Balcony cabins on cruise ships—luxurious retreat or unnecessary splurge? What could be better than sipping your morning coffee with stunning ocean views or toasting champagne under the stars on your private veranda? Sounds perfect, right? But here’s the flip side: you could end up paying hundreds of dollars for balcony space you barely use.
Many cruisers swear by the luxury a balcony cabin offers. Others argue, “Why pay more when the entire ship is your playground?” And on port-intensive cruises, you may be hardly in your cabin, never mind relaxing on the balcony.
After years of exploring ships and hearing countless stories from fellow cruisers, I know firsthand how balconies can make or break a cruise vacation. In this guide, I’ll dive deep into the pros and cons of booking a balcony cabin. Is it a vital part of the cruise dream or an expense you can safely skip? Also, I’ll share top hacks on how to book a balcony cabin for knock-down cruise fares.
Let’s explore what you need to know before booking.
The Balcony Debate That Every Cruiser Has
Balcony staterooms are the most debated choice on a cruise ship. For some passengers, it’s a no-brainer. Their argument? Why spend a fortune on a cruise to be cooped up in a shoebox interior cabin with no view? For others, a balcony cabin is an indulgence at a cost difference they cannot justify.
Many cruisers share online that balcony space is their favorite escape. For example, one reader on a cruise forum shared, “The balcony is where I escape the crowds and recharge with a book and a glass of wine. I also love the views of ports when arriving or departing.” Another shared, “We love having breakfast on our balcony while watching the sunrise—it’s the ultimate luxury.”
In contrast, skeptics question the value of cruise ship balcony cabins. One cruiser wrote, “Why pay for a regular balcony cabin when you’re hardly there? I’d rather use the savings to book optional shore excursions!” Another traveler agrees: “I tried a balcony once and realized I spent more time on deck or ashore. The inside cabin’s darkness also gave me the best sleep ever.”
The divide is clear—balcony staterooms either enhance the journey or feel like an unnecessary splurge.
Why Cruise Balconies Feel Like a Private Oasis at Sea
There’s something magical about opening the balcony door and stepping into a private balcony. Imagine hearing the hum of the ship engines, the ocean gently lapping at the ship, feeling the sea breeze, and staring at an endless horizon.
Each cruiser has their own reasons for booking a balcony. Maybe it’s watching the sun melt into the ocean, staring in awe at the starry heavens, or sipping their morning coffee. For many cruise ship regulars, the private extra space brings a sense of serenity you can never replicate elsewhere.
One cruise passenger wrote, “Sitting on the balcony is my chance to unplug and connect with the beauty of the sea. You’re away from crowded lounges and bustling decks, and feeling the fresh ocean air is worth every cent.”
Inside Cabins vs. Ocean View Balcony Cabins
Cruise ship cabins are typically divided into three main categories: cabins with balconies, inside cabins, and ocean-view cabins. Here’s what we’re talking about:
Balconies: The Ultimate Retreat
Balcony cabins offer breathtaking views, the luxury of fresh air, and the chance to step out any time you want. It’s your personal escape from the ship’s energy. One traveler wrote, “My balcony was the perfect place to relax with a drink and watch the sunset without fighting for space on deck.”
Inside Cabins: Budget-Friendly Comfort
Inside cabins are located in the ship’s interior and don’t have windows. Many cruisers book inside cabins for several reasons. They are excellent value for money, cost-effective, and perfect if you only plan on sleeping there.
But there’s another reason some cruisers prefer inside cabins. One cruiser told me he loves to sleep in total darkness and has enjoyed some of the best sleep in windowless cabins.
However, Royal Caribbean has developed a unique solution to mimic the balcony experience in inside cabins—virtual balconies. These are floor-to-ceiling screens that display real-time views from the ship.
Ocean View: The Middle Ground
Ocean-view cabins have a port hole or larger window. So, you get natural light and sea views without the higher cruise price tag of a balcony. It’s an excellent compromise for many passengers. One traveler noted, “The big window gave us sunlight and a beautiful view—we didn’t need more since we were always exploring the ship.”
Balcony Cabin Types to Match Every Cruiser
Not all balcony staterooms are created equal. You can find budget-friendly options with a twist. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular discount balcony types and what cruisers say about them.
Aft balconies
Want some of the most breathtaking views onboard? Choose an aft balcony cabin. Located at the ship’s rear, the aft deck gives uninterrupted vistas of the ship’s wake. These cabins often feature larger balconies, making them perfect if you’re seeking extra outdoor space or on a family cruise. One cruiser shared, “Watching the sunrise over the wake without even leaving bed was a dream come true!”
However, there’s a caveat. Aft balcony cabins tend to experience more motion and are farther from elevators. So, it’s ideal if you don’t suffer from seasickness and enjoy long walks.
