I stayed in interior cabins on 3 major cruise lines. Here’s how they compared — and which was the best value by far.

Last December, I sailed on Holland America Line’s Rotterdam for a 12-day Panama Canal cruise that cost $849 plus $460 for taxes, fees, and port charges.

My rate included a $25 onboard credit but no gratuities or add-ons like drink packages, specialty dining, WiFi, or excursions.

The above rate was for my half of the cabin, which I booked to share with a friend. Had my original reservation been for one person, I would’ve paid a higher rate for the same cabin.

My 160-square-foot cabin featured two wardrobes, a queen-size bed, a desk, and a minibar.

It was only about 15 square feet smaller than some ocean-view staterooms on the ship, which start at 175 square feet.

This bathroom is one of the largest ones I’ve experienced on a cruise.

I liked that it had a walk-in glass shower as big as ones I’ve seen in nice hotels on land and a ton of storage around the vanity, shower, and toilet.

The number of in-room amenities was impressive and included a mini refrigerator, safe, makeup mirror, hairdryer, robes, beach towels, and umbrella.

Plus, this cabin had the most electrical outlets I’ve seen in a cruise room thus far.

The cabin had an expertly-curated minibar area featuring a cabinet with things like red wine, white wine, rocks glasses, and a stainless-steel ice bucket.

Bottles of Mondavi chardonnay, La Marca Prosecco, and premade On the Rocks cocktail were also available for an extra fee.

Overall, my Holland America Line room was classy, and standouts included the well-stocked minibar and massive shower.

In February 2023, I sailed alone in a studio cabin on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Getaway on a six-day Bermuda cruise for $699 plus $283 for taxes, fees, and port charges.

The rate included free WiFi, an unlimited drink package, one specialty dining meal, and $50 toward a port excursion.

Norwegian’s studio suites are designed for solo travelers, so I didn’t have to pay the single-traveler supplement most lines charge cruising alone.

If I’d had a travel companion with me and we booked a non-solo interior cabin, the rate per person would’ve been even cheaper.

My 100-square-foot studio was packed with thoughtful and stylish futuristic decor, like cushioned wall panels along two sides of the bed back-lit with strip lighting.

I also loved my porthole “window” that could transform the room from pitch black to colorfully lit. Although I couldn’t see the ocean out of it, it made the room feel larger and more cheerful than a standard interior cabin.

The studio was filled with space-saving furnishings and designs.

For example, the handles on the wardrobes’ sliding doors doubled as towel racks.

As this room is designed for solo travelers, the shower isn’t separated by a door — it’s just across from the bed.

The all-glass tiled shower and separate stall with a toilet felt tiny but manageable.

My room came with attractive perks like access to a private lounge for cruisers in studios.

Plus, my hallway was also only accessible by keycard for other people staying in studios, which made me feel extra safe as a solo traveler.

Overall, I found my interior Norwegian Cruise Line studio to be convenient, cozy, and stylish.

In August 2023, I stayed in an interior room on Princess Cruises‘ Caribbean Princess on a 16-day sailing to Canada, New England, and Greenland for $1,863 plus $270 for taxes, fees, and port charges.

I sailed with another traveler in this interior stateroom, so this was for my half of the cabin and based on double occupancy.

This rate didn’t include gratuities or add-ons like drink packages, specialty dining, WiFi, or excursions.

My 162-square-foot cabin had one large closet, a desk, and a queen-size bed.

The highlight was its famous Princess Luxury Bed, a comfy medium-firm mattress with a plush 2-inch-thick pillow top. It’s the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept on while cruising.

I forgot to photograph it, but the cabin’s compact bathroom felt nice and standard compared to others I’ve had on cruises.

The ship’s touchless technology made it easy for me to unlock the stateroom door and request services.

Plus, the in-room entertainment was superior to what I’ve had on other cruise lines. I could watch movies or live satellite television or listen to music and audiobooks that were preloaded on the TV.

Overall, I found my cabin to be comfortable and quiet, with tons of options for entertainment.

Holland America Line had the most luxurious furnishings and impeccable service, and Princess Cruises had the most comfortable bed and the best in-room entertainment.

For me, though, the all-around pricing and perks of Norwegian Cruise Line’s stylish interior studios can’t be beaten.

It was the smallest room I stayed in, but it had nearly the same furnishings and amenities as competitors’ cabins. Plus, as a frequent solo traveler, the lounge access, added security, and lack of supplemental fee is music to my ears.

Still, I was happy with my cabins on Holland American Line and Princess Cruises — and I’d love to see both lines offer studios in the future.