Windowless Wonders Unite!

[poptart]

. Some light comes in under the door, but not a lot.

 

.

 

 

a rolled up towel placed by the crack at the bottom of the door takes care of that!!!!:D

 

I've been all classes of cabins and have enjoyed them all. I get more sleep in an inside cabin. ;)

[DarthGrady]

"Windowless Wonders" Your better off calling them the "K-mart Cruisers" because they are so darn cheap. You would never catch me in one of those morg boxes.

 

Sorry us 'po folks get in your way as youre being escorted to your Royal Suite. We'll row harder, and grease the steering linkage twice to make up for it. :rolleyes:

 

BTW: I'm not seeing a lot of Cunard, Celebrity, Regent Seven Seas, Yachts of Seabourn, or World of ResidenSea sailings on your past cruise list there Marie Antoinette. :p

[Sassy Chassis]

Sorry us 'po folks get in your way as youre being escorted to your Royal Suite. We'll row harder, and grease the steering linkage twice to make up for it. :rolleyes:

 

BTW: I'm not seeing a lot of Cunard, Celebrity, Regent Seven Seas, Yachts of Seabourn, or World of ResidenSea sailings on your past cruise list there Marie Antoinette. :p

LOL

 

I haven't shopped at a Kmart since God knows when...and I've pretty much put a stop to Wal*Mart trips too. If I have to be aligned with a discount store...can we make it Target? :D ;) :p

[chrisandjeanne]

I always book inside - my husband and I only use the cabin for sleeping and, well, the other thing, and neither are helped by a balcony or window. I did once book an "inside" room that turned out to have a small porthole - and I liked that, but I wouldn't have paid for it. I have always found an alarm to be more than adequate at waking me up if needed - but frankly I work very long hours and if I sleep in on vacation it is because I need it. That is the beauty of round the clock buffets. With the extra money I save and get a massage or beauty treatment on board. Very nice of my husband to let me do that, since he loses a window and only gains a happy wife. :)

[voyagerfl]

We've done Inside, Outside & Balcony.

Inside the most often.

 

It really depends on the Itinerary....and the money.

We'd rather cruise more often than have a Balcony every time.

 

Plus....take the Med. Cruise, it's in an exotic port almost every day for a long day. With almost no sea days. I know we will spend no time in the cabin and be much too tired by the time we fall into bed at night to care about a Balcony. With the difference between an inside and a Balcony we can pay for the airfare.

 

.

[mustgo]

More insiders here. We don't turn down the upgrades, but and inside cabin is fine. We don't spend much time in it so generally save the money for another vacation. We did do a balcony once in Alaska, went back again and took and inside. The dark is fine for sleeping. A $5 Wallmart travel clock keeps me informed of the time--lights up at night when I push on it. Looking forward to a 28 b2b in November and yes, we booked inside.

[LambKnuckles]

I couldn't imagine a LONG cruise -- over a week -- in a windowless cabin. BUT, I'd take any cruise over no cruise if cost made a difference. Thank heavens, right now, it's choice!

[Cracker Ken]

That's not a nice thing for someone to say about us insiders. Just because we book cheaper inside cabins, doesn't make us a bunch of low-lifes or miscreants sailing in "steerage." My savings in the cost of the cabin helps with air fare, and let's us do nice shore excursions and see the world. I was on a cruise on Celebrity once, and many in the CC group were always talking about balconies, a lot. Many of them only got off the ship and wandered around in port, while we were getting on buses and trekking all over the place seeing the sights. I suppose they blew all their $$$ on the prestige of a balcony or suite, then couldn't do anything else. Whatever floats their boat.

 

Ken

[jimshemc]

My first time cruising in May will be in an inside cabin. I'm excited and could careless where I'm sleeping but I think the darkness will throw off my internal clock by a few hours :) Two questions for those of you that are seasoned "insiders"....Is it true that there is no clock inside the cabins? ANNNND should I bring a nightlight for those late night bathroom trips? Thanks!!

 

CrackerKen, what's a bridge cam? I'm assuming the TV broadcasts something like a webcam from a part of the ship. Which part? Thanks! :D

 

Happy New Year!!!

 

Kristina

 

 

I always pack a glade air freshener with the nightlight and we order coffee thru room service as our wake up call. Works like a charm. Don't forget the surge protector or power strip. One plug is never enuf for a lady:D .

 

Happy Cruising,

Sheila

[ClerkPatsy]

Of my 5 cruises .. 4 have been OV and 1 IS. The first cruise we booked an OV with a specific cabin number (we didn't know any better:o ) hee hee.

 

2nd cruise, we booked the last cabin on the ship which was our 1 and only IS cabin.

 

3rd - 5th, we booked IS guarantees and we have been visited by the upgrade fairy and have had two OV's and 1 porthole room.

 

At night I find no difference in the IS vs. OV. The rooms are just as dark and if you look out the window you're not going to see anything (it's dark :D ). But, in the morning I do enjoy the outside light. I also enjoy sitting on the window sill and sipping my coffee in the mornings.

 

Will I continue to book IS guarantees. You bet ya. Will I be diappointed if I don't get upgraded. Nope. I heard this quote once and I totally agree - "The best cabin on a ship is the one I'm in!"

