you know this but with the automatic gratuity, the service is pretty much non-existant. If you want all the gory details, here's my scathing review on Cruise critic. It is my personal mission to tell everyone how badly NCL treats it's passengers.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=27873

Even if you do cruise on this crappy ship, I hope you can somehow enjoy yourself!

Answer 10

Well I like having the window but it does not matter much. What does make a big difference is if you can get a room with a balcony. A balcony is great especially on the sea days, you order breakfast to your room and seat out on your balcony and enjoy your meal while looking out at the sea and listening to the waves. It is awesome.
Rooms with views are better but there is not that much of a difference, your not going to spend much time in the cabin anyway.