Everything to Know about Balcony Cabins on a Cruise Read Before Booking

Table Of Content

• Traveling to the Crystal Caves in Spain
• Benefits of Balcony Rooms and Views on a Cruise Ship
• Visiting the Salvador Dali Museum in Spain
• Should my travel party determine which cabin I choose?
• What are the best balcony cabins?
• Worth It? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide

Additionally, on one-way cruises where shore views matter most, you'll want to plan carefully for which side of the ship is right for you. When it comes to choosing suites, it's best to figure out how much space you really need, what amenities are important to you and what you can afford to spend. Suites on most ships are often the first category to sell out, partly because there are fewer of them, and partly because they often offer extremely good value.

Traveling to the Crystal Caves in Spain

The right accommodation can enhance your cruise experience, providing you with a comfortable retreat after a day of adventure, but some choices may turn out to be an expensive mistake. In addition to the extra interior and exterior space, suites come with some pretty neat perks that will elevate your cruising experience. From priority boarding to being able to access suite-only sun decks and restaurants, there are more reasons to splurge on a suite than just for a larger balcony.

Benefits of Balcony Rooms and Views on a Cruise Ship

For instance, an interior cabin on a ship might be 140 square feet in space, while a balcony cabin might be 170 square feet, plus the additional outdoor space. Of course, the figures will change from ship to ship, but you can expect to see the trend on many cruise lines. Small Interior Stateroom (as the name implies) is the least spacious standard cabin category on cruise ships. These cabins have two beds – (upper and lower), private bath (WC/shower), a small sitting area. They are usually larger in comparison to balcony staterooms and feature more amenities. As a rule, suites have a full-size bathtub, larger shower, bigger closets and balcony (some have 2 private balconies).

Visiting the Salvador Dali Museum in Spain

Also provided is an extensive review of all ticket price inclusive en-suite amenities, along with furniture details and additional / bonus perks (if available). Royal Caribbean sought to level the playing field on its Quantum Class ships by creating Super Studio balcony cabins. It's nice to open the door to have the fresh air if it's cooler outside.

Inside cruise cabins are fitted with twin beds (convertible to King or Queen), private bathroom (shower), sitting area. The interior is the same - twin beds convertible to King-size, picture window, sofa, TV, phone, seating, safe, mini-bar, bath with shower, washroom with sink and junior tub, bathrobes, hairdryer. Premium Balcony cabins also have twin beds that convert to King-size, their wraparound balcony enfolds the stateroom. Captains Suite accommodations have a huge 220 ft2 (20,5 m2) separate bedroom, while the living area is sized 290 ft2 (27 m2). There are 2 upper beds and a sofa bed, private bathroom with whirlpool hot tub and glass shower, safe, TV and phone, mini-bar, bathrobes, hairdryer. The fancy Sky Suites, centrally located on a top deck, have huge, wraparound terraces that overlook the sea and the ship's sports deck.

Should my travel party determine which cabin I choose?

The basics of a balcony cabin are the same, whether your cruise room is located midship or aft. All have twin beds convertible to queen- or king-sized beds, a desk/vanity combo, closets and drawers for storage and some sort of sitting area, either with a chair or sofa. They have ensuite bathrooms, typically shower-only but occasionally with bathtubs. The private balconies are furnished with chairs and small tables for drinks, so passengers can enjoy ocean views and breezes while they read, chat or enjoy a snack. Balcony railings are at least 42 inches high; some balconies are covered (with the balcony or deck above as the roof), while others are stepped out and open to the air (and less private).

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas cruise ship balcony cabin: review, photos - Business Insider

Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas cruise ship balcony cabin: review, photos.

Posted: Wed, 14 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best room on a cruise ship. If you are wanting a wraparound balcony without splurging on a suite, speak with a travel agent. They will be able to assist you in telling you what ships have standard cabins with corner wrap balconies. Many newer ships place their swanky suites at the corners of the ship, so the wrap balconies may only be available to travelers booking the highest tiers of accommodations. We’re strong believers that on a short cruise of five days or fewer, you can get by without having a balcony cabin. On a short trip, between everything to do on board and being in ports of call, the amount of time you’ll take advantage of the balcony is relatively small.

If you tend to get seasick, selecting your cabin can be critical decision. The lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel. Even if you choose a balcony room, choose a low level and a room closest to the ship's center. The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) of the ship will rock and roll the most.

Make sure to ask in advance, as cruise lines have different policies, but this is a great idea for group cruises if you do want to spend a lot of time together. A guarantee cabin is a room with a low rate that is a specific cabin type (inside, outside, etc.). If you luck out, you could get assigned to a higher-category cabin, like scoring a balcony for a standard outside cabin price.

With the push of a single button, a window opens up and allows you to soak in the fresh air from the comfort of your stateroom, rather than outside. Virgin Voyages likes to do things more playfully than other lines, and its balcony cabins are in keeping with that philosophy. Book a Sea Terrace on the line's Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady or Valiant Lady and you'll get a balcony equipped with chairs and a small table plus a hammock swing attached to the ceiling. Embrace your inner kid and swing to your heart's content while you enjoy fresh air and sea views.

