How bad will it be? Going from suite to inside

[lovn2liv]

Please advise

We are taking a costly cruise this summer on the new Crown Princess. However, just got a Mariner special pricing deal and can take another cruise (which wasn't planned) very inexpensively $499 inside room in the fall on the Westerdam. So for the two of us, overall, about $1200 bucks.

Last year at this time, we had a corner "aft" cabin/balcony and loved it so much that we practically never left the room during the day, because the balcony was so fabulous. Neptune Lounge coffee...just loved the whole experience.

In reality we really never experienced much of the ship during the day. So if we stay in an inside, then we will be spending more time on the decks, etc.

So to get another unexpected cruise under our belt, we need to make some sacrifices.

Has anyone gone from one extreme to another on a cruise in regards to accomodations, and lived to experience a positive story?

I know this does seem like a silly question, but I'm anxious to know what that experience was like. How tough is an inside to boot?

Thank you.
Colleen

[cusyl]

Hey, you will be on the ship...how bad could it be?
We always book inside guarantee so we can cruise often. We have had mini-suites and balconies and of course they are better, but I don't stress about it. Just go up on deck when you want to get outside in the sun. If you put the tv on to the bow cam you can see what the weather is like outside. You really don't realize you are inside because of the room configuration. I would rather cruise more often than just one big extravaganza.

[Tricia724]

Two years ago, we did something similar. To celebrate my SOs retirement, I booked a suite on Oosterdam....and like you....we had a great time enjoying the suite life, grabbing goodies from the Neptune Lounge, enjoying the special invitations that come with the suite, and generally loving all the extra space.

About halfway through the trip, HAL sent around a letter offering passengers the opportunity to stay onboard for another week in either an inside cabin for $299 or an outside cabin for $399 per person. So, we accepted the offer, and when the dust settled, we had an outside cabin on main deck for $372 each.

We laughed when we moved....it seemed like such an abrupt change, but you know what....we had as good....if not better....time the second week. The weather was much better, we liked the ports better, and as you said, we were out and about on the ship more since we didn't have a balcony.

We didn't have an inside, so I can't address that issue. However, I did get a look at some of the insides on main deck, and they are quite large and have a nice layout. These are category "J" cabins, and I'm sure if you could get one of them, you would be satisfied. We did speak to a couple of other people who also accepted the offer to stay a second week, and they were assigned those "J" cabins and were well pleased.

I consider that my best cruise bargain of all times, and it might not be a suite, but knowing you got a great deal seems to make up for a lot.

[lovn2liv]

thanks for the posts....it sounds very encouraging.

cusyl, Hey, you will be on the ship...how bad could it be?
I hear you on that. I just want to stick to my guns and stick with the inexpensive plans. I have always regretted when I cut costs but if I want to continue to cruise a couple of times a year...then I need to get use to working on those expenses.

Tricia, thanks for your insight. I would have been all over that deal also. What a great surprise. Going from the Prince to the Pauper all in one week. Too funny. Keeps you humble. That's a good thing.

Anyone else have words of experience?

[twinkletoes4445]

We've only cruised one other time and had a balcony. After that I said I'd never cruise without one...however, if the opportunity presented itself, and I were in your shoes...I'd grab it in a nanosecond. Enjoy! :)

[Sprocket]

What date are you thinking about? I have also been looking at the Caribbean for the fall and have not seen that price anywhere. Because I will be going solo I have been looking at inside accomodations.

On our first cruise we had an inside cabin, while it was very small (NCL) it wasn't that bad.

Last year on the Oosterdam we had an S, this spring on RCI's Vision we had an oceanview. Did the E. Carib 3 years ago and loved it. While we enjoyed the suite perks I know we cannot always have one:mad:

Been checking on air, does anybody use Jet Blue? I think they have recently added Fort Lauderdale from our area. Theirs is the best price I can find but they only have 1 flight a day at 11:59pm. :confused:

[satchiesmom]

We have cruised both with and without all of the "perks" and personally it doesn't matter to us as long as we're on the ship. We spend most of our time outside our cabin anyway. Go and enjoy!

