When planning your Celestyal Cruises vacation, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting your cabin type. The two most popular options are inside cabins and balcony cabins, each offering distinct advantages depending on your preferences, budget, and travel style. This guide will help you understand the key differences between these accommodation types specifically on Celestyal Cruises ships.
Cabin Overview: Inside vs. Balcony
Inside Cabins
Inside cabins are located in the interior of the ship with no windows or natural light. On Celestyal Cruises, these cabins are designed to be comfortable and functional while being the most economical option.
Balcony Cabins
Balcony cabins (sometimes called “suites” on Celestyal ships) feature private verandas where you can enjoy ocean views and fresh air. These accommodations offer more space and a premium experience.
Size Comparison
| Cabin Type | Average Size (Celestyal Crystal) | Average Size (Celestyal Journey) |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Cabin | 11-12 m² (118-129 sq ft) | 14-16 m² (150-172 sq ft) |
| Balcony Cabin | 19-21 m² (204-226 sq ft) including balcony | 22-25 m² (236-269 sq ft) including balcony |
As shown in the table, balcony cabins offer significantly more space than inside cabins across Celestyal’s fleet. The balcony itself typically adds about 4-5 m² (43-54 sq ft) of private outdoor space.
Price Comparison
One of the most significant differences between these cabin types is the price:
- Inside cabins are typically 40-60% less expensive than balcony cabins
- During peak season (summer Mediterranean sailings), the price gap can widen further
- Special promotions occasionally reduce the difference, making balcony cabins more accessible
For example, a 7-night “Idyllic Aegean” cruise might cost approximately:
- Inside cabin: €799-1,099 per person
- Balcony cabin: €1,399-1,899 per person
Amenities Comparison
Standard Amenities (Both Cabin Types)
- Private bathroom with shower
- Twin beds that can convert to a double bed
- Closet and storage space
- Television
- Telephone
- Hairdryer
- Individual climate control
- Safe
Additional Balcony Cabin Amenities
- Private outdoor space with seating
- Floor-to-ceiling glass doors
- Enhanced toiletries
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Welcome bottle of wine (on most sailings)
- Priority embarkation and disembarkation
- Dedicated concierge service (on select suites)
Pros and Cons
Inside Cabin Advantages
- Budget-friendly: Lowest price point allows you to allocate more funds for shore excursions, specialty dining, or spa treatments
- Better for light-sensitive sleepers: Complete darkness makes for excellent sleeping conditions
- Less affected by motion: Being centrally located in the ship often means less movement is felt in rough seas
- Encourages exploration: You’ll likely spend more time enjoying the ship’s public areas
Inside Cabin Disadvantages
- No natural light or fresh air
- Smaller space can feel cramped on longer cruises
- No private outdoor space
- Can feel disorienting without day/night visual cues
Balcony Cabin Advantages
- Private outdoor space: Enjoy breakfast or evening drinks on your own veranda
- Natural light and views: Wake up to Mediterranean sunrises and enjoy scenic sailing
- More living space: Additional square footage makes longer cruises more comfortable
- Perfect for scenic itineraries: Ideal for Greek Islands and coastal cruising where views are spectacular
Balcony Cabin Disadvantages
- Significantly higher price point
- Balcony may have limited use during cooler months or inclement weather
- Can be noisy if located near public areas
- May not be worth the premium on port-intensive itineraries where you’re rarely in the cabin
Best Cabin Choice by Itinerary
Celestyal Cruises specializes in Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean itineraries, where the scenery can be spectacular. Here’s a guide to help you choose based on your cruise route:
When Inside Cabins Make Sense
- Port-intensive itineraries: If your cruise visits a new port almost every day (like many Celestyal itineraries), you’ll spend minimal time in your cabin
- Budget-focused trips: If you’re prioritizing the destinations over accommodations
- Solo travelers: When paying a single supplement, the savings are even more significant
- Winter Mediterranean cruises: When balcony use might be limited by weather
When Balcony Cabins Are Worth It
- Scenic cruising days: Itineraries with sailing through the Dardanelles or along dramatic coastlines
- Santorini sailings: Watching the caldera from your private balcony is unforgettable
- Longer cruises: 7+ night itineraries where cabin comfort becomes more important
- Special occasions: Anniversaries, honeymoons, or milestone celebrations
Celestyal-Specific Considerations
Celestyal Cruises has some unique aspects to consider when choosing your cabin:
- Limited balcony inventory: Celestyal Crystal and Celestyal Journey have fewer balcony cabins than many modern ships, so they often sell out quickly
- Greek hospitality focus: Celestyal emphasizes time in port and authentic experiences over elaborate onboard amenities
- Older ships: The fleet consists of older, more intimate vessels where even premium cabins may be smaller than on newer mega-ships
- Destination immersion: With late departures from many ports, you’ll spend less time in your cabin regardless of type
Tips for Choosing Your Celestyal Cabin
- Consider your cruise length: For 3-4 night cruises, an inside cabin is often sufficient; for 7+ nights, a balcony might enhance your experience
- Check your itinerary: Count the number of sea days vs. port days to determine how much time you’ll actually spend in your cabin
- Look for promotions: Celestyal frequently offers upgrade specials that can make balcony cabins more affordable
- Think about your cruising style: If you only use your cabin for sleeping and changing clothes, an inside cabin may be perfect
- Consider the season: Summer Mediterranean cruises make balconies more enjoyable than winter sailings
Final Thoughts
Both inside and balcony cabins on Celestyal Cruises offer comfortable accommodations for exploring the Greek Islands and Eastern Mediterranean. Inside cabins provide excellent value for budget-conscious travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring ports or enjoying the ship’s public areas. Balcony cabins offer a more premium experience with private outdoor space and are ideal for those who value scenic views and additional living space.
Remember that Celestyal Cruises focuses on destination experiences rather than elaborate onboard amenities, so many guests find that an inside cabin meets their needs perfectly while allowing more budget for authentic shore experiences and local cuisine. However, if waking up to Mediterranean views and having your own private outdoor retreat is important to you, a balcony cabin will significantly enhance your cruise experience.