Cove balconies
Cove balconies, nestled closer to the waterline, offer a cozy and intimate feel. Protected by the ship’s structure, they’re a favorite for their added privacy and the soothing sound of waves just below. One fellow cruiser told me that hearing the ocean up close was so calming that they like being in their own little world,” said one traveler.
They’re especially great for those who prefer shade or protection from high winds, but their lower location may have more limited views than higher-deck options.
Obstructed view balconies
Dreaming of a balcony on a budget? Booking an obstructed-view balcony could be the perfect compromise if you cannot afford a standard cruise balcony cabin. They feature outdoor access, but a lifeboat or part of the ship will block the view.
However, beware! The experience between these balconies can differ significantly. One cruiser wrote, “The lifeboat’s roof was in line with the balcony railings and didn’t affect our view whatsoever. Well worth it!” However, another lamented, “Our view was completely blocked, and the balcony cruise deal felt like a scam and waste of money.”
Interior-facing balconies
Some Royal Caribbean cruise ships have balcony cabins with views of the ship’s interior—either the atrium or promenade deck. They are more affordable than ocean-view balconies and let you enjoy the onboard buzz. Many budget-conscious travelers chose these cabin types. However, one fellow passenger told me they felt it lacked privacy and had to keep their curtains closed while in the cabin.
How to Choose the Best Balcony Cabin
If you decide to snag a balcony stateroom for your next cruise, how can you pick the best one? Apart from the balcony type, the cabin’s location onboard significantly affects the cruise vacation experience. Here’s what I’ve found out:
Midship for less motion: Pick a midship balcony on a lower deck if you’re prone to seasickness. These cabins experience the least motion, even on rougher seas.
Avoid noisy areas: One cruiser shared that their cabin was below the pool deck, with non-stop noise and constant chair scraping. Another said that their balcony stateroom was near a smoking area, and wafts of smoke kept sending them inside.
Front or aft-facing balconies for views: Love stunning ocean views? Choose a balcony cabin at the front or rear of the ship. Keep in mind that these cabins experience more motion. Also, forward balconies may be off-limits during bad weather.
When is it Worth Splurging on a Balcony Cabin?
I’ve discovered that a balcony isn’t a luxury on specific cruises—it’s crucial to the cruise experience. Sitting on the balcony lets me enjoy spectacular views when cruising Alaska and the Norwegian fjords. When does paying for a balcony add magic to your voyage? Here are five types of cruises where it makes sense to splash out on a balcony.
Alaska Cruise Itineraries
Booking a balcony cabin on an Alaska cruise is always worth the money. You get a front-row seat to nature’s most stunning landscapes. Imagine watching glaciers calve into the sea, spotting whales breaching through binoculars, or marveling at fiery orange sunsets—all from your private sanctuary.
Here’s how one cruiser shared their experience about an Alaska cruise. “It was glorious cruising in Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage on our private balcony. We loved that we avoided the crowds on the deck and got a first-class view of glaciers, lush forests, and wildlife.”
Cruising the Mediterranean
Looking for cruise deals to snag a balcony cabin is worth it when cruising the Mediterranean. Simply put: you get the best views from the ship of historic cities, sparkling seas, and rugged coastlines. Picture yourself sipping wine as you sail into Venice or watching the whitewashed cliffs of Santorini glowing in the sunset.
As one cruiser raved, “Cruising past the Amalfi Coast was an unforgettable experience. We also enjoyed romantic evenings watching the sun melt away before the stars came out.” The panoramic views of ancient cities, bustling ports, and charming villages are more remarkable from a private space on board.
Norwegian Fjord Cruises
Booking a balcony cabin on a cruise through the Norwegian fjords ensures you never miss the spectacular scenery. Imagine waking up to towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and emerald-green fjords.
One cruiser shared online how they ordered room service for breakfast every morning and spent their time admiring the stunning landscapes and serene waterways. Another wrote about watching the Northern Lights from their balcony—something they would have missed in an inside cabin.
Hawaii Cruises
Thinking about a cruise to Hawaii? Then a balcony cabin should be a serious consideration. Why? First, you spend five days at sea to travel from the U.S. mainland to the Hawaiian islands. So, a balcony lets you sit outside enjoying stunning views of the expansive Pacific Ocean. Second, you get the best views of emerald cliffs, pristine beaches, and incredible sunsets.
A passenger on a cruise forum shared their magical experience. They wrote, “We were sipping our morning coffee on the balcony when suddenly we noticed dolphins leaping alongside the ship. That, coupled with fantastic views of Hawaii’s landscapes, made the voyage unforgettable.”
