Balcony cabins seem like the ultimate cruise upgrade—until you realize you’ve paid a premium for something you barely use. It happens countless times: first-time cruisers splurge on a balcony, expecting serene ocean views and fresh air. What happens? They end up spending most of their time at the pool deck, bars, or off exploring ports.
The good news? You don’t have to make the same mistake. After scouring countless cruise forums, cruiser blogs, and Facebook groups, I’ve uncovered the biggest regrets from cruisers who splurged on a balcony—only to wish they hadn’t. From bad weather to noisy neighbors and tiny, overpriced spaces, these pitfalls can make your upgrade feel like a waste of hard-earned cash.
Before you drop hundreds (or thousands) on an upgrade, ask yourself: will you really use it? Here’s why many seasoned cruisers say balconies just aren’t worth it.
Will You Really Spend Enough Time on Your Balcony?
A cruise ship balcony cabin seems like the perfect way to enjoy the cruise experience. But the truth is, many cruisers barely use them, especially on shorter cruises. Between dining, shows, poolside lounging, and shore excursions, you may not be in your cabin long enough to justify the extra cost.
Opinions in the cruise community are divided. Some cruisers swear by balcony cabins. But many admit it’s an upgrade they can skip. Many share that they were hardly in their room. After all, spending an hour on a balcony per cruise doesn’t justify the upgrade. Cruisers suggest keeping the extra cash to spend on excursions or drink packages.
If you want to enjoy views and sea breezes without the hefty price tag, book an oceanview cabin and head to the ship’s open deck—it offers more space and a livelier atmosphere.
One couple shared on Reddit that they can afford to cruise four or five times a year by choosing an inside cabin. If they booked a balcony cabin, it would only be once or twice. For them, it’s a no-brainer to avoid balcony cabins. The cost difference can be 50 to 60 percent more expensive than inside cabins.
Obstructed-View Cabins Can Ruin Your Balcony Experience
Booking an obstructed view balcony seems a good compromise to get a cheaper balcony cabin. Until you realize the lifeboat blocks most of the view. Some cruise ship guests say that they’d been better off booking an oceanview cabin because the view was almost zero. Of course, the risk can pay off if the obstruction is only minor.
If a balcony is a must, research deck plans and real passenger photos before booking. And if you want ocean views without spending too much, a regular oceanview cabin guarantees one. Plus, it costs less than a traditional balcony cabin.
Bad Weather Can Make Your Balcony Useless
Imagine paying extra for a balcony, only to find strong winds make it impossible to enjoy the outdoor space? Rough seas, storms, or relentless rain can make balconies no-go areas. Also, balconies are often left deserted in cold destinations like Alaska or Northern Europe.
Although the Caribbean typically has warm, calm weather during cruise season, it’s not always the case. Sometimes, the cruise ship captain can restrict balcony use on front-facing balconies during windy weather.
Are you sailing in unpredictable weather conditions? In that case, consider an oceanview cabin or a stateroom on a Royal Caribbean ship with a virtual balcony.
Noise Issues Can Spoil Your Balcony Peace
Cruise balconies promise relaxation, but balcony dividers and loud neighbors could shatter the peace. Noise also travels further at night, and loud conversations, music, and even snoring could disturb you if you sleep with the balcony doors open. Some cruisers shared that noisy neighbors prevented them from enjoying the balcony space for the entire cruise vacation.
Worse, some balconies are below noisy areas like pool decks or dining spots. One cruiser shared that constant chair scraping started at 6 a.m. and never seemed to stop. The noise from the pool deck got worse when the balcony doors were open.
Before booking, check deck plans—because one wrong cabin choice can turn your dream balcony into a noisy nightmare. Also, check out my article on The Worst Cruise Ship Cabins to Avoid.
Privacy Issues—Hello, Upper Deck Voyeurs!
Think your balcony is a private retreat? Not if you make the wrong choice of cabin location. Many cruise ships have tiered decks, meaning cruise passengers above can look straight down onto your balcony space. Another privacy issue is corner balconies. Spacious, yes, but they’re usually in full view of the entire deck. Promenade deck balconies? They might as well be display cases—people walk right past them.
