Interiors + retirement, how bad are interior rooms

[jhuntermartin]

As it turns out after some initial *99discovery, it looks like we may be able to retire this year (at least me). It does not look like we will not be eating cat food (I used to shop at the sam*e time as this little old lady and she always bought lots off cat food. I asked the clerk if he knew how many cats she had and she said she did not have any....) or visiting the local food bank. Looking at cruise prices it looks like everything is up from before. My question is does it make sense to book and interior room? We have always had balcony rooms, but we could save big bucks by doing an interior.

 

What are your feelings on interiors?

 

My wife and I started out cruising and booked outsides and then moved up to balconies. Never did the suites we just saw them as a waste of money as we were not in the cabin very much. Then we wanted to do a Trans Atlantic and all that was available were Inside Cabins so we took it it was like $299 pp so like nothing so we went for it.

 

It was on the lowest passenger deck towards the stern of the ship one more cabin and a door to a crew area. We had an ordeal getting to the ship because we had used FF miles for the air to Spain and we got bumped and we literally got to the ship about 5 minutes before they pulled the Gangways. WE WERE EXHAUSTED. We ordered Room Service for Dinner and crashed. The next day we woke up at 1pm in the afternoon. Turns out natural light regulates your sleep. We saw this as a bonus we woke up when our bodies had recovered not when the sun told it to get up. Sometimes the insides are smaller and the lower category on HAL doesn't have a tub just a shower. We don't spend time in the cabin so an Inside works for us and we see the thing about waking up as a perk.

 

Now here is situation that arose on our second cruise taking an Inside my wife got the Flu and we went to the Medical Center and she had to stay in the Cabin for 48 hours I had to stay in there for 24 hours that was rough. I actually went out after 12 and gambled and won a grand playing BJ. I normally just charge the Chips to the Onboard account in this case I didn`t as I didn`t want the cruise line to know I was out and about. We just make sure to wash our hands several times a day on cruises now.

 

The last 5 cruises have been Inside Cabins and we enjoy the money saved and putting into other areas of the Vacation Budget.

Edited January 1, 2014 by jhuntermartin

[whogo]

Royal Caribbean inside cabins are smaller than anything I have seen on HAL, yet we have had great cruises with 2 kids in them. We do not do much but sleep and bathe in the cabin. Never saw the attraction of dining in cabin, I think it is gross to eat any where near the bed.

 

An ocean view cabin does little but admit some natural light. The smallish windows can not be opened and do not offer a view unless you press your nose against the glass.

 

In theory a balcony cabin would be nice, but ours was either too rainy, too hot and sunny, or too windy to enjoy. I used it for maybe two hours on a 15 day cruise. The expanse of glass caused the cabin to heat up in the sunshine. Interior cabins have a lot going for them. I hate to mention it for fear that Holland America will raise the price on them.

[nsw104]

I almost always book insides.Never bothered me even on 15-day cruise.I see it as just a room to sleep in, not spending a lot of time in it.With over 20 cruises in 4 years,I'd guess 80% were booked inside.HAL has upgraded me to Outside cabin 2 times when booking the lowest inside gty. If you're not sure you'll like an inside, maybe try a 3 or 4 day cruise with an inside to test the water. My 2 cents.

[innlady1]

I would try an Ocean View first; if that is OK, then try an Inside. We had a verandah on our recent Med/TA cruise but hardly ever used the verandah...the people on one side of us smoked.

 

We have done Outsides on the S class ships...on the stern on the LP deck. Love those.

 

Coming up, we have an inside on the Maasdam on LP deck...and then will go on to the Noordam, also in an Inside, a J.

 

We find we're not in the cabin all that much...so a verandah seems kind of a waste.

 

Although I have another booked on a Noordam TA next October.

[andeesue]

So you're not worried about having to eat cat food in your retirement, but you are worried that you may not like an inside cabin? ;) Glad you have your priorities straight! Do as others have suggested, try an inside and see for yourself. I booked a 3-night to see if I would find an inside tolerable and was upgraded to a verandah. I tend to just sleep and change clothes in my cabin, so I think I'd be fine. And, a good reason to get out and keep busy (or just enjoy sitting on the deck or in the Crow's Nest or Library or wherever!).

[CaveDiving]

...on our second cruise taking an Inside my wife got the Flu and we went to the Medical Center and she had to stay in the Cabin for 48 hours I had to stay in there for 24 hours that was rough. I actually went out after 12 and gambled and won a grand playing BJ. I normally just charge the Chips to the Onboard account in this case I didn`t as I didn`t want the cruise line to know I was out and about....

 

Now I want to understand this correctly.

 

The doctor told you to be quarantined to your cabin for 24 hours but instead of complying, you went to the casino and spread your germs around to the people sitting next to you and the dealer. And you’re bragging about this on a public forum???

 

Am I missing something here?

 

Scott & Karen

[cbr663]

I think it would depend upon the itinerary and how you cruise. Everyone has their own idea of the perfect vacation and the features and options that are important to you.