If you are considering booking a balcony cabin, you might picture yourself sitting out and taking in the view for hours on end each day. If you are planning a cruise, booking a cabin is certainly as important as picking up the cruise line (brand) or the boat. Before you take that decision, consider some issues related to your own personality and the other people traveling with you.

Perhaps more so than the accommodation grade, the cabin location can significantly impact your cruise experience. Here are some cabin-related extras you may want to pay for on your cruise. Some vessels, including those in Royal Caribbean’s Radiance Class and Celebrity’s Solstice Class, are not entirely straight along the sides.

Balcony staterooms and Suites located aft or forward are the most expensive. Most cruise companies (especially those with large-sized vessels in the fleets) divide the main cabin types into subcategories. These grades are marked with numbers (like for balcony cabins - B1, B2, B3, B4) and are displayed on the deck layouts with different colors. Looking at the deck plans, you might wonder about the differences between an aft balcony versus a balcony cabin. Celebrity Cruises' Infinite Veranda cabins on its Edge-class ships are 23% larger than those on its Solstice-class ships, with 243 total square feet and 42 square feet of balcony space. In the end, price is probably the most important (and unavoidable) factor in the type of room you book on your cruise ship.

The 1,012-square-foot balcony features lounging areas, a dry bar, an alfresco dining setup and even a TV alcove. At the push of a button, the top half of a floor-to-ceiling wall of glass in your cabin slides down like a car window to let in the fresh ocean air. If you want, you can close off the section of your room closest to the window by sliding shut a pair of folding doors. Once that is done, you have a cozy spot with two chairs and a cocktail table where you can admire the sea or enjoy your morning coffee — even if your cabinmate is still sleeping. All of our cruise ships are equipped to accommodate any special needs — just let us know and we’ll make you feel at home. Relax, unwind and make yourself at home after a full day of adventure.

With the push of a button, the floor-to-ceiling window opens up to a balcony, allowing in the ocean breeze and soothing sound of waves. Two chairs and a cocktail table sit in a sunny nook by the glass wall, beckoning cruisers to kick back with their morning coffee or soak up the sunset with a glass of bubbly. These types of verandas also make the room feel more spacious -- because they are.

Cruise Ship Rooms and Suites Best Cabin Staterooms

Table Of Content

• The best views
• How to Choose the Best Olive Oil
• When Is it Not Worth Booking a Balcony Cabin?
• Additional Costs of a Cruise and Value Adds

This is a reason many travel agents and avid cruisers recommend balconies for Alaska cruise itineraries. Examine the ship’s layout to see where your cabin is in relation to key areas like the lido deck, dining rooms, and entertainment venues. Consider potential noise from above or below your cabin, especially if it’s immediately above or below a dance floor, crew area, or near the pool. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and remember that while the cabin is important, you’ll also want to budget for on-board activities, excursions, beverages, and other expenses. On the flip side, you might get the worst cabin in the category you chose -- the one that's slightly smaller, has an obstructed view or is in a noisy corner of the ship. Letting the cruise line choose your cabin is risky, so be sure you'll be happy no matter which cabin you get assigned.

The best views

Before booking, read reviews of the ship and specific cabins on websites such as Cruise Critic or watching YouTube reviews. Previous travelers can offer invaluable insight into noise levels, views, and overall satisfaction. However, depending on the size of the ship, they could be farther from entertainment and dining areas. On big ships, there may be 10 or even more flights of stairs between your cabin and the pool, sun deck, buffet, and other amenities found at the top of the ship. There will be elevators, of course, but you should expect queues at busy times.

How to Choose the Best Olive Oil

If you're a light sleeper who needs a quiet, dark space to get a good night's sleep, book an inside cabin. You won't have to worry about bright light peeking through the curtains in the morning to wake you up. You should also set the alarm if you have an early excursion or appointment in the morning since you won't be able to tell what time it is. It's easy to oversleep when it's cozy, dark and cool in the cabin. Perhaps the toughest decision is what type of stateroom to pick. There are good arguments to be made for every type of room, from inside rooms to balconies to suites.

When Is it Not Worth Booking a Balcony Cabin?

When you book a balcony cabin, you get a well-sized room along with a private balcony to enjoy at anytime during your cruise. Balcony staterooms are among the most popular category of cabin you can book on any cruise ship because of the combination of space and value it provides. There are some itineraries where the view from your balcony is a big reason to choose this type of cabin. In Alaska, as you’re sailing through Glacier Bay or Endicott Arm, you’ll have a view on the glaciers and incredible scenery from the comfort of your own balcony space.

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The major disadvantage is that with essentially a large window instead of a separate balcony area, the effect is not quite the same. If you have any preferences, it is best to go ahead and reserve the exact room you want during the booking process. Other amenities such as a closet, a flat-screen television, a minifridge, a personal safe, a hair dryer and bathroom toiletries will be similar.

