How bad are inside rooms? We are going on the Pride

[tracie]

I have never cruised and I am lost. Any help will be appreciated. What about the 5A rooms the ones with the obstructed view. Are they worth the extra money?

tracie

[NinaCO]

Can't discuss the 5A's. I've had interior cabins for all of my cruises. Obviously, I don't mind them at all. The interior cabins on Carnival are well lit with quite a few light switches including one right by the bed. They're wonderfully dark when the lights are out -- perfect for a mid-afternoon nap! The only problem is when you wake up during the night and have no idea what time it is. Could be 2:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.

I would like to try an oceanview cabin. I've got a cabin with portholes on my next cruise. But, I only booked it because it wasn't any more expensive than the interior cabin (category 1A).

Sleazy 3 on Conquest in Just:
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;10;29;18;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]

[Kenster]

Nina, since you've already booked an outside, why not go ahead and make it a guarantee so you'll have a shot of getting upgraded? You might get the full window. You might get moved up a deck or three. The worst you can do is be given the cabin type you paid for.

Carnival Carnivale -1988
Carnival Celebration - 2001
Carnival Celebration -June 2004

[matt082600]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tracie:
I have never cruised and I am lost. Any help will be appreciated. What about the 5A rooms the ones with the obstructed view. Are they worth the extra money?

I had an inside cabin once and did not like it. Of course, I got the inside cabin after I had already had an outside cabin. My biggest complaint is it was too dark. You wake up in the morning and its so dark you think its still the middle of the night. IMHO, nothing beats waking up in the morning, opening the curtains and seeing the ocean. That being said, if I had the option of crusing in an inside cabin or not cruising at all, I would take the inside cabin!

[halos]

I prefer an outside cabin, but to be honest, if the insides are a lot cheaper, I book them. I only sleep in there and although I dislike waking up and not having a sense of what time it is, it's not the end of the world. I don't spend any other time in the cabin other than sleep...(and whatever else comes up). With carnival, the worst inside cabins are still large enough that you don't feel claustrophobic.

What I did this time was shop around. The cruise prices fluctuate a LOT, so I waited patiently until the price on a cruise met my budget...the Miracle met it first. I then booked the WORST cabin, which was the cheapest. Within a few weeks, the prices dropped, so I called the TA and got upgraded...I did this 4 times over the course of 8 weeks (drove the poor TA nuts, but she was patient with me!!)...so, although I paid for a 1A cabin, I worked my way up to a 7A by upgrading every time the prices dropped.
You can wait for the TA or the cruise line to upgrade you and be surprised...or you can take matters into your own hands like I did (I am a control freak) and do it yourself.
SO...book that inside cabin, and work at upgrading it!!

I believe in Miracles
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[Freddie's Mama]

Are there mini bars/refrigerators in the Triumph inside cabins?

Carnival Triumph Here We Come!!!
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[cruising3times]

We like inside rooms, I don't feel that rooms with windows are worth the extra money however on the Miracle we are getting one balcony room and the kids will be in an inside room right across the hall.


Miracle 12/04
Imagination 04/04
Legend 12/03
Imagination 03/03
Pride 07/02
Inspiration 08/01
Paradise 12/00
Holiday Summer 87
Big Red Boat(Royale)Summer 86

[NinaCO]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kenster:
Nina, since you've already booked an outside, why not go ahead and make it a guarantee so you'll have a shot of getting upgraded? You might get the full window. You might get moved up a deck or three. The worst you can do is be given the cabin type you paid for.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Because my porthole cabin is a 1A! Any realistic upgrade of the cabin would be an interior cabin. I like Carnival's 1A cabins, and this one's second bed is actualy a small couch rather than a bunk bed. I'm really looking forward to it, but those windows could put a damper on my afternoon naps. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Sleazy 3 on Conquest in Just:
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;10;29;18;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600[/img]

[Facation Fanatic]

Inside, oceanview, balcony, I've had them all and had no problems with any of them. It really is a personal preference thing and unless you already have some type of issue with the darkness, you probably won't know what you like until you try it.

From the basic cabin standpoint, there is no difference in the size of the room or for the most part, the amenities until you get into the balcony class. Even then, I didn't think the difference in the price was worth it. I basically use my cabin to sleep, shower, and dress so I don't need any more room than to do just that.