[lovn2liv]

What date are you thinking about? I have also been looking at the Caribbean for the fall and have not seen that price anywhere. Because I will be going solo I have been looking at inside accomodations.

On our first cruise we had an inside cabin, while it was very small (NCL) it wasn't that bad.

Last year on the Oosterdam we had an S, this spring on RCI's Vision we had an oceanview. Did the E. Carib 3 years ago and loved it. While we enjoyed the suite perks I know we cannot always have one:mad:

Been checking on air, does anybody use Jet Blue? I think they have recently added Fort Lauderdale from our area. Theirs is the best price I can find but they only have 1 flight a day at 11:59pm. :confused:

We got a letter from HAL because we are a Mariner...we are thinking of the October 22 timeframe. There are some deals out there that are about $100 more but they at the same time they are offering a soda card for 2, and dinner for 2 in their specialty steak house (i just can't remember the name of it at this moment, brain cramp). So overall that is about $80 in perks they are offering...so there are deals like the one I got.

Good luck.

[OCruisers]

You'll be just fine! Thanks to the "Up Grade Fairy" we've gone from balcony cabins to suites several times.

:eek: Then, we decided to go on a cruise where all that was left were INSIDE cabins. Yes, we booked it and honestly had the BEST time. (For sure ... in our TOP 5 All-Time Favorite Cruises):)

Go for it! It's not the stateroom that makes the cruise! :D

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)

[kryos]

Hey, you will be on the ship...how bad could it be?
We always book inside guarantee so we can cruise often. We have had mini-suites and balconies and of course they are better, but I don't stress about it. Just go up on deck when you want to get outside in the sun. If you put the tv on to the bow cam you can see what the weather is like outside. You really don't realize you are inside because of the room configuration. I would rather cruise more often than just one big extravaganza.
Ditto here too. You're on a ship. How bad can that be?

Sure, you will miss the suite ... the extra room, the balcony, etc. But not having a suite will just mean that you have to spend more time out and about on the ship. Head up to the Lido deck and find a nice lounger where you can spend your afternoon with a good book and a view of the ocean going by. Head up to the Crow's Nest if it's too warm on an outside deck. All the absence of a suite will mean is that it will be less pleasurable to spend time in your cabin. So, you have to get out and about more.

Also, with a Caribbean itinerary, you're gonna be spending about four days out of the seven of your cruise in port. Get out and wander around ... or do that excursion you've always been meaning to take.

I always stay in inside cabins mainly because I usually travel solo and the single supplement is attractive on them. On a suite, the single supplement will usually run 200% ... not worth it to me. I've never had a problem with an inside cabin on HAL. Their staterooms do run bigger than most ships and for two people, you will have all the room you need.

It's always seemed to me that the people who prefer suites are the folks who tend to spend more time in their cabin. The suite is very nice for that ... lots of room, a balcony to sit out on, etc. The bigger the suite, the less time its occupants usually spend out on the public decks, and for good reason. But, I'm the type of person ... specifically because I do travel solo ... who likes to get out and meet people. I'd much prefer to be on a public deck, striking up a conversation with someone, than holed up in my stateroom. So, I only use that inside stateroom during the day as a pit stop, and to take my afternoon nap.

Go and enjoy your cruise. The choice of a stateroom on a seven-dayer will hardly matter.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[twinkletoes4445]

It's always seemed to me that the people who prefer suites are the folks who tend to spend more time in their cabin. The suite is very nice for that ... lots of room, a balcony to sit out on, etc. The bigger the suite, the less time its occupants usually spend out on the public decks, and for good reason.

That's exactly why we get a suite. We like staying in our room, but spend most of our time on our balcony with a good book and a glass of wine.

But I would never pass up an opportunity to cruise...even if it were in an inside cabin. The benefit of this for us would be that possibly we'd get out and see more of the ship.