 

If you are cruisers that love to take in everything that a ship has to offer and spend most of your time outside your cabin then an inside makes sense. All staterooms, save the PS, are designed for you to actually want to be out and about. Sleep, a quick shower and dress and then out and about.

 

The important thing to remember is that whether you select an inside or a suite, you have access to all the same amenities on the ship. The bed will be just as comfortable, the food just as great and the service the same.

[Riversedge]

We love verandah cabins but they are not always affordable, especially on the longer more exotic cruises. In that case when the difference is so much we will book an inside on the lower verandah deck so we can just walk a few steps and be outside. We haven't minded it at all and realize we can afford to do two cruises inside for the price of one balcony.

[3littlepigs]

Maybe look at an Obstructed view outside, you get light and it's often a very similar price to an inside.

 

We have done everything from inside to suite and have settled on a balcony as a minimum (although after our last RCCL trip it would be suite minimum on them! ) we do spend time in our cabin and like the fresh air.

[ger_77]

Lesinindy, I'm so glad to hear you won't have to eat cat food! :p LOL

 

DH and I normally have OV cabins, but for the last cruise we decided to try an inside . . . now keep in mind, I'm rather claustrophobic, and wasn't sure I'd be able to handle it without being fully medicated. Much to my surprise, we were on the Nieuw Amsterdam and had a huge inside cabin - in fact, our cabin had more usable space than our friends who had booked a balcony cabin several floors above. We have since booked the same cabin on the same ship for our trans-Atlantic in Oct/14 and can't wait to get onboard.

 

Let us know what you finally decide!

 

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

Gerry

[cruisetrail]

As it turns out after some initial discovery, it looks like we may be able to retire this year (at least me). It does not look like we will not be eating cat food (I used to shop at the same time as this little old lady and she always bought lots off cat food. I asked the clerk if he knew how many cats she had and she said she did not have any....) or visiting the local food bank. Looking at cruise prices it looks like everything is up from before. My question is does it make sense to book and interior room? We have always had balcony rooms, but we could save big bucks by doing an interior.

 

What are your feelings on interiors?

 

A balcony cabin can be an oasis of comfort and privacy on a crowded & poorly designed and equipped ship.

 

It's not the case on HAL Signature ships.

The ships are spacious, comfortable, have private feel, offer first class amenities. So there is no need to be confined to the cabin - enjoy the ship.

You have a choice of a standard and internal cabins.

The large ones like category J on deck 1 are spacious.

 

Internal cabins save you money so that you can cruise more often.

 

Category J (also available on Vista class ships):

 

Edited January 1, 2014 by cruisetrail

[msteries]

Unless you can afford a suite, almost all balconies have no room for a proper lounger. Instead there is a stiff rattan chair and hard rattan ottoman. Since I love to lounge in the fresh air, snoozing over a good book, I book a retreat cabana, which I can afford if I stay with a large interior cabin. Service is very special in the cabanas, and, as others have mentioned, sleeping in is wonderful. Showers are large, too.

[Scrapnana]

My only interior cabin was 50 years ago and I still vividly remember feeling like I was sleeping a closet! I need light. If I cannot afford at least an oceanview I will wait and save a little more money.

[erewhon]

We love the luxury and glamour of a balcony. By closing the window curtains, the room is dark and comfortable to sleep late. The breakfast out there is great !

 

Not to mention the relaxing and a lazy afternoons or evenings spent sitting outside in peace and quiet without having to watch all the walkers go by.

 

Being able to smell fresh air is a big plus. And the room itself is more luxurious (better pillows, better decor, better comforter, more shelving, etc)

 

It is all a matter of budget I suppose. We have had a balcony for a few cruises now and it would be very hard to go back to an Inside.

 

Louise

 

 

First time I have seen a President's Club avatar.

 

Congratulations.

[puppycanducruise]

DH is looking at retirement in 2015 so we are looking at re-arranging our budget too.

We have always booked inside cabins. On our last 2 cruises we've had upgrades. Although a balcony is wonderful and I'd love to have it every cruise, we can't afford it. But I'd rather cruise while we can than wait. We spend a lot of time in the public areas and have never had a problem finding a couple of chairs to read and/or enjoy the scenery sail by.

Enjoy whatever you decide.

[dorisis]

An alternative to an inside could be an obstructed oceanview. You would have some light and the location is usually lower midships which is convenient.

[GeriatricNurse]

My wife and I started out cruising and booked outsides and then moved up to balconies. Never did the suites we just saw them as a waste of money as we were not in the cabin very much. Then we wanted to do a Trans Atlantic and all that was available were Inside Cabins so we took it it was like $299 pp so like nothing so we went for it.

 

It was on the lowest passenger deck towards the stern of the ship one more cabin and a door to a crew area. We had an ordeal getting to the ship because we had used FF miles for the air to Spain and we got bumped and we literally got to the ship about 5 minutes before they pulled the Gangways. WE WERE EXHAUSTED. We ordered Room Service for Dinner and crashed. The next day we woke up at 1pm in the afternoon. Turns out natural light regulates your sleep. We saw this as a bonus we woke up when our bodies had recovered not when the sun told it to get up. Sometimes the insides are smaller and the lower category on HAL doesn't have a tub just a shower. We don't spend time in the cabin so an Inside works for us and we see the thing about waking up as a perk.