From an economical standpoint, I can cruise twice for the price of one balcony. To me, being on the ship and cruising is more important than the sun waking me up as it shines through the window or being able to look at the stars from my own balcony. In fact, there are some mornings when the last thing I need is sun in my eyes.....know what I mean? LOL [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif[/img]

Having said that, I do understand those things are important to others and those are their preferences and priorities and that is great. But, it further concretes a basic philosophy of cruising and that is everyone has their own likes and dislikes and one's man's pain is another man's pleasure. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif[/img]

Being a first time cruiser, I don't know if the cabin is going to make any difference to you, there is so much more to be in awe of that you may find the cabin class, size, and location of little importance!!

I'm sure you will have a great time, regardless of your cabin. [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Just my 2 cents worth.

Facation Fanatic

Fantasy - 6/02 Bahamas
Fantasy - 12/02 Bahamas
Victory - 9/03 NE/Canada
Sovereign of the Seas - 1/04 Bahamas
Sovereign of the Seas - 4/04 Bahamas Daughter's Birthday Cruise

Carnival Glory to the Eastern Caribbean
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[mtchg]

I have enjoyed many inside cabins, outsides AND balconies, and though all things being equel a balcony is obviously more preferable, I enjoy them all, and unlike some..I actually ENJOY the cozy darkness of an inside..makes for great sleeping and naps. When I sail solo..I go for the cheapest inside cabins..usually get upgraded (but never from inside to outside..yet), when I am with my daughter or "a friend"..if I can still get a balcony for not much more than 100 per I'll go for it!

MitchC

Carnival Miracle 02/13/05
Disney Wonder 10/24/04
Splendour of the Seas 01/26/04
Carnival Conquest(adors!) 01/11/04
Paradise 03/02/03
Carnival Spirit 01/03
Carnival Legend 12/02
Carnival Victory 04/02
Sensation 01/02
Carnival Triumph 11/01
Imagination 11/00
Paradise 01/00
Holiday 11/98
Norway 1986
Mardi Gras 1986
(original CCL vessel)

[DreadPirateRobert]

Face it, nothing beats a balcony, espceially if you are on a longer cruise. I've done both balcony and inside. You can certainly cruise more often going with an inside cabin. I don't mind inside cabins. I sleep deeper and longer but I do miss being able to see what the weather is like, how close we are to port etc.

Windjammer Fantome May 1988 ?
Elation Sept 2001
Voyager of the Seas May 2002
Celebration July 2002
Jubilee Sept 2002
Destiny June 2003
Jubilee Sept 2003

[soccermommie]

We personally LOVE inside rooms. We cruise to rest and relax, and we enjoy being able to sleep in or nap in the afternoon in a completely dark room. I take along an alarm clock, so I know what time it is when I awaken, and if I want to know the weather before going outside, I can just turn on the tv to the bridge cam.

We've never had a balcony, and that may would change our opinion. But between an inside and an oceanview, we'll take the inside any day.

soccermommie

[jim4yoli]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by tracie:
I have never cruised and I am lost. Any help will be appreciated. What about the 5A rooms the ones with the obstructed view. Are they worth the extra money?

tracie<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

When we cruised on the Pride my husband and I had an extended balcony and my children shared the 4c interior next door. Both are very nice cabins, but for the price difference (not much of one), the balcony is worth it.

Yolanda
[url='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008'][img]http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/15_4_109.gif[/img][/url]

[serene56]

We had an inside cabin on the Sensation with 5 people. (grown teen boys no less) It was dark but we had a night light and an alarm clock. (without the alrm clock we would have slept all day without realizing it)
I would sail the inside again if the prices of oceanviews and balconies go higher. If I can pay 600 for a window it better be on my house.

Going NOWHERE
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Miracle, February 13, 2005
Legend, October 22,2004
Voyager August 31,2003
Victory September 22,2002
Regal Empress,June 2001
Sensation,August 2000

[scottp]

As stated above, it's all about personal preference!! We have had both. I like inside fine. My wife always wants outside. But balcony rooms have spoiled us. We tend to spend a lot of time sitting on the balcony and enjoying the ocean view and the view at the ports.

This being said, we usually always go for the balconys now. But I sure wouldn'd mind going on an inside cabin again.