[SittinUnderAPalmTree]

In my opinion, I just want to go on vacation. I'd rather go on two or three vacations and have less expensive accommodations, than spend all my money on one week in a nice room.

 

DH and I aren't planning on spending a lot of time in the room, we never do anywhere we go, on land or sea. Just give me a comfortable place to sleep and shower. As long as I'm heading somewhere where my toes can be in the sand, I'm perfectly happy.

[MizzCard]

All our cruises have been IS except for one OV. Our next cruise is an OV, only because the price was exceptional. Actually we could've gotten a great deal on a balcony, but we opted for the savings and 5 months later we're doing our 1st Mex Riv.:D

[dcwms]

On our cruise I booked an inside guarantee for my husband & I, my BIL & SIL went with a balcony. I liked our inside room just fine and I'm normally an early riser so it's usually dark when I wake up at home so it wasn't much different on the cruise. One difference my BIL and I discussed was maybe because I didn't have the balcony I was out on the Lido deck and all over the ship doing stuff and they missed doing a lot of stuff because they were in their room.

On our next cruise I booked another inside guarantee and my BIL & SIL said they will book inside also and get out of the room more.

 

Sharon

[Cracker Ken]

I think for some people, not all, a balcony is a "presitge" thing. I've been around groups before where I was almost embarrassed to admit that I had an inside cabin.

 

dcwms - I agree completely with your observation. There's big world out there, and a big ship too. I really believe that a lot of folks miss out on a lot by using the balcony too much. Like, people who "have to have" a balcony to do Alaska. Huh? I've done Alaska 2x with an inside cabin. What about the huge open expanses up on the decks where you can see 3x as much, on ALL sides of the ship?

 

Don't get me wrong, I like balconies, and I like outside cabins too, but it doesn't ruin my trip if I don't have one. I'd rather cruise often with cheaper cabins, than seldom with an expensive cabin.

 

Ken

[afn10305]

I think for some people, not all, a balcony is a "presitge" thing. I've been around groups before where I was almost embarrassed to admit that I had an inside cabin.

 

dcwms - I agree completely with your observation. There's big world out there, and a big ship too. I really believe that a lot of folks miss out on a lot by using the balcony too much. Like, people who "have to have" a balcony to do Alaska. Huh? I've done Alaska 2x with an inside cabin. What about the huge open expanses up on the decks where you can see 3x as much, on ALL sides of the ship?

 

Don't get me wrong, I like balconies, and I like outside cabins too, but it doesn't ruin my trip if I don't have one. I'd rather cruise often with cheaper cabins, than seldom with an expensive cabin.

 

Ken

 

Okay, so I've read through all of the "windowless" responses and now I just have to defend those of us who get balconies for other reasons... I have been cruising since I was in the sixth grade. (I am now heading towards AARP--land, and that's all I am going to say about that!)

 

As I get older I find myself not extremely happy about being in confined spaces and have even had medication to help with it. Of course this weighs heavy on my decision for choosing a cabin when I go cruising because I always prefer a balcony if I can get one, (or at least oceanview) and fortunately I have a very loving and understanding husband who indulges me on this issue.

 

Of course, I would never, ever make someone feel bad about their decision/choice in choosing an inside cabin, because I know in fact that they have indeed spent their money more wisely than we have. The beauty in cruising is that there is so much choice. Something for EVERYONE!

 

OTOH, we have a little "blender" secret that has saved us countless dollars on bar tabs, so maybe that's something I need to share here too!

[mailbroad]

I have been in insides and balconies on different lines. Balconies ARE nice but insides mean more cruises!:D

I do enjoy the darkness for sleeping!

[BooBooMonkey]

We've had OV twice. It was nice (upgrade), but wouldn't spend the extra money to have an OV room. I'm almost afraid to book a balcony because we'd probably never leave the room! In fact, we've booked the dreaded 1A for this next cruise. Hope for an upgrade to a regular inside, but won't be disappointed if it doesn't happen!

 

Although the insides are really good for sleeping, I tend to be an early riser, while DH is not. I think we only overslept once, but it was in Key West and we didn't have a scheduled tour, so no big! I actually enjoy getting up and going to the Lido for a quiet cup of coffee before the crowds arrive, and that gives DH a few more minutes of sleep, and me a few minutes of solace while enjoying the sunrise.

 

If I were to book an outside "on purpose", it would be a balcony...just because we've never tried it. I just don't think the extra for a regular OV window is worth it. As many have said, we prefer to use the money we save on other things such as drinks, gambling, and shore excursions.

 

To each his own though! Happy cruising everyone!

[bakechef]

I was able to take 2 inside 7 day cruises last year for slightly more than than 1 balcony cruise, so it is definitely a money thing with us.

 

May look in to a balcony next time, but if the cost is significantly lower for inside than inside it will be.

 

I just want to cruise!!!!!

