Is It Worth Getting A Balcony On A Cruise? (2024)

Enjoying a holiday on a cruise ship is a dream come true for many. If you have been saving up for a vacation, you want to make every dollar count. So, should you splurge when it comes time to select your cruise cabin? You’ll have many cabin types to choose from for your cruising adventure, and there are many factors to consider.

Booking a cabin with a balcony is one way to sail the ocean in style and have a private area to enjoy the fantastic views. But is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise?

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So, Is It Worth Getting A Balcony On A Cruise?

Balcony cabins on cruise ships are more spacious due to the outside space. They have spectacular ocean views, fresh sea air, and a private seating area. Although these cabins are more expensive, the rewards of a private balcony sometimes outweigh the cost. If it fits within your budget, balcony cabins are worth it!

Read on for facts to consider when choosing the balcony option, and the different types of balcony staterooms on a cruise ship.

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Factors To Consider When Choosing A Balcony On A Cruise

Before deciding on whether to choose a balcony cabin for your cruising holiday, there are certain factors that you should consider, including size and price. Below we’ll look at these differences between a standard inside cabin and a balcony cabin.

Size Difference Of Balcony And Standard Cabins

When deciding is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise, room size is a top consideration. A cabin on a cruise ship with a balcony usually feels more spacious than a standard inside cabin. But, in reality, the square footage of a standard oceanview cabin and a balcony cabin is very close if not the same. Nevertheless, a balcony cabin may seem physically larger because the outside balcony area acts as an extension of the stateroom. The balcony area is typically separated from the cabin by floor-to-ceiling windows and a glass door leading onto it, which also serves to create a sense of added space.

Balcony aside, both cabin types are designed to sleep two to four persons. The four-sleeper cabin will have a pullout sofa that converts into a bed or a Pullman berth. You can expect that both types of cabins will have a small vanity, a mirror, a chair, and a private bathroom. A flat-screen TV, personal safe, and mini fridge are also standard features of all cabins on a cruise ship.

Price Difference Between Balcony And Standard Cabins

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise for the price? In the past, balcony cabins were almost double the price of inside standard cabins. But nowadays, balcony cabins could cost an excess of $100 or more per night than inside cabins. The price will depend on the view from the balcony. Is it an ocean view, which is more expensive, or a balcony with a view overlooking the inside of the ship?

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Reasons To Pay Extra For A Balcony Cabin

Why pay extra for a balcony cabin? There are several reasons to choose this option. First, consider the absolute pleasure you will get from having your own private spot to sit back and relax with the full ocean view in front of you. Sitting on the balcony, sipping drinks, basking in the sunshine, watching the sunset over the ocean, or enjoying the moonlight, is priceless.

You also have an opportunity to spot wildlife like dolphins, whales, or sea birds. As you enter the port, you may see fishermen on the pier and other boats as they sail past the cruise ship.

Whether your balcony is port or starboard, the views will be spectacular no matter which side of the ship your cabin is positioned on, but we are partial to aft-facing balconies if you’re able to book one.

The extra space a balcony adds to a cabin is ideal for children. They can play, or sit out, on the balcony. And the fresh sea breeze wafting through the door is another good reason for choosing this cabin type. If you want to decrease your chances of seasickness or are claustrophobic, being out in the fresh air on the balcony may help you feel better. This is another excellent reason to opt for a balcony.

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Reasons To Avoid A Balcony Cabin On A Ship

There are a few downsides to choosing a cabin with a balcony. Your balcony will be spaced close to your neighbor’s so there’s a possibility you could be disturbed by unwanted noise. Usually, there is a strict no-smoking policy, but if one of your neighbors wants to smoke, there could be an unpleasant smell wafting your way. If the balcony overlooks the inside of the ship, neighbors opposite you will be able to see into your cabin.

Although most balconies on cruise ships are designed to be as safe as possible, you must always be careful about leaning over the railing. Remind children of the posing dangers, caution them on the safety rules, and never leave young children unattended.(Check out our tips for making your cruise cabin safe for babies!)

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What About Upgrades On A Cruise Ship?