Long Cruises
Savvy cruisers know the benefits of balcony cabins on long voyages like repositioning or transatlantic cruises. They transform your cabin into a private sanctuary, extending the space of your cabin. One cruiser shared that they loved spending lazy days on the balcony, reading, relaxing, and enjoying the views.
No need to worry about the dress code for the buffet or pool decks—just laze around in your pajamas if you want to!
When Balconies Might Not Be the Right Choice
Balconies can be a dreamy cruise upgrade, but are they always worth the extra cost? In my experience, no. Some types of cruises, like port-heavy itineraries, expedition cruises, or colder climates, might leave you spending little time in your cabin. Spending money on optional excursions or other onboard experiences is better in these cases.
Port intensive itineraries
Caribbean cruises tend to visit ports every day with very few sea days. If you plan on doing many shore excursions, you’ll barely use the balcony. In fact, after evening entertainment, you’ll probably only sleep in your cabin.
One traveler shared, “We spent so much time exploring that we only used the cabin for sleeping. An inside cabin would have made more sense.” The same is true for expedition cruises.
Short cruise sailings
Planning a three or five-day cruise? A balcony cabin probably won’t deliver value for money. With limited sea days, activities on the ship and shore excursions take center stage. One passenger said that they hardly opened the balcony door once during their three-day cruise sailing the Bahamas.”
Cold weather cruises
You will probably not use your balcony on cold-weather cruise itineraries unless you enjoy sitting in the freezing wind and rain! Winter sailings in Northern Europe can be chilly and rainy, making stepping outside less appealing. The only exception to cold weather and balcony cabins is when cruising to Alaska or the Norwegian fjords.
Noisy Neighbors
A balcony can feel less like an oasis if you end up with loud or disruptive neighbors. Of course, you’ll only find out about this onboard. One traveler shared, “Our next-door cabin blasted music and smoked on their balcony every night—completely ruined the peaceful vibe we’d hoped for.”
If tranquility is critical, research cabin reviews or choose quieter areas on the ship.
Insider Hacks to Save Money on Balcony Cabins
A balcony cabin doesn’t have to break the bank. With some planning, timing, and insider tips, you can enjoy luxury cruising for less. Here are some tried and tested methods cruise experts use.
Book during wave season: You can often snag the best cruise deals when booking cruises between January and March (wave season). This is when cruise lines tend to offer the best promotions and perks.
Upgrade close to departure: Booking through a travel agent means monitoring prices and last-minute cabin upgrade offers is easier. They can also get exclusive deals on balcony cabins, shipboard credit, and other discounts.
Travel off-peak: To experience the thrill of your own balcony space on a cruise, consider traveling during shoulder season. Usually, you can book cruises in spring or fall for a much lower peak-season prices.
Look for last-minute deals: While not always guaranteed, you can pick up last-minute cruise deals with balcony cabins. However, this can be a hit and a miss, and getting a choice cabin in a good location is rare.
Enhancing the Balcony Experience
A balcony cabin is more than a room—it’s your private space to enhance the cruise experience. You can upgrade your time onboard from excellent to outstanding with a few creative touches.
Here’s how to take your balcony experience to the next level:
Best time for views: Know your sunset and sunrise times to capture special moments from the balcony. Also, early morning is the best time to spot whales and dolphins.
Make it an exclusive space: Turn your balcony into an alfresco dining area or private yoga space. Your cabin steward can help get you what you need.
Must-have gadgets: You can enhance the balcony experience by remembering to pack a few gadgets. For example, binoculars if you are cruising to Alaska. Or a blanket can keep you warm on chilly evenings, and a portable fan keeps you cool on hot, sunny days.
Balcony etiquette: Remember to ensure your neighbors also enjoy their “private” space onboard. So, respect your neighbors, keep the noise down, and don’t peek around the balcony partition (yes, it does happen).
How to Decide if a Balcony Is Worth It
If your budget allows for it and you want to enjoy privacy, spectacular views, and escape from the ship’s hustle and bustle, a balcony cabin is worth the extra cruise cost. It’s perfect for scenic routes or if you enjoy a private connection to the ocean.
But suppose you’re on a tight budget or plan on exploring and enjoying the ship activities. In that case, an ocean view or inside cabin may be the best choice. For port-intensive or short itineraries, a balcony cabin is not essential for most passengers.
Balcony Bliss or Budget-Wise? Your Cruise, Your Choice!
I base decisions on the cruise type when deciding between an inside cabin and a balcony. On Alaska cruises, I would never travel without the option of a balcony. However, I usually opt for an inside cabin on port-intensive cruises. I use the extra cash for shore excursions, drink packages, and specialty dining and take advantage of the ship’s onboard amenities, like spa treatments.
Whether you’re savoring balcony views or saving for adventures ashore, make the choice that fits your dream trip. Happy sailings!
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