Bold statement: The cabin you think is best on a cruise might actually be the one you’d least expect, and this surprising choice could save you money while still delivering great rest after long days at sea. But here's where it gets controversial: many seasoned travelers swear by balconies, yet a dedicated couple of cruise veterans argue that a different type of cabin often offers better value and sleep quality for shorter trips. Now, here’s the full picture so you can decide for yourself.
Katrina and Kev Middleton are so devoted to cruising that they live and work aboard ships. They’ve completed 36 voyages, totaling 294 days at sea, and they even sold their home to pursue a life of travel on the water. Kev runs an IT consultancy, while Katrina recently swapped her marketing role to become a cruise influencer, sharing tips and advice on their platform, 360Cruising.
When it comes to finding a cruise deal, the couple have learned a few practical tricks from their years afloat. Contrary to common assumption, they propose a simple cabin strategy: for short cruises, consider selecting an interior or an ocean-view cabin rather than chasing a balcony. Katrina explains that interiors are an excellent way to trim costs while still delivering restful sleep—these rooms are darker and cooler, which often leads to surprisingly good rest. They aren’t in the room much anyway beyond sleeping and showering, so the extra money saved on a balcony can be better spent on memorable experiences ashore or onboard activities.
A practical tip to minimize disturbance is to choose a cabin that isn’t directly beneath any public areas. Avoid proximity to lifts or stairs if you can, since foot traffic and overhead noise can creep in at inconvenient times. If you’re prone to seasickness, Katrina adds, steer clear of cabins at the ship’s very front or back, especially high up, as motion can be more noticeable there.
Another big money saver relates to itineraries. Repositioning cruises, which occur when ships relocate between regions (for example moving from Europe to the Caribbean at the end of summer), often offer far better value than standard itineraries. These cruises tend to be longer, visit more unusual ports, and have a lower per-night rate, making them attractive for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind a longer voyage.
Staying organized and booking early also pays off. Specialty dining, drink packages, and Wi-Fi are typically cheaper to secure before you board. The Middleton duo emphasizes that the cruise fare is just the starting point; additional costs can quickly add up, so planning ahead is essential.
If you do find a price drop after you’ve booked, there’s usually a chance to recoup the difference. Katrina notes that you can call the cruise line to have your booking reissued at the lower rate, and they monitor prices every couple of weeks to rebook when appropriate.
Excursions can be a tempting budget line, but they don’t have to break the bank. They recommend checking an app like Shipmate to discover alternative, often cheaper, activity options in port.
Loyalty matters too. Sticking with a single cruise line—Royal Caribbean, in their experience—can unlock loyalty benefits that add value over time.
Behind the scenes, working on a cruise ship isn’t all glamour. Katrina and Kev often find themselves on laptops at odd hours due to time zones and irregular schedules. They may be drafting work in their cabin for a few hours, then finding a quiet spot on board to continue without being disrupted by onboard entertainment or noise. Despite the demanding schedule, they still carve out time to relax by the pool.
To stay connected while at sea, they invest in the ship’s internet package and supplement it with an eSIM like GigSky, which helps manage high roaming charges and keeps them productive while traveling.
A common packing mistake they see among cruisers is overdoing it on formal wear. Katrina points out that one formal outfit is usually enough; many people overpack for formal nights and simply aren’t in the mood to get dressed up. Her bottom line: you don’t need as much formal attire as you might think.
If you’re considering a cruise, these tips—from cabin type choices and noise awareness to itinerary strategies and pre-cruise planning—offer a balanced approach that can help you save money while maximizing the experience. The core message is clear: thoughtful planning often yields better value than chasing traditionally glamorous options alone.
What do you think about prioritizing interior cabins on shorter trips or trying a repositioning cruise for your next vacation? Do you agree that the extra cost of a balcony is worth it for you, or would you rather allocate that budget to ports, experiences, and upgrades elsewhere?