Sometimes, a cruise line will upgrade you to a higher cabin, but this does not happen often. Some cruise lines have programs where you can bid on upgrades as you get close to your sailing date. However, you will not get an upgrade if the ship is sailing at 100% capacity. Below are some valuable tips if you’re hoping to be considered for an upgrade.

  • Book through a travel agent who can get you better deals.
  • You will have a better chance if you book a more expensive room at the onset. Cruise liners will not skip a level to offer you a room.
  • Mention a birthday, anniversary, or other celebration during the sea trip.
  • It helps to be a frequent cruiser.
  • Choose a TBA (to be assigned) option during the slow season. You will be guaranteed a room at the level you booked, and if available, you might be upgraded to a higher level.

Different Types Of Balconies On A Cruise Ship

There are several types of cabins with balconies that you can choose from when planning a holiday on a cruise ship.

Ocean View Balcony On A Cruise Ship

The oceanview balcony cabin has a wall-size glass window with a glass door that opens onto a small balcony. Here you can relax and take pleasure in the spectacular views.

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Non-Ocean View Balcony On A Cruise Ship

Some cruise ships have balcony cabins that face some internal space on the ship. For instance, the cruise ships in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class have balcony cabins that face the Boardwalk or the Central Park neighborhood. These cabins do not have views of the ocean.

The Boardwalk cabin has a view of the bustling boardwalk with a kid’s play area; some dining areas, and you will see plenty of daytime and nighttime activities. The Central Park cabin overlooks the quieter area of the ship. You will have a view of the garden area with cruisers strolling along to the restaurant areas or relaxing and enjoying the tranquil surroundings.

What Is A French Balcony On A Cruise Ship

A French balcony is a cabin found on river cruise ships. These cabins have a floor-to-ceiling glass window with a door. The door slides open inwards to reveal a railing you can lean out of. This balcony offers fresh air and a view, but no outside seating area.

Other Non-Traditional Balconies On Cruise Ships

There are a few versions of non-traditional balconies, or verandas, on cruise ships. Two of these types are:

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A Celebrity Infinite Veranda

This veranda does not open onto a balcony but is part of the cabin. It is a small enclosed seating area with a sea view seen through a large window. The window can open for some lovely fresh air. A glass pocket folding door can separate the veranda area from the rest of the cabin if needed. Making the veranda an extension of the stateroom allows for a larger and more open-space feel.

A Virtual Balcony On A Cruise Ship

Using the best technology, a virtual balcony lets you enjoy real-time ocean views inside the cabin. A high-definition screen spanning almost the floor and ceiling offers fabulous sea views from global destinations. Both Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer cabins with virtual balconies. Although not quite a balcony, Disney Cruises was a pioneer in this area with its virtual portholes.

Are Cruise Ship Balconies Safe For Kids?

Cruise ships make every effort to ensure that the balconies on the ship are safe for everyone. Some of these safety measures are:

  • The glass sliding door leading onto the balcony is challenging to open, even for some adults.
  • The sliding door has two locks, one at the top of the door, which cannot be reached by small children.
  • The balcony has a sturdy railing with plexiglass of at least 42 inches or taller, making it difficult for a child to hoist themselves over the railing (at least not without climbing on top of some furniture to do so).

However, these safety measures are not alone sufficient to prevent accidents from happening. Parents must instill safety rules in their children. Young children must be cautioned of the potential dangers like climbing onto the railings of a cruise ship balcony.

Conclusion

Is it worth getting a balcony on a cruise ship? In short, absolutely! If you can afford it, a balcony adds an incredible amount of value, not just in terms of added space, but in terms of your overall cruising experience.

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Is It Worth Getting A Balcony On A Cruise? (2024)

FAQs

Is it worth to pay extra for a balcony on a cruise? ›

Even on smaller, more luxurious ships that don't feel crowded, a balcony is desirable; if the weather is such that you can spend a lot of time on your balcony, it's like having an additional room.

Which part of a cruise ship is best for a balcony? ›

If you're after views, the best room on a cruise ship will be a balcony cabin at the ship's rear end. Aft balcony accommodations at the ship's corners are also the largest and often give more outside area than conventional balcony cabins, allowing you to enjoy both the beautiful views and the extra space.