One cruiser shared: “People on upper decks could see right into our balcony. It didn’t feel private at all.” Other passengers in promenade balconies describe the experience as being in a goldfish bowl. Again—if balcony space is a must, carefully check deck plans and pictures of the ship.
Otherwise, an oceanview cabin offers uninterrupted scenery—without an audience. Or, for true solitude, an inside cabin guarantees no peeking neighbors.
Smoking Neighbors Can Spoil Your Fresh Air
It’s hard to enjoy balcony space when smoke from the lower deck is wafting up. Some cruise ships have designated outdoor smoking areas under balcony cabins. I’ve also read about some ship passengers whose neighbors were ‘secretly’ smoking. Unfortunately, enforcing no smoking on balconies can be a hit-or-miss with some cruise lines.
Balcony Doors Let in Excessive Light and Noise
Some cruisers avoid balcony cabins because they prefer a completely dark sleeping space. Although cabins on cruise ships typically have blackout curtains, intense light from early sunrises can sneak through gaps. So, if you’re a light sleeper, an inside cabin may be the best choice.
Another issue cited by some cruisers is noise. Balcony doors don’t seal as tightly as inside cabins, letting in wind, waves, and even conversations from neighboring balconies. Depending on cabin location, excessive noise can be a problem in oceanview and interior cabins. Remember, cabin choice can make or break your cruise vacation, so choose wisely.
Higher Deck Balconies Can Worsen Seasickness
If you’re prone to seasickness, a balcony cabin on a higher deck might be the worst choice. The higher you are, the more movement you’ll feel, especially in rough seas. Comments on forums say that high-deck front balconies seem to feel every wave and can be like a rollercoaster in rough seas.
The cheapest lower-deck cabins usually experience the least sway, making them a better option for sensitive travelers. They typically have small porthole windows. Avoid lower deck aft cabins as they tend to suffer from excessive engine noise.
Some Balconies Are So Small, They’re Hardly Usable
Not all balconies are spacious retreats. The cheapest cabin balconies on cruise ships may be so small there is barely room for a table and chair. These tight spaces make it difficult to relax and enjoy the balcony experience to the max. One cruiser shared that the balcony was so small he and his partner had to take turns stretching their legs.
Budget balcony cabins often sacrifice size, leaving you disappointed if you’re expecting a roomy outdoor lounge. Sometimes, an oceanview cabin with a large window offers more comfort than a cramped balcony. And if extra cabin space matters, splurging on a larger balcony might be the better move. Or you could book a spacious oceanview stateroom and plan to spend time on the deck.
Public Decks Often Offer Superior Views—For Free!
Why pay extra for a balcony when the best views are already included in the cruise fare? I’m talking about the public decks. Many cruisers spend most of their time onboard relaxing on the upper decks. They enjoy unobstructed panoramic views and are closer to bars and cafes for a quick snack or refreshment.
Of course, the best balconies offer a personal space, and a wise choice will give you incredible ocean views. Only ensure that the balcony doesn’t have obstructed views or metal railings blocking sightlines. Otherwise, it could become a costly space if you rarely use the balcony.
It all comes down to this simple question: does the upgrade justify the amount of time you plan to spend on the balcony?
Inside or Solo Cabins Might Be a Better Fit (and Cheaper!)
Solo travelers typically agree that paying a premium for a balcony cabin and the single supplement makes cruising unaffordable. Many cruise lines offer single-occupancy cabins, most of which are inside rooms. One cruiser shared, “I travel solo and barely use the room—definitely not worth paying for a balcony.”
The online consensus is that for single cruisers, cost is usually the primary consideration. Inside cabins offer a cozy, pitch-black sleep environment without the hefty price tag of an oceanview or balcony cabin.
If you’re concerned about cramped interior rooms or a lack of natural light, check out my article: Top Cruise Hacks to Maximize Space and Comfort.
