I got claustrophobic in my cabin at night

[conversationist]

At home I am living like a king. My bedroom is 21 by 18 and I have alot of room. But on my first cruise I tried to save money and went with a small interior cabin. My cabin was 133 Square Feet. I actually got claustrophobic and had a mini panic attack on the first night. I felt closed in. I ran out to the deck so I could get some fresh air and experience the wide open spaces. I still struggled because I was not able to get off the ship during the first 48 hours. I felt trapped.

 

I have to admit I struggle with claustrophobic issues on Airplanes also and do not like driving in a bus.

 

Anyone else struggle with claustrophobic feelings on the cruise ship?

[Cruzman]

Got a little claustrophobic on my first two cruises, NCL and Royal Caribbean. After sailing on Carnival and HAL. I found the cabins to be significantly larger and , of course, a window (especially a balcony) seems to eliminate the feeling altogether.

[agabbymama]

Sure do, that's why I won't cruise without a balcony. Even sometimes sitting in the theater watching live performers, while the show is good, I sometimes would suffer the mini-panic attack. In the cabin, I find that having the large sliding door letting in the light helps, as well as being able to step out on the balcony. For me, I would never book an interior cabin, as I know this ahead of time. If I can't afford the balcony cabin, then I'd wait until I had saved enough to be able to have the balcony. I'd rather not cruise, than cruise without a balcony.:p

[pg.]

I would never be able to take an inside cabin because of claustrophobia. Knowing you also have this issue I think you didn't do yourself any favours by booking an inside.

Better to save a few months longer and get a balcony cabin, you can even sleep with the balcony door open and hear the sea at night, which we love to do.

[Seal]

Being in the same situation-- can't even imagine an interior room. I wouldn't even be able to use a FREE interiior room

 

We always travel with a balcony room

 

Can't sit in anything but an aisle seat on an airplane--if in economy class--if I was sitting next to someone on an airline and they let their tray table down--that would do itI would really be the crazy woman--yell and scream and get out of that seat

 

Sitting in the rear seat of a car isn't great either--try to open the door and someone has that child safety lock on--panic time

 

Get that Balcony

 

Nancy:D

[Bequia]

Balcony for sure...leave the door open. ;)

[curiousl8y]

Yep. I fly "Air Xanax" because of the claustrophobia. Aisle seats help some, as well.

 

On a cruise, having a balcony made the biggest difference. Like the others said, having that door open is fabulous. On our last cruise, the cabin across the hall was being cleaned, and I peeked in. Same size as ours but no balcony. It gave me the heebie-jeebies just to see it. :-) No claustrophobia on the actual ship, though. Apparently it is large enough and open enough to not spike that particular panic.

[wodyja]

better living through chemistry

[on board]

I also am claustrophobic, but I have not ever felt that way in an inside cabin. It is the elevators, crowded lines, and no breathing room thing with me. We don't spend that much time in our cabin to worry about.

 

I have a huge home with very large rooms and high ceilings so I know how you must feel but honestly we don't feel that the extra money is worth the short time spent in cabin! JMO! I would rather shop or spend more time on vacation with that extra money. :p

[Happy ks]

Never. We've been in interior cabins several times, ocean view, balcony and one Junior Suite. If the only way I could cruise was to be in an interior cabin, you bet I'd do it again.

 

The only tough times I have on a cruise is if I have to eat in the buffet (don't care for that at all), the crowds around the pool (go up one deck, it's great!) and disembarkation (depression). We stay out of crowded venues like the show rooms, casino and disco, wait until at least an hour to tender (if tendering to port) after the crowds die down and wait until after dinner to have formal pics taken (late seating).

[momofmeg]

At home I am living like a king. My bedroom is 21 by 18 and I have alot of room. But on my first cruise I tried to save money and went with a small interior cabin. My cabin was 133 Square Feet. I actually got claustrophobic and had a mini panic attack on the first night. I felt closed in. I ran out to the deck so I could get some fresh air and experience the wide open spaces. I still struggled because I was not able to get off the ship during the first 48 hours. I felt trapped.

 

I have to admit I struggle with claustrophobic issues on Airplanes also and do not like driving in a bus.

