The 'worst' cruise cabins that are actually amazing (and pocket-friendly)

Inside staterooms are not as bad as you think. On the contrary, they can have some rare advantages at pocket-friendly rates.

As I trudge down the corridor to the dead end of the ship, each footstep thuds like a countdown. The impending doom of my windowless room fills me with regret. Why, oh why, did I book the worst cabin? Well, obviously, because it was the cheapest.

Adapting the real estate rule to buy the worst house on the best street, I chose an inside cabin on Queen Mary 2 - the last one at the back.

There's also a saying in cruising: "The more you pay, the more you sway." This refers to the most expensive suites on the highest floors, where it's, ironically, the rockiest. On Cunard's Queen Mary 2, this would be Deck 13, but the five insides have sold out, so I end up on Deck 5.

Finally reaching Cabin 5255, I hold my breath as I push open the door. I'm shocked. This can't be it. I dare to describe it as surprisingly spacious. The bed is king size, flanked by two bedside tables and art deco lamps. On the left is an armchair next to a coffee table; on the right, a desk, chair, phone, television, mini-fridge, kettle, teabags and cookies. The bathroom is compact but no smaller than some other cabins I have stayed in. With a wardrobe, a safe and plenty of storage, it's got everything I need.

I had assumed it would be depressing without natural light, but honestly it's fine with the lights on, and at night it's unbeatably dark for sleeping. The lack of fresh air doesn't bother me, thanks to the air-conditioning, and I can simply step outside for a bracing hit of sea breeze. The reality is I am only in my room to sleep, shower and change. For the rest of the day I'm dining with ocean views, mingling in the lounges, soaking in hot tubs and attending shows in the theatre - just the same as everyone who paid twice or quadruple the price. The thousands of dollars saved are much better spent at the bar and the spa or exploring the ports of call. Want to follow my lead? Here's my pick of the best "worst" cabins for Australians.

Ship: MSC Seaview

Destinations: Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe

Cabin 16035 is a rare inside option for a luxury traveller because it's within the exclusive Yacht Club enclave, which has a private lounge, restaurant, pool and butler service.

Fares: A five-night Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca starts at $2179 per person including drinks and priority check-in.

Ship: Carnival Luminosa

Destinations: Australia, South Pacific, Alaska

Cabins 4248 and 4249 are classified as "interior with window - obstructed view", along with 80 others on Deck 4. These two are among the biggest and have floor-to-ceiling windows. The view is blocked by lifeboats, but the sunshine still brightens them up. In the corner nook is a sofa, in addition to the king bed.

Fares: From $425 per person for a two-night getaway round-trip from Brisbane.

Ship: Voyager of the Seas

Destinations: Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Mediterranean, Greek Islands

Cabin 1235 is one of the quietest, near the bridge and the captain's quarters at the front of the ship. Next door is the communications room, so it has only one neighbour on the other side. As a "virtual cabin" it features the line's innovative fake window with a high-definition screen that provides real-time views of the ocean or whatever's outside.

Fares: Virtual inside cabins cost about $700 per person for a three-night round-trip cruise from Brisbane.

Ship: Crown Princess

Destinations: Australia, Alaska, California, Caribbean

Cabin R507 is larger than other insides and has only one common wall with a neighbouring cabin. It's next to the midship stairs, one deck below the swimming pools and the buffet, which is convenient but potentially noisy during the day.

Fares: From $690 per person for a two-night cruise from Melbourne to Sydney.

Ship: Celebrity Edge

Destinations: Australia, South Pacific, New Zealand, Alaska

Cabin 12125 is one of the inside cabins on Deck 12. With more space, luxurious decor and a beautiful bathroom, it sleeps up to four people in a king bed and a sofa bed.

Fares: From $1073 per person for a three-night round-trip cruise from Sydney via Eden.

Ship: Disney Magic

Destinations: Australia, NZ, South Pacific, Hawaii, Alaska, US Pacific Coast, Mexico

Cabin 5639 is one of Disney's inside cabins with a bathtub. Accommodating a family of four in a queen bed and bunk beds, it's on the same level as the theatre, kids club and nursery.

Fares: From $1227 per person for a two-night cruise from Sydney to Brisbane.

Ship: Norwegian Sun

Destinations: Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Asia, Hawaii, Alaska

Cabin 9132 is one of the family-friendly inside cabins for up to five guests, with two lower beds that convert into a queen, a pull-down bed and a convertible sofa. A couple can also book them for the extra space, with the spare beds put away, for almost the same price as the smaller insides.

Fares: Aside from a one-nighter from Cairns for $350 per person, NCL cruises are longer. A 14-night South Pacific cruise in this cabin costs $2813 per person for five people sharing or $3393 per person including drinks, Wi-Fi and shore excursion credit.

Ship: Nieuw Amsterdam

Destinations: Alaska, Caribbean, US Pacific Coast

Cabins 10043 and 10044 are classified as insides but both have windows with obstructed views. Located near the spa and overlooking the jogging track, they come with a yoga mat and bottled water.

Fares: From $719 per person for a four-night cruise from San Diego to Vancouver.

Deck plans are displayed on cruise lines' websites and resources such as CruiseMapper, Cruise Critic and Cruisedeckplans.com. Start on the highest passenger deck at the front of the ship; in cruising terms, 'forward inside' or 'interior' cabins. The next best/worst location is down the back (aft) or near noisy venues.