With household budgets under pressure, Travel Counsellor Liz Hemingway ponders whether inside cabins could be the key to tempting budget-conscious travellers

One of the best things about cruising is the sweeping sea view. Waking up with a coffee and watching the sun slice through the horizon is a remarkable experience. But not all cabins on allow for this. Inside cabins – also known as interior cabins – can often be overlooked by clients for this very reason. However, savvy travel agents are acutely aware that the accommodation option can be a strategic selling tool.

With lower price points, these cabins make cruising accessible to budget-conscious travellers or first-timers keen to experience a cruise while keeping an eye on costs. Interior options are typically compact, measuring up to around 185 sq ft on average.

However, there are some that have been designed with families in mind, particularly on lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Disney Cruise Line, which offer inside options that can sleep up to four people.

But with most travellers wary of the idea of spending a week or longer sleeping in a room with no windows, Travel Counsellor Liz Hemingway, who has more than 20 years of experience in the cruise industry, asks the question: “How can agents tempt travellers and sell more inside cabins?”

Cruise fares typically include a wide range of amenities, such as meals, Wi-Fi, entertainment and activities, meaning guests spend relatively little time in their cabins as they make the most of the onboard offerings. This makes inside rooms a practical choice for itineraries rich in port calls and ships that offer top-notch common spaces to relax in.

“We talk through cabin types with every guest to ensure they’re making the right choices for them. For us, there are many reasons to book an interior cabin,” says Robbie O’Grady, founder of The Cruise Room.

“I would rather sit anywhere across the ship soaking up the atmosphere or people-watch rather than be in my room. I would also prefer spending my funds on adding experiences that I will remember forever, making memories. Others find that they sleep better in interior rooms as there is no natural light to wake them, some really don’t want to see the sea, some worry about having young children on balconies, and others simply want to save money.”

Selling inside cabins can also benefit an agent’s bottom line. Competitive pricing can help close bookings faster, while upselling dining packages, excursions or drinks can boost commission earnings. Positioning these cabins as a cost-effective option appeals to value-driven travellers and those keen to maximise their time exploring the ship and destinations, particularly during peak periods such as Christmas, summer and Carnival sailings.

Even on popular itineraries like Alaska, where clients may be tempted by balcony staterooms, choosing an inside cabin can free up budget for premium shore excursions. “For many clients, an inside cabin is a more affordable option for taking a cruise holiday; in reality, most cruises are chosen for their itinerary, and you don’t actually spend a whole lot of time in your cabin,” says Travel Counsellor Kerry Cansdale.

Lots of cruise lines now offer ‘bid for upgrades’ closer to the sailing date. By booking an inside to start with, you could end up with a fabulous deal on a balcony cabin later

According to CLIA’s 2025 State of the Industry report, 25 per cent of repeat cruise travellers sail two or more times per year. “If you compare prices of different cabins, sometimes taking an inside cabin is such good value that it could mean your client has more funds for another cruise later in the year,” Cansdale suggests.

Echoing O’Grady’s point on sleep quality, Cansdale notes that several clients have reported sleeping better in inside cabins. “Lots of cruise lines now offer ‘bid for upgrades’ closer to the sailing date. By booking an inside to start with, you could end up with a fabulous deal on a balcony cabin later,” she adds.

“The TV in your cabin has a channel with a ship camera, which is great way to see what’s going on outside and to check the weather before you leave the cabin to dress accordingly.” Cansdale adds that inside cabins need not feel claustrophobic, as some cruise lines offer floor-to-ceiling screens projecting real-time views, or permanently closed curtains to give the illusion of a window.

“These give you the feeling that you have a balcony, but beware – after a few cruise cocktails, it really does look like the real thing.” When selling inside cabins, agents should highlight advantages beyond cost, helping clients understand that not all interior options are the same. Modern inside cabins feature smart layouts, clever storage, premium bedding and digital entertainment systems.

While most do not have windows, it rarely feels claustrophobic, thanks to ample space, smart features and virtual balconies that often change every day on some cruise ships. The central location of an inside cabin can be a benefit, too. It makes navigation easier and even reduces lift wait times, which may seem a moot point for some but can be make or break for others. By framing inside cabins as both practical and comfortable, agents can turn them into a compelling choice for a wide range of travellers.