What are the benefits of a balcony on a cruise ship? ›

Benefits of Cruising in a Balcony Stateroom

The outdoor balcony is an extension of your stateroom's living area, which means you're getting extra space at a great value. If the sun deck is particularly busy, you know that you always have the perfect spot from where to watch the sunset — your very own balcony!

Can you fall off a balcony on a cruise ship? ›

No. Cruise ships have railings — usually about chest height on the average person — on all open deck areas and cabin balconies. They are placed intentionally to ensure passenger safety. The only way you risk a fall is if you're standing on furniture to peer over the side or climbing somewhere you're not supposed to.

What is the best floor to stay on a cruise ship? ›

The most stable part of the ship is its lowest point of gravity, so on a lower deck, at the center. You'd feel a lot less motion here than, say, in a stateroom on the upper decks a long way forward or aft (towards the back of the ship).

How do you not spend a lot of money on a cruise? ›

10 Tips for Stretching Your Cruise Dollars Onboard
  1. Book restaurant packages. ...
  2. Look for specialty restaurant specials. ...
  3. Book spa treatments on port days. ...
  4. Don't over-tip. ...
  5. Go on your own on shore. ...
  6. Disconnect at sea. ...
  7. Save on your bar bill with discounted packages. ...
  8. Look for drink specials.
Jan 7, 2020

Is a balcony cabin worth it? ›

The best views

Balcony cabins don't just offer you access to an outdoor space. They typically also offer you a great view of the outdoors from inside your cabin. This is because the doors leading to balconies in balcony cabins usually are made almost entirely of glass running from floor to ceiling.

Can you sleep on the balcony of a cruise? ›

A question we often hear from cruise enthusiasts is, “Can I sleep on the balcony of a cruise ship?” While the idea is enchanting, and on most cruise ships, there are no rules against getting your shut-eye here, many discourage it.

Can you leave balcony door open on cruise ship? ›

Leaving Your Balcony Door Open Can Make a Mess

You might want to prop open your balcony door as you sail, but cruise lines aren't so keen on the idea. For starters, the warm air coming in will cause your cabin's air-conditioning to work harder (unless you turn it down), wasting energy on the ship.

When not to take a cruise? ›

The Caribbean is also popular with families, so going outside of the summer months can mean more availability and better fares – though ships are likely to be crowded during other school holidays like spring and winter breaks. Banks also recommended avoiding hurricane season, which runs from June through November.

How much does a balcony cost on a cruise? ›

A few years ago, he says, "you'd be paying double to get a balcony." Now, cabins with balconies on a standard, seven-day cruise generally cost $100 more than those with a window, and between $150 and $200 more than a stateroom inside the ship.

Is a balcony on the back of a cruise ship good? ›

Fans of aft balcony cabins love the expansive, uninterrupted ocean views over the ship's wake. You're also likely to score significantly more space in your cruise's aft cabins than standard balcony cabins along the port and starboard sides of the ship.

How much more is a balcony on a cruise? ›

But Driscoll says price may not be the deterrent it once was. A few years ago, he says, "you'd be paying double to get a balcony." Now, cabins with balconies on a standard, seven-day cruise generally cost $100 more than those with a window, and between $150 and $200 more than a stateroom inside the ship.

Is it worth upgrading your room on a cruise? ›

An upgraded cabin is almost always better than the most basic room on board. The only thing stopping you from splurging on a larger space, a private balcony and extra perks is your budget. If you change your mind once you've booked, you'll find several ways to upgrade your cabin to a higher-category room.

Can you upgrade to a balcony room on a cruise? ›

Introducing RoyalUp — a new bid-based stateroom upgrade program. In just a few simple steps, you could score a fantastic upgrade, from Ocean View and Balcony staterooms to the most expansive suites at sea.

Is it better to be on deck 1 or 2 on a cruise? ›

The higher the deck, the better and, often, more panoramic the view. Cabins on top decks aren't always the best on the ship, but many suites and specialty cabin categories are typically located on upper decks.

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