Imagine starting your day with a room service breakfast, watching the approach to a Caribbean island as the sun rises over the horizon from the privacy of your balcony. Or perhaps you prefer ending your day with a co*cktail, as your cruise ship glides through the calm evening waters of the Norwegian fjords.
Such moments are part of the allure of booking a balcony cabin on a cruise vacation. Although balcony cabins are the most common type of stateroom sold on most modern cruise ships, there is substantial variation within the category.
If you’re comparing cruise ship cabins ahead of making a booking, it’s important to understand that not all balcony cabin grades are the same.
Regular Balcony Cabins
Glance up at the hotel-style exterior of most modern cruise liners and you’ll see mostly regular balcony cabins. They are located along the side of the vessel, generally on the decks between the main decks inside the ship and the pool deck(s) on top.
Most balcony cabins are a similar size to a regular inside or oceanview cabin but with the addition of a private outdoor space with a small table and chairs. Some larger balcony cabins may include a sofa or sofabed, and possibly sun loungers on the balcony.
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They offer a good balance of privacy and views, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without leaving your room.
These are especially appealing in destinations such as Alaska and the Norwegian fjords, in which the scenery outside the ports of call is a major part of the experience.
Aft-Facing Balcony Cabins
Aft-facing balcony cabins are located at the back of the ship. These cabins provide expansive views of the ship’s wake and the sea stretching out behind you.
The balconies in these cabins are often larger than those of regular balcony cabins, giving you more space to relax. “Essentially, you may end up paying a similar price as someone who books a balcony on the side of the ship, but get much more living space on your private veranda,” said Matt Hochberg on Royal Caribbean Blog.
However, the motion at the aft can sometimes be more noticeable, which may affect those sensitive to seasickness. Depending on the ship, there may also be an issue with privacy if the balconies overlook an aft pool, although there should be less noise from outside the door as far fewer people will walk past.
Aft-facing balconies can offer a fantastic experience, but study the deck plan first to avoid nasty surprises.
Cruise blogger Ilana from Life Well Cruised said “the incredible view of the ship’s wake and the open ocean can be hypnotizing and even therapeutic” but that “you may hear and feel the vibration of the cruise ship” along with noise from any bars or pool areas.
She also warned that due to their popularity, the price can be higher than other balconies and they are among the first staterooms to sell out.
Forward-Facing Balcony Cabins
While balconies at the back of cruise ships are relatively common, balconies at the front are far less normal. Perhaps more than any other grade of balcony cabins, forward-facing rooms offer significant pros and cons.
P&O Cruises offers a handful of forward-facing balcony cabins on its flagship vessel Britannia. As with aft cabins, the balconies and rooms are more spacious than average.
Views can be sensational, essentially offering a captain’s eye view on progress through the ocean. Sail-ins and sailaways are also excellent times to use the balcony, especially on approach to bridges, narrow channels, or other landmarks.
However, strong winds while sailing mean it’s not always possible to open the balcony door due to air pressure, and using the balcony while at sea isn’t the most enjoyable experience.
That being said, if you’re booking a port-focused cruise in the summer sun, a forward-facing balcony could be a wonderful experience.
Outer Promenade Balcony Cabins
On ships with promenade decks, it’s become a trend in cruise ship design to offer balcony cabins that overlook the promenade. Depending on the ship, these can be at eye level, or slightly set back.
As with obstructed view balconies, these tend to be cheaper, but they lack the privacy typically associated with a balcony cabin. Even so, they are a good value option to enjoy easy access to outdoor space without paying a hefty price.
Cruise YouTuber Emma Cruises spent a week in a ‘conservatory mini-suite’ on P&O’s Iona and commented that the lack of privacy may bother some. She recommended the grade for people cruising solo or anyone wanting to make new friends, as people walking along the promenade often stopped to chat.
Inner Promenade Balcony Cabins
On some of the world’s largest cruise ships, many balcony cabins overlook the ship’s interior promenade rather than the ocean.
On MSC World Europa, half of the ship’s main deck is outside, with almost 200 promenade balcony cabins along both sides of the outdoor portion leading to an open aft deck.
While they offer varying degrees of sea views, such balcony cabins provide a unique vantage point for people-watching and enjoying the ship’s entertainment and activities.
These cabins can be noisier due to their location but offer a different kind of cruise experience.
Obstructed View Balcony Cabins
Obstructed view balcony cabins are typically located where parts of the ship’s structure, such as lifeboats or equipment, block the view from the balcony. Often these are located on the lowest deck of balconies, with lifeboats blocking some of the view.
On some of the largest vessels, some balconies may be set back slightly from the edge of the vessel. In this case, the balconies offer an unobstructed view in front of the balcony, but have a narrower field of view.
While you compromise a little on the view, obstructed view balcony cabins are a more affordable option for those who want a balcony experience without paying a premium price. More often than not, the view is still impressive, but the degree of obstruction varies, so it’s worth checking specifics before booking.
Suites
Suites represent the top tier of cruise ship accommodations, offering spacious living areas, enhanced amenities, exclusive perks, and in most cases, significant outdoor space.
They come in various configurations, from junior suites to grand suites, each varying considerably in size and amenities.
The most lavish suites will include vast balcony space, often with sun loungers and hot tubs. However, they are often located at the front or back of the ship, so consider any potential issues with motion sickness or wind before committing to the expensive booking.