 

MAC

[davidnsteph]

We have had inside cabins, oceanviews and balconies in no particular order. If there was a big price difference between an inside and balcony (about $1000), we opted for the inside. Also, if we have previously cruised in the same area (like the Caribbean), we take an inside. We were pleasantly surprised once by an unexpected upgrade to an oceanview on an Alaska cruise on the Regal Princess, but we would have been happy with an inside. Most of the ships we've sailed on had plenty of outside deck space in the front, rear and sides of the ship, often giving a lovely panoramic view in scenic places like Alaska.

 

We have, however, paid the extra amount for a balcony in a remote and scenic area like Tahiti. It was worth it, because we could get out of bed, and watch as the ship sailed into these exotic ports as the sun was rising. We would probably splurge and book a balcony on a future cruise to a similar destination with unique scenery.

[AmberTeka]

We have had one inside cabin. I loved it. We got a military rate and then we were upgraded three categories. I loved the quiet. I loved sleeping better. I loved not worrying about spending money on things..like the more expensive Shore Trips because the cabin rate was so reasonable.

 

We did have the bed seperated to create more space..but then we were fine. We get up...I have the Wake Up Call and it has never failed....eat..then Trivia..then something else..Bingo usually..then lunch..then a nap..then More Triva..Sports Trivia..Shopping..Sitting on the Promenade Deck with a good book and a GRAND view...enjoying Tea Time..More Bingo..then dress for dinner..Dinner..Small Donation to the Casino..Showtime...I mean..WHEN ARE YOU PEOPLE SITTING ON THOSE RINKY DINK BALCONIES? PEOPLE CARRY ON LIKE THEY ARE ROOM SIZED. GET REAL.:D

 

I love the activities, the dining, the shopping, the shore trips, the meeting new people...I don't want to sit on a small enclosed place with two small chairs and a small table. I am VERY grateful to Carnival for posting lower rates for those Inside Cabins. I think they are a secret of the cruising crowd. I expected them to be horrid..and they were cozy and comfortable.:)

[Litewait]

Weve done them all~ I have learned over time that insides are just fine! I now have a 19 & 13 year old. We cruised over New Years and got 2 insides, my son(13) and I and My dd 19 & girlfriend 19 side by side for less than an ocean view for 4:eek:. I'd rather cruise for less in an inside than in anything else anyday! next cruise I'll be Platinum:D

 

Happy Cruising!

Donna

[AmberTeka]

I love your bit about unsaved deck chairs. I went to tea on the Glory recently. there were about four people in the Ivory Lounge..big, empty sofas. So I go to sit on one..."sorry, that is saved." Then another one.."sorry that is saved" and then two more times. I left in disgust.

 

From then on..when someone needed a seat by me..I loudly asked them to sit down and when they asked if it was 'saved' I always said " I don't see anyone's name on any chair around here"

 

That juvenile "saving" is so low class to me. Just plain infuriating. Childish. If your group wants to sit together..get your act together and go together.

 

Another point..We waited in the Pool line for a hamburger one sea day and it was a wait. A mother encouraged her teen daughter to come get in line..break line..she did. We muttered but said nothing. them mother, daughter and son discussed the merits of lettuce over tomato..son was allowed to pay with the French Fry server..and "How Cute" that hideous woman actually said. Those kind of people should be forbidden from traveling. Ever.

[LPYRCRUISER]

I was able to take 2 inside 7 day cruises last year for slightly more than than 1 balcony cruise, so it is definitely a money thing with us.

 

May look in to a balcony next time, but if the cost is significantly lower for inside than inside it will be.

 

I just want to cruise!!!!!

 

MAC

I absolutely agree with you. We generally cruise with a group of about 20 people and there's no way we can all be together in a cabin, no matter what type of cabin we book. We hang out in the public areas when we're not doing excursions. Dinner time is when we all get together and discuss our days. My only question is - do the inside people get the cheap seats in the dining room? We have gotten tables near the kitchen in the past. I wonder if the suite and balcony people get the prime tables and better staff. Just a question, it won't stop me from booking insides.

[ClerkPatsy]

I absolutely agree with you. We generally cruise with a group of about 20 people and there's no way we can all be together in a cabin, no matter what type of cabin we book. We hang out in the public areas when we're not doing excursions. Dinner time is when we all get together and discuss our days. My only question is - do the inside people get the cheap seats in the dining room? We have gotten tables near the kitchen in the past. I wonder if the suite and balcony people get the prime tables and better staff. Just a question, it won't stop me from booking insides.

 

 

I don't think so. My cruise last Jan. on the Conquest .. we were 20+ ppl. 20 of us sat at two 10 person tables side by side. the BL people were closer to the dining room than the OV and IS people. I know this cause I had to look over them to see when the Asst Waiter was coming from the kitchen :D .

[The_Geek]

Well this will be our 2nd cruise and our 2nd inside cabin. Personally I loved how dark it was on our last cruise and so easy to sleep. I am not going to lie and say I wouldn't like to try a balcony, my sister and brother in law had one last cruise and I loved sitting on it when they were getting ready. The 2 of them are late for everything. We chose an inside this time on our 12day cruise because it saved us over $1000. So yes on our 12 day Hawaiian Honeymoon we will be in an IS. A few people have said we should have splurged on a balcony or suite, but these people do not have to pay for a wedding a few days earlier.

 

 

 

Dwayne