I have friends who always get an inside cabin. They never spend time in their room, so they don't spend the extra money on it. All they do is sleep in the room...so it makes good sense for them. :)

[RevNeal]

I have been in an SS category cabin in November -- LOVED it and the bathroom and the balcony and all the cabin space -- and then, a month and a week later, have gone in a J-category inside on main deck -- and LOVED it too. I don't have any trouble going either way, and generally have a blast regardless. If I have the balcony and the extra space I, usually, spend more time there and not out and about on the ship, but regardless I have a great time.

Do it! Go and have a blast! I would.

[Roz]

Someone (I don't know who! :D) once said "a luxury once tasted becomes a necessity". I think that's true, to an extent, but I can eat prime rib one night in a restaurant and be satified with a hamburger the next.

I look at it this way, regardless of cabin, we all eat in the same dining room and have access to the same entertainment and ports.

Roz

[RevNeal]

Someone (I don't know who! :D) once said "a luxury once tasted becomes a necessity". I think that's true, to an extent, but I can eat prime rib one night in a restaurant and be satified with a hamburger the next.

I look at it this way, regardless of cabin, we all eat in the same dining room and have access to the same entertainment and ports.

In my opinion, the "luxury" that has become a "necessity" is cruising ... plane and simple. It can be in an SS or an inside J ... either way, it's a luxury I crave and to which I am addicted and from which I have no desire to be delivered. :D

[SANDY BEACH]

We will also experience a totally different cruise experience this summer sailing with kids and grandkids. Different, not bad, in fact wonderful. Look at it as a different type of cruise. You will not be on your balcony but maybe you can enjoy that special part of the ship where you have always wanted to spend more time. I'm sure, if you want, you can find a quiet lounger on the side of the ship. Just think, what a wonderful feeling when you exit your cruise this summer to know that October brings you back to the sea. Go, have a great time!!!

[packercruising]

We had a Veranda Suite on the Veendam Alaska cruise last May and an inside on the Magica EC last February. IMO I would not want anything less than a balcony if you are going to Alaska and see little need for other than inside (especially if you are counting pennies) for a Caribbean cruise. :)

[lovn2liv]

Thanks everyone for rocking me back into reality and what is most important...These ships are awesome, and there really are some great spots in the public areas that we definitely didn't take advantage of. "Up and about" can be the theme of this cruise for us.

I'm a super early riser (5-6AM). Hubby could sleep until 8 - 9 easily. I'll just have to get into the routine of finding that special place for the early riser's area, and make it my second home. When he awakens, he can find me.

This is such a great post...please keep'm coming. I think the message here is look at the bright side of everything! We are blessed no matter what category we are staying in.

[packercruising]

My DW likes to sleep late too on 'at sea' days. I just take a book and find a spot to read and people watch until she gets up.

[lougee1043]

its a lot harder going from a suite to an inside then from an inside to a suite

[liv2cruise4ever]

My wife and I were on the Zuiderdam in an SS suite in Dec. of last year. Got home and wanted to cruise again really soon. Found an awesome deal on the Dawn Princess inside cabin. 10 days out of our home port of SF to the Mexican Riviera. Well to make a long story short. We loved both and would not hesitate to book an inside room just to be back on the high seas. In fact I'm looking for a deal for this Dec on the Dawn again. I loved this ship. The food was 10 times better than HAL. Soooooo go for it. You won't regret it......after all your cruisin'.:D

[Faith77]

liv2cruise4ever--good to hear you really enjoyed your Dawn Princess cruise. I will be on this ship in December for the holidays.
Like you SF is a home port--so no airports or shuttle buses for me this year.

I cruise solo mostly so my goal is always to just get on the ship.

Faith

[Richard Stein]

The suite is like daylight with benefits. The inside is small and dark and I will not go back until I cannot afford it anymore.

[lovn2liv]

I think that not going at all if I can't have a balcony is not an option. I'd like to do as many cruises as I can, and if splurging for one and cutting corners for others is the way I can do it, then that seems to be the answer. I like the idea of taking advantage of the public areas, and moving around the ship.

Thanks everyone.

