An inside cabin is typically the same size as an outside cabin, the only difference being the window. An inside normally has curtains and a light that emulates a window. Most people do not really use their window for viewing; daylight is the main function of the cabin window. The disadvantage of an inside cabin is quite simply that no daylight exists. Unless you look at your watch, you have no idea what time it is, and unless the ship's television has a camera outside, you have no idea what the weather is like. If you wake up in the middle of the night looking for the bathroom, it is completely pitch-dark. We suggest that you leave your bathroom light on, with the door open just a crack, so you can easily find it without stumbling all over your cabin in the middle of the night! There are two schools of thought on inside cabins. Either you believe that the money is better spent on other things (excursions, bar tab, casino, shopping), or you just cannot survive without seeing daylight - and why not pay a little more and get it. Having said that, about half of first time cruisers who book inside cabins choose to take an outside next time 'round. Obstructed cabins are typically outside cabins with lifeboats in front of the window. These can be excellent value, as the primary purpose of letting daylight in the room is still performed, but to a lesser extent than the normal unobstructed view. As we've said before, there is not much to see from a cruise ship window, because the view is so limited as compared to being on deck. If you're more of an introvert and like the peace and quiet while reading a book, you might want to splurge and get a balcony cabin. Remember that some colder climate cruises combined with the wind may make sitting on the balcony less enjoyable than you might expect.

The earlier you book, the better position your cabin will be on the ship. Let's start off by saying that modern cruise ships are highly stabilized, and usually sail in waters that are quite calm. Cabin position will likely be more important for transatlantic, transpacific, open water cruises, and on ships over fifteen years old. Generally, the middle of the ship on lower floors has the least motion, as compared to the bow or stern (far ends of the ship). You may have heard the term mid-ship, which is generally the preferred location for a cabin. You will walk the same amount on your cruise whether you are mid-ship or not; it just seems like a long way when you have to walk from your cabin to the bow or stern. Even the lowest deck is usually two or three stories above water level, but a light sleeper should consider not being on the lowest deck. Just below the lowest deck are storage areas, and there can be quite a lot of noise if you are positioned right above one. If you book a balcony cabin, you could either have a view of land, or views of the water and sky. For example, if you are cruising to Alaska, the right side of the ship will contain most of the land views, as you are sailing Northbound. A Southbound cruise will require the opposite side. If view and position is important to you, you need to book as early as possible to get the best position.

Cabins located near elevators, loud public rooms, and next to triple and quad cabins can be a bit noisier than average. If you are a light sleeper, you might want to look carefully at the deck plan, or tell our agents when choosing a cabin. Promenade deck locations will have people walking past your window frequently. These decks can have a bit more noise than other decks. While the windows are often tinted or made as one-way glass, it can be a bit freaky watching people walking by even when you know they can't really see in.