In this video, we (Laura and Carol from Core Four Adventures) finally did something we never thought we’d do—we tried an inside cruise cabin after only ever sailing in balcony cabins. We booked last-minute on the Mexican Riviera and chose inside cabins mainly because the price was so much cheaper and our balcony options were limited (we also wanted cabins right next to each other). We break down our first impressions on Norwegian Cruise Line ships, especially comparing our NCL Bliss inside cabin to balcony cabins we’ve had on the Escape, Getaway, and Encore. We’re honest about what we missed (a dedicated seating area, a better closet layout, and that “wow” moment of opening the door to ocean views). But we also share what surprised us: the bathroom felt basically the same, the inside cabin was quiet, temperature control was easier (no AC shutting off when a balcony door opens), and we got the best sleep of our lives—especially for naps. We also talk about how an inside cabin changed how we used the ship, with Deck 8’s Waterfront feeling like a giant shared balcony (comfier seats, bars nearby, and full ocean views). Our takeaway: inside cabins are absolutely worth it for budget-friendly cruising, especially if you don’t spend much time in your room. Balcony cabins still “come in clutch” for moments like Glacier Bay in Alaska or a rainy NYC sail away, but we’d book inside again—just with a better cabin location (we learned we don’t love being far forward).