[Randyk47]

At this point in time I can't imagine, short of winning a cruise and even then we'd try to pay to upgrade to at least an outside, us in an inside cabin. DW is mildly claustrophobic, though not to the point of panic, and would not be comfortable in a room where she couldn't see out. There's also some residual feelings connected with being in the Pentagon in an interior, windowless office on September 11, that make an inside cabin just not a good choice for us. I doubt, even when we're both retired, we'll cruise more than once a year so we'll probably stick with verandah cabins as long as we continue to cruise or go to every other year to be able to afford what we want.

[lovn2liv]

randyk47, I can understand your predicament. Haven't experienced either misfortune, and I'm sorry that you both have those feelings and experiences.

years ago I was in a situation where someone came into a public place and started shooting a gun. I wasn't terribly familiar with the building and it took a while to get out of harms way. It was horrifying. It took me a while to feel comfortable in public buildings and I was absolutely focused on exits, just in case.

We've walked passed inside cabins and have always thought, wow, they seem so little and closet like. But, we are always willing to try new things and my feeling is if others can find pleasure (evidence in this post), then there is no reason why we cannot.

Take care

[Randyk47]

Lovn2liv - Thanks for the kind words. I certainly don't mean to demean inside cabins nor anybody who decides that inside cabins are their choice. It doesn't make inside bad or a bad choice, they're just not a good choice for us. I guess I'm spoiled but I could see that if I were traveling solo that an inside might be more than sufficient.

[lovn2liv]

randyk47/ No problem... different strokes for different folks, that's the beauty of these boards. I have been warming up to the idea after viewing many images of the inside cabins, and it reminds me of growing up with 8 other brothers and sisters and sharing a room with 3 sisters...squished but liveable.

I'm sure it will bring back memories, and feel like my sisters are away, and I have the room almost to myself, except having my DH alongside me....

We'll see. I've arranged the babysitter (Uncle Buck as we like to refer to him, due to the movie with that said title...). This will be good. And one never knows, maybe the upgrade fairy will wave her wand and place us in an outside...balcony/verandah...one never knows.

[cruisequeen10]

Of the 18 cruises I have been on, I have only had 3 cruises with outside and 1 with a balcony. Most have been the inside. That is on my wishlist to have the top category. Maybe one day it will come true.

[lovn2liv]

I hope your wish comes true. But on the flipside, I've been on 4 cruises pretty soon 5, and I've had a mix...but I would trade it in a second if I could be on 18 cruises. Sounds like good times!

[Ryndam2002]

HAL has some of the largest and nicest inside cabins afloat, so it won't be as big as adjustment as it would be on some other lines. I've had inside, outside and balcony cabins over the years. Never a suite, though. It just depended on what my travel budget was at the time.

The only time I had an inside and really wished I had had an outside was on an Alaska cruise in September. It was WAY too cold to spend much time on deck and the lounges were crowded with other pax trying to stay warm and get a look at the view also.

I would not hesitate to book another HAL inside, especially on a warm-weather cruise when it is comfortable to spend time on deck.

[doone]

I did the same thing as you. I was on the Zuiderdam, suite 5187, corner aft, got off the Zuiderdam and got on the Volendam, inside cabin. I was afraid I would be disappointed after having the suite life, but you know, I was on a cruise ship and it was fine. Did I miss that huge suite and that spectacular balcony, absolutely, I'd be lying if I said no, but it truly wasn't bad, it will work out fine. Just remember, your able to take an extra cruise by sailing in an inside cabin. Have a wonderful cruise.

[BumperII]

Hi everyone,

We are booked for inside rooms on the Statendam back to back out of Vancouver. We have been using inside cabins from the start simply because we are independently poor.:D We booked both cruises because of a Mariner offer we couldn't refuse.

Since Christmas of 2005 we have cruised thirty-two days in inside cabins, all three cruises were super deals. Just get us on board, we don't care where the ship is going and we don't care when. We are still new to this and we really haven't been anywhere anyway. Over Christmas, HAL sent us an offer we couldn't refuse, out of Norfolk. It was a catagory L cabin, and the largest and nicest inside cabin we've ever had. And we were on the Princess Mexican Riveria Cruise with liv2cruise4ever. We have never done anything but inside cabins, and have been delighted with every cruise.