Soot and Dirt Can Accumulate on Your Balcony
Choose a cabin with an aft balcony, and you may discover a film of soot and dust from the exhaust system. This isn’t a problem on all ships and may affect older cruise ships more. But it’s a fact that wind can carry dirt and debris onto furniture, meaning you must clean it regularly.
One cruise passenger shared that they had to wipe down chairs daily because specks of black soot covered everything.
Balcony Safety and Security Concerns
Cruise ship balconies are designed with safety in mind, but for parents, they can still feel nerve-wracking. One parent shared how they were constantly worried about kids climbing the railing. They also removed the balcony furniture, just in case they climbed up.
Unfortunately, accidents can happen. In 2024, a 12-year-old accidentally fell from the balcony of a Royal Caribbean ship. In 2019, a 16-year-old fell to his death after trying to climb into his room from the balcony.
Some cruisers feel uneasy leaving their balcony doors unlocked, as neighboring cabins may have easy access. One cruiser shared online, “I didn’t realize how easy it was for someone to climb over from the next balcony.”
Insects and Birds Can Become Unwelcome Guests
Leaving your balcony door open might seem like a great way to let in fresh air—but it can also invite some unexpected visitors. It’s not uncommon for migrating birds to ‘rest’ on cruise ships. And in port, there’s the chance of seagulls, mosquitos, and flies paying a visit.
One cruiser got a shock when a seagull dive-bombed their balcony, snatching food right from their hand. After landing on the deck, it started flapping around as it couldn’t work out how to get back. Someone on TikTok shared a video of a bunch of cockatoos that took over their balcony.
Another couple returned to their cabin to find a flock of birds flapping frantically inside—a nightmare of feathers, food scraps, and droppings.
The lesson learned? If you choose to book a cabin balcony, never leave the door open unattended.
When a Balcony Isn’t Worth It: Why an Inside or Oceanview Cabin Might Be Better
Balcony cabins are the most popular choice on cruise ships. However, many seasoned cruisers prefer inside or oceanview cabins for better sleep, cost savings, and a hassle-free experience. Here’s why skipping the balcony might actually improve your cruise.
Cost: Inside cabins are hands down the cheapest rooms on a cruise ship—sometimes more than half the price of a cabin balcony. It’s an excellent choice for budget travelers or if you want to spend money on specialty dining, a more extended cruise, or shore excursions.
Sleep: Inside cabins offer total darkness, making them ideal for deep sleep. Many cruisers find balconies let in too much light, even with blackout curtains. One cruiser shared, “I slept like a rock in my inside cabin—no light, no noise, just perfect rest.” If uninterrupted sleep matters, an inside cabin is hard to beat.
Ship’s amenities: Many travelers spend little time in their cabins because cruise ships offer so much to do, making a balcony a costly upgrade. Many share that they only ever sleep in the cabin and don’t have time to sit outside. Also, port-intensive itineraries mean you’ll spend much of your time off the ship.
Of course, inside cabins are not great if you’re claustrophobic.
Why Some Cruise Passengers Only Book Balcony Cabins
While many cruisers feel balconies aren’t worth the cost, others would never sail without one. For some, the extra space, private views, and fresh air make all the difference. Here’s why some passengers always book a balcony.
Private outdoor space: A balcony offers a personal retreat away from the crowds. Whether enjoying morning coffee or watching the sunset, many cruisers value the chance to step outside anytime.
Fresh air and natural light: A balcony provides natural light and fresh air and eliminates any feelings of claustrophobia.
Scenic views: The large balcony windows let you enjoy stunning views in picturesque locations like Alaska, Norwegian fjords, or tropical islands. Some also love waking up to ocean views.
While balconies aren’t for everyone, for those who love them, the perks outweigh the cost.
Balcony or Not? The Choice Is Yours
Balcony cabins have their perks, but they’re not always worth the splurge. Whether you prefer a private retreat or would prefer to save money for onboard experiences, the best cabin is the one that fits your travel style. Whatever you choose, may your cruise be filled with smooth seas, great views, and unforgettable moments!
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