 

Now here is situation that arose on our second cruise taking an Inside my wife got the Flu and we went to the Medical Center and she had to stay in the Cabin for 48 hours I had to stay in there for 24 hours that was rough. I actually went out after 12 and gambled and won a grand playing BJ. I normally just charge the Chips to the Onboard account in this case I didn`t as I didn`t want the cruise line to know I was out and about. We just make sure to wash our hands several times a day on cruises now.

 

The last 5 cruises have been Inside Cabins and we enjoy the money saved and putting into other areas of the Vacation Budget.

 

Are you proud of yourself for having broken quarantine? :rolleyes:

[KirkNC]

As it turns out after some initial discovery, it looks like we may be able to retire this year (at least me). It does not look like we will not be eating cat food (I used to shop at the same time as this little old lady and she always bought lots off cat food. I asked the clerk if he knew how many cats she had and she said she did not have any....) or visiting the local food bank. Looking at cruise prices it looks like everything is up from before. My question is does it make sense to book and interior room? We have always had balcony rooms, but we could save big bucks by doing an interior.

 

What are your feelings on interiors?

 

We almost always do an interior room. We spend so little time there it works fine for us. Plus they are great to sleep in, nice and dark. And as you have realized, you can often do two cruises inside for the cost of an outside.

[boards]

We also book mostly interior cabins (main deck). We tried a balcony cabin on the Maasdam last Dec. 2013 and it was good, but we were not in the cabin that much. The price of an inside cabin will help us reach the 4-star level easier. We have a 21 day (night) scheduled this Sept. to Australia on the Volendam and should make it. Got to stay healthy though.

[jhuntermartin]

Are you proud of yourself for having broken quarantine? :rolleyes:

 

First I know my body and I had nothing close to the flu and had no problems. I am not the only one who has broken quarantine I was on a TA and a gentleman I got to know wife went to the Medical Center because she had flu like symptoms. The doctor said oh you have to stay in your cabin for 48/24 he told me they got up and left without giving them any information about Cabin number and so fourth.

 

It is very simple get a flu shot and wash your hands frequently NO FLU.

[jhuntermartin]

We also book mostly interior cabins (main deck). We tried a balcony cabin on the Maasdam last Dec. 2013 and it was good, but we were not in the cabin that much. The price of an inside cabin will help us reach the 4-star level easier. We have a 21 day (night) scheduled this Sept. to Australia on the Volendam and should make it. Got to stay healthy though.

 

We might break our Inside Cabin rule on our pending TA in April the balconies are down to $999 pp and my bet is they will go cheaper if they don't fill them. I`m waiting till final payment day and see what happens. If they get to like $850 we might consider. In the past we have declined but who knows.

[pasta1]

We are going on the Ryndam in March. Booked the lowest category inside A-deck. This will be our fouth time on the Ryndam,just very happy to be on a cruise. Never had any issues with a inside cabin and we are able to cruise 2 times a year. Just love to be on a ship. It is a great way for us to travel. Happy New Year!

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

You only live once... Spend it $$

[janmcn]

Make sure you look at Deck Plans as well as check out photos of some of the cabins on the various ships before you choose. The "J" cabins on some ships in some locations are awesome! Great floor plans, comfort, quiet, convenient, etc. For some cruises, those are great to have (potentially rough seas, AK where darkness or lack of is a problem, etc.)

 

In the end: to cruise or not to is the question…I'd cruise in a heartbeat in an interior cabin! HAL ships have wonderful "quiet spots" to enjoy the views, read, etc. so you can always take advantage of those.

 

Congratulations on retirement…DH "says" this will be his last year of part-time work too…but we'll see. Might be neighbors on an inside cabin if so!

[TiogaCruiser]

First I know my body and I had nothing close to the flu and had no problems. I am not the only one who has broken quarantine I was on a TA and a gentleman I got to know wife went to the Medical Center because she had flu like symptoms. The doctor said oh you have to stay in your cabin for 48/24 he told me they got up and left without giving them any information about Cabin number and so fourth.

 

It is very simple get a flu shot and wash your hands frequently NO FLU.

 

Wow. Were it that simple. While you certainly know how your body is feeling it is entirely possible to be incubating and transmitting Flu virus to others PRIOR to the onset of symptoms. Flu vaccine is a good protective measure but not 100% protection. Being you're a gambling man At least you choose to take that step.

 

Here's a good link for more info on Flu (spread through airborne/oral/mucosal contact and commonly causing upper respiratory symptoms (etc))

http://m.cdc.gov/en/HealthSafetyTopics/DiseasesConditions/SeasonalFlu/About/howFluSpreads

 

Noro-like viruses are spread via fecal-oral route and causes gastro symptoms. One can spread them prior to onset of symptoms during incubation.

http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/hcp/clinical-overview.html

 

 

Being you were in close contact with your sick wife you were at high risk and you put others (in the shipboard community) at risk. Perhaps signed confinement to quarters orders are in order.

Edited January 1, 2014 by TiogaCruiser