This August will be our third back to back cruise Vancouver to Alaska. We like to spend three or four days in Vancouver after the cruise, so we get an eighteen day vacation out of the airfare. And we like float plane excursions, crabbing and fishing trips, salmon bakes, etc. We just couldn't afford to do all this stuff if we booked a suite.

And that is what is so great about cruising vacations, there are a lot of options and one can really do a lot to tailor the cruise or cruises to your own preference. We have done this enough to know that HAL and Princess are our favorites.

We have fallen in love with cruise vacations but we still need to manage our money, and if we can get on three cruises for the price of a suite on one cruise, well, book us inside guarenteee every time!:D :D :D

[Krazy Kruizers]

DH and I have booked suites. There is no way that we could ever move to a smaller category. One of us would kill the other one - OH OH - another horror story for the cruise industry.

[frbob]

Just returned from a cruise on the new Noordam. Had a standard inside cabin. My walk-in closet at home is larger. Extreemly tiny. I assume all Vista Class HAL ships are so designed, but it's worth a check. Your only hope may be to be given an upgrade. I assume you're traveling with someone you really like. You'd better, because you'll be bumping into each other a lot. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. The designer of those tiny staterooms should be "sentenced" to live in one for a month as punishment for his crime.

[doone]

If I am not mistaken, I believe J category on the Vista ships are a nice size for an inside cabin. I think Revneal posted pictures of his cabin in J category once and it looked really nice, again, for an inside cabin.

[Randyk47]

As I've posted before in this thread I doubt seriously that we'd ever go to an inside cabin and, in fact, would probably not take a cruise if it came down to that's all we could get. I wanted to share that on the Oosterdam a couple of years ago I pointed out an inside cabin to my DW. The cabin was just across the passage way from ours and the door was open as the room steward was working in it. Her comment: "That's nice Honey....did you notice the stalactites hanging from the ceiling?" I got the message. :o

[frbob]

Your best bet is to hope for an upgrade. Just spent 20 days on Noordam in a tiny, tiny Cat. L standard inside cabin. When the cruise ended, I felt like I'd just been released from jail.:) The agenda was great though so we didn't stay in the room any more than was absolutely necessary.

[lovn2liv]

thanks for all of you that shared your experiences.

I think there is a first time for everything, and the more I think of it, getting on the ship with DH and no kids, closet life may be the life for me. At least for a week.

Growing up I shared a tiny house with 1 bathroom 8 siblings and mom and dad and it wasn't difficult because I didn't know any better. It was fine. Today I live in a significantly large home with 4 bathrooms, and have all the space that I could ever need.

Living in this room for 1 week, will bring me back to old times...gosh, I hope I'll be just as comfortable as I was as a kid. If not, we'll do something differently next time.

Thanks everyone for your comments.

[refman]

from a suite to an inside, in a word (horrible)

[LHC]

I cannot afford a veranda, or a suite...but as for me and my DD just being on the SHIP is enough. I do not have people making up my bed, cleaning my bathroom, setting my table, serving me at home, so all the wonderful HAL services are the royal treatment for me.
We enjoy the time together, no matter where we are....Attitude and desire to enjoy things goes so very far.
Enjoy, no matter if you are in the lowliest cabin or the Penthouse, as we all should. It is a gift.
Linda

[MMastell]

I recently cruised on a 14 day China, Korea and Japan cruise on Statendam and had a fantastic cruise because the ship is beautiful, the ports were fantastic and the staff was wonderful but after 19 cruises we had our first non-suite, non-balcony cabin. We had an inside category L. I had my worries about the cabin and it went something like this:

Day 1: Hey! This cabin is great: Nice size, plenty of closet space and storage, great bed. This will be easy.

Day 2: I'll have to watch not to trip on the table and that couch sure takes up a lot of space. A chair or loveseat sure would have been better.

