How to Avoid the Most Common Inside Cabin Problems on Your Cruise

Inside cabins are a great way to save money when you cruise, but they do come with their quirks.

If you’re prepared, though, you can avoid some of the common issues and make your inside cabin just as comfortable as any other.

Here’s how to avoid the top five inside cabin problems and enjoy your cruise without any unnecessary hitches.

#1. Feeling Claustrophobic

Let’s face it – inside cabins are basically little metal boxes with no windows. There is just one way in and one way out…

For some people, that can feel a bit overwhelming and claustrophobic.

How to Avoid It:

• Bring a Sunrise Alarm Clock
  • These lights simulate a sunrise and help your body adjust to the lack of natural light. It makes mornings much easier.
  • I sleep and sleep in an inside cabin. There is no daylight to disturb me! Some of the best sleep I have ever had was when I stayed in an inside cabin!

• Leave The TV On “Bridge Cam”
  • Most cruise ship TVs have a channel that shows a live feed from the front of the ship.
  • It’s not exactly the same as having a window, but it helps you feel connected to the outside world.

A few cruise ships have Virtual Balcony Cabins. These have a large screen on the wall that shows the outside, a bit like having a window to the outside world.

I had one of these cabins onboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. Find out what I thought of it here:

• Keep The Cabin Tidy.
  • A messy room will feel smaller, so pack light and stay organised.

I’ve stayed in some of the smallest cabins on cruise ships, and keeping things neat and tidy makes a huge difference.

Find out some great ways to do that here:

5 Things Smart Cruisers Do To Keep Their Cabins Organised

#2. Not Knowing What Time It Is

Inside cabins are pitch black when the lights are off, making it impossible to tell if it’s 3 a.m. or 3 p.m.

How to Avoid It:

• Pack an alarm clock.
  • A simple digital clock can be a lifesaver when you wake up in the middle of the night and don’t know what time it is.
• Use your phone.
  • If you prefer, set your phone to display the time on your lock screen and keep it on the bedside table.

Be aware that there might be time changes when you cruise. If you are not connected to the internet, your phone may not update the time automatically.

The cruise company will tell you when there is due to be a time change, so make sure you are aware.

Find out about one of my favourite inside cabins on P&O’s Iona below. It is stylish and well designed, I don’t think that they could have improved on anything….

#3 Noise From Neighbours

Inside cabins are often located in busy areas, like near lifts/ elevators, crew spaces, or under the nightclub.

Thin walls can mean you hear your neighbours talking, watching TV, flushing toilets, or – if you’re really unlucky – snoring!

How to Avoid It:

• Pick your cabin carefully.
  • Study the deck plans and choose a cabin away from noisy spots like theatres, bars, or stairways.
• Pack earplugs.
  • I never travel without a pair of earplugs. They block out most noises and give you a peaceful night’s sleep.
• Ask to move.
  • If the noise is unbearable, speak to guest services, it may be possible that you can move to a different cabin.
  • Be aware though that if the cruise is fully booked, there will be no cabins available and you will have to make the best of it!

When I recently stayed on Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, I had the cheapest inside guaranteed cabin – which turned out to be directly below the nightclub. Find out all about that here:

#4. Lack of Air Circulation

Inside cabins can feel stuffy, especially if the air conditioning isn’t working properly.

How to Avoid It:

• Keep the bathroom door closed.
  • This prevents steam from the shower from making the room feel humid.
• Bring a portable fan If you’re worried...
  • A small, battery-operated fan can help circulate air and keep the cabin feeling fresh.
• Ask for maintenance to fix the air conditioning.
  • If the air conditioning isn’t working, let the crew know – they’re usually quick to fix it.

When I took a cruise onboard Marella Explorer 2, we had an unusual cabin at the aft of the ship. The air conditioning was broken, and it was SO hot!

After an unbearably hot night, I reported the problem first thing in the morning. They were quick to fix it.

Find out all about that interesting cruise here:

5. Limited Storage Space

Inside cabins are compact, and when you’re sharing, it can feel like there’s nowhere to put anything.

I think cruise companies are great at designing inside cabins, and they make use of every last bit of storage space – but there are things you can do to help yourself.

How to Avoid It:

• Use packing cubes.
  • These keep your clothes organised and make unpacking much easier. Just slide the cubes straight into the drawers.
• Store suitcases under the bed.
  • Most beds have enough space underneath for your luggage, if yours doesn’t fit, ask your cabin steward. They may offer to store it safely elsewhere until the end of the cruise.
  • Another space you can use for your case is at the bottom of your wardrobe. It limits the number of shoes you can store – but I don’t pack many shoes anyway!
• Hang things up.
  • Over-the-door hooks or magnetic hooks (as most cabin walls are metal) are brilliant for adding extra storage.

It’s no secret that I love an inside cabin. They offer a comfortable place to stay, often at a very affordable price. I don’t spend much time in the cabin anyway.

Find out about the smallest cabins I have stayed in in the video below:

Before You Go

Look at the pros and cons of booking a balcony versus an inside cabin here:

The Pros and Cons of Booking a Balcony vs. An Inside Cabin

Find out about the cheapest inside cabin on the luxury cruise line Azamara below – it had the smallest bathroom I have ever seen on a ship!

I Booked The Cheapest Cabin on a LUXURY CRUISE – Azamara Inside Cabin Review