Sunday, March 31, 2024

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

balcony cruise ship rooms

On a roundtrip Caribbean cruise or a transatlantic crossing, for example, the side of the ship you are on doesn't really matter. However, one-way sailings such as a southbound Alaska cruise or a trip from Barcelona to Rome means that scenery is, in fact, one of the biggest reasons to sail. Plan ahead before booking your cabin to see on which side of the ship you'll want your balcony room. As of now, most balcony cabins are a traditional style where you have the cabin, and then a door that leads out to the outdoor balcony.

Outside Rooms and Balcony Cabins: Solid Mid-Tier Cruise Options

balcony cruise ship rooms

However, on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas, the main dining room, buffet, specialty restaurants, and kid-friendly attractions are at the back of the ship. Spa cabins are located close to the spa, which on most ships is on the upper decks (the higher the deck, the better the balcony view). The décor in spa balcony cabins is often outfitted with a color palette of earth tones to create a calming ambiance. Bathrooms may feature rain showers or massaging jets and spa-brand in-cabin toiletries. If you’re planning a getaway for you and a special someone, we’ve got a range of cruise suites to serve as a romantic backdrop.

Planning a Barcelona Vacation From the Sea

It's hard to beat a direct sea view (or port view in some cases), and equally wonderful to leave a ship's public areas and soak up the sun, views, or breezes from the comfort of your own cabin. You'll find minisuites on many ships, which are a bit bigger than balcony cabins and more clearly defined sleeping areas and living spaces. Some lines only offer suites, like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn. You'll also find massive suites like the Royal Loft on Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships. Here's a list of the 8 best balcony cabins on cruise ships that you will want to book for your next vacation. Some have more outdoor space, while others have their balconies built into the living space.

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Luxury cruise suite accommodations on Royal Caribbean elevate every aspect of your adventure. From romantic couples staterooms to spacious family suites, you’ll find just what you’re looking for to complement the adventure of a lifetime. Take a virtual tour to get a better look at our stateroom collection call dibs on your just-right space. Whether you’re sailing with your significant other, your family, a group of friends, or traveling solo — we’ve got the perfect room to accommodate your party and budget. Take your pick from Interior or Ocean View rooms, Balcony staterooms, or spacious Suites. You can even connect rooms allowing you to stay together with extended family or friends.

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I stayed in the cheapest virtual balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas. Look inside my $137 a night ... - Royal Caribbean Blog

I stayed in the cheapest virtual balcony cabin on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas. Look inside my $137 a night ....

Posted: Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

If you’re only on a cruise for 2-4 days, you may just not have that much time to enjoy your private balcony. If you’ll be off then ship or plan to participate in the many activities on the cruise ship, this may be a time to stick with a cheaper cabin. However, you might be wondering if a balcony cabin is worth it on a cruise, especially since the cost will be higher than ocean view and interior cabins. One of the most important decisions you’ll make as you plan your cruise, is what type of cabin to book.

Why Balcony Cabins Are Not Worth It, According to Frequent Cruiser - Business Insider

Why Balcony Cabins Are Not Worth It, According to Frequent Cruiser.

Posted: Mon, 07 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Balconies in aft cabins are often much larger than balconies along the ship's sides. These are some of the most popular rooms on any cruise ship and generally fall somewhere in the middle on the cost spectrum. Consider both the direction in which your room faces, as well as any obstructed views before booking. You'll also find that even inside rooms on some cruise ships are considered balcony cabins, so carefully check out what you're getting if that's not for you. Inside cruise ship cabins' best feature is their price - you book them with the line's cheapest rates available. Still, on some of the newest cruise ships of Royal Caribbean and Disney, there are categories Interior staterooms with a "virtual window", which is a large LED screen displaying outside cam views.

This means that aft balconies may have extra or upgraded furnishings, such as additional chairs or loungers versus upright chairs. Sometimes the interior portion of the cabin is the same in both categories; other times, aft balcony cabins are larger or irregularly shaped. A balcony will also be a better bet if you're trying to fit more than two people in one cruise cabin.

The city centers of Barcelona, Marseille, and Genoa are much closer to where the ship docks, meaning that you'll have better views from the ship. For guests who do not care that much where exactly on the ship their room is located, a guarantee room booking can save a lot of money on the cruise fare. Where your room is located plays a factor in determining what the best location is on a cruise ship. It's easy to assume booking a suite is like pushing the easy button for a cruise vacation. While I'm not denying there are a lot of great benefits you get for booking a suite, the significantly higher price tag makes it a challenge for many to afford. First and foremost, the locations we talked about could include suites too.