Day 3: That darn table is constantly in the way. We should get rid of it but we need it to put stuff on. Darned if we do and darned if we don't.

Day 4: This @&$^ is driving me crazy. It's just wasting space. we only set on one corner of it and the rest of it just has stuff piled on it. It's not even good for putting stuff on. It just falls off. ahhh! :eek:

Day 5: Darn Ship view station doesn't show anything unless it's light. I'm getting tired of walking up one deck just to see what the weather is. I hope no one sees me in my sweat pants, t-shirt and un-brushed teeth.

Day 9: If I push the couch into the hall and up the escalator, out the door and over the side, I bet they won't notice.

Day 10: If I use my Leatherman to cut the couch in half. The job will be easier.

Day 11: Get rid of the darn curtain: Who are they trying to fool. There is no window back there!!! :eek:

Day 12: Deck hand wakes me up and tells me I can't sleep on deck.

Day 13: Couch gets wedged in the hall when I try to push it out the door. :o

Moral of the story: You don't get really psychotic until day 7. So it's fine for a 7 day cruise. :D

Take care,
Mike

[Atomica]

Normally when I cruise I book an inside guarantee and see what happens. The last two times I've been lucky and have been given outside cabins, but I am actually quite happy with an inside - I have the best sleeps because it's nice and dark, but as Mike pointed out, expect to bash yourself on some of the furniture at some point!

Now, I'd book an inside again in a second, but having a S-Suite on the Veendam last month really spoiled me (REALLY). So much that when we do Alaska in September, I booked a Cat VC Verandah stateroom. I have to credit my girlfriend with this (she didn't like the idea of an inside), and now I am hooked on balcony cabins :)

But I'd still do an inside (at least, I say that now...lol)

[JEWELS7]

Please advise

We are taking a costly cruise this summer on the new Crown Princess. However, just got a Mariner special pricing deal and can take another cruise (which wasn't planned) very inexpensively $499 inside room in the fall on the Westerdam. So for the two of us, overall, about $1200 bucks.

Last year at this time, we had a corner "aft" cabin/balcony and loved it so much that we practically never left the room during the day, because the balcony was so fabulous. Neptune Lounge coffee...just loved the whole experience.

In reality we really never experienced much of the ship during the day. So if we stay in an inside, then we will be spending more time on the decks, etc.


So to get another unexpected cruise under our belt, we need to make some sacrifices.

Has anyone gone from one extreme to another on a cruise in regards to accomodations, and lived to experience a positive story?

I know this does seem like a silly question, but I'm anxious to know what that experience was like. How tough is an inside to boot?

Thank you.
Colleen

Have you ever been to Disney World? It's like going from the Floridian to
the Disney Sports Resort. The difference between Disney hotels and a cruise, you can always leave your room and enjoy the SHIP. You sound like you'll have fun no matter what type of room you have! Enjoy!

[Aussie Gal]

We would be one of the minority and just would not cruise if we had to have an inside cabin. I am claustrophobic and last year on the Maasdam on the very last night of a 17 day cruise, I had a panic attack. We were in an oceanview cabin and we realized then that never again could we even go back to that. I have to have a verandah at the least so that if I need to get outside and have fresh air, it is not far too walk.

I know the price is good etc and it would be very tempting but I know it would be a disaster for me if I had to spend time in an inside cabin.

Jennie

[iliv2cruz]

thanks for all of you that shared your experiences.

I think there is a first time for everything, and the more I think of it, getting on the ship with DH and no kids, closet life may be the life for me. At least for a week.

Growing up I shared a tiny house with 1 bathroom 8 siblings and mom and dad and it wasn't difficult because I didn't know any better. It was fine. Today I live in a significantly large home with 4 bathrooms, and have all the space that I could ever need.

Living in this room for 1 week, will bring me back to old times...gosh, I hope I'll be just as comfortable as I was as a kid. If not, we'll do something differently next time.

Thanks everyone for your comments.

Any inside room will still be better than 22-d!!!!