5 People Who Will Spend More Time in Their Cruise Cabin Than Most

One of the most common pieces of cruise advice is: “It doesn’t matter what cabin you book because you’ll hardly be in it.”

That may be true for some passengers, but definitely not everyone.

Some people only use their cabin to sleep and shower, while others use it as an office, a quiet space, somewhere to rest or almost like a temporary home from home.

I spend quite a lot of time in my cabin because I work while cruising. I am writing scripts for videos, taking part in video calls, and even holding livestreams whilst onboard.

Here are five types of people who may spend more time in their cruise cabin than most.

#1. People Who Work While Cruising

With the rise in people working remotely, some choose to work when on a cruise ship.

This is mostly fine, but it is important to remember that the WiFI can’t totally be relied upon!

I always work from cruise ships, so the cabin also becomes my office. (Luckily, I am my own boss, so if the WiFi isn’t good enough to work, I only have myself to answer to!)

I’m often editing, writing, answering emails or uploading pictures and videos onboard.

It is a real bonus to have a comfortable desk or seating area that I can use as a base.

Having natural light can make a big difference when I’m working for hours. That is one of the reasons I cruise in balcony cabins more than I used to.

Having a balcony gives me somewhere to take a break without leaving the cabin.

Cabin layout matters much more if I’m actually trying to be productive in there.

If my cruise is purely a holiday, I am quite happy in an inside cabin, as I literally just go there to sleep, shower and change.

Because I’m often using 4G/5G, it’s better for me to be in an oceanview or balcony cabin. If i’m in the middle in an inside cabin, the signal usually can’t get in and I have to pay more for WiFi which cancels out what I’d save by booking an inside cabin.

#2. Introverts and People Who Need Time Alone

Cruise ships can be busy, crowded and very social.

Some people genuinely need a few hours alone to recharge.

A cabin can be somewhere to read, watch TV, order room service, or just chill.

I like to socialise with friends and family, and meet new people when I cruise – but I also like to have somewhere quiet to retreat to when I am not feeling that sociable. Sometimes I just want to “recharge my batteries”!

For passengers like me, paying for a nicer cabin may be more worthwhile.

#3. Families With Babies or Young Children

Babies and young children usually need a daytime sleep. Parents can end up spending chunks of the day back in the cabin while they do.

Early bedtimes can also mean parents spend more evenings in the cabin, rather than going to the shows or watching other live entertainment onboard.

A balcony may be particularly useful because parents can sit outside while their child sleeps inside.

Cabin size and layout become more important when there are more than two people sharing the space.

#4. People With Mobility Issues, Chronic Illness or Who Tire Easily

Large cruise ships can involve a lot of walking, and some passengers may need to return to their cabin regularly to rest.

Someone who experiences fatigue may want to spend afternoons relaxing in the cabin, before going back out for dinner or to enjoy the entertainment.

Cabin location can be particularly important for these people. They may need to be close to lifts, public venues and dining rooms that they use frequently.

Accessible features and additional space may also matter to people who have disability issues.

Not everyone with a disability or health condition will want to spend more time in their cabin – but many will.

#5. People on Longer Cruises

On a short three or four-night cruise, passengers might happily spend many hours out exploring the ship.

On a two-week cruise, repositioning cruise or a world cruise, you will have had plenty of time to explore the ship, and might want to spend more time in your cabin.

Longer itineraries often include more sea days, and this naturally creates more time to relax and chill in your cabin.

Passengers may start using their cabin for reading, watching films, ordering room service or simply relaxing.

The longer you stay onboard, the more the cabin can start to feel like a temporary home from home, rather than just somewhere to sleep.

Storage, having somewhere to sit, natural light and overall space may therefore become more important.

Someone like me who normally books the cheapest inside cabin for short trips may decide to book a larger or brighter cabin for a longer voyage.

That said, don’t be afraid to book the cheapest inside cabin if your cruise is purely a holiday. Inside cabins, particularly on the newer ships, are well appointed and will have everything you need.

Don’t let anyone tell you that you must book a balcony cabin to have a good cruise!

Have a look at the cheapest inside cabin I stayed in on Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, below. It was lovely!

Before You Go

Find out about behind-the-scenes tours that cruise lines offer here:

Cruise Ship Tours That Take You To Areas Most Passengers Never See

Will you get the best deal booking early, or last minute? Find out here:

Booking A Cruise Last Minute Vs Early – Which Is Actually Cheaper?