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Ultimately, it depends on your budget and how much more it would cost to move up to a balcony room (or suite) from a lower category. Finding a bargain room is almost certainly going to get you an inside cabin somewhere, but the cost savings usually resonate enough. After all, a lot of cruisers spend very little time in their cabin because of all the fun to be had around the ship and in the ports of call.

Of course, you have to be on the correct side of the ship to get certain views. Arriving in New York, there is an allure to watching the arrival from both sides of a vessel. From the port side, you'll get the best view of the Statue of Liberty. But the starboard side brings you the best views of downtown Manhattan, assuming you're on a vessel heading to a midtown pier. If you decide to book a balcony, you should not pass up the opportunity to enjoy a meal or snack outside.

In between awe-inspiring vacation experiences, retreat to the most spacious luxury cruise suites. When you sail in Royal Suite Class, you’ll find every detail has been carefully considered with you in mind. Some upscale lines will arrange an elegant, private dinner for two on your balcony — think white tablecloths, multiple courses, the works — at no extra charge.

Having your own personal balcony means that you have access to fresh air whenever you want it. Plus, it is more secluded and private than heading up to the lido deck, which allows for a more intimate connection to the ocean. Balcony rooms offer more living space than inside rooms, and the private balcony gives you a really nice area to enjoy anytime during your cruise.

Plus, the verandas overlook the ship’s wake, the trail of churned waters a boat or ship leaves behind when sailing. That’s not to say you can’t find larger balconies on the ship — there are some large enough in some high-end cabins to have their own hot tub — but in general the space is modest. While they are the width of the cabin — usually around 8-10 feet, the typical balcony doesn’t offer much depth. There’s enough space for a couple of chairs and a small table between, but that’s about it. But before you drop the money to book that balcony, there are some things you’ll want to know about sailing in this type of cabin.

The 5 Best Balcony Cabins for Your Next Cruise

balcony cruise ship rooms

Here are some Rome vacation must-sees and tips on how to navigate travel when arriving or departing via cruise through Civitavecchia. Explore the Salvador Dali Museum and Garden in Spain as you make the most of your cultural traveling adventures. Visit the crystal caves in Spain as you take a travel vacation to uncover a view of the magnificent Pulpí Geode. Learn about the types of Greek architecture you can explore during your next Mediterranean vacation. When in Greece, you're sure to discover hidden gems of ancient ruins that still stand alongside modern buildings. Reveal the most romantic ideas for a couple’s weekend getaway while traveling on a Paris vacation.

Hump balcony cabins

Must be noted, that the stateroom is combined with an adjacent French Balcony cabin. There are only a dozen of these cabins per ship, so you'll want to book as early as possible to snag one. From planning the perfect date night at sea, to arranging exclusive one-of-a-kind experiences designed around you, your Royal Genie will make sure every aspect of your adventure is taken care of. Finally, these rooms can provide more privacy when enjoying the outside. When you sit on a normal balcony, you have partitions on either side but you can still see from side to side.

Why NOT to Choose an Infinite Balcony Cabin - Cruiseline.com

Why NOT to Choose an Infinite Balcony Cabin.

Posted: Mon, 29 Jan 2024 23:41:53 GMT [source]

Harmony of the Seas

In general, the most popular spot to be on a cruise ship is midship on a higher deck because these rooms are centrally located. Moreover, cabins towards the middle of the ship have the reputation of providing a smoother ride when the ocean is rough. The sensation of movement due to the ocean is perceived differently by everyone, but it is worth noting. Deciding if a balcony room is worth the price is something many cruisers have to consider with each booking.

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Even if you are staying in an oceanfront suite at the beach, nothing will ever compare to breakfast on your private cruise ship balcony. Virgin Voyages' Sea Terraces, at 225 to 265 square feet, feature an additional seating arrangement on the balcony. In addition to the typical two chairs and a small table for drinks, you'll also find a red hammock where you can sit and swing the afternoon away. If you're a solo traveler, you must pay a single supplement for most cabin accommodations.

Turkish desserts are as pivotal to the experience of traveling in Turkey as a cruise through the Bosphorus Strait. On May 24, 2016, a new "Lightweight Composite Cabin" design was unveiled in Southampton, England. Staterooms under discos, sport playgrounds, gym centers are usually very noisy. Cabins under Lido Deck (aka Pool Deck) are also among those to avoid. The buffet restaurant on this deck generates noises from moving tables and chairs and tableware.

While these balconies tend to be the same size as standard balconies, it’s the interior portion of the cabin that rates them among the best. Where can you find some of the biggest and best cruise ship balcony cabins? Many cruisers find wake views relaxing, even though you are technically facing backward and looking out at where you have just been. If you love to stand at the railing at the back of the ship and gaze out at that wake, an aft balcony cabin is the best choice for you. Dubbed an “infinite balcony,” this style makes the balcony and the cabin one space.