For many cruisers, finding the cheapest cabin available for a good deal is the right choice for them. You'll find hump balcony rooms with massive balconies on Radiance Class, Voyager, Freedom, Oasis or Quantum, but look closely at the deck plan to see which balconies are larger. The more I cruised, the more I started hearing from veteran cruisers about the virtues of booking a balcony on the back of the ship. But since this question comes up so often, here are the best cabins to book for most people and why they might be the right choice for you.

Cove balcony cabins

However, it could be a bit risky so it's more reasonable to get back to the cruise ship deck plans. Even on luxury ships, which generally have more space per passenger than mass-market vessels, you'll likely be sharing the pool deck with dozens or even hundreds of other people. On some of the biggest vessels, such as Royal Caribbean's giant new Icon of the Seas, you'll compete for deck chairs with literally thousands of others. Carnival Cruise Line's interior cabins are some of the largest in the industry, ranging from 185 to 220 square feet. These cabins include two twin beds or one king-size bed, and the larger rooms can sleep up to five guests.

best balcony cabins on cruise ships that you will want to book for your next vacation

You can hold a party at your outdoor bar or sit down to an alfresco, room-service dinner. On Royal Caribbean's enormous Oasis Class ships, these one- and two-bedroom suites overlook the back of the ship with the bonus of views of the AquaTheater. There are no tickets needed and no jockeying for seats with your shipmates. Sister cruise line Royal Caribbean has introduced these cabins on its newest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, and other ocean lines such as Atlas Ocean Voyages have begun to copy the idea, too. The concept first began popping up about a decade ago on river cruise ships, where it was pioneered by Avalon Waterways.

Are Balcony Cabins Worth it on a Cruise? 10 Pros & 4 Cons

A room on a higher deck provides more desirable views, as well as being closer in proximity to the pool deck. First and foremost, how much you can spend on a room will dictate largely your choices. If you are cruising on a slim budget, suites and perhaps even balcony rooms are going to be out of the question.

Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast. However, aft cabin balconies are almost always stepped out, allowing passengers in cabins above yours as well as higher deck public space to see down onto your balcony. On some ships, aft cabins may also be far from dining and drinking venues, as well as entertainment.

Without a doubt, the number one reason to book a balcony room is you get a private balcony to enjoy when you want it. Traditionally, a balcony room means you have a view of the ocean. Balcony rooms are situated on the outer portion of the ship, with the ability to look out from your room to the ocean. The ocean breeze you’ll have by opening the sliding doors in your cabin, will help you to feel better if you are a bit bothered by the ship’s movement. Just be wary of any offer promising a two-category upgrade (or similar).

8 best balcony cabins on cruise ships that you will want to book for your next vacation - Cruise Blog

8 best balcony cabins on cruise ships that you will want to book for your next vacation.

Posted: Tue, 17 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

While you can't count on the upgrade fairy to pay you a visit after you've booked that low-tier cabin, you can look out for upgrade deals before you book. One common cruise-line promotion is to offer outside cabins for the price of insides, or balconies for the price of outsides. If the amount of view you get relative to the amount of money you spend is important to you, look for "secret porthole" insides or "obstructed view" outsides. Will you be entertaining in your room and need a dining table that can seat six or eight? Do you want benefits like being the first in line to get on or off the ship?

Next are shown layouts of Quantum OTS single-occupancy cabins (balcony and interior). World's largest accommodation found on a riverboat is Riverside Mozart's French Balcony Suite. The vessel has two such accommodations, each sized 885 ft2 / 82 m2.

Plus, the balcony itself is usually wider, offering a better angle. If your cruise itinerary has a good chance of very cool or even rainy weather, you may not get a lot of use out of the balcony itself. It’s hard to imagine when a balcony cabin wouldn’t be enjoyable, however there are times when it may be hard to justify the extra cost. On the other hand, if you plan to spend most of your time exploring ports and partaking in onboard activities, the type and location of cabin might be of less importance. Some ships offer cabins with direct access to the promenade deck, while the largest ships, including MSC World Europa, offer balconies overlooking an internal courtyard or promenade.

Believe it or not, it's actually easier to answer the question of which cabins are a mistake to book rather than which cabins are truly the best. Matt started Royal Caribbean Blog in 2010 as a place to share his passion for all things Royal Caribbean with readers. He oversees all the writers at Royal Caribbean Blog, and writes a great deal of content on a daily basis. He has become one of the foremost expert on a Royal Caribbean cruise. A balcony room will also give you more space, both inside and outside.

A concierge cabin comes with -- you guessed it -- easy access to a cruise concierge. That means hands-off dinner and spa reservations, shore excursion bookings, and requests from guest services. Concierge cabins may also come with in-cabin amenities like welcome drinks, fruit baskets or afternoon canapes. See below the magnificent Oceania Marina ship's Owner Suite plan. You'll almost always pay more for a balcony cabin on a ship than for a cabin that just has a window — the latter being known in industry lingo as an "ocean-view" cabin. For example, at the time of this story's publishing, fares for balcony cabins on some fall 2024 cruises out of Galveston, Texas, were just 7% more than fares for ocean-view cabins.