How the cheapest interior and balcony cabins on Carnival’s new cruise ship compare — and why the pricier one is worth it

• Carnival’s new Carnival Firenze cruise ship set sail in late April.
• Its interior cabins are $160 cheaper per person than the ones with balconies.
• The cramped balcony stateroom is worth the additional cost.

I finally realized that my parents are, in fact, always right. Unfortunately, learning my lesson took a stint in a windowless cabin on a Carnival cruise.

In mid-May, I found myself stuck on a four-night Carnival Firenze cruise with my family. I was there for work — they were there to enjoy the sun. And that they did, as they luxuriated in a cabin with a balcony while I was stuck in a drab, windowless dungeon.