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

Many people book them for a feeling of privacy and to enjoy peaceful moments gazing out at the ship's wake. Corner cabins are a particular bonus, delivering long, wraparound outdoor spaces. Cruise travelers who spend all their time in the ship's public areas or on shore may be perfectly happy with standard-size cabins with nothing more than a window to sea. However, those who avoid crowds and prefer quiet ocean views should opt for a balcony. CruiseMapper's cabin and suites section allows you to explore cruise staterooms by ship.

balcony cruise ship rooms

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Boardwalk balcony rooms have a view of the Boardwalk neighborhood, while Central Park balcony rooms have a view of the Central Park neighborhood. Check out the Life Well Cruised Ultimate Cruise Planner for cruise packing lists, checklists, shore excursion planning forms and more. Use the Deal Score to find the perfect weekend cruise destination and price tag to score your much-needed weekend getaway. For more cabin-selection tips and to ask questions of other cruisers, visit the Cruise Critic message boards. Cove balconies are a Carnival Cruise Line specialty that are best for cruisers who are looking for privacy but want to be as close as possible to the water line.

Traditionally, there are dividers on either side of you, meaning that you won’t have your neighbor staring at you if you both decide to sit outside at the same time. We've narrowed down a list of the most; historic, cultural, famous, and royal significance. Our guide covers top attractions, insider tips, and expert recommendations. We have the top 10 facts about Turkey the country, giving everything, you need to know to plan the best vacation trip.

Royal Caribbean provides a great deal of staterooms to choose between on any cruise, that run the gamut of price, location and amenities. On many Royal Caribbean ships, the size of an aft balcony can be gargantuan compared to a balcony on the side of the ship. Avoiding seasickness on a cruise is a top concern of a lot of first-time cruisers, and one tried-and-true strategy is to book a room midship to minimize the sensation of movement. A midship cabin wont be immune to all sensations of movement, but it helps. If you are wondering if booking a balcony room is worth the extra money compared to an inside room, here are a few good reasons to move up to a balcony.

So why invest money in a space you're not going to spend a lot of time in necessarily. The so-called "hump" balcony cabins are the rooms on the outwards part of the curvy outline of the ship. If you look at a deck plan, you'll notice around mid-ship, the hull design jets outward. Unlike the pool deck, a private balcony means private space to enjoy time in the sun and also somewhere much more quiet. No matter which balcony cabin you book on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship, you can expect a very similar experience across the board.

Best cruise ship balcony cabins - The Points Guy

Best cruise ship balcony cabins.

Posted: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

In our estimation, it seems to run between 50%-100% more for a balcony cabin. We all understand that a balcony cabin is also going to come with a higher price tag. What you might not realize is that the increase  can vary widely. Pricing will vary ship by ship and even down to the specific cruise. If you’re motion sensitive, you’ll want to choose a stateroom that’s lower to the water line and closer to the center of the ship. Layout and location varies by ship, so be sure to check your specific sailing and itinerary.

Planning your next epic family vacation starts today onboard Rhapsody of the Seas, a mid-sized cruise ship that is part of the Royal Caribbean Vision Class. The new modular cabin prototype is half the weight of a typical cruise room. It also fully complies with the FTP Code's requirements (International Code for the Application of Fire Test Procedures). Reducing the ship's topdecks weight is an important issue for naval architects as the trend for building large-capacity cruise vessels continues. The new (prefabricated) module's halved weight opens up opportunities for adding more passenger rooms to newbuild ships, without adding to the ship's DWT weight.

Whether you prefer an aft balcony versus a regular balcony cabin comes down to individual taste. Choose an aft balcony if you have a bit more vacation budget to spend and are looking for a larger verandah with wake views. These cabins are not ideal for travelers with mobility issues or those easily bothered by engine vibration. Choose a standard balcony if you're looking for a cruise room with private outdoor space and easy access to fresh air but don't need anything special or fancy.

Uncover 8 of the best Mediterranean cruise destinations while on your travel vacation. Adventure awaits those who seek it, enjoy a guide tailored to you. Discover the best things to do as a local while traveling to Spain for your own Barcelona vacation experience with these helpful ideas & travel tips. Families can look to budget cruises for affordable summer vacations that appeal to kids and adults alike. Travel Tuesday cruise deals go live at midnight on Cyber Monday, and are designed to bring you discounts on experiences that you'll remember for a lifetime. Take your best European vacation with access to the top secret vacation spots to visit when traveling in Europe.

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