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ffff&cdt=2004;6;19;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0400[/img] Until the FUN begins on the TRIUMPH!!!

[JohnQ]

Tracie
We were on the Pride in Feb this year and had a outside french door cabin with obstructed view. We had booked inside guarantee fairly late and didn't know what to expect. Our obstucted view on the main deck was great, we were right between boats and had lots of light and good view out. I would definitely consider again. While I would never turn down a balcony or outside, if I can do inside and do two cruises a year rather than one, I will do.The earlier you book your inside guarantee, I think the better your upgrade possibilities but only the upgrade gods know for sure.

[judyf]

I book an inside due to the savings. I book a guarantee. I would rather book two cruises with inside cabins then one cruise with a balcony. Which we just did this year!!!!!!!

Judy
RCCL Voyager 5/21-5/30/04
CCL Inspiration 4/4-4/11/04
NCL Sea 4/14-4/27/03
DCL Wonder 5/16-5/19/02
DCL Wonder 5/3-5/8/01
CCL Fantasy 2/15-2/18/01

[imsulin]

I'm an inside cabin cruiser, too! I often cruise solo, and the lack of light puts me right to sleep. Love it! When I wake up, and want to check the outside weather, I just turn the TV on to one of the ship's channels. I've been in inside, outside, and balcony cabins, and when I cruise solo, my preference (besides the price) is for the inside cabin. As another poster stated, you can cruise twice in an inside, and once in a balcony, for about the same price. Or something like that [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif[/img]! Carnival is well-know for their spacious cabins, so that shouldn't be a problem. Enjoy your cruise!

[kathyjack]

We have had inside rooms and rooms with windows - personally the inside room is just fine for us. I'd rather spend the difference in money on a shore excursion or a nice piece of jewlery for myself! You'll probably never have a better nights sleep than you do in an inside room - it's pitch dark. We just turn on the t.v. to see what the weather is like when we wake up. Go fo it and spend the money you save on something special for yourself.

[randolph]

We've had insides to suites. Of course
prefer the balconies. That said, the
next 2 cruises we booked inside since
we'll be flying to FLL from LAX. The
savings will pay for our 6 dives and
all the coctails we can drink and still
have change. We now choose to cruise
more often and get a reduced rate inside.

[hilltopfamily]

We have only cruised insides thus far, but have an oceanview booked for this summer, so we may change my mind after that! [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Anyway, insides have been just fine for our family. No complaints at all. We want the best deal we can get, since we book 2 rooms for the 5 of us. If I win the lottery, you can bet I'll be getting better accomodations, but until then, I'm perfectly happy with no window. I do what another poster above has said, I turn on the TV & view the bridgecam on it if the ship I'm on has one. And I do take a nightlight and an alarm clock. This does the trick for us.

Penny
Disney Magic~~Eastern 7/03
Carnival Celebration~~Western 3/04
Aug 1, 2004 Carnival Elation--Yippee, Our 3rd Cruise!!!
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[flypaper]

My first cruise was in an outside cabin. The second in an inside cabin. The third in a balcony.

The balcony is best but I could do an outside if I could save a decent amount on the fare. The inside just did not work for me. It was dark all the time and it drove me nuts. I have a hard enough time waking up when the sun is in the sky; in the dark I could sleep all week! I doubt I could do inside again.

[Gator Man]

Tracie, I assume this is your first cruise, if it is your are in for the most memorable experience in your life. If you are not claustraphobic {sp] any room on a cruise ship is great, lord knows you could be under an underpass somewhere. If you can afford it, it has been my experience that an outside cabin, or if you are really lucky, a balcony cabin are Heavens rewards. There is not a bad cabin on a cruise ship in my opinion. You Could be working. Not Cruising. Use Your budget as a guide if you are not concerned with close spaces.

[CruisinMK]

I mostly do insides. You just need to bring a small clock you can readily check the time from, and set the alarm so you don't sleep in longer than you wanted to. You can also set wakeup calls from your phone.

[img]http://us.st5.yimg.com/store4.yimg.com/I/demotivators_1793_4843317[/img]

[jerseygirl3]

The inside cabins are the same size as the oceanview and balcony cabins. So space wise, there is absolutely no difference.

[email="caribbeanqueen3@comcast.net"]caribbeanqueen3@comcast.net[/email]