 

Anyone else struggle with claustrophobic feelings on the cruise ship?

 

Never bothered me-but having a window is nicer and if you want a large stateroom-try HAL and Disney-even their enterior staterooms are a nice size.

[Meig]

Nope. I love the interior cabin because it is so cozy and especially because it is SO dark!

[newmexicoNita]

HAL and Carnival have the largest cabins other than Disney, but Disney is for a specail cruiser, not everyone would enjoy a Disney cruise, not to mention they are a little pricier. Try an outside cabin, better to splurge for a balcony; that would solve your problem altogether. NMnita

[logjordan]

During my second cruise in an inside cabin, I experienced my first panic attack. I didn't realize what was going on at the time...scary though. Was okay for the remainder of the cruise. Recently cruised with balcony room which was much better!!! Could leave the door open and feel the air and hear the ocean. Would recommend this if you have problems with panic attacks. I also have the same problem when flying.

[johnql]

I guess I'm lucky - I've never been claustrophobic in an inside cabin. I love the total darkness when the lights are out - very conducive to a good night's sleep.

[karen sharpe]

I think you might speak to someone re. your phobia and I'm sure a cabin with a balcony might help.:)

[samtig]

I'm somewhat claustrophobic and would never be able to stay in an inside cabin. Would feel like the walls were closing in especially in rougher seas. Have stayed in ocean view cabins with no problem but love a balcony. The main thing is that I need to be able to see outside. If I can do that I'm ok.

[Cricky]

My goodness! Just reading this post has made me feel a little panicky:D

I have always had a balcony because I know I could never in a million years stay in an inside cabin.I wish it was possible because then I would be able to cruise twice as much:) The big problem is on the plane. I do not like taking drugs and dont drink so I just grit my teeth and talk to myself the whole flight. God save the person in front of me if they recline their chair:D I have found that if I take my old fashioned ice bag and stuff it down my shirt it helps alot.For some reason the warmer I get the more panicky I feel. (If I ever get a hot flash during a flight,run for your lives:eek: )

[nikkin]

I always get a balconey on cruises, so not an issue.. I am usually not at all bothered on airlines, til my last trip (Hawaii), the seat backs were way high.. never saw them that high before.. plus we were stuck in row of 5.. my seat being 3rd in:( , and boy oh boy did I ever feel it.. I had to actually talk myself out of a panic attack..!

[nikkin]

balcony, sorry..not balconey. lol

[joelmarj]

I won't even chance it. I never book inside cabins and need a window at a minimum. Lately I've only booked balcony or better, but no way on an inside.

[TifTif]

On Our Last Cruise Our Family Had A Mini Suite W/a Balcony.my Inlaws Had An Inside Cabin, And From The Moment I Stepped Foot In It I Got Sick!i Had To Leave.with That Said,that Was Our 1st Balcony All Other Times We Had A Picture Window And That Was Just Fine. I Think Insides Are Small And With No Natural Light It Was Dreary.i Would Suggest If You Must Book An Inside Bring Some Xanex,and Turn The Tv On Tuned To The Bridge Cam. It Will Give You Some Sense Of Where Your At W/out Looking Actually Having A Window.hopefully Your Ship Will Have A Bridge Cam!:)

[LA_FadeAway]

I tend to get claustrophobic and also use xanax for flying. We had a balcony on our first cruise and it was perfect. That fresh air makes all the difference. We only had a window for our second cruise, but it was only three nights and I was fine, but missed the balcony. We have a balcony booked for our next 7nt. cruise. However, we are doing a 1 nt "dinner and dance" on NCL in September. We booked an inside for that one just to see if it's something we could ever handle in the future. Hopefully, I won't freak out!

[iamgolden]

I am the person on the plane drooling on my neck pillow in the Xanax induced stupor...have to have my balcony or won't go!

[San Diego Ellie]

We have always booked outside cabins, but we are doing our first inside in two weeks on Carnival Spirit. At least it will be large; 185 sq. feet I believe. I am a bit apprehensive, but do want to try it. If it works out for us, it could mean more cruises per year. And the more I cruise, the more I like it! I will let you know how I did when I get back on March 23.