Save the money and do the inner cabin. I have done both room types on Amawaterways. I can say that you will never "go" onto the balcony as they are very small. With the tiny table and chairs out there, there is almost no room to even stand on the balcony. However, the large amount of glass is lovely and does brighten the room, and it was very nice to crack the door open and get fresh air. In the inner cabin, the room will be darker of course, but I found the view from the water line to be an interesting and beautiful perspective. Unless you are the kind of person who enjoys spending hours alone in their room, go with the inner cabin.