Bold truth: the best cabin on a cruise ship isn’t always the most expensive or the most glamorous. It’s the one that fits your budget, itinerary, and sleep needs—and the Middleton duo swear by a surprisingly practical approach. Katrina and Kev Middleton adore cruising so much that they live and work aboard ships, having completed 36 cruises and tallying 294 days at sea. They even sold their house to embrace a life of constant travel. Kev runs an IT consultancy, while Katrina has shifted from marketing to become a cruise influencer, sharing tips on their page, 360Cruising.
If you’re curious about snagging a great deal, you’re not alone. After booking countless voyages, they’ve learned how to score value without sacrificing comfort. And despite some cruisers’ snobbish attitudes toward interior cabins, the Middletons offer a compelling case for them on shorter trips.
“If you’re doing a short cruise, save your money and just book an interior or ocean-view cabin,” Katrina, who hails from Scotland, tells 9Travel. “Interiors are a smart way to cut costs, and we’ve slept exceptionally well in them because they’re dark and cool. We hardly spend time in our cabins beyond sleeping and showering, so the extra money for a balcony could be better spent on experiences.”
They also caution about noise. It’s wise to ensure your cabin isn’t directly beneath public spaces, and avoiding proximity to lifts or stairs can cut down on disturbances. For anyone prone to seasickness, Katrina adds a practical tip: steer clear of cabins at the ship’s very front, back, or high up—those spots tend to feel more movement.
Cost-saving isn’t only about cabin choice. It extends to itineraries as well. Repositioning cruises, where ships move between regions (for example from Europe to the Caribbean at summer’s end), often deliver better value. These longer journeys visit unusual ports, and the per-night rate can be significantly cheaper.
Preparation matters. The Middletons emphasize pre-booking as much as possible—specialty dining, drink packages, and Wi‑Fi are frequently cheaper before you sail. They remind travelers that the advertised cruise fare is just the starting point, not the total expense. If prices drop after you’ve booked, you can often rebook at the lower rate by contacting the cruise line. They monitor prices every couple of weeks and move to the cheaper option when available.
For excursions, cost-conscious travelers should consider alternatives found via apps like Shipmate, which can offer more affordable options than the ship’s tour desk.
Loyalty can pay off too. Sticking with a preferred cruise line—Royal Caribbean is their go-to—can unlock loyalty rewards and perks that accumulate over time.
Working on a cruise ship is a different kind of glamour. Katrina notes that their schedules can be irregular, sometimes starting work at 3 a.m. or continuing after 1 a.m., depending on time zones and current locations. They typically work from their cabin for a few hours, then move to a quiet spot to finish tasks, avoiding noisy activities. Despite the demanding hours, they make time to relax by the pool.
To stay connected, they invest in the ship’s internet package and supplement with an eSIM solution like GigSky to manage data at sea, helping to avoid exorbitant roaming charges.
A common packing mistake they see? Overpacking for formal nights. Katrina stresses that one formal outfit is usually enough—many cruisers simply don’t want or need to dress up every night.
If you’re considering a life at sea, or just planning your next cruise, these tips offer practical ways to maximize value without compromising comfort. What’s your take: would you prioritise cost-saving cabin choices or invest in a balcony for the experience? Share your thoughts below and tell us which strategy you’d